Our commissioned research shows that almost three-quarters of the essential habitats in our care are at the greatest risk from climate change. Not only do these landscapes support a variety of wildlife, they also store and capture carbon emissions. Find out what we’re doing to protect these habitats and capture carbon here.
The Custodians of Carbon report, conducted by 3Keel, found that heathland, woodland, rivers, fens and salt marsh landscapes are already showing signs of damage from soaring temperatures, storms, droughts, rising sea levels and flooding.
These areas not only support an array of wildlife, including natterjack toads, otters, mountain hares and butterflies, they also lock up thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases every year.
We’ve known for a long time that places that are good for nature are good for the climate too – but we’re now able to see exactly which of our habitats are providing the biggest benefit, and which need restoring to prevent emissions leaking into the atmosphere.
101,000 hectares of land were surveyed for the report, which found that 73 per cent of key land in our care is sensitive to climate change, and 80 per cent of sensitive habitats are found at the coast.
We know that more must be done to look after nature and tackle the climate crisis. That’s why we’re working hard to understand how our land can contribute to the UK’s net-zero carbon emissions target.
We’re also calling for the government to take the following actions:
As the condition of a river, a fen or a marsh degrades, its vulnerability to climate change increases, so it’s crucial that we look after these habitats. They are our natural armour in the fight against climate change.
There are at least nine separate areas of salt marsh vegetation across Poole Harbour, which is home to rare invertebrates, including the plant bug Orthotylus rubidus and the hairy shore bug Saldula setulosa. These areas also support a huge variety of birdlife, including waders and overwintering wildfowl. Salt marshes are also good at tackling climate change, locking away around 1,663 tonnes of carbon every year.
But this precious landscape is already declining, potentially because of increased nitrogen levels, damage caused by sika deer and the formation of an algal mat within the harbour. Climate change will only make things worse.
Our rangers will need to work hard to mitigate the effects of more storms, which will increase coastal erosion and lead to rising sea levels, reducing the space available for salt marsh to colonise. Hard sea boundaries on the urban, eastern shore of the harbour increase the importance of both Studland and Middlebere, where soft boundaries will allow salt marsh to move inland as sea levels rise.
Wicken Fen is the oldest nature reserve in our care, and last year we celebrated its 120th anniversary. These precious fenland landscapes are not only home to thousands of plants and animals, but they also lock up carbon.
We've created more wetlands by using excess flood water from the river during the winter. This helps to lock away as much as 80 per cent of the carbon stored in the peat.
The ponds at Runneymede are teeming with life. Between May and September, you'll find a variety of dragonflies and damselflies.
This unique wetland habitat is vulnerable to climate change, and our rangers are adapting the way they manage land due to ongoing drought well after the summer is over. The upper pond area is often completely dry for several months. We're looking at ways to divert alternative water into the pond during the summer and aim to save water during the winter.
Atlantic oak woodland is one of the most important habitats for rare carbon-absorbing species of mosses and lichens in Europe. We look after 500 hectares of this kind of woodland in Borrowdale Valley, Lake District.
The four-mile-long shingle spit of Blakeney Point not only offers protection for Blakeney Harbour, it’s also home to a vast array of wildlife, including terns and grey seals. Like many parts of the coast, it's under threat from climate change and is already experiencing the effects of sea-level rises.
Whether you become a National Trust member, enjoy a coffee in our cafés, donate to one of our appeals, or volunteer, you'll be helping us care for precious landscapes and the wildlife that depend on them. You can also get involved with your local conservation groups.
Together, we're securing our future with action on climate and the environment. Learn more about how we're responding to the changing climate at places in our care.
Find out about ambitious plans to plant trees for future generations that will absorb carbon and enable nature to thrive.
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.
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.
With support from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund, we're looking for ways to protect our environment and combat climate change. Find out more about the work we're doing.
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.
Discover how biomass boilers are being used by some of the special places in our care to provide heat and hot water whilst also reducing their carbon footprint.
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.