Restoring the Lost Woods of Ceannacroc is the first project of its kind to qualify for carbon credits under the Woodland Carbon Code. 

Zulu Ecosystems, in collaboration with the Girvan family, Scottish Forestry, and the Woodland Carbon Code (WCC) proudly announces that the Lost Woods project at Ceannacroc Estate has made history as the first ancient woodland restoration scheme to qualify for carbon credits under the Woodland Carbon Code. 

The Ceannacroc Estate project, a flagship under Zulu Ecosystems’ Lost Woods programme, focuses on the restoration of derelict ancient woodlands by encouraging natural regeneration. Allowing these woodlands to regenerate naturally helps to preserve their complex and longstanding relationship with the surrounding ecosystem. The successful validation under the Woodland Carbon Code not only highlights the project's environmental significance but also opens new avenues for carbon finance to support ongoing and future nature restoration efforts across the Highlands. 

On Thursday 29 August, landowners, land managers, and key stakeholders from across the region gathered at a Scottish Land Estates (SLE) Walk and Talk Event Glenmoriston Millennium Hall to visit the estate to see the scheme in action.  

The validation of the Lost Woods project at Ceannacroc Estate is the culmination of years of dedicated work, blending the expertise of the landowners, Zulu Ecosystems, Scottish Forestry, and the Woodland Carbon Code to restore and protect part of Scotland’s most valuable natural resources. 

The revised natural regeneration guidance and eligibility criteria for remnant ancient woodlands within the Woodland Carbon Code was developed in collaboration with Zulu Ecosystems and Scottish Forestry to encourage the restoration of Scotland’s remnant ancient woodlands that have a canopy cover of less than 20 per cent.  

Securing the Woodland Carbon Code validation for the Lost Woods scheme at Ceannacroc required meticulous planning and a unified vision for the land’s environmental future. Scottish Forestry provided essential guidance on forestry grant schemes and regulatory compliance, ensuring the project met all necessary sustainability and biodiversity standards. Explore the project here.

Martin Girvan Jr., the third-generation landowner of Ceannacroc Estate, commented: “Zulu Ecosystems, Scottish Forestry, and the Woodland Carbon Code have been fully supportive every step of the way, as well as Donald McLennan Fencing and Boreal Forestry (who undertook the fencing and planting respectively) and Christie’s of Fochabers who supplied the trees for the areas of woodland creation. We’ve always been keen to play our part in helping with the climate crisis; this really feels like we are doing that.”  

Tabi Ewing, Woodland Officer with Scottish Forestry’s Highland & Islands Conservancy, commented: “The Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) acts as a key driver in managing native woodlands and boosting woodland creation. We have been very happy to play a major role as the largest funder of this project and to work alongside project partners to protect and expand these nationally important remnants of our shared Caledonian Pinewood heritage. Not only is this a win for contributing to carbon sequestration, but it is expanding a valuable native woodland habitat with a multitude of benefits.”

Vicky West, Woodland Carbon Code Manager at Scottish Forestry, commented: “Where amazingly dense woodlands once stood, there are still footprints of their former selves on the ground: remnant trees that provide seeds and the chance to turn these into thriving biodiverse woodlands again. At Scottish Forestry, we are working with all our partners to include these vital habitats in the Woodland Carbon Code. If more people can use this methodology and extend ancient woodlands, we will have a much more resilient woodland resource and much healthier woodlands across the UK.” 

Fiona Chalmers, Woodlands Project Manager at Zulu Ecosystems, commented: “This validation is a testament to the power of partnership. Working side by side with the landowners, Scottish Forestry and the Woodland Carbon Code, we’ve been able to breathe new life into this ancient woodland while recognising its carbon sequestration potential. The Lost Woods initiative at Ceannacroc Estate represents the first of many steps towards restoring Scotland’s derelict ancient woodlands. We’re proud to have been part of a project that not only preserves our natural heritage but also shows what is possible for future ancient woodland restoration projects.” 

As the first ancient woodland restoration project to achieve validation under Zulu Ecosystems’ Lost Woods initiative, Ceannacroc Estate underscores the transformative potential of collaborative conservation efforts. This success lays the groundwork for future projects, as Zulu Ecosystems, Scottish Forestry, and the Woodland Carbon Code continue to work together to help restore Scotland’s derelict ancient woodlands. 

Explore the project

To read more about Ceannacroc and the project to date, click here.

About the Woodland Carbon Code  

The Woodland Carbon Code is a UK-wide standard for woodland creation projects that seek to generate carbon credits. It provides the framework for measuring, reporting, and verifying the carbon sequestration potential of new and restored woodlands. Projects validated under the Woodland Carbon Code can generate carbon credits that can be sold to offset carbon emissions. 

Contact us

The Lost Woods programme is an initiative developed by Zulu Ecosystems that focuses on the restoration of derelict ancient woodlands through natural regeneration. 

For more information on how to regenerate landscapes as a landowner or volunteer, please contact hello@zuluecosystems.com.