Carbon

Our environment is under pressure. The UK Government, alongside partner nations, is committed to tackling climate change and restoring nature. Afforestation and peatland restoration are important tools in this process, by locking up carbon and creating biodiversity habitat simultaneously. Galbraith have developed and managed the establishment of over 1100ha of new woodlands in 2019-20, with a further 5100ha planned. This equates to 8 million trees planted, and over 1.8 million tonnes of carbon sequestered.

How can Trees and Peat Help?

• As trees grow, they capture and absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
• Degrading peatland loses carbon rapidly, but healthy peatland is also a carbon sink as sphagnum mosses grow and are captured in the growing peat layer.
• The volume of captured carbon dioxide, and avoided losses, are quantified under government-accredited certification standards the Woodland Carbon Code and Peatland Code.
• The Codes allow forest and peatland owners to connect with corporate partners looking to offset all or part of their carbon footprint.
• A landscape may well have a combination of areas suitable for afforestation, and others with deep peat which cannot be afforested but can benefit from peatland restoration under the Peatland Code. 

How can Galbraith Help?

We can help:

• Find the right project for your needs 
• Arrange all legal agreements
• Organise the purchase of PIUs or WCUs
• Assist in delivering your ESG & CSR
• Implement a monitoring programme to ensure your PIUs and ongoing project are meeting the WCC standard.

Case Study

In 2019, Galbraith helped plan, develop and plant a 200 hectare Caledonian pine forest south of Inverness. Over 300,000 trees were planted, projected to capture 79,000 tonnes of carbon over 100 years. Tree species such as Scots pine, rowan, alder, oak and aspen will regenerate habitats previously damaged by drainage and grazing, connect fragmented ancient Caledonian pine forest in the landscape, and provide habitat for special species like red squirrel and black grouse. Galbraith will ensure that trees are maintained to establishment and will validate the carbon captured over the lifetime of the project.