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Grey seals on the Farne Islands, Northumberland
Grey seals on the Farne Islands, Northumberland | © National Trust Images/Nick Upton

Nature and climate

Climate change is the biggest threat to nature and the historic environment. Find out how we're helping wildlife to thrive and working towards sustainability in a changing climate.

Nature conservation

From ancient trees to bees and butterflies, our places are full of life. We're working hard to safeguard nature for years to come.

A view of Watendlath Beck Borrowdale, Lake District
Article
Article

Freshwater Community Grant Fund 

Community groups are being encouraged to apply for a grant to fund initiatives to improve freshwater habitats at five locations in England.

TV presenter Matt Baker during the filming of Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker
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Article

Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker 

We've been searching for a tenant farmer to manage a vacant farm in Northumberland. You can follow along by tuning in to Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker – a new TV show on Channel 4. The series features seven shortlisted applicants applying for a 10-year tenancy on the Wallington estate.

Baby beaver in middle of green shrubbery gnawing on a branch
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Article

Weather and Wildlife Review 2023 

Climate change presents serious challenges for nature across the UK. Find out how wildlife fared through the seasons in 2023, and what we're doing to address climate and nature crises.

Water vole by a river bank
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Article

State of Nature report 2023: UK wildlife continues to decline 

The State of Nature report for 2023 shows that the abundance of species in the UK has declined by 19 per cent on average since records began in 1970. But while the most important natural habitats are in poor condition, work to protect landscapes and support wildlife has clear benefits for nature, people and the climate.

Project
Project

'Sandscapes' Heathland restoration in the Midlands 

Sandscapes is a nature recovery project which aims to restore and reconnect areas of sandy habitats across the three counties of Shropshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire.

Beaver swimming in the beaver enclosure at Holnicote Estate in Somerset
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Article

Virtual tour of Holnicote beaver enclosure 

Take an interactive 360° virtual tour of the beaver enclosure on the Holnicote Estate in Somerset. Through building dams, beavers help to slow the flow of water and reduce flooding, as well as holding water in the landscape in times of drought. Despite heat and drought in 2022, the beavers’ enclosure remained a green oasis, a reminder of how crucial nature is as we face more extreme weather events.

A tree in summer with two main branches. One has bright green leaves and the other has no leaves whatsoever and is just bare branches.
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Article

Restoring woodlands affected by ash dieback 

Ash dieback is a fungal disease affecting the country’s native ash trees. As many as four out of five ash trees may be affected and, where the dying trees could cause a threat to human safety, we need to remove them.

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 our historic houses and landscapes.

Volunteers digging holes for tree planting in the autumn at Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk
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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.

Konik ponies grazing at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire
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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 water flow around the fens will support wildlife during winter and help peat soils store more carbon. Find out about this and other conservation projects.

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

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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.

Rangers inspecting the landscape at Kinder Scout, Derbyshire
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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.

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

New research finds UK underprepared for climate change 

Ahead of the Government’s new National Adaptation Programme, which will set the Government’s climate adaptation agenda for the next five years, we share new research that shows that the UK is 'lagging behind' in preparedness for climate change.

View of the Pantheon and lake in October at Stourhead, Wiltshire with autumnal trees in the foreground and a blue sky with clouds

Donate to make a difference

Your support is essential to help us look after nature, beauty and history. Make a donation today, and together we can protect precious places for everyone, forever.