Forest Carbon is one of the UK’s most established woodland and peatland project developers. Between 2006 and 2022, we played a direct role in 4% of all woodland creation in the UK (Forest Research and IHS Markit). We’ve been active since before formal carbon standards existed, and we helped to create the Woodland Carbon Code and Peatland Code. This experience has given us a deep understanding of what both land managers and businesses need to make UK-based nature projects happen.

For buyers, we offer confidence and clarity. We guide you to high-quality carbon credits that are credible, well-governed, and aligned with your sustainability goals.

For land managers, we offer flexibility and practical support. We understand the challenges of land use change, and we know that every project is different. That’s why we offer adaptable funding models, including upfront payments before a buyer is secured, to help get your project off (or into) the ground. We also take care of the complex admin so you can focus on what matters: managing your land.

You can read more about our experience on Our Story.

We have a combined 55 years of experience in the carbon market industry. Our Founders, Steve and James, helped to kickstart the UK voluntary carbon market and its Codes. Additionally, across the team, we have experience in agricultural trading, finance, farming, forestry, ground gas analysis, teaching, surveying, property development, food security, GHG reporting, and more. To understand more about the skills across the team, visit our Team page.

The Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) has faced scrutiny in recent years. Some projects have fallen short, and there’s debate about whether putting a price on nature can drive real change. While some criticisms are valid, and debate is important, dismissing the entire market overlooks its growing role in funding large-scale ecosystem restoration.

When used well, carbon credits are not a shortcut or excuse. They help organisations go further and faster in reducing their climate impact.

Recent research backs this up: MSCI found companies that buy carbon credits are 1.8 times more likely to reduce emissions annually than those that don’t. Ecosystem Marketplace reports they are also over three times more likely to have science-based targets, including Scope 3 emissions.

Done right, the VCM channels essential private finance into restoring woodlands, peatlands, and other vital ecosystems. Nature-based credits deliver more than carbon savings — they also enhance biodiversity, improve air and water quality, boost resilience to flooding, and much more.

Buying high-quality carbon credits means contributing to real, measurable climate action and helping restore the landscapes we all rely on.

In the UK, we often work directly with land managers, helping them to plan their woodland and peatland projects, to get them validated through the government-backed Woodland Carbon Code or Peatland Code (if they plan to sell their carbon), and to connect them with buyers. So, in addition to meeting standards set out by the Woodland Carbon Code and Peatland Code, they also carry the reassurance of our hands-on experience.

Unlike our UK projects, we do not have a direct hand in the development of the projects we retail from overseas. However, we ensure the projects are carefully selected and only work with trusted, long-standing partners. All international projects are certified under recognised high-quality standards, such as Plan Vivo, VCS (Verra) and Gold Standard, following and adhering to core principles to ensure the claims they’re making.

All project documentation, including PDDs, carbon calculations, and verification documents, is publicly available on their relevant registries.

We continually look to improve how we assess the projects we offer, including using third-party experts to carry out analysis, due diligence and vetting.

We use scientifically developed models set out by the IUCN Peatland Code to assess how much carbon will be avoided as a result of peatland restoration. These models are reviewed by a technical advisory board and updated when further evidence merits a change.

Carbon estimates are project-specific and based on the peat profile and management plan. To calculate the claimable net emissions reduction, the Peatland Code requires deducting estimated restoration emissions and applying a 5% buffer to account for data uncertainty. From the remaining total, 20% is set aside in the Risk Buffer to ensure permanence. The final figure represents the number of credits available for sale. See the calculation below.

• Claimable net emissions reduction = gross emissions reduction - carbon cost of restoration (or 5% if not calculated) - 5% conservative buffer - any leakage
• Sellable credits = claimable net emissions reduction - 20% risk buffer
  

The Risk Buffer is a shared reserve designed to safeguard against future risks such as fire or underperformance.