SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK - Climate Change Adaptation Plan SOUTHDOWNS.GOV.UK
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South Downs Centre
North Street
SOUTH DOWNS
Midhurst
West Sussex NATIONAL PARK
GU29 9DH
T: 01730 814810
SOUTHDOWNS.GOV.UK Climate Change Adaptation Plan
SOUTH DOWNS
NATIONAL PARK
Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Pond dipping in July ©SDNPA/ Mischa Haller
2 South Downs National Park
CONTENTS
Introduction 04
The National Park Partnership 06
Management Plan
Why produce a climate change 07
adaptation plan?
Building resilience into ecological 08
networks
The Adaptation Approach 09
(methodology)
Evidence Base 10
National level projections till 2050 11
Primary habitats vulnerable to 12
climate change
Impacts and observed changes on key 13
National Park assets and interests
Ecosystem Services and climate change 20
Assessment of the risks and 22
opportunities
Summary of high risk impacts over 24
short, medium and long term
Interdependencies, barriers 25
and opportunities
Next Steps – Implementing and 26
reviewing the Action Plan
Annexes
Annex 1 – Ecosystem Service Impacts 28
Annex 2 – Assessment of the principal 38
climate change risks and opportunities
Annex 3 – Climate Change Action Plan 80
Annex 4 – Policy responses to climate 98
change within the Partnership
Management Plan (PMP)
Annex 5 – Bibliography 100
Climate Change Adaptation Plan 3
INTRODUCTION
Climate change is one of the At the upper range of current predictions The South Downs National Park
1
‘Where there are threats
of serious or irreversible
we may start to exceed the thresholds at
principal drivers of environmental
damage, lack of full
scientific certainty shall
which these services function adequately. not be used as a reason
change for the South Downs The current understanding of environmental for postponing cost
effective measures that ALTON
Godalming
National Park in the future. Its limits is insufficient, but in terms of planning prevent environmental
degradation’ (United
Four
Binsted KEY
CRAWLEY EAST
GRINSTEAD
Marks
impacts are likely to be significant adaptive responses we have adopted a Nations General New A3
1 Bordon South Downs National Park Railway
Assembly, 1992’. Alresford Haslemere South Downs Way Settlement
precautionary approach1. Liphook
and profound across a whole range Selborne South Downs Way Crowborough
WINCHESTER Horsham
(footpath only)
Northchapel
Railway Stations
Change is inevitable, and the ability of Liss
of areas and assets. The impact
natural systems to be resilient or adapt Twyford West Meon PETERSFIELD Haywards
upon some of the key Ecosystem to climate change varies. Planning for Eastleigh
Upham East Meon
MIDHURST
River Rother Petworth
Heath
Uckfield
Services of the National Park are adaptation requires ‘adjustment in natural Bishopstoke River Meon
Cocking Pulborough Hurstpierpoint Burgess Hill Heathfield
Storrington
also potentially significant. or human systems in response to actual or
SOUTHAMPTON
Rowlands Castle Singleton
Steyning
Ditchling
expected climatic stimuli or their effects, River Arun LEWES
Hailsham
Lavant
which moderate harm or exploits beneficial Havant River Adur River Ouse
Arundel
opportunities’ (Intergovernmental Panel on FAREHAM Alfriston
CHICHESTER WORTHING BRIGHTON & HOVE
Climate Change, 2007).
Cuckmere
River EASTBOURNE
LITTLEHAMPTON N
GOSPORT
PORTSMOUTH East Dean
The adaptive responses we have set out BOGNOR REGIS
ENGLISH CHANNEL
0 10 km
in this report have been informed by the
five main adaptation principles (see below This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey
on behalf of the Controller of her majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright 100050083 2011
diagram) and seek to work with the dynamics
of natural systems.
The role of the South Downs
National Park Authority The Purposes and Duty of the
Diagram 1: Five principles National Park Authority
of adaptation, England The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) has
Biodiversity Strategy: a key role in meeting the challenges and opportunities The National Park Authority has two statutory
Climate Change climate change may present. We need to ensure we purposes:
Adaptation Principles
Maintain
Accommodate
1
have a full understanding, underpinned by adequate ‘To conserve and enhance the natural
(Defra, 2008) and increase evidence, of the risk posed to the National Park and
ecological change its key assets.
beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage
of the National Park area’;
resilience Our work, both in terms of policy and delivery, needs and
to be sighted on the full range of potential impacts
Take
relating to climate change. Through our Partnership
Management Plan and other action plans we need to 2 ‘To promote opportunities for the
understanding and enjoyment of the
practical ensure we properly co-ordinate our work in relation to special qualities of the National Park
by the public’;
action now climate change adaptation and mitigation.
We need to use our convening power to achieve In carrying out these purposes, it also has a
the necessary joined-up and shared action with our duty to:
external partnerships as well. This climate change ‘Seek to foster the economic and social
Integrate Develop adaptation report, the risk assessment and its well-being of the local communities within
action across knowledge and accompanying action plan set out how we intend the National Park’.
to do this.
all sectors plan strategically In addition, Section 62 of the Environment Act
1995 requires all relevant bodies to have regard
for these purposes in terms of their activities,
plans and programmes.
4 South Downs National Park Climate Change Adaptation Plan 5
THE NATIONAL WHY PRODUCE A CLIMATE
PARK PARTNERSHIP CHANGE ADAPTATION PLAN?
MANAGEMENT PLAN
In terms of its plan making Core Values and The requirement to report also The Climate Change Act (2008) in building resilience to climate n Preparing proposals and policy
covers the impact on the rural gave a new directive power to the change across sectors, taking responses to adapt adequately
and policies we, the SDNPA, Guiding Principles economy and how resilience for Secretary of State for Environment, into account the full range to the risks to their business that
have sought to develop from the PMP that the future might be built in through Food & Rural Affairs. This allows of social, economic and relate to climate change;
an integrated approach adaptive responses. them to ask public authorities, environmental impacts.
to managing land, water
are relevant to this statutory bodies and other
n Co-operating with other
The UK government is preparing reporting authorities to achieve
and the living resources of adaptation plan ‘Promoting good governance – organisations performing functions
to update the UK Climate Change that purpose.
considering how to encourage of a public nature, to report on
Risk Assessment and the supporting
the National Park. It also ‘Living within environmental active participation’ their progress in adapting to The structure and approach taken
evidence reports in 2017. To
seeks to promote their limits – considering the
climate change. This is known
inform this process, the Secretary
in this report has been informed
The requirement to report also as the Adaptation Reporting by Defra’s reporting guidance.
