Willow Sequestration - Essex
Planted Spring 2024 - 6 hectares of short-rotation coppice (SRC) willow, which is approximately 50,000 trees. The willow will be harvested every 3-4 years to be used as a biofuel, and regenerate for 7-8 harvests (20-25 years in total).
First Harvest completed successfully in winter 2025/26.
Overview & Ethos
The project is located at Lodge Farm Nazeing, Essex. The farm is celebrating its centenary year in 2024, having been run for 100 years by the Graham family. The farm is currently managed by the 3rd and 4th generations of the family and operates as a wedding venue.
The Graham's have always had a strong commitment to farming sustainably, and in a way that doesn't damage the environment, whilst producing high quality food.
Carbon Benefits
The carbon sequestration benefits arise from the carbon captured and stored in the ground in root systems and through the biodegrading of leaf litter. The project expects to sequester 2,790 tCO2e over its lifespan.
Progress
The project has been designed in compliance with ICROA principles for voluntary carbon offsetting schemes.
The site was prepared and planted in Spring 2024 by Rickerby Estates. The Grahams have previous experience of successfully planting and establishing SRC willow, and we are delighted to be working with them.
Willow successfully established elsewhere on Lodge Farm.
The Site
The rectangular field selected is 6 hectares, and was chosen as it is one of the more challenging pieces of land at Lodge Farm. Food production is no longer viable at this location given the changing climate and poor soil type. However, it is well suited to willow - a high carbon capture crop - which can thrive in difficult conditions.
First Harvest
The first harvest was completed successfully in December 2025. Since then the willow has already started to regenerate successfully.
The project has recently received support from Defra and Innovate UK as they are exploring the potential for willow to be used as a compost, reducing the demand for peat.
Gallery of Willow Images from Lodge Farm
You can see more updates at Lodge Farm's Instagram page