National Trust Warns of Climate Threats to UK Heritage and Wildlife

A year of extreme weather in 2024 has damaged historic properties, disrupted ecosystems, and highlighted challenges from shifting seasonal patterns.

Storms and flooding in 2024 caused significant damage to National Trust properties, including Avebury Manor, which flooded for the first time in 300 years.
Unpredictable weather patterns, including a late-arriving autumn and a wet spring, disrupted plant flowering cycles and wildlife breeding behaviors.
Insects such as bees and butterflies, along with some bird species, suffered population declines due to erratic weather and seasonal shifts.
Wet conditions helped restore peatlands and establish young trees, while river restoration projects improved wildlife habitats and reduced flood risks.
The National Trust emphasizes the need for nature-based solutions to mitigate climate impacts and protect vulnerable ecosystems and species.