Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata). Credit Emma Hinchlife
Verification
Following successful validation and completion of the project restoration activity, a regular schedule of verification audits will be conducted by an approved third-party independent validation/verification body. This will be to check the project has achieved the expected condition category change and will deliver the expected greenhouse gas emission reduction.
Our Verification Methodology is currently being piloted. Learn more below.
Verification Methodology Pilot
To support the smooth introduction of the Verification Methodology and ensure it functions effectively across a wide range of project types, a pilot phase will be undertaken prior to full adoption. The pilot is designed to enable practical testing of the methodology, gather structured feedback, and allow refinements to the guidance where necessary before a final version is published.
Registration for the pilot will run from April to September 2026 and all projects that are due for verification during this period will be required to register part of the pilot. Adjustments to the methodology may be made throughout the pilot in response to issues that are unclear, impractical, or unworkable in practice.
Verification Pilot Documentation
Access the Verification Methodology and the updated verification documentation for the pilot below.
- Verification Methodology V1 (https://www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/Verification%20Methodology%20v1.pdf)
- Project Progress Report (https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2026-04%2FQMS_004%2520ProjectProgressReport_V3_March_2026.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK)
- Bog Emissions Calculator - Y5 verification_15% risk buffer contribution (https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2026-04%2FPC_Bog%2520Emissions%2520Calculator_v2.1.1_%25201st%2520verif%252015%2525%2520risk%2520buff.xlsx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK)
- Bog Emissions Calculator - Y5 verification_20% risk buffer contribution (https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2026-04%2FPC_Bog%2520Emissions%2520Calculator_v2.1.1_%25201st%2520verif%252020%2525%2520risk%2520b.xlsx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK)
- VVB Scheme document v2 (https://www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/Peatland%20Code%20Scheme%20Document%20for%20VVB%27s%20V2.pdf)
Verification Pilot Feedback
All project developers—including those without projects participating in the pilot—and Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs) will be invited to provide structured feedback to help ensure the methodology is robust, clear, and fit for purpose. The feedback form will be made available shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are just a few of the frequent questions linked for verification for more details see our FAQ page.
Who verifies my project?
All Peatland Code projects must be independently validated and verified. Only an approved validation/verification body is permitted to carry out Peatland Code validation and verification.
How do I contact a verifier?
There are currently two approved organisations that can validate and verify Peatland Code projects:
You will need to contact an appointed validation body to carry out your verification. This is a paid service - for quotes please contact the validation/verification bodies directly.
Upon application, a date to conduct audit of both the project site and the project documentation will be arranged. Amendments to the project plan may be required if determined necessary by the validation/verification body to ensure compliance with the Peatland Code.
Do I have to use the same VVB body all the way through the Peatland Code process?
No, you may switch in between the project plan, restoration validation and verification stages if you choose to.
When do my PIUs become PCUs?
Before your Pending Issuance Units (PIUs) can become Peatland Carbon Units (PCUs), the project first needs to be issued a verification statement for the period it was verified for. If it is a first verification at year five, you will receive a statement for years 0-5 and the PIUs in that vintage will be converted to PCUs. See also our registry fees.
When does my project get verified?
Verification will take place at year five of the project 'Start date' (the date restoration ended) and then at least every ten years after that. We are currently piloting a new methodology which has more detail on when the site survey carried out by project developers should begin.