Woodland Carbon Code

What is the Woodland Carbon Code?

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.

Woodland carbon projects offer a:

revenue stream for landowners and farmers
way for companies to support woodland creation and compensate for emissions

What does the code cover?

greenhouse gases absorbed or emitted by new woodlands which are created by planting, natural regeneration or direct seeding
this includes different management styles, from minimum intervention to regular clearfelling
emissions caused in the creation of the woodlands
emissions caused by the project outside the woodland boundary

It does not cover:

existing woodlands
carbon stored in forest products
carbon saved by using wood products or fuels instead of those with a higher carbon footprint

The impact of the Woodland Carbon Code

As of 31 March 2025, projects validated to the Woodland Carbon Code in Scotland have helped ensure...

33,385

hectares of woodland

created across Scotland

10.8m

tonnes of CO2

predicted to be sequestered over their lifetime

Explore Woodland Carbon Code statistics

Who manages the code?

Scottish Forestry manages the code on behalf of:

the Forestry Commission
Welsh Government
the Northern Ireland Forest Service

Working together to create a greener future

Woodland creation is one of our most powerful tools in the fight against climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and provide a host of benefits for nature and society.

Woodland creation is vital to delivering many of our national environmental commitments.

This includes the target for the UK to reach net zero by 2050.

Carbon removal projects also contribute to the UK’s international commitments.

Contact us

Do you have any questions about how the Woodland Carbon Code can help you? Ask us anything via our contact form.

Our website provides everything you'll need to know, including guidelines for buyers and sellers of carbon units.