conservation and sustainable impact on the environment’ means that we need to identify of State for Environment, Food &
The previous National Adaptation
Power (ARP). The ARP places a
use, to ensure that these risks associated with climate requirement on these bodies to
Rural Affairs invited the National
Programme report also provided
This adaptation report and action Park Authorities to undertake
essential natural services are plan is about identifying the risks
change and plan effectively to produce a report that sets out how
a second round of reporting.
a good basis for defining some
mitigate or adapt in response to of the principle topic heading
protected and enhanced relating to climate change and
those challenges. This reflects
they are responding to the risks
The SDNPA formally agreed to
and impacts presented by climate and focal areas.
now and for the future. how they might impact upon
and promotes good governance. change to their core business.
participate in this.
the environmental, social and The reports submitted through
The Adaptation Report, once Voluntary guidance on how to
The Partnership Management Plan economic assets of the National In July 2013, the government the second round will help the
completed, is a mechanism produce an Adaptation Report was
(PMP) for the South Downs was Park. This is fundamentally about published the first National government assess the level of
through which we can encourage issued to all reporting authorities
published in 2013. It is the first living within environmental limits Adaptation Programme. This capacity within each sector to
action by actively communicating giving them advice on:
over-arching five year strategy for – either through highlighting summary report was based upon develop adaptive responses.
the findings of the report.
the South Downs National Park. mitigation or adaptation responses. data from the first ‘Adaptation n Assessing the current and The information provided will also
Preparation of the PMP was led ‘Using evidence to support Plan’ reporting round. Based upon predicted impacts of climate inform the review of the National
and co-ordinated by the National ‘Ensuring a strong healthy and current modelled projections, it change in relation to their Climate Change Risk Assessment
proposals – taking account of
Park Authority working jointly with just society – considering social sets out the current challenges purposes and statutory functions; in any updates of the Adaptation
a high-level stakeholder group – the precautionary principle’. Programme thereafter.
cohesion and wellbeing’
the South Downs Partnership and The adaptation report will need to
with extensive public consultation. Environmental impacts, driven
be properly evidenced to meet the
by climate change, are also likely
The PMP sets out a long-term vision requirements being placed on us
to have significant impacts on
for the National Park. It includes by the Climate Change Act and
society, health and well-being.
11 outcomes which provide a the Adaptation Reporting Powers
The requirement placed on us to
framework for communities, being exercised by the Secretary of
report covers social impacts as
landowners, charities, businesses State. It needs to be based upon the
well – as far as they relate to our
and public bodies to work together best available science and the UK
purposes and duty.
to make this vision and these Climate Impacts Projections (UKCIP)
outcomes a reality. The PMP also and national level risk assessment.
‘Achieving a sustainable
drives the Authority’s own business As it requires us to think about
economy – considering building adaptive responses for the
and operational plans, and impacts on or contribution
provides the starting point for the future, it is taking full account of the
to a sustainable economy’ precautionary principle.
development of the policies in our
Local Plan document.
southdowns.gov.uk/pmp
Fulking Escarpment ©SDNPA
6 South Downs National Park Climate Change Adaptation Plan 7
BUILDING RESILIENCE INTO THE ADAPTATION APPROACH
ECOLOGICAL NETWORKS (METHODOLOGY)
Biodiversity 2020: Five components of an ecological network: Through our involvement This identified the principal areas In terms of a broad methodology
that we considered were necessary we have sought to:
A strategy for England’s in the National Parks to address within the report, and
wildlife and ecosystem 1 To achieve this the strategy
recommends a spatially based
England Climate Change gave us a broad framework within Identify the key assets and
services (2011) sets out Core areas of high conservation approach and landscape scale
Working Group we which to structure the report. features of the National Park.
some priority actions that value – rare or important action. The risk and opportunity benefitted greatly from the In developing our adaptation
seek to increase resilience habitats or areas that are of assessment, which is annexed experience accrued by approach, a major requirement Assess vulnerability of key
high ecological value or deliver to this report, sets out these was to undertake a risk assessment
to climate change, and challenges as fully as possible.
the other National Parks in assets and features of the
important ecosystem services. across the breadth of our business. National Park.
suggests we actively review It also sets out an action plan for developing their first round This was developed from our
our responses over time. reports. Our approach has
Key to this is the need to 2 how we might seek to address the
most significant effects, or make been informed by the best
current evidence baseline and
sought to identify the impacts upon Consider sectoral impacts for
Corridors or stepping stones – best use of new opportunities. the key assets of the National principle land uses such as
establish ‘more coherent practice identified as a Park. It also looked across relevant farming and forestry.
provide a mosaic of habitats
and resilient ecological allowing species to move between result of this exercise. sectors that are central to the
networks on land that core areas and supporting landscape of the National Park
For the preparation of our such as farming, forestry and Assess the impacts based
safeguard ecosystem ecosystem service function.
Adaptation Report and Action upon current climate change
other principal land uses.
services for the benefit Plan we have required expertise projections
of wildlife and people’. 3 and input from across the SDNPA
as well as from external partners.
We have tried to assess the
likely impacts upon Ecosystem
estoration areas – creating
R This has been achieved through Services and the functions which Score these risks and
Coherent = new high value areas that restore establishing a ‘task and finish’ are provided by the natural opportunities based upon
Has all the necessary elements habitats and ecosystem service group that brought together the environment that benefit society. likelihood, impact and risk
and its value is more than the functions. relevant expertise from a wide for the short, medium and
sum of its component parts. constituency. We have also run long term.
Resilience = 4 a number of workshop events to
facilitate joint working.
uffer Zones – that protect core
B Identify current policy responses
Able to absorb, resist or
areas from adverse impacts in the In order to fulfil the requirement and highlight any gaps.
recover from disturbances
wider environment. to report properly, we initially
or damage from natural
scoped the areas that were most
influences, human activities Identify adaptation options
relevant for us to report on.
(including climate change)
while continuing to provide
5 An initial exercise was carried (potential delivery/actions).
Sustainable use areas – parts out to map our principal policy
ecosystem services.
of surrounding land that are responses and delivery within Assess the acceptability
managed in a sustainable and the South Downs Partnership of those options, their
wildlife friendly way. Management Plan against the interdependencies, and the
focal areas set out in the National potential barriers to delivery.
