Nature-based solutions for climate change in the UK
Read the full reportThe report highlights the critical role of nature-based solutions in mitigating climate change, with peatlands in the UK storing around 3 billion tonnes of carbon but currently emitting 23 million tonnes of CO2e annually due to degradation. Effective habitat management, including peatland restoration, agroforestry, and careful planning of woodland NbS, can significantly enhance carbon sequestration, reduce soil erosion, and improve biodiversity. The findings highlight the importance of minimal soil disturbance and the strategic use of high-carbon areas like hedgerows and grass margins to optimise soil carbon storage.
The report focuses on nature-based solutions and contains two sections:
- Section 1: habitat specific nature-based solutions: a review of the available evidence.
- Section 2: effective implementation and delivery of nature-based solutions.
Highlights regarding soil
Peatlands store around 3 billion tonnes of carbon in the UK but are emitting an estimated 23 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) annually (c. 5% UK emissions) as a result of drainage and degradation. Restoration can reduce and eventually halt these emissions.
Successful woodland NbS requires specific spatial and ecological planning. Avoid species rich grasslands, peat and other organic soils.
High soil carbon levels are found under and adjacent to hedgerows and in field margins. These areas improve water infiltration into the soil store storm runoff. They can prevent soil erosion, and capture pollution (e.g. fertiliser).
Agroforestry provides carbon sequestration and storage with average storage estimated to be up to 63 tonnes of carbon per hectare due to increased presence of trees. Agroforestry provides adaptation through reduced flood risk, microclimate benefits and prevention of soil erosion.
Soil disturbance as a result of management actions can increase carbon emissions from the soil stock, thus soil conservation and minimal disturbance is the best mitigation tool against carbon emissions from heathland ecosystems.
Removing conifers from afforested heathland may result in some carbon emissions but will benefit the soil carbon stores and heathland biodiversity in the long term.
Creating heathland from ex-arable land will result in increased carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation.
Restoring degraded heathland (e.g. overgrazed and transformed into grassland), will result in increased carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation.
Acid grasslands, predominantly found in the uplands, contain around 30% more soil carbon per unit area than other grassland types. Neutral (semi-improved) grasslands, richer in species than improved grasslands, also contain marginally more soil carbon in the top 15cm of soil. Maintaining and improving species diversity in neutral grassland is critical for mitigating GHG emissions and increasing wider biodiversity.
Soil carbon is 37% higher in soil beneath a grass margin than beneath an annual crop.
Recommendations for policy implementation
- Stop and reverse drainage, restore degraded peatlands, continue developing the Peatland Code, and end burning on blanket bogs.
- Increase native woodland area and connectivity, encourage natural regeneration, and ensure specific spatial and ecological planning to avoid detrimental impacts on biodiversity.
- Incentivise agroforestry and ensure the protection and re-establishment of hedgerows through environmental payments.
- Integrate urban green space and features into policy sectors, focusing on native species to ensure multiple benefits.