Connecting forest and finance for a sustainable future

Managing a small or community woodland is vital work but finding the resources to maintain it can be a challenge. This project builds capacity for community and small woodland owners and managers across the UK to manage their woodlands sustainably.

Funded by the FSC® UK Impact Investment Fund, through provision of guidance and tools we aim to help owners and managers maintain, enhance, and verify the vital ecosystem services their forests provide.

What are Ecosystem Services?

Healthy forests provide more than just tangible products such as wood, they also support intangible benefits such as:

• Biodiversity: Supporting wildlife habitats and protecting local species.
• Climate Action: Capturing carbon and improving regional air quality.
• Natural Resources: Safeguarding vital soil health and water systems.
• Community Well-being: Boosting physical health through recreation and cultural spaces.

Our project helps managers measure and verify these tangible and intangible benefits that woodlands offer to the planet and local communities.

What do we mean by FSC Verified Impact Cerification?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) initially launched the Ecosystem Service procedure in 2018, the framework was rebranded and upgraded to Verified Impact in 2025 following publication of the revised Procedure V2-0. FSC verified impacts are certified through independent, third-party certification bodies. This means they are checked and approved by independent, expert auditing companies.

Opportunities for Woodland owners or managers

We can provide the tools, training, and framework to help you unlock the full value of your woodland.

By creating a network of “certification-ready” woodlands, we connect local forests with innovative financial opportunities. We will support owners in securing sponsorships and promoting sustainable timber and wood products, ensuring long-term financial and ecological survival, helping reduce the reliance on grants.

Who can join? 

Turn Your Ecological Impacts into Income 

Useful links

Join the Network – contact certification@llaisygoedwig.org.uk

Or

Partner with Us – Are you a woodland owner looking to protect your land, or a business looking to sponsor verified environmental impacts? Join our innovative network today.