- Projects see 800 hectares of habitat created, 95,000 trees
planted, 16km hedgerows restored
- 3D laser scans reveal hedgerows store as much carbon as some
woodlands
A pioneering government-led programme has driven forward our
understanding of how to tackle climate change through
nature-based solutions, particularly the power of soil fungi and
the role hedgerows can play in absorbing carbon.
Scientific advancements achieved through the programme include
new methods for measuring carbon in hedgerows using 3D laser
scanning. This non-destructive method allows for large-scale
estimation of carbon held within hedgerows which revealed
hedgerows rival woodlands in carbon sequestration, helping us to
gain a better understanding of how they can help in the effort to
tackle the climate crisis.
Projects funded through the programme also revealed how fungi can
be used as an indicator species for how much carbon is stored in
soil, and how species rich grassland can take up significant
amounts of carbon while supporting important wildlife.
The Nature Returns programme, led by Natural England in
partnership with the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission and
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, has demonstrated how nature-based
solutions can address the climate emergency and drive sustainable
economic growth.
Over four years, six Local Partnership Projects across England
have planted over 95,000 trees and shrubs, restored 16 kilometres
of hedgerows, and improved 2.5 kilometres of
watercourses.
Dr Pete Brotherton, Natural England's Director of Science
and Climate Change, said:
“Nature is fundamental to all of our lives. Well-designed
nature-based solutions championed through this programme show how
we can help tackle the climate crisis whilst bolstering efforts
to help nature recover across our landscapes and deliver growth.”
Chris Waterfield, Carbon and Water Advisor at Forestry
Commission at the Forestry Commission said:
“Understanding more about our environment is key to the effort to
protect, restore and create habitats, along with all of the
benefits that they offer to communities.
“The rich variety of projects and research enabled through Nature
Returns will help us make strides forward in adapting to climate
change and preserving some of our most important habitats whilst
also looking at novel ways to bring additional funding to the
table.”
The programme pioneered new approaches to green finance, working
with partners to develop blended funding models that combine
public and private investment. This work is crucial for scaling
up nature-based solutions and opening up new funding
opportunities for nature.
Projects have also delivered practical flood management benefits,
with interventions including the installation of leaky dams that
reduced peak water flows by 12% in Plymouth's Seaton Valley,
helping protect communities from flooding whilst restoring
natural habitats.
Beyond environmental benefits, Nature Returns has seen
communities getting involved to restore nature. Over 7,000 people
joined in community activities and volunteering, with more than
400 volunteer days recorded.
Looking ahead, the programme will continue monitoring sites for
ten years to track long-term changes in carbon storage and
biodiversity. The lessons learned will inform the development of
England's forthcoming Land Use Framework and support the scaling
up of nature-based solutions across the country.
ENDSNotes to editors
