The Woodland Carbon Code has been named as a winner in the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Local Leaders Climate Awards.
The Woodland Carbon Code and Scottish Government secured the Power of Partnership award, recognising the code’s work in bringing landowners, companies and communities together to support woodland creation and climate action.
The awards celebrate policies, projects or programmes that have helped to address climate change over the past three years.
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.
Since its launch in 2011, the code has helped to create almost 43,000 hectares of new woodland across the UK. There are now over 845 projects validated to the code which are predicted to remove 14.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The award winners were announced at the COP30 Local Leaders Forum in Rio de Janeiro on 4 November. Katherine White, Deputy Director for International Development and Climate Change at Scottish Government, collected the award on behalf of the Woodland Carbon Code and Scottish Government.
Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Scotland’s world-renowned forests and woodlands are a natural powerhouse, and one of the most important resources we have to tackle the nature and climate emergencies.
“They support over 34,000 jobs, many in rural areas, and every year generate over £1.1 billion to our economy and produce around 6 million tonnes of much needed timber.
“That’s why the Scottish Government is committed to expanding our forests and woodlands and has created about 70% of all the new woodlands in the UK in the past five years. This will ensure they continue to provide multiple benefits for Scotland.”
Speaking about the award, Pat Snowdon, Head of Economics and Woodland Carbon Code at Scottish Forestry, said: “The Woodland Carbon Code is a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration. By bringing landowners, organisations and businesses together, we’re creating new woodlands which address climate change, restore nature and support local communities across the UK.
“This award is a fantastic recognition of the work of all those involved in the Woodland Carbon Code, including colleagues across government, project owners and developers, buyers, partners and supporters who have played a part in this journey. Your commitment has made this success possible.”
“Local leaders know that implementing effective climate solutions brings immediate benefits: cleaner air, stronger economies, and more resilient communities,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and Founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
“These winning projects are proof that with commitment and creativity, cities, states and regions can improve lives today while also protecting the environment for tomorrow.”
For more information about the Woodland Carbon Code, visit www.woodlandcarboncode.org.uk