This is the UK’s quality assurance standard for carbon-funded woodlands. It uses the latest science and is backed by the government, the forestry industry and carbon market experts including an endorsement by the ICROA, the global umbrella body for carbon reduction and offset providers in the voluntary market.
As of June 2024, the WCC has validated 656 woodland projects covering over 35 thousand hectares, with nearly 48 thousand more under development. These validated projects will sequester an estimated 11.7 mt CO2 over their lifetimes, while those in development hold the potential for a further 15.6 mt of carbon sequestration. We estimate that Forest Carbon has validated over a third of all WCC projects to date.
Additionally, some woodlands will provide co-benefits such as:
Biodiversity enhancement
Natural flood management
Improved water quality
Air quality enhancements
Public access to green spaces
Shelter for livestock
Sustainable timber and wood fuel
Skilled job opportunities
Community engagement and volunteering opportunities
Visit the Woodland Carbon Code’s website to learn more. For more on Forest Carbon’s involvement in developing this Code, head to ‘Our Story’.
