5. Social responsibility

The project shall have design planning documentation which incorporates the social aspects of sustainable forest management set out in the UK Forestry Standard and supporting guidelines for people.

These standards shall be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

• Social responsibility statements in project design document.
• Design planning documentation.
• Woodland benefits tool.

• Evidence confirming the community or economic benefits of the project to date. 

Safeguarding / ensuring no harm is done and managing for positive social outcomes 

By adhering to the UK Forestry Standard, projects ensure safeguards are in place so that no harm is done and any social outcomes of the project are positive. 

Where a woodland creation grant has been applied for, the information supplied for a grant application will help. 

Governments across the UK also provide guidance on investing in natural capital such as carbon units.

• UK Government’s Voluntary Carbon and Nature Market Integrity Principles
• Scottish Government's Principles for Responsible Investment in Natural Capital
• Welsh Government consultation on Sustainable Investment Principles

The Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement 2022 helps guide the process of land reform in Scotland.

Monitoring and making statements about the social benefit of a project

Project developers use the Woodland Benefits Tool to present the likely community and economic outcomes of their projects. Projects are scored out of five in each area at validation.

It is optional to monitor the social benefits of the project over time. The Woodland Carbon Code does not yet have a methodology to monitor social benefits over time.