Adaptation Programme.
Identify planned actions for the
short, medium and long term
(delivery/actions).
8 South Downs National Park Climate Change Adaptation Plan 9
EVIDENCE BASE NATIONAL LEVEL
PROJECTIONS UNTIL 2050
UK Climate Projects The UKCIP projections have been
used to set the baseline range
(UKCP09) projections of possible climatic change used
suggest that by 2050 in the assessment of risk and
we may see hotter, drier opportunities in Annex 2. These
summers, changes in are for the short, medium and long
term horizons which are 2020,
patterns of rainfall and an 2050 and 2080.
increase in the impact of
extreme weather events Natural England
such as flooding. Climate Change
For the period 1960–1990 the
Vulnerability Mapping
annual average temperature Natural England have recently
for the UK has increased. developed a mapping tool that
Projected increases in mean identifies environmental assets
temperature could be 2.8°C or which are most vulnerable to
greater, along with a decrease climate change. The South Downs
The SDNPA is looking The report was developed This was a theme that was further in average seasonal rainfall of was one of the areas included
Rainbow on Iron Age fort
in close collaboration with a developed in the Partnership 19%. Though summer rainfall within the first pilots of this
to establish itself as a wide range of organisations Management Plan the following
near Clanfield ©Warren Peters
varies dramatically the overall work and this Climate Change
strongly evidence based and individuals. It was a year. An online version of the trend has been a decrease. Vulnerability Mapping data is
organisation. In 2012 key document to enable the State of the Park Report can be There is reasonable confidence available for us to use. This will
we published our first Authority and our partners to found here: that the greatest impact of the address many of our evidence
tackle the complex issues facing change in summer precipitation requirements but will require some
State of the Park Report. the South Downs National
snpr.southdowns.gov.uk/files/
work in-house to ensure we can
default.html will be in the south of England.
This sought to capture a Park. The issues it highlighted use the tool effectively to support
By contrast the trend for winter
picture of the National were the basis for developing Evidence gaps remain,
rainfall for the last 30 years has
the reporting process.
the planned outcomes and particularly around the long term
Park as it was at that or cumulative effects of climate been for it to fall in heavy events.
policies with our first Partnership
point, and to provide a Management Plan. change on ecological networks. There is reasonable confidence that
baseline against which Where these have been identified these high seasonal rainfall events
It is a comprehensive document will increase, with a corresponding
future changes could they have been included within
that pulls together a range of increase in flood events. In winter the
the action plan in Annex 3. The
be measured. data and evidence across the
intention would be to prioritise mean temperature increase could
sectors. This was an important be around 2.2°C with an increase
these through the setting of our
foundation document and the of average seasonal rainfall of 16%
research priorities and work with
first that started to develop and across the south east region.
academic/research partners to
introduce ecosystem services
address these gaps.
and benefits as being key to
delivering our purposes and duty.
Iping Common ©John Dominick
10 South Downs National Park Climate Change Adaptation Plan 11
13
Families at Durleighmarsh farm
beetles has also been lengthening.
and development of the woodland
temperature sensitive species such
canopy as a result of advancing
and the arrival of migrant birds.
Ground flora in woodland may
Climate Change Adaptation Plan
The breeding season for many
be impacted by earlier leafing
as butterflies, dragonflies and
frogs spawning, birds nesting
seen their life cycles advance
in recent decades including
Many animal groups have
CHANGES ON KEY NATIONAL
PARK ASSETS AND INTERESTS
seasonal events.
Phenology is the study of
seasonal and inter-annual
periodic plant and animal
life cycle events and how
©SDNPA/Mischa Haller
variations in climate, as
these are influenced by
well as habitat factors
(such as elevation).
IMPACTS AND OBSERVED
2
species so affecting the interactions
per decade and the pollen season
has been between 2.5 and 4 days
and animals. There has also been
events such as flowering, budding
an observed earlier occurrence of
starts (of average) 10 days earlier
warmer springs in recent decades
events. The timing of such events
which has meant that biological
between species (LWEC, 2013).
been occurring earlier. This rate
There has been a trend towards
spring seasonal events in plants
in plants is shifting, with 78% of
occurrence of autumn seasonal
In terrestrial ecosystems there is
advance of spring and summer
1971 and 2000. The average
and egg laying/hatching have
showing an advance between
leafing and flowering records
of change may vary between
a corresponding shift in later
Observed changes in species phenology2
than in the 1960s.
days. Six of the ten longest growing
days longer then the climatological
season has been an average of 29
frost – where the temperature dips
According to the Central England
longest 336 days being recorded
Climate (CET) record, during the
1961–1990 (Met Office, 2016).
within the last 30 years, with the
period 2006–2015 the average
days for the period 2006–2015
The average number of air frost
last ten years the plant growing
another climatic trend, which is
the period 1861 and 1890 the
below 0° – has been declining.
