Summary
This research aims to deliver Version 1 of the Woodland Water Code (WWC): a standardised, regulator‑backed methodology to quantify and verify the water quality, flood alleviation and water shading benefits of woodland creation across the UK.
Building on prior work completed under the same name, the project will
- Finalise metrics and priority maps
- Pilot water benefit calculators
- Publish the underpinning evidence base
- Establish a streamlined validation process
- Work in collaboration with the Soil Association and other Technical and Steering Group members
Through end‑user consultation and alignment with UK nature‑market best practice, the WWC will provide a credible mechanism to mobilise private finance and inform future policy on green finance and water regulation.
This project has been funded by the UK Government through Defra’s Forestry Research and Development programme.
Research Objectives
- How can a Woodland Water Code (WWC) be designed in a way that aligns with the requirements of end users?
- How can the WWC water quality methodology be utilised in Nutrient Mitigation to incorporate other diffuse pollutants?
- Can the approach for quantifying water benefits through the WWC be validated, and how can this process be streamlined (e.g. through alignment with the Woodland Carbon Code)?
- Does the WWC align with the latest UK Nature Market best practices?
- What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a WWC to incentivise woodland creation?
