National Tree Week (22 November to 1 December) marks the start of the UK tree planting season - a celebration of trees and the people who plant them. If you’re thinking about creating new woodland, it’s an ideal time to learn more about the Woodland Carbon Code.
What is the Woodland Carbon Code?
The Woodland Carbon Code is the quality assurance standard for woodland carbon projects in the UK. It sets out requirements for voluntary woodland creation projects which tackle climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Woodland carbon projects offer a revenue stream for landowners and farmers and a way for companies to support woodland creation and compensate for emissions.
Register before you begin
To take part in the code, make sure you register your project before any work begins on site - including fencing, ground preparation or planting. This ensures your project is eligible and that the carbon it captures can be verified in the future.
Generate early income with Pending Issuance Units
Once your project has been validated, you can choose to sell Pending Issuance Units to help recover some of the costs in establishing your woodland. A Pending Issuance Unit is a promise to deliver a Woodland Carbon Unit in the future, based on predicted carbon dioxide removal.
Large or small - all projects are welcome
The Woodland Carbon Code is open to projects of all sizes. There’s a streamlined process for woods between one and ten hectares, making it easier for smaller projects to get involved.
Natural regeneration counts too
Creating woodland doesn’t always mean planting trees. The code also welcomes natural regeneration projects, where trees establish naturally over time.
Ready to get started?
Whether you plant trees or let nature take the lead, developing a Woodland Carbon Code project will contribute to a greener, more resilient future.
There’s a step by step guide to creating a project on our website. Registration is free and our team is happy to help.
