December '25: UK nature & carbon markets round-up

Happy New Year! December was a busy month for the carbon and nature markets.  

Take a look: 

UK Woodland Carbon Code activity

• 1,470 new Woodland Carbon Code PIU assignments
• Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, Accurx and Patch purchased PIUs this month
• PIU assignments spanned 2033 to 2087 vintages

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) reports a 25% price premium for CCP labelled credits

• Buyers consistently pay higher prices for CCP credits, according to ICVCM’s 2025 Impact Report
• 7 carbon registries now have ICVCM endorsement, with 51 million credits issued under approved methodologies
• Voluntary and regulatory demand continues to consolidate around CCP, with compliance schemes using ICVCM to benchmark quality

ICROA to wind down from late 2026

• After 18 years in operation, ICROA announced it will close later this year
• ICROA endorsed programmes including the Woodland Carbon Code for transparency, independence and good governance
• ICROA believes ICVCM and VCMI are well placed to continue this work

UK government exempts small sites from BNG requirements

• Developments under 0.2 hectares will be exempt following a recent NPPF consultation
• This change affects 77 percent of UK planning applications
• The move aims to accelerate housebuilding across the country