Forest Carbon | Bryn Arw

100 years

Project lifetime

43,712 tCO2e

Est. removal over lifetime

131,000

Trees planted

About this project

Bryn Arw is a prominent hill in the Black Mountains, 2.5 miles north of Abergavenny in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The site, which is on common land managed by the Bryn Arw Commoners Association, had become infested with bracken.

Teaming up with Stump Up for Trees and Coed Cadw (the Woodland Trust in Wales), the Commoners Association decided to bring life back to the mountain through the establishment of a native broadleaf woodland.

The species mix was designed to reflect the remnant ancient semi-natural woods in the area. It will provide a vital habitat linkage between three remnant woodlands on the lower slopes and the Coed-y- Cerrig National Nature Reserve to the north.

The scheme was validated by the UK Woodland Carbon Code in 2022.

Biodiversity uplift

This woodland will restore and rejuvenate habitats to support the increase and variety of flora and fauna in the area.

Community involvement

Members of the surrounding community are involved in the development of this project and will share in its benefits, including jobs and skills creation.

Public access to green spaces

Gates and paths make this project accessible to the public, improving access to green spaces for the surrounding and wider community. The improved public access was designed following discussions with the Ramblers Association and the local access forum.

Flood mitigation

This project helps to reduce the risk, and mitigate the impact, of flooding by intercepting, slowing and/or absorbing surface and groundwater, which helps to prevent soil erosion.

Animal shelter

This woodland provides animals like deer, sheep, and cattle with protection from harsh weather.

Habitat corridors and linkage

This project links habitats previously separated by productive land or land less hospitable to wildlife.

Our involvement

Forest Carbon helped the Bryn Arw Commoners Association certify its woodland under the Woodland Carbon Code and then sell the associated carbon credits. We have also undertaken ongoing management of the project’s Code responsibilities.

Assess eligibility and potential

We began by reviewing the project – mapping woodland features, assessing the length of the project, identifying potential barriers (and their solutions) to success, and calculating available carbon units and revenue potential. This meant we could proceed with the Woodland Carbon Code validation with confidence in success.

Secure funding

We helped to secure grant funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), which was key to getting the project off the ground.

Achieve Woodland Carbon Code validation

Together with an independent certification body and the relevant stakeholders, we collated the necessary information and documentation to achieve Woodland Carbon Code validation. Over 15 years of experience with the Woodland Carbon Code ensures this process is streamlined. For example, we group projects in the WCC certification process so costs can be shared.

Market and sell the credits

We acted as a broker of this woodland’s carbon credits (PIUs). This included generating marketing materials, drumming up interest, and liaising with prospective buyers. Utility Warehouse bought the full volume of credits, and Forest Carbon assisted with contract creation and management.

Verifications going forward

The Woodland Carbon Code requires verifications (going out on-site to count trees and check on tree growth) at year 5, and then every 10 years thereafter. Forest Carbon will be managing this ongoing requirement.

Watch the movie

Trees hold history, and they hold bad choices. The Bryn Arw community believes the more of their people involved in decision-making, the less likely they are to make mistakes with their land. Hear their story...

“Forest Carbon were totally integral to the success of this project. By directly dealing with Forest Carbon ourselves, we could channel that cash back into the community”

~ Keith Powell, Stump up for Trees

Results so far

The mountain, previously infested with thick bracken, now has the beginnings of a woodland poking through. Oak, Rowan, Maple, Hawthorn and Downy Birch are among the native species mix that was planted.

If you are interested in supporting a project like Bryn Arw or would like to know more about how Forest Carbon could help you get a woodland project off the ground/through the Woodland Carbon Code, get in touch via the form below.

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