February '26: UK nature & carbon markets round-up

The weather is picking up, and so is momentum in the UK’s carbon and nature markets! 

Take a look:

UK Woodland Carbon Code activity

• 10,933 PIU assignments in February
• Builds on a strong January and continues a sharp >700% increase from December (1,470)
• Corporate and public buyers active across Jan–Feb, including the Environment Agency, Flutter Entertainment and DWF

Peatland Code activity

• 500 PIU assignments and 351 retirements recorded
• Units assigned to Rosy Soil
• First PCU retirement since June 2025

Biodiversity Net Gain gaining traction

• UK government has now sold £634,400 of biodiversity credits under the BNG scheme
• 300% increase in registered BNG units since early 2025
• A strong signal of activity in one of the world’s first compliance biodiversity markets

Moors for the Future Partnership secures £25M

• The partnership turns 23 years old and announces £25M funding for peatland restoration
• Funding will support multi-decade restoration in the Peak District and South Pennines
• Contributions from water utilities including Severn Trent, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water

UK's CABM moves closer

• UK Government has published draft secondary legislation for consultation
• Launch expected January 2027
• Importers will be required to calculate and report embedded emissions
• Signals growing integration between trade and carbon policy, with potential to strengthen long-term carbon price stability and reduce leakage risk.