British saltmarshes are key in fighting climate change, finds report on UK's muddy coastal landscapes.

The muddy saltmarshes of the UK have been identified as crucial in the fight against climate change, as stated in a recent report from WWF. These coastal habitats act as natural flood defences and lock away greenhouse gases in layers of mud. Despite much of the UK's saltmarshes being lost to agriculture, WWF is advocating for their restoration and protection. Working in collaboration with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, researchers installed greenhouse gas monitoring stations on a restored saltmarsh in North-West England to assess its carbon-capturing capabilities. The findings highlight the importance of these habitats as carbon sinks, comparable to trees. WWF's report, co-published with an insurance company interested in coastal flood protection, emphasizes the significance of saltmarshes for both wildlife and climate mitigation efforts. Restoring and safeguarding these muddy buffer zones is crucial for biodiversity and climate resilience. saltmarshes, climatechange, carboncapture, wildlife, conservation

Saturday 31st May 2025