Ranger removing debris from the hydro at Watendlath, Cumbria | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Climate change and sustainability

Discover how we’re part of the global fight against climate change, the challenges we face with shifting weather patterns and what we’re doing to care for historic houses and landscapes in our care.

Two National Trust staff crouching down to inspect the harbour wall at Mullion Cove, Cornwall

Article

How we're adapting to climate change

Climate change is the greatest threat to the coastline, countryside and historic buildings in our care. Our new report, A Climate for Change: Adaptation and the National Trust, reveals how we’re tackling its causes and effects and identifying future hazards. From protecting and planting trees to nature-friendly farming, helping people, heritage and nature adapt to a changing climate is at the heart of everything we do.

Clear evidence how the erosion of the cliffs due to climate change threatens the archeological site of the hillfort at Dinas Dinlle, Gwynedd

Article

How we're tackling climate change

Climate change is the single biggest threat to the places we care for. Take a look at our environmental pledges as we adapt, reduce carbon emissions and address the damage already done.

Two sun-chairs stand on sun-parched brown lawn in front of green trees and the buildings of Anglesey Abbey

News

New research on the UK's preparedness for climate change

As the Government releases its new five-year National Adaptation Programme, we share new research that shows that the UK is 'lagging behind' in preparedness for climate change.

Solar panel installation at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

Article

Solar power at our places

Discover how some of the special places in our care are harnessing the power of the sun to generate electricity and reduce their carbon footprints.

Stickle Ghyll hydro-electric turbine at Sticklebarn and the Langdales, Cumbria

Article

Hydroelectric power at our places

Discover which of the places in our care generate their own hydroelectricity, from a 19th-century 'smart home' in Northumberland to a state-of-the-art water turbine in scenic Snowdonia.

Article

Living with change: Our shifting shores

We’re tackling the threats of a changing coastline to safeguard the places you love. Find out how our teams are adapting their approach to our shifting shores.

Project

Our ambition to establish 20 million trees to tackle climate change

Find out about ambitious plans to plant trees for future generations that will absorb carbon and enable nature to thrive.

Appeal

Plant a Tree

Trees provide vital habitats for a range of wildlife and are one of the best natural defences against climate change. This is why we're aiming to plant and establish 20 million trees by 2030. Donate to Plant a Tree and make a difference.

Rangers inspecting the landscape at Kinder Scout, Derbyshire

Article

Preserving our peatland

Discover the vital ways peat supports the environment, from carbon store to archaeological record, and see some of our key projects protecting and restoring the peatland in our care.

Green cuttings sprouting in natural plastic-free pots and peat-free compost

Article

Guide to peat-free gardening

We've committed to going peat free as an organisation, and all the plants we grow, buy and sell are potted in peat-free compost. Hear from our team of gardening experts and discover top tips for peat-free gardening in your green space.

We're part of the global fight against climate change. It is the single biggest threat to the precious landscapes and historic houses we care for. Our teams are adapting to the many effects of climate change, from managing the impact of rising sea levels at Mount Stewart to reducing carbon emissions at Wimpole, we're working hard to protect the places in our care for everyone, for ever.

Konik ponies grazing at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire

Article

Helping Wicken Fen adapt to a changing climate

Conservation work at Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire is helping vital wetland habitats adapt to climate change. Increasing the flow of water around the fens will support wildlife during the winter and help peat soils store more carbon. Find out about this and other measures to protect the landscape.

The lake in the garden at Mount Stewart, County Down, Northern Ireland

Article

Responding to climate change at Mount Stewart

What impact is climate change having on the wildlife and habitats of the Mount Stewart estate?

Propagation volunteers at work in the polytunnel at Ham House and Garden, London

Article

Responding to climate change at Ham House

Discover how the National Trust is tackling the impact of climate change at Ham House.

Curved rig and furrow at Wallington, Northumberland

Article

Wallington’s Green Recovery

Find out about how Wallington benefited from the DEFRA Green Recovery Challenge Fund, including some fascinating archaeological discoveries unearthed by ‘LiDAR’ technology.

Project

Our work to recover from fires in the Mournes

We’re carrying out conservation work at the Mournes Mountains in Northern Ireland to help the area recover from damage caused by wild fires and adapt to the effects of climate change. Find out how measures such as conservation grazing, wildlife surveys and new technology are protecting fragile habitats and supporting nature.

Project

Upper Conwy catchment project

We’re working on a long-term project in the Conwy catchment to tackle climate change and reduce extreme flooding for the benefit of nature, wildlife and people.

Project

Green recovery at Killerton

Killerton’s estate is an important wildlife haven, but is threatened by climate change. Thanks to the Green Recovery Challenge Fund, projects have been completed to protect its grounds.

Project

Green Recovery Project at Wimpole

Discover how Wimpole is using the Green Recovery Fund to help create and restore habitats, support solutions to tackle climate change and connect people with nature.

Project

Skell Valley Project

Keep up with the latest updates as the Skell Valley Project takes place, looking to create a sustainable future for the Skell Valley in North Yorkshire

Find out how you can reduce your carbon footprint, reduce waste and help wildlife on your doorstep. Even the smallest changes can make a big difference for nature and the climate.

Volunteer rangers planting trees at Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk

Article

How you can help tackle climate change

The small actions we take can help make big changes. There are lots of ways to make a difference, find out how you can play your part with ideas from planting trees to going peat-free.

National Trust volunteers and staff cleaning Bossington Beach, on the Holnicote Estate, Exmoor National Park, Somerset.

Article

Protecting coasts and rivers

From tips on saving water to combatting plastic pollution, learn more about our work to protect precious coasts and rivers for wildlife and people, and what you can do to help.

Two visitors cycle side by side through a winding path leading through parkland on the Ickworth Estate. They're wrapped up in rain coats and the weather appears hazy.

Sustainable travel to the places in our care

Find out how you can travel to the places in our care by train, bus, bike or on foot, helping you to save money and care for the environment.

We are very grateful to the funders and partners who support our work on climate change, including Defra’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund, the European Climate Foundation, the European Regional Development Fund, the Environment Agency, HSBC UK, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Natural Resources Wales, Northern Ireland’s Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the Northern Powerhouse, players of People’s Postcode Lottery, The Royal Oak Foundation, UK Research and Innovation, the Welsh Government and the Wolfson Foundation, as well as many other generous people and organisations.