Developments in a new Woodland Water Code for UK nature markets
The Woodland Water Code (WWC) is being developed as a mechanism to generate credits that will lead to improvement of the freshwater environment. An initial two-year project to develop a Code that is applicable across the UK was completed last year, followed by a further project completed earlier this year to validate the metrics and methodologies.
The Code has been piloted by a range of organisations, including on land belonging to the Blenheim Estate in Oxfordshire. These pilots have tested the process of determining the water quality, flood alleviation and water shading benefits from woodland creation.
Join this webinar to hear from experts at Forest Research who are developing the Code, alongside representatives from the Blenheim Estate where the Code has been piloted.
Robert Hattersley
Assistant Economist, Forest Research
Robert Hattersley
Assistant Economist, Forest Research
Robert is an assistant economist at Forest Research, particularly interested in how nature-based markets work and how economic thinking can help manage risk and build resilience in woodlands. Most recently Robert has been working on the development of the Woodland Water Code, helping to shape it as a new and innovative way for nature markets to support woodland creation and management through private finance.
Romany Vassell
Environmental Scientist Physical environmental sciences, Forest Research
Romany Vassell
Environmental Scientist Physical environmental sciences, Forest Research
Prior to joining Forest Research in April 2023, Romany completed a Master of Research (MRes) in Green Chemistry, Energy and the Environment at Imperial College London. Her research analysed water movement through synthetic soils, created using lignin extracted from plant matter. She also holds Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Surrey.
FAQ
The Woodland Water Code (WWC) is a developing UK‑wide framework designed to generate verified nature market credits from woodland creation projects that deliver measurable freshwater benefits. These benefits include improvements to water quality, reductions in flood risk, and cooling and shading of rivers and streams. The Code is being developed by Forest Research to support private investment in woodlands that provide long‑term environmental gains. See more here.
The Woodland Water Code focuses on three core freshwater benefits arising from well‑designed woodland creation:
- Water quality improvement, particularly through reductions in diffuse agricultural pollution such as sediment and nutrients
- Flood alleviation, by slowing surface runoff and increasing water storage in catchments
- Water shading and cooling, helping protect aquatic ecosystems during warmer and drier periods
These benefits are quantified using standardised calculators and methodologies developed and tested by Forest Research.
The Woodland Water Code is currently in its development and validation phase. An initial two‑year project to design a UK‑wide Code has been completed, followed by a second phase focused on validating metrics, calculators and methodologies through pilot projects. This work is expected to support the release of a verified Version 1 of the Code.
The Woodland Water Code is being developed by Forest Research, the research agency of the Forestry Commission, working with a wide range of partners. These include landowners, environmental scientists, public bodies, and nature market stakeholders. The development aligns with the England Trees Action Plan and is closely linked to the established Woodland Carbon Code.
This webinar will explore the latest developments in the Woodland Water Code, including insights from pilot projects, validation of metrics and methodologies, and progress towards implementation. Speakers from Forest Research will discuss how the Code could support emerging UK nature markets, alongside practical experience from the Blenheim Estate, where the Code has been piloted.
This webinar is suitable for landowners, environmental professionals, policymakers, investors and practitioners interested in woodland creation, freshwater management or nature markets. It may also be relevant to organisations exploring how natural capital approaches and woodland projects can deliver measurable water‑related benefits.