average was 244 days, for the
growing season has been 280
that the number of days of air
period 1961–1990. Between
seasons recorded have fallen
has dropped by 16.6% when
in 2014 (Met Office, 2016)
The CET series also reveals
compared with the period
PRIMARY HABITATS VULNERABLE
TO CLIMATE CHANGE Primary
Primary Habitats
Primary Vulnerable
Habitats
Habitats to
to Climate
Vulnerable
Vulnerable Change
to Climate
Climate Change
Change
Primary Habitats Vulnerable to Climate Change
Primary Habitats Vulnerable to Climate Change
SSouth
outhDowns
South
South Downs
South
Downs
Downs National
National
Downs
National
National
Park
Park boundary
National
Park boundary
boundary
Deciduous
Park boundary Deciduous woodland
woodland
Deciduous
Deciduous
Deciduous woodland
woodland
woodland
Main Park
Main Habit
Main
Habit
South boundary
Habit
Downs National Park boundary Deciduous
Lowland woodland
calcareous grassland
Main Habit Lowland
Lowland calcareous
LowlandLowland calcareous
calcareous
calcareous grasslandgrassland
grasslandgrassland
Main
Main Habitat
Coastal
South
Coastal
Habit
Coastal
and
and floodplain
Downs
and
National
Coastal
floodplain
floodplain
grazing
grazing
grazing
marsh
Park boundary
and floodplain grazing marsh
marsh
marsh
Deciduous woodland
Lowland calcareous
heathland grassland
LowlandLowland
Lowland
Lowland heathland
heathland
heathland
heathland
Main Habit
CCoastal
oastal
Coastal
Coastal
andand floodplain
floodplain
saltmarsh
Coastal grazing marsh
saltmarsh
saltmarsh
saltmarsh
Lowland calcareous grassland
Lowland
Lowland heathland
meadows
LowlandLowland
meadowsmeadows
grazing
Coastal andmarsh
floodplain grazing marsh Lowland
Lowland meadows
meadows
Coastal saltmarsh
vegetated
Coastal Coastal shingle
vegetated
vegetated shingle shingle Lowland heathland
Coastal vegetated shingle Lowland meadows
Traditional orchard orchard
Traditional
Traditional orchard
orchard
Coastal saltmarsh
Coastal saltmarsh Traditional
Traditional orchard
Coastal vegetated shingle Lowland meadows
Traditional
Woodpasture
Woodpasture orchard
and
and parkland
Woodpasture and parkland
parkland
Woodpasture and parkland
Woodpasture and parkland
CCoastal
oastal vegetated
vegetated shingle shingle
Traditional orchard
Woodpasture and parkland
Woodpasture and parkland
South Downs National Park
¯¯
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and database rights
rights 2016 Ordnance Survey
Survey 100050083
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Crown copyright
copyright and database
database rights
2016 2016 Ordnance
Ordnance Survey 100050083
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Scale 100050083
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© Crown copyright and database rights 2016 OrdnanceScale
Survey 100050083
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© Crown copyright and database rights 2016 Ordnance Survey 100050083
Impacts upon
local communities
Flooding events increasingly affect
the lives of many communities.
Along with the risks to life and
property there are also impacts
upon health and wellbeing,
social cohesion and disruption
to essential services.
Extremes or increases in summer
temperatures can lead to increased
mortality and morbidity in elderly
or vulnerable groups of the
population. Wellbeing decreases
as a result of extreme cold spells
or heat waves that exceed seasonal
Southease Village ©SDNPA/AndrewPickettPhoto.com
or comfortable temperatures. Heat
waves over the last decade have
caused thousands of premature
Observed changes in storm severity deaths across central Europe. The
and drought conditions. length and intensity of heat waves
is projected to increase in the
The incidence and severity of With the advent of warmer, wetter long-term. Cold related mortality
drought conditions seems to be winters there may be increased is projected to decrease due to
increasing across Europe and the risk of flooding of properties and changes in seasonal climatic
UK. The south of England was agricultural land in river valleys conditions and improved housing
impacted by three major drought and low lying areas. and social conditions.
events in 2005, 2011 and 2012.
Average UK insured losses of Exposure to ground-level ozone
While public water supply has
damage to property through wind is currently estimated to cause
precedence over other uses, there
have been restrictions in place to
storms are now at £620 million per around 20,000 deaths per year Impact on water resources
annum. Extreme storm events such Europe wide. Future projected
manage demand. Abstraction of water from This is well above the national
as those in 1987, 1990, 2001, climate change is expected to
The insurance costs from natural 2007 and 2016 may become cause an increase in ground level within the National Park average of 159 litres per
disasters such as floods and storm more frequent. This will result in ozone concentrations, though this provides a water supply for person, per day. The high
events have increased and are a loss of trees, disruption to may be off-set to some degree around 1.2 million people. demand is putting increased
projected to increase further in the transport and other public services by reductions in future emissions. Groundwater abstraction totals pressure on natural resources as
future. With the projected increase and damage to property. around 215,190 litres per it reduces the amount available
The number of heating degree
in the intensity and frequency of year, of which 92% is to meet for the environment. This is one
Average rainfall across the days, that is the number of days
extreme storm events this trend the demand for the public of the causes of poor ecological
National Park is currently around that communities are likely to
is likely to continue in the future. water supply. Surface water (41% currently failing) and
807mm per annum in the west require to heat their homes,
Increases in population, economic abstraction totals a further chemical status (45.4% currently
to 879 mm per annum in the has declined by an average of
wealth and development on flood 125,514 million litres per year. failing) of many of the streams
east. The recharge of the chalk 16 days since the 1980s. This
prone areas are also a contributing A majority of this (59%) is for and rivers in the National Park.
aquifers occurs during the reduced demand for heating is
factor to these increasing costs. fish farming, with a further 29% Increased drought conditions
autumn and winter and is the projected to continue. Conversely
for the public water supply. and the potential for lower
The cost of damage to UK abstraction for the public water we may see an increased
levels of aquifer recharge in the
properties through flooding has supply. Changes to seasonal energy demand for cooling of The population that is reliant on
autumn or winter may further
reached around £1.3 billion per rain patterns and evaporation buildings during the summer. water sourced from the South
compound this issue.
annum. More extreme rainfall rates may affect the ability of Downs National Park uses
events, such as in 2007, 2009 the aquifer to recharge fully. an average of 170 litres per
and 2012 have caused significant person, per day.
disruption and damage to property. River Itchen ©SDNPA/Sam Moore
14 South Downs National Park Climate Change Adaptation Plan 15
Observed impacts
from invasive species
and pathogens3
The pattern of introduction for
non-native species has remained
consistent, however climatic
change is favouring the spread
Iping Common with of some species once they have
flowering gorse and heather established. There are a number of
©Nigel Symington natural species colonisations that
can be attributed to warming such
as the southern emerald damselfly.
The risk posed by invasive species,
pests and pathogens may be
Observed changes on habitats, species abundance and distribution increased by an increase in
climatic compatibility, especially
The balance of tree species in The south east has seen a notable Around 20% of habitats and with milder winters.
our woodland and the wider increase in risk on the UK wildfire 12% of species are potentially River Itchen at Ovington, Hampshire ©SDNPA/Guy Edwardes
Increases in temperature has
landscape may change due to index. The trend towards hotter, threatened by projected climate also favoured some species that
some species, such as beech, drier summers may see an increase change impacts. The rate at which are the vector for disease. The Observed impacts on riparian
being more sensitive to drought in fire risk on certain habitat types, change may occur is likely to
and sun-scorch. More drought particularly lowland heath which exceed the ability of many species
biting midge Culicoides imicola and freshwater ecosystems
is typically a southern European
tolerant trees, such as ash, may is also sensitive to reductions to adapt or move, this is more species but it has been extending UK river temperatures have seen Climate change is predicted to
be impacted by the spread of tree in precipitation and may, over likely to be the case in habitats that its range north in recent years and increases broadly in line with those have a significant impact on water
pathogens like Phytopthera, that time, be replaced by dry, acid are small, isolated or fragmented. as a result it has contributed to of air temperatures, and in some within the South Downs National
affect the health and survival of grasslands. the spread of bluetongue virus in
Species that are able to expand freshwater ecosystems there have Park. Groundwater fed rivers
mature trees. UK livestock. Climate change will
Observed changes in the range and increase in abundance are been observed changes in life cycle such as the River Meon could see
Hedgerows are vulnerable to of some animal species are generally those with a relatively increase the risk of other diseases events. There is also evidence of reduced flows of between 5–10%.
