National Trust Urges UK Government to Enhance Climate Resilience

Begg emphasised that the National Trust is like a warning sign, and everywhere they look, they see the impact of the changing climate. Being ready and planning for the future has never been more important. This report is a clear message, saying it’s the moment to respond properly.

He mentioned that asking for new laws is not something they take lightly. Begg is concerned that political timelines and election cycles aren’t ideal for dealing with long-term changes. However, he believes that new laws are necessary.

The report suggests that the UK government should promise to create specific legal duties and goals for adapting in the first part of the next parliament.

This could include making it a legal duty for public bodies to consider climate adaptation when making decisions across the UK. The report suggests having a minister for climate adaptation, either in Cabinet Office or Treasury.

For Wales, the report calls for more resources for Cadw, the Welsh government’s historic environment service. In Northern Ireland, it suggests making it a legal duty for public bodies to plan for coastal changes and their long-term effects. The report doesn’t mention Scotland because the National Trust doesn’t cover that area.

Begg provided an example of adaptation at Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire. When the River Skell floods, the ruins are in danger. He explained that it’s not about protecting or changing things within site’s boundaries.

They have to work upstream with landowners, farmers, and other users to benefit the entire community downstream, preventing water from rushing into people’s homes in Ripon.

The report provides additional examples of adaptation efforts. For instance, at Penrhyn Castle in Bangor, north Wales, the National Trust is significantly changing the planting in the sheltered wall garden.

The analysis suggests that by 2080, the site might experience weather patterns similar to those in northern Spain. To prepare for hotter and drier weather, the team is creating a Mediterranean-style planting scheme within the walls.

In another project in north Wales, thermometers have been installed in Cwm Idwal to help winter climbers know whether they can climb without disturbing the delicate fauna beneath.

In the Lake District, the National Trust is working on “re-meandering” Goldrill Beck to address flooding issues. Meanwhile, at Cragside, a stately home in Northumberland, the Victorian guttering and cement-based mortar are unable to handle 21st-century downpours, so they have been replaced.

Emma Howard Boyd, the global ambassador for the UN-backed campaign Race to Resilience, expressed hope that the report serves as a catalyst for increased public attention on climate security.

She sees it as a source of guidance and support and a powerful message to decision-makers across various sectors that the time to act is now.