Norfolk saltmarshes are “powerful allies” in fight against climate change experts say

More saltmarshes should be created in Norfolk, experts have said, after a landmark study found the landscape could be crucial in the fight against climate change and pollution.

A probe by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has found the vast coastal wetlands on the north Norfolk coast and in The Wash act as “significant” carbon sinks.

In response, the conservation charity estimates that 22,000 hectares of saltmarsh should be created urgently, much of which could be made in Norfolk.

WWF researchers believe this should be adopted as government policy, offering a nature-based solution in its bid to reach net zero carbon emissions.

Tom Brook, ocean conservation specialist at WWF, said: “The results are in, and mud matters.

“Saltmarshes are powerful natural allies in the fight against climate change – storing carbon, protecting our coasts and supporting rich biodiversity.

“As extreme weather and rising sea levels put more people and places at risk, the case for protecting and restoring these habitats has never been stronger.

“Saltmarshes are not just ecologically important but essential to building a resilient, net zero future.”

A probe undertaken at a recently created saltmarsh in Somerset found 18,000 tonnes of carbon over four years – the equivalent to carbon stored by one million new trees grown over a ten-year period.

This is also the same amount of carbon as taking 32,900 cars off the road for a year.

However, researchers have also warned saltmarshes are under threat in certain parts of north Norfolk, like Stiffkey, due to rising sea levels while in other areas, like The Wash, they are expanding.

Mr Brook said: “While the initial data suggest some Norfolk saltmarshes may not be keeping pace with sea level rise.

“The reasons behind this potential lag aren’t yet fully understood – it could be due to reduced sediment supply, changes in tidal dynamics, or a combination of factors.

“What’s clear from our report is that there’s considerable regional variability: some marshes are accreting (growing taller) faster than others.”

WWF says it will continue to monitor the situation over the coming years to better understand the factors affecting the health of saltmarshes in places like Norfolk.

The findings come at a critical time for nature sites, with environmentalists warning that planning reforms could leave sites at risk of pollution from developers due to legal protections being rolled back.

Steff Aquarone, MP for North Norfolk, has called for more to be done to protect saltmarshes and their unique habitat.

Annabel Hill, senior marine project officer at Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said: “Norfolk is home to large areas of saltmarsh, including on our nature reserves at Cley Marshes and Holme Dunes, and is a hugely valuable habitat for wildlife and people too.

“As well as helping with much-needed carbon storage, protecting our county’s coast from flooding and offering a wild landscape enjoyed by so many, it is home to many wildlife species including rare plants, brent geese and redshank.”

“As our sea levels rise, we are sadly seeing the disappearance of coastal habitats such as saltmarsh, and it is vital that decision-making about the future of our landscape is led by this evidence.

“Working together to protect these special habitats is a win-win for nature and addressing the climate crisis.”