drought and changes in climatic consistent with recorded increases warm, southerly distribution. Those and pathogens expanding their some declines of fish species as Rivers within clay catchment areas
conditions, such as hotter, drier of temperature. that are losing their climate space range into the UK. a result of these changes in water such as the River Ouse could
summers which may lead to a in the UK are generally those temperature. Phytoplankton and see its summer flows reduced by
There is good national data to
decrease in diversity of hedgerow typical of colder, more upland zooplankton blooms are occurring 30%. This will impact on the water
highlight this trend for a range
species and associated flora. This areas. Genetic adaptation will help earlier, the incidence of species resource available, as well as
of species groups including birds,
will also reduce their effectiveness some species to expand their range (including toxic species) that water quality due to less dilution
butterflies and dragonflies.
in terms of proving habitat by increasing their ability for originate from warmer regions is of pollution and discharges from
connectivity within the landscape. Data shows that most southerly dispersal, for example the brown also increasing. waste water treatment works. This
distributed animal species have argus butterfly has started to use could be compounded by the
Some chalk grassland species In terms of water flows there has
been subject to a northerly drift in a new food plant, wild geranium effects of soil erosion and turbidity
are more sensitive to drought and been a general observed trend
distribution over the last 20–25 (LWEC, 2013). on water quality and ecology.
heat stress than others. Overall since the 1960s towards increased
years. This average shift for this
species composition can change, There has been a marked decline river flows during winter and
time period has been between 31
with conditions favouring some in wildfowl and wader species in the decreased river flows in summer,
–60 km, representing an average
grasses. Sites under 5Ha are UK with populations of the Bewick though this is subject to some
rate of 13.7 to 24.8km per
more vulnerable as they have swan declining by 44% between seasonal and regional variation.
decade. Altitudinal margins have
less resilience to change so small 1997/98 and 2007/08. They are
also shifted upwards by around
isolated fragments of habitat now overwintering further to the
25 metres.
may be lost. north and east of their range. 3
An infectious agent such
as a virus, bacterium,
fungus or micro-organism
that can cause disease or
impact upon species health.
16 South Downs National Park Climate Change Adaptation Plan 17Observed impacts upon agricultural Observed impacts
production and systems upon sea levels
In terms of agriculture there has The economic impact of soil and coastal zones
been a northward shift on the degradation in England is currently
Tide gauge measurements show
suitable range for growing estimated at between £250 and
a mean sea-level rise of around
several crops. £350 million per annum. Increased
1.7mm per year as fairly constant
cycles of drought and flood are
The growing season for a number over the course of the 20th century.
projected which will impact upon
of crop types has extended by Remote sensing data from satellites
soil condition. Changes in soil
an average of 11.4 days for the have shown an increase in this
micro-biology may impact on its
period 1992 to 2008 (EEA, 2012). rise to around 3mm per year
fertility and decline of crop yields.
The harvest dates for cereals and in the last 20 years. This is not
A greater level and rate of surface
some perennial crops has been uniform and some locations, and
run-off may increase soil erosion
advancing by around two days per corresponding vertical movement
and nutrient loss on some steeper
decade. The yields for some crops of land, are experiencing much
cultivated slopes.
such as wheat are falling across greater average rises in sea level.
northern Europe, while yields of The UK has experienced a long-
On the south coast the observed
maize are increasing in part due term trend in warmer growing
sea level rise between 1970 and
to better suitability to changing conditions since the 1970s. In the
2000 has been around 50mm
climatic conditions. In the south South Downs this has resulted in
and now averages around 3mm
there has been an increase in the a larger area of land under vine
per year. If this trend continues,
demand for water for irrigation and production. If this warming trend
combined with an increase
reduced yields due to heat waves continues as projected, crops that
in seasonal storm events, the
and droughts. are better adapted to warmer
effectiveness of coastal defences
climatic conditions such as fennel
Since 1990, southern England may be reduced. This will increase
and soya bean may become
has experienced an increased the risk of coastal flooding,
important commercial crops.
trend in soil moisture deficit, with and the sea level rise may also
a corresponding increase in water An extended growing season may affect the natural functioning
abstraction for irrigation. In spring offer the potential for improved of tidal rivers and estuaries.
2011 the region experienced much grassland productivity, increased
drier than average conditions, yields for some better adapted
causing problems for farmers crops and the potential for
and land managers. If this trend double-cropping.
continues we may see a decline in
yields or loss of some crops due to
drought conditions.
Impacts on cultural
heritage assets Field above Plumpton © SDNPA
Historical assets such as
barrows, hill forts and buried
archaeology are sensitive
to rainfall, erosion and
encroachment by trees and
vegetation. If current and
projected trends continue
these features will be
adversely affected.
South Downs Way, Clayton Windmills ©SDNPA/Sam Moore
18 South Downs National Park Climate Change Adaptation Plan 19ECOSYSTEM SERVICES Our current Partnership
Management Plan (2014–2019)
develop an integrated approach
to managing land, water and the
The climate change adaptation
options considered within this
AND CLIMATE CHANGE
recognises that the conservation living resources of the National report, and the actions proposed,
and enhancement of these Park. It also seeks to promote have potential to deliver
ecosystem derived ‘goods and their conservation and sustainable multiple benefits. For example,
services’ is fundamental to the use, to ensure that these essential new woodland planting would
pursuit of National Park Purposes. natural services are protected and clearly have a positive impact on
The plan seeks to deliver a wide enhanced now and for the future. biodiversity, but could also benefit
range of ecosystem services and landscape character, recreation, air
As a result of this we have applied
benefits at a landscape scale. quality, water infiltration and help
ecosystem service thinking in
prevent soil erosion.
