FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions


Is there a minimum project size?

The Woodland Carbon Code and Peatland Code allow projects of all sizes. However, there are costs associated with a project’s validation and verification. As smaller projects (<2ha) generate fewer carbon credits, in some situations this can lead to them making an overall loss, as the income from carbon may fall short of the administrative costs.

At Forest Carbon we are able to group together projects for validation and verification, driving down the costs of validation and verification. So, if you are thinking about creating a small woodland please get in touch and we can discuss options with you!

Do I have to manage my woodland in a specific way?

It is up to land managers to decide the composition and long-term management plans for their projects, though there will be carbon implications if, for instance, a woodland is thinned or clear-felled within the contract duration.

When committing to a carbon contract, land managers agree to manage their project according to the plan that they set out at the start of the process (i.e. before planting).


Is there a minimum contract length?

Yes. Both Woodland Carbon Code and Peatland Code projects have a minimum duration of 30 years, and a maximum duration of 100. It is up to the land manager to decide what contract length to commit to, though most choose durations of between 35 - 65 years.

How can I apply for carbon funding?

The easiest way to determine your eligibility or apply for carbon funding is to get in touch with us – we’ll send you our application form and get the process started!

If you already have a forest manager, they can put in the application on your behalf. We work closely with forest managers across the UK to ensure carbon finance is accessible to as many woodland creation projects as possible.

What types of woodland generate the most carbon?

There are many factors that influence the claimable sequestration of a woodland – i.e. the carbon credits it will generate. These factors include species mix, fast growing conifers will sequester carbon more quickly, but they also include management regime, ground preparation, and project duration.

What is the difference between PIUs and WCUs/PCUs?

Pending Issuance Units (PIUs) are issued once the project has been validated with the Woodland Carbon Code or Peatland code. For woodlands a PIU represents an emissions removal: one tonne of CO2 that will be sequestered by the woodland as it grows. For peatlands a PIU represents emissions avoidance: one tonne of CO2 that would otherwise have been emitted. 

At validation PIUs are issued for the whole project lifetime.

Woodland Carbon Units (WCUs) and Peatland Carbon Units (PCUs) represent verified carbon units. At each verification a number of PIUs are converted to WCUs/PCUs. If the project has over- or underperformed the number of verified units issued will be different to the PIUs in the vintage.

When should I get in touch about securing carbon finance for my new woodland?

As soon as possible! For a preliminary assessment of the additionality & carbon potential of your project, we will ask for an outline cashflow, the intended species mix and planned management regime.

From 30th June 2021 projects need to register with the Woodland Carbon Code before planting starts. Projects planted in the 2020/21 season can still be registered until that time. 

This is why we recommend you reach out as early as possible in the planning process, and get in touch with us at least one month before planting starts. 

You can contact us here.

What is included if I sell my carbon through Forest Carbon?

When you sell your carbon through Forest Carbon, we will undertake registration and validation of the project with the Woodland Carbon Code, marketing and sale of the carbon, and ongoing verifications required under Woodland Carbon Code rules. We also manage relationships with the buyers of the carbon, leaving you to focus managing (and enjoying) your new woodland.

We offer flexible payment structures to meet the requirements of land managers across the UK.