Thousands of National Trust sites ‘at risk from climate change’

FLOODS, humidity and rising temperatures caused by climate change threaten thousands of National Trust sites, the charity warns today.

It has developed a ‘gamechanging’ map to illustrate the risks facing some of its most famous and culturally significant sites.

The tool is based on a ‘ worstcase scenario’ failure to drive down carbon emissions over the coming decades, and highlights potential hazards in specific locations. The likes of Ham House on the Thames, Lyme Park in Cheshire and Birling Gap in East Sussex are all feared to be in danger.

The map suggests that, without action on emissions, the number of National Trust sites in areas at the highest threat level from climate change could more than trepotentially

‘It paints a stark picture’

ble to 11,462 over the next 40 years. And the number of sites at high or medium risk of climaterelated hazards could increase from 20,457 – 30 per cent of sites – to 47,888 - or 71 per cent of sites – by 2060.

Identifying areas at risk will allow the charity to pinpoint locations that could need interventions such as tree planting or peat bog restoration.

The map will ensure that, under a commitment to plant 20million trees to tackle climate change, the plants will go to the places they are needed the most.

Projections suggest high heat and humidity will hit the SouthEast of England, with a third of National Trust sites in the region experiencing at least 15 days above 30C (86F) a year. It is also predicted that storm damage, landslides and flooding will become more common and widespread, particularly in the North of England and Wales.

Coastal erosion and flooding will increase in Northern Ireland, leading to more landslides around locations such as the Giant’s Causeway.

National Trust director for land and nature Harry Bowell said: ‘This map is a game-changer in how we face the threat climate change poses to the places we care for. While the data draws on a worst- case scenario, the map paints a stark picture of what we have to prepare for. But by acting now, and working with nature, we can adapt to many of these risks.’

The analysis draws together research from a number of sources, including official UK Climate Projections.