Ecosystem Services are Key message from the NEA that It seeks to highlight the important relation to the assessment of
are relevant to this plan are: relationship between people, the climate change risks and assessing Where possible we are proposing
the services that the
n The natural world, its landscape and the benefits nature options. This report includes an to move towards naturally
natural environment provides for society. assessment of the likely impacts functioning systems which in most
biodiversity and its
delivers for society. ecosystems are critically of climate change on a range of cases offer the best adaptation
The SDNPA has sought to embed
They are the functions important to our wellbeing the Ecosystems Approach across
Ecosystem Services (see Annex solutions and deliver multiple
1). This has also influenced the Ecosystem Service benefits.
or processes that and economic prosperity, all of its work.
but they are consistently selections of options within the
ecosystems support In terms of its plan making and Action Plan in Annex 3.
undervalued in conventional
and provide a range of economic analyses and policies, the SDNPA has sought to
goods and services that decision making.
we benefit from. Diagram 4: Ecosystem Services Delivered in the South Downs National Park
n Ecosystems and ecosystem
services, and the ways people
The Millennial Ecosystem benefit from them, have
Assessment (2005) identified changed markedly in the past
four main categories of 60 years, driven by changes
Ecosystem Services: in society.
Provisioning Services n The UK’s ecosystems are
such as food, raw materials, currently delivering services
energy and fresh water. well, but others (30%) are in
Regulating Services long-term decline.
such as air or climate regulation n Population growth and
and purification of water. climate change are likely
Cultural Services to increase pressure on
such as recreational, heritage ecosystem services
or experiential values. in the future.
Supporting Services n Actions taken and decisions
such as habitats and nutrient made now will have
or water cycling. consequences far into the
future for ecosystem services
The National Ecosystem
and human wellbeing. It is
Assessment (NEA) (2011) was
important these consequences
the first attempt to assess the
are understood and we make
full range of benefits that nature
the best choices for present
provides. The assessment
and future generations.
also tried to consider how
they had been impacted n We need to move to a more
historically, and how they may integrated approach to
be affected by future changes. ecosystem management.
Succisa pratensis,
Devil’s-bit scabious ©Nigel Symington
20 South Downs National Park Climate Change Adaptation Plan 21ASSESSMENT OF THE
RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Cuckmere Haven ©Sam Moore
The risks and opportunities from climate
change have been considered under Built Environment Natural Farming Recreation
the following broad headings and Development Control, Spatial Environment and Forestry and Tourism
cover the range of natural and cultural Planning and Infrastructure.
Species diversity and habitats, Agriculture, Food Security, Land Rights of Way and Access,
assets of the National Park, principle n Flood and coastal erosion Water, Soils and Resource Management, Plantation and Visitor and Recreational
land uses, and the core business of the risk management Protection. Managed Woodland. Infrastructure, Visitor Use
and Numbers, Transport.
Authority itself. These have been based n Spatial planning n Building ecological n Building resilience
on the headings used in the UK climate n Increasing adaptive capacity resilience to the impacts in the agricultural sector n Sustainable tourism
of climate change
change adaption plan (2013). n Making homes and n Effective water management n Making recreational
communities more resilient n Developing adaptive infrastructure more resilient
The assessment of risks and opportunities from climate n Resilience in forestry
capacity at Landscape Scale
change is presented in Annex 2 – Assessment of the n Infrastructure networks n Opportunities to diversify
n Resilience to pests
principal climate change risks and opportunities. (energy, water and n Preparing for and the rural economy
and disease
transport etc.) accommodating
n South Downs Shared Identity
inevitable change n Innovation and evidence
n Infrastructure management
Landscape Historic Community NPA Business
Geology and landform, Environment and Economy Continuity
Landscape Character,
Historic Buildings and Local Economy, Community n Forward planning for
Landscape Features,
settlements, Archaeology, Life and Resilience. operational impacts
Land use and Settlements.
Historic Landscapes.
n Healthy and resilient n SDNPA property and estate
n Building ecological
n Building resilience to the Communities
resilience to the impacts n Staff welfare and practices
impacts of climate change
of climate change n Climate resilience
n Adapting to prepare in the health and
n Adaptive capacity
for inevitable change social care systems
at Landscape Scale
n Vulnerable groups
n Preparing for and
accommodating n Emergency services
inevitable change and community resilience
22 South Downs National Park Climate Change Adaptation Plan 23SUMMARY OF HIGH RISK INTERDEPENDENCIES,
IMPACTS OVER SHORT, BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES
MEDIUM AND LONG TERM
Challenges of working Ecological Organisational
at a landscape scale There are significant impacts on The South Downs National Park
species, habitats and the natural covers an area of 1653km² and
The South Downs National assets of the South Downs. In has the largest resident population
some cases the speed of change of any UK National Park. There
Park is a landscape that has
may be greater than the ability are 15 constituent local authorities
been heavily influenced of species or habitats to fully and a broad partnership of
and shaped by farming adapt or shift their range. Though statutory bodies and interest
and other land uses. Many evidence is being accrued, we groups that have been brought
do not fully understand the full together around the delivery of
of the key risks associated ecological impacts of climate the Partnership Management Plan
with climate change relate change. In the longer term there (PMP). The National Park Authority
to agriculture and land use. are challenges in deciding which will need to work very effectively
species and habitats it is realistic at building and maintaining these
There are significant challenges to conserve and enhance, and cross-sectoral partnerships to
in terms of influencing land use which need to be supported to deliver the action plan, and the
A summary table of the main risks/opportunities decisions and in delivering the adapt or shift their range – or outcomes of the PMP.
is included in Annex 2. necessary adaptation responses face loss.
at landscape scale. The National
This sets out the main These have been based around Park Authority needs to work
the projections presented
vulnerabilities to climate within the UK Climate Impact
very closely with farmers and Funding Political
land managers in and around
change impacts relating Projections (2009). More recent the National Park. to develop Budgets across the public Shifts in political support and short
to the key natural and projections were not available adaptation responses that also sector are declining and under term horizons mean that often
cultural assets of the for the preparation of this report, support the economic viability of pressure. Funding adaptation climate change and the risks it
being due sometime in 2017.
