Retaining structures specialist, Maccaferri has won Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification for its Timber Crib retaining wall system.

This important accreditation recognises Maccaferri's work in ensuring the raw materials used in its Timber Crib System are sourced only from responsibly managed forest resources.

The FSC is an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. It was founded in 1993 in response to public concern about deforestation and demand for a trustworthy wood-labeling scheme. There are national working groups more than 50 countries and in the UK, FSC is a registered charity.

The FSC runs a global forest certification system which allows consumers to identify, purchase and use timber and forest products produced from well-managed forests. The FSC allows accredited organizations to use the Council's 'Tick Tree' logo on timber products to indicate that they are certified under the system.


Maccaferri timber crib is a mass gravity retaining wall system of treated, interlocking, timber header and stretcher units which form a cribwork structure, which are then filled with granular durable stone.

The system is straightforward to install by any competent contractor and forms an effective retaining structure where the aesthetics of timber is desired. Corners and radii can also be incorporated within timber crib structures.

Maccaferri Timber Crib is manufactured from New Zealand Radiata Pine, taken from FSC recognised sources. The elements are treated against decay, insect and fungal attack to provide long term durability and reassurance.

At Loadman St in Newcastle, [illustrated] Maccaferri Timber crib has been used to create retaining walls for an industrial regeneration site. Three walls totaling 400m in length and up to 5.5m high were installed to create flat, terraced construction sites to accommodate new industrial units.

The Crib walls were built by Maccaferri Construction Ltd for Joint Venture Partners, Priority Sites and Newcastle City Council, under the direction of Consulting Engineers, Portland Consulting and were completed in late 2008.

Now with FSC Certification, all future Maccaferri projects will be supplied with FSC Certified timber products.