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Swinside Mill
In the Scottish Borders, the 14-hectare Swinside Mill project blends native tree planting, riparian restoration, and sustainable forestry to boost biodiversity, improve water quality, and strengthen ecosystems in one of Scotland’s most deforested regions.
Swinside Mill was Forest Carbon’s sixteenth woodland creation with Tweed Forum, and a meaningful addition to a heavily deforested part of southern Scotland. Covering 14 hectares near several watercourses, this predominantly native woodland is designed with biodiversity, water management, and future timber production in mind.
Over 80% of the site is planted with native species, including nearly 6,000 oak trees. These saplings will one day support woodland wildflowers like bluebells, offer food for red squirrels and jays, and form part of a more connected landscape for wildlife. The remaining area includes a productive conifer compartment, planned for long-term sustainable timber generation.
Much of the planting follows the lines of streams and burns, creating riparian woodland that will help stabilise banks, reduce pollution and runoff, and provide food and shelter for invertebrates and birds. Fieldfares and redwings, among others, are already making use of the new habitat.
Swinside Mill is expected to sequester 4,573 tonnes of CO₂ over 60 years. Thanks to its mix of habitat types and light-touch management, it is already showing strong early growth and long-term ecological potential.
Thank you to everyone who supported this project.
Certified under the Woodland Carbon Code, the UK’s government-backed standard for carbon-funded woodland creation.
Species mix
0%
Oak
0%
Birch
0%
Sitka Spruce
0%
*Other
*Predominantly native broadleaves
Co-benefits
Cleaner water
Riparian planting reduces runoff and filters pollutants before they reach watercourses.
Natural flood defence
Trees slow surface water and help reduce peak flows during heavy rainfall.
Soil stability
Root systems stabilise stream banks and slopes, limiting erosion and landslip risk.
Seasonal habitat
The woodland provides food and shelter for migratory birds like redwings and fieldfares.
Landscape enhancement
Brings visual variety and ecological value to an otherwise sparsely wooded region.
Sustainable timber
A productive conifer area will supply timber while maintaining biodiversity benefits.
Our involvement
Swinside Mill is one of many projects we’ve co-developed with Tweed Forum since 2013. This long-standing relationship is built on trust, shared values, and the belief that sustained collaboration leads to deeper, lasting outcomes.
Step 1
Backed the project early
We committed to purchasing the majority of the project’s carbon units after planting, 17 months before any credits were issued. This early-stage investment carried financial risk, but it enabled the project to go ahead. Forest Carbon pioneered pre-validation funding in the UK.
Step 2
Delivered WCC validation
We put the project through Woodland Carbon Code validation, compiling the necessary documentation and ensuring the process was smooth, accurate, and efficient.
Step 3
Found the right buyers
We led the marketing and sale of Swinside Mill’s validated credits, securing support from organisations like Hawksmoor Construction and Square Mile Sport, and making the project available on the Carbon Club. These sales unlocked funding for future nature-based projects, keeping climate and biodiversity progress moving forward.
Step 4
Ensuring long-term success
We continue to support the project through ongoing verification under the Woodland Carbon Code, helping ensure its climate and biodiversity benefits are realised well into the future.
Our long-standing relationship with Forest Carbon has enabled a plethora of riparian-focused woodlands to be established that would not have happened otherwise. Their skills in bringing in private finance to help fund both woodland and peatland work have increased both the scale and impact of our work, bringing a host of benefits to the local area.
Project status
Registered
Aiming for verification, but planting and verification are yet to occur.
Validated
Planted. An initial quality check has been carried out by a third party.
Verified
Meets Code standards, verified by an accredited assessor. Ongoing checks ahead.
Funded by
Want to back a project like Swinside Mill?
Swinside Mill was made possible by businesses and land managers working together to restore UK nature. If your business is looking to make a similar impact, explore the projects it can support today.