National Park. For each farming and other rural businesses. actions at the necessary scale, presents are not given the priority
Recent review of the evidence and over the long term, will they should be in terms of national
broad heading the risks supports the likelihood that present a significant challenge. policy. There is also a wide diversity
and opportunities have observed changes are likely to When actions are required of public attitudes to climate
been scored using a be within the central estimate for from a broad range of partners change and whether it is being
simple RAG scoring 2020 and beyond. In terms of and organisations it will be driven by human activity. There
the South Downs specifically, the necessary to develop joint is a need to present the scientific
system (low to high) for highest risks are those relating funding packages. This may be evidence in such a way that it
short, medium and long to water, land management, difficult in light of competing gains wider public acceptance.
term projections. flooding and impacts on the corporate priorities but there are There is also a lack of awareness
biodiversity and habitats. opportunities to work together of the impacts which also limits
to achieve co-financing from the opportunity to make the case
existing public budgets, private for action and build capability.
sector finance and other national
Looking over the Cuckmere River ©SDNPA/Mischa Haller
funding sources.
24 South Downs National Park Climate Change Adaptation Plan 25St Catherine’s Hill, nr. Winchester
and Cheriton ©Sam Moore
NEXT STEPS: IMPLEMENTING &
Diagram 5: Climate-smart planning cycle
Climate-Smart Conservation: Putting Adaptation Principles
REVIEWING THE ACTION PLAN
into Practice (National Wildlife Federation, 2014).
The action plan that This is well beyond the current Over the longer term other risks
Review goals,
Partnership Management Plan may materialise that were not Implement actions Define planning
appears in Annex 3 is (PMP) cycle, and through to the considered or planned for. It is
objectives and and monitor results purpose and scope
based upon the best strategies
end of the expected lifecycle of considered sensible to review this
current evidence – both the current Local Plan document. in tandem with the PMP cycle so
observed and projected In many cases these actions will that planned adaptation responses
need to be carried forward into can be built into our delivery
– and aims to set a subsequent Management Plan framework.
long-term horizon for Evaluate and select Assess climate impact
and Corporate Plan cycles.
In terms of delivering climate adaptation options and vulnerabilities
planned actions. Many of In the short term the risk change adaptation at a truly
the risks and opportunities assessment and action plan will landscape scale, we will also
identified through this help to inform the review and need to look beyond our
set priorities for the next PMP boundary. The South Downs
adaptation report require (post 2019). The action plan will National Park Authority will look Review goals,
actions over the medium also inform the development of to work collaboratively with the Identify possible
objectives and
to long term (up to 2030 the next 5 Year Corporate Plan other Protected Landscapes and adaptation options
strategies
and beyond). (2016–2021) for impacts that adjoining Areas of Outstanding
relate to business continuity, Natural Beauty. This will help to
property and estate or staff welfare develop a strategic approach
for the National Park Authority and deliver adaptation responses
specifically. across organisational, sectoral
and geographic boundaries. By Review vulnerabilities
Looking ahead, the risk
using the collective power of the
assessment and action plan will
protected landscapes, and their
also need to be kept under review
statutory Management Plans as
as climate change impacts that
a delivery mechanism, we can
have been considered may
face up to the challenges and
occur over a shorter timescale
opportunities that climate
than originally projected.
change presents.
26 South Downs National Park Climate Change Adaptation Plan 27ANNEX 1 – ECOSYSTEM Function
Nutrient
Cycling
Ecosystem Service
Plants, animals and
micro-organisms are
Likely Impact
Extreme cycles of drought
and flooding will increase
Adaptation Actions
n Encourage land management practices that
maintain the structural and microbial condition
SERVICE IMPACTS essential to the natural
cycle of nutrients
and help maintain
nutrient loss through surface
run-off and change soil
microbial activity. Soil drying
of soils and maximise its ability to store water
and nutrients.
n Promote soil conservation measures
Supporting Services soil and water and resulting changes in
especially in areas that are prone to erosion
quality. Increased agricultural practices may
Functions provided by ecosystems that underpin all of the other services. or may be more susceptible to drought
levels of nutrients impact on its ability to
conditions.
such as nitrates and sequester carbon. Loss of soil
Function Ecosystem Service Likely Impact Adaptation Actions phosphates from condition will affect its ability n Encourage measures that retain soils in situ
sewage and fertilisers to store water and nutrients such as contour ploughing, minimum or ‘no
Soil Formation Soil is formed by Higher temperatures and n Maintain good soil structure and condition can result in poor which will affect soil fertility tillage and long term grass lays. Promote the
the interaction repeated cycles of drought by maintaining high organic matter levels water quality. and yields. Excessive nutrients use of green manures and cover crops.
between plants, and flooding will increase the to help retain water and nutrients in the soil. loads may also be carried into
micro-organisms risk of soil erosion. Climatic Ensure good vegetation cover and avoid associated water bodies. This
and the underlying change may also impact on over-grazing. will impact on water quality
geology. We depend soil microbial activity and the and on their chemical and
n Where there is high risk of soil erosion
on healthy soils for rate that organic matter is environmental status.
encourage conservation measures such as
growing food. Soils recycled.
contour ploughing, buffer strips, improving soil Water Cycling We rely on the natural Increased intensity or duration n Work to restore the hydrological connection
are slow to form
structure or changes in land management such environment and its of drought events may impact between rivers, open water and wetlands.
but can be quickly
as transition from arable to long-term grass lays functions to provide on surface and groundwater
degraded by poor n Develop catchment level approaches and
or cover crops. us with fresh water. levels. Lower levels of
land management, techniques that have potential to deliver
erosion and the n Improve adaptive capacity through the use infiltration may also mean
enhanced flood storage and manage rates
impacts of weather of buffer strips, cover crops, contour ploughing that the aquifer may become
of run-off.
and climate. to retain the soil in situ. depleted at times of greater
demand. This problem may be n Encourage naturally functioning floodplains
n In high risk areas promote shift from arable exacerbated by an increased and sustainable urban drainage schemes that
to minimum or ‘no tillage’ and long-term demand for abstraction during plan for the potential changes in flooding as a
grass lays. the summer months. This will result of climate change.
