Saltmarshes: The Unsung Climate Heroes
In an exciting new partnership, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) has installed a flux system on an historic saltmarsh in the Ribble Estuary, funded by a WWF (the World Wide Fund for Nature) and Aviva partnership, Aviva and WWF - Aviva plc and another funded by Natural England at a nearby restored site.
The RSPB is thrilled to help support this work, which in October 2023 saw two flux towers installed on the saltmarsh in and around RSPB Hesketh Out Marsh.
This research project (which involves the first two flux towers in the UK to be installed on saltmarsh) will explore the pivotal role that UK saltmarsh habitats can play in mitigating climate change and removing carbon emissions from the atmosphere.
Measuring the Carbon Cycle: A Saltmarsh Research Platform
The heart of this initiative lies in the installation of the two carbon flux towers on the Ribble Estuary in Lancashire. The towers will meticulously measure the entire carbon cycle between the landscape and the atmosphere, affirming the significant role of saltmarsh as a long-term, natural carbon store.
Delving into the impact of rising sea levels on saltmarsh habitats, the project will help in the prioritisation of areas for restoration and conservation.
Data gathered over the next three years will be important in the development of the Saltmarsh Code, for which the RSPB is part of the consortium, led by UKCEH.
Live Monitoring: Unveiling Carbon Capture Secrets
What makes these projects ground-breaking is the live monitoring of carbon cycling , combined with conventional techniques for analysing carbon stored in saltmarsh soils. This data will offer insights into the quantity of carbon captured, the speed of sequestration (the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide), and the duration of storage.
Blue Carbon: Nature's Climate Solution
Saltmarshes, native to the British Isles, are invaluable in combating climate change by serving as long-term, natural carbon reservoirs—commonly known as 'blue carbon' when located in coastal and marine ecosystems. Saltmarshes also play a crucial role in reversing the loss of nature, providing a unique habitat for plants and animals specially adapted to these conditions.
Restoration Opportunities: A Win-Win Scenario
Alarming figures reveal that approximately 85% of English saltmarshes have been lost over the past two centuries, mainly due to historical land conversion for agriculture. Restoring these saltmarshes presents an opportunity to potentially capture over 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, making a substantial impact in our fight against climate change.
Flood Resilience and Beyond
Apart from their environmental role, saltmarshes offer natural protection from flooding and coastal erosion, providing over £1 billion in flood resilience benefits to UK homes. There is significant potential to restore 22,000 hectares of land around the UK coast, which could further enhance carbon capture and storage.
A Brighter Future Awaits
As this research progresses, suitable sites for restoration can be identified, promoting a win-win scenario for climate, nature, and coastal communities. The initiative will help restore ecosystems, welcoming iconic native species like Herons, Oystercatchers, Otters, and a diverse marine life.
Flux Tower at Hesketh out Marsh - photo credits In The Dark/WWF