A new UK carbon accreditation scheme, which will allow firms to outline woodland creation projects in their greenhouse gas reports, has been given the green light by the government.

The Woodland Carbon Code has been drawn up by a group of industry stakeholders, which has been led by the Forestry Commission and aims to increase transparency and credibility. Other groups such as the Woodland Trust have been involved with the new code, which will provide a best practice guides for businesses looking to create woodlands.

Dr Nick Atkinson from the Woodland Trust said: "The Woodland Carbon Code puts woodland creation on the map as part of the UK's response to climate change."