Primary We rely greatly on Rates of primary production n Maintain good soil structure and condition impact upon the availability of
n Promote the role of Green Infrastructure
Production processes such as and photosynthesis may by maintaining high organic matter levels water for agriculture, public
(GI) and Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDs)
photosynthesis where increase as a result of extended to help retain water and nutrients in the soil. supply. It will also impact upon
to enhance the resilience of urban areas.
plant communities growing seasons and warmer, Ensure good vegetation cover and avoid wetland habitats and their
use solar energy wetter conditions. This is likely over-grazing. associated bio-diversity. n Increased permeability of urban surfaces
to convert water to be a short term effect, as and use of rain gardens will help improve
n Research which species may be most Chalk streams and ponds
and nutrients into if observed temperatures are storage and infiltration.
impacted by changes in climatic conditions. may dry out due to drought
biological growth, at the upper level of current conditions or experience n Create habitat and wet woodland along
Plan ahead in terms of planting species that
food and raw projections (>2°C) then this changes in flow. Potential streams and rivers to enhance connectivity,
may be more resilient to prevailing climatic
materials. increase will be offset. drying up of spring lines and flood storage, help reduce run-off and
conditions in the medium/long term.
winterbournes in their upper diffuse pollution.
courses with impacts upon
their associated wetlands.
Deterioration of wetland
habitats due to the impact on
their hydrology.
28 South Downs National Park Climate Change Adaptation Plan: Annex 1 29Supporting Services (continued) Provisioning Services
Products of ecosystems such as water, food, and the supply of raw materials.
Function Ecosystem Service Likely Impact Adaptation Actions Function Ecosystem Service Likely Impact Adaptation Actions
Biodiversity Plants and animals Changes in species n Target project funding and environmental Water Supply Clean water is Higher summer temperatures n Encourage good soil and land management
and Wildlife drive many of the composition and declines grant funding towards measures that increase essential for life. The and seasonal reductions in the practices that maintain and improve water
processes that in diversity due to changes resilience to a changing climate, support chalk aquifers and rate of rainfall could reduce the infiltration and reduces water run-off.
result in a healthy in climatic conditions and biodiversity and provide wider ecosystem river catchments of rate of aquifer recharge and
n Promote uptake of high precision or
ecosystem, and the vulnerability of some species to service benefits. the South Downs deplete the supply of water. This
low-input farming techniques so that the
benefits we get from temperature change. Impacts provides drinking will impact upon the availability
n Increase habitat connectivity and the application of nitrate fertilisers does not result
it. The richness and on species may include water for 1.2 million of water for agriculture and
permeability of the landscape to wildlife. in excess nutrients passing into the aquifers at
diversity of species changes in distribution and people and we rely public supply. It will also impact
Undertake adaptive management and ensure key times of recharge (autumn/winter).
and habitats are abundance, and the timing of on the supply for all upon wetland habitats and their
that areas of valuable habitat are bigger, better
vital to conserve as seasonal events and habitat our commercial and associated biodiversity.
managed and joined up. Increase the quality
they support and use. As a consequence there domestic uses.
and habitat diversity of wildlife sites.
underpin many of are likely to be changes in
n Improve the quality of existing ‘core’ wildlife
Food Farmers in the South Climate change is likely to impact n Support for farmers in terms of
the processes we the composition of plant and
sites (such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest Production Downs produce upon the kinds of crops that will diversification to new crops and livestock
rely on to sustain our animal communities. Habitats
(SSSIs)) to enable populations of target species food and other be grown in the South Downs breeds that may be more resilient to changing
lives. Many species are also likely to change, for
to grow and expand their range. raw materials. The National Park. Warmer, drier climatic conditions.
of plants and animals example higher growth rates in
farmed environment seasonal conditions may impact
are also important forests. Decrease in the overall n Move towards more drought tolerant
n Deliver large scale habitat creation where of the South Downs upon yields and the viability of
as they provide food ecological connectivity of varieties of arable crops to reduce the need
opportunities exist, create buffer zones for is a major producer livestock systems. There may
and other resources the wider landscape. Loss of for irrigation.
vulnerable or fragmented habitats. of cereals and be more drought tolerant or
(e.g. timber) for condition of designated sites
wheat, oilseeds, novel crops, there may be an n Use of natural pest controls or pest
people, and wildlife or priority habitats may occur. n Work at a landscape and catchment scale
to deliver effective environmental outcomes, sheep and cattle increase in demand for water for resistant crop species to reduce the need
has significant cultural
Species migration and loss amongst other irrigation. Warmer wetter winters for pesticide use.
heritage value. allow for climate change adaptation and
of small or isolated patches produce. may lead to increased survival
improve ecosystem service function. n Encourage mixed sustainable farming
of habitat will affect their rates for crop pests and diseases
n Develop and implement a landscape-scale
that protect the environmental assets and
resilience. Fragmentation of with a corresponding increase in
strategy for tackling invasive and non-native ecosystem services of the South Downs while
some habitat types such as the need for pesticides and other
species. Work to reduce their impact and maintaining the profitability of farming.
chalk and other unimproved pest controls.
grassland will limit their spread within the National Park. n Encourage adaptation responses and land
Direct damage from extreme
adaptive capacity. Potential use practices that support or benefit the
weather events such as drought,
for increased competition special qualities of the National Park.
flooding or storms may impact
from invasive and non-native
on the viability of harvests. The
species. Loss of native species
impact of climate change on
that may be more susceptible
agriculture globally may lead
to drought or water stress.
to greater intensification as the
Planting of non-native trees need for greater food security
may lead to a decline in native exerts an effect.
species and composition of
Timber Woodland cover Drought sensitive species may n Research on which tree species may
woodland. Increase in the loss
is around 24% of be impacted by hotter drier be most impacted by changes in climatic
of trees to disease and impact
the total area of the conditions. Vulnerable hardwood conditions. Plan ahead in terms of planting
of pest species on growth
National Park. Many species such as beech may be species that may be more resilient to prevailing
and vigour. Species that are
estate woodlands significantly affected. Higher climatic conditions in the medium/long term.
adapted to, or reliant on, native
in the central and temperatures, dryer conditions
trees may be impacted by shift n Encourage best practice woodland
western downs are and longer growing seasons
in their range. management techniques to adapt to changing
under commercial may favour new or introduced
climatic conditions.
management. There species. Forestry plantations
is great potential for may suffer increased losses n Encourage woodland management that
bringing other areas and damage from drought, provides the best range of ecosystem service
of woodland into strong winds and storm events. benefits including enhancing biodiversity,
active management, Reductions in timber supply from natural flood management, air quality, carbon
through coppicing overseas may stimulate demand sequestration and renewable energy potential.
for example. for increased UK production
n Promote the benefits of wood pasture, in-
and potential for carbon
field and boundary trees.
sequestration.
30 South Downs National Park Climate Change Adaptation Plan: Annex 1 31You can also read
