Woodland Carbon Code - Version 3

The Woodland Carbon Code team is developing a new version of the code which will be released later this year.   

The update reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring the code remains clear, accessible and aligned with global and national standards.   

It builds on the results of research commissioned by Defra as well as our recent consultation on additionality. It also incorporates feedback from project developers and validation and verification bodies.  

The improvements will help to maintain the code’s reputation as a high-integrity carbon standard, informed by the latest data and industry best practices.  

Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation on Version 3. We’re reviewing your feedback and are using it to shape the final update.

You can read the consultation documents below. 

• Consultation document
• Draft standard - version 3
• Draft standard - version 3 (redline)
• Draft survey protocol - version 3
• Draft cashflow - version 3
• Draft guidance for project changes
• Privacy notice

We hosted a webinar on Tuesday 6 May to discuss the main changes in version 3.  

You can watch the recording below. 

Following the consultation, we will consider all comments and feedback in finalising the new version. We will publish a summary of feedback from the consultation with our response. This will be anonymous and available from our website.   

We are also making sure the standard meets the requirements of ISO 17029:2019 Conformity assessment - General principles and requirements for validation bodies. The UK Accreditation Service may require us to make other small changes to ensure that we remain compliant. If this is necessary, we will explain these changes within our consultation response.  

We’re planning to publish the next version of the standard on 1 August 2025. Please read section 7 of the consultation document to find out more about our plans on the transition and updating the code in future. 

If you have any questions, please email us at info@woodlandcarboncode.org.uk