Biological carbon removal has been proposed as a ‘win-win’ for climate, sustainability and public opinion, but research on public perceptions is lacking explicit evidence on trade-offs between options. This article explores perceptions using small group deliberation plus a nationally representative survey in the UK’s four jurisdictions. It finds a strong preference for carbon removal to play a substantial role in meeting national climate targets, stemming from persistent scepticism about emissions reductions and behaviour change. However, such support was tempered with caution about whether certain biological techniques – biochar, peatland restoration, and perennial biomass crops – would be “worth it”. In particular, concerns were raised about life-cycle emissions, as well as land competition with urgent housing needs, and scientific uncertainty around novel techniques such as biochar. While the authors find that responses to carbon removal tend to shift the burden of responsibility for climate action away from individuals, they also identify region-specific discourses, highlighting the importance of local context in shaping public views.