Protecting the marshes that are worth their salt

Saltmarshes in the North East and across the UK play a significant role in fighting climate change. But are they under threat?

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SALTMARSHES are “significant” carbon stores, but are at risk from rising sea levels, new research reveals.

A report from conservation charity WWF in partnership with insurance giant Aviva highlights the important role of saltmarshes around the UK’s coasts in tackling climate change and protecting coastal communities.

Among significant saltmarshes in the North East are those at Alnmouth in Northumberland and Saltholme on Teesside.

The report reveals findings from a solar-powered “carbon flux tower”, funded by Aviva, which measures the exchange of key greenhouse gas carbon dioxide between the air and the saltmarsh on the Ribble Estuary, Lancashire.