A guide to monitoring a reforestation project
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Under the Reforestation by environmental plantings methodology, the FullCAM model estimates the carbon stocks being held within your planted trees. The model uses several datasets to give a conservative estimate of your carbon stocks and must be used to report to the CER who will issue credits based on this modelling.
During establishment it is important to also monitor tree survival, weeds and pests, and track vegetation growth. This helps in optimising resource use, reduce costs, and maintain compliance with the scheme. We recommend this is completed for the early stage of tree growth (3-5 years) until trees are established. From this point, satellite imagery can be used to track tree growth alongside carbon estimations using FullCAM.
Long-term monitoring of vegetation structure, habitat or specific indicator species (e.g. birds) ensures the reforested area develops as planned and supports biodiversity. This is not a specific requirement of the ACCU Scheme method, however, projects that can demonstrate co-benefits like biodiversity may attract a high premium ACCU price in the market.
| Type of Monitoring | Example Indicator | Optimum Frequency | Example Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon | |||
| Carbon | Tree growth rates, carbon sequestered | Annual | FullCAM Modelling |
| Short Term | |||
| Tree survival | Number of live trees, tree health | Quarterly during establishment (Years 1-3) | Photos, Field surveys, remote sensing (e.g., drone imagery) |
| Weed control | Weed density and cover | Monthly during the growing season | Photos, Field inspections, remote sensing (e.g., satellite imagery) |
| Pest control | Presence of pests, damage to trees | Quarterly during establishment (Years 1-3) | Photos, Field surveys, remote sensing (e.g., infrared imagery to detect pest infestations) |
| Long Term | |||
| Vegetation structure and function* | Tree height, canopy cover, species composition | Annual | Photos, Field measurements and GIS |
| Indicator species (e.g. birds)* | Total Native Species Richness | Annual | 20 min – 2 ha bird survey technique. |
The FullCAM model monitors carbon sequestration and is a requirement of the ACCU scheme to accurately report ACCU generation. FullCAM modelling is typically completed annually. Other monitoring requirements include:
- Identifying and recording management events within each project area.
- Recording disturbance events within each project area.
- Calculating emissions from running the project. This includes emissions for methane and nitrous oxide or project fuel use. Along with the initial carbon stocks, emissions are subtracted from the total amount of carbon abatement to get the net abatement.
The table provides an example of the types of monitoring that are completed as part of an Environmental Plantings project.