Restored wetlands in England remained green during the heat wave
The restored wetlands and river systems at the Holnicourt estate in Somerset remained green and lush throughout five summer heat waves. Meanwhile, the surrounding countryside has become dry and brown due to the drought, according to The Guardian World.
On the part of the estate managed by the National Trust, rivers have been restored to their natural course, and wetlands have been rehabilitated. Project manager Ben Irdley explained that these measures have created natural “sponges” in the landscape, capable of retaining water during droughts and sustaining wetlands and adjacent natural habitats.
According to Irdley, the restored river systems also slow the flow of water during storms and periods of heavy rainfall, helping to protect downstream villages from the risk of flooding. He noted that the very same natural processes that promote wildlife restoration help communities adapt to the effects of climate change.
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The National Trust considers these projects to be strong evidence that nature-based solutions can increase the resilience of areas to wildfires. Harry Bowell, the organization’s director of land and nature, called on the government to invest more actively in such solutions to strengthen the country’s resilience to extreme weather events.
According to data cited by The Guardian, the United Kingdom has lost more than 90% of its wetlands over the past century. Bowell also noted that this summer, a lowland heathland on another National Trust estate, Dunwich, was destroyed by fire. In his view, nature should be regarded as essential infrastructure, and investment in it can benefit both communities and ecosystems.
