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A robust scientific approach

The survey methods and tools used to measure the carbon sequestration in our woodlands are based on robust and credible techniques developed by Forest Research.

The carbon assessment protocol (pdf) provides background and further details on monitoring the carbon stocks of woodlands. 

It builds on a library of evidence provided by Forest research: 

The code’s carbon calculator predicts how much carbon UK woodlands can store over time, accounting for different tree species and management types. Also based on work by Forest Research, its development is explained in:

We are committed to continually improving our scientific approach with Forest Research and other experts. See how we’re developing our biomass and soil carbon prediction and measurement methods.

Baseline

A baseline scenario sets out how carbon levels on the site would change over the duration of the project if the project did not go ahead. It’s a projection which helps to measure the project’s impact.

For small projects (10 hectares net planting area or less), we assume that the baseline is ‘no change in carbon stocks over time’. No assessment is necessary.

For standard projects (over 10 hectares net planting area), the baseline is often also ‘no change in carbon stocks,’ especially on grazed pasture or arable land where carbon sequestration is unlikely. Emission reductions from stopping previous land use (e.g. livestock, fertiliser use or burning) cannot be claimed. However, projects have to consider whether significant carbon sequestration would have happened without the project and account for it in their carbon calculation. 

See 3.1 carbon baseline for more details of how we account for baseline emissions.

Leakage

Leakage refers to changes in carbon emissions outside a project’s boundary which are caused by the project itself.

International carbon standards recognise two main types relevant to woodland creation:

  • Activity-shifting leakage happens when activities (like farming) are displaced by the project move elsewhere, potentially leading to deforestation or degradation of other habitats. These emissions are typically accounted for.
  • Market leakage happens when stopping production (e.g. of timber) at the project site leads to increased production elsewhere to meet demand. This is mostly relevant to changes in woodland management and not applicable to new woodland creation as no production happens before planting.

Under the Woodland Carbon Code, only activity-shifting leakage is potentially relevant. However, UK laws protecting semi-natural habitats and existing woodlands make leakage from land-use intensification outside the project boundary highly unlikely.

The following legislation requires landowners to conduct an environmental impact assessment for any deforestation over one hectare (or half a hectare in sensitive areas):

Forestry legislation also requires a felling licence/permission to remove trees:

Unconditional (i.e. no restocking required) felling licences are rare. There are a small number of exceptions including:

The following legislation protects biodiversity and other semi-natural habitats from degradation or intensification of use:

See 3.2 carbon leakage for more details of how we account for leakage.

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