Landscape and nature recovery in a changing climate

Climate change is happening and it’s affecting every one of us to a lesser or greater degree. Whether that’s through wild fires causing air pollutions, flooding from extreme weather events or diseases affecting the plants we surround ourselves with for our living or our recreation spaces. In the AONB we have a mosaic of landscapes, habitats and species, many of which are regarded as the special qualities that give our landscape the designation it has as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These landscapes are therefore not only important to us as beautiful and enjoyable spaces to live and work in, but they are an essential aspect of the livelihoods of most of us living in Northeast Wales.

Whether your employment is directly connected to farming or tourism, or seemingly has nothing to do with these sectors, much of the economy of Northeast Wales is reliant upon the countryside. Whether that be through the production, distribution and sale of foods, or whether that be through supporting the large numbers of tourists who visit the area every year, our AONB contributes to many of our livelihoods.

So given that we know climate change is happening, and that we value the landscapes of the AONB for our enjoyment of them, their biodiversity and natural value and for their economic value to the region, how to we manage these landscapes better given the likely impacts of climate change?

In our new report, Landscape and Nature Recovery in a Changing Climate, we ask exactly that. Due for publication in December 2021 the report looks at six distinct landscape types across the AONB and identifies the greatest risks posed to them by climate change, and what we can do to mitigate or manage those risks. From wildfires and flooding to diseases and droughts, we look at the risks posed and the steps we can take now to thrive in a changing climate. Whether you’re a land manager, counsellor, farmer or local community member the document lays out the greatest risks posed to each landscape type and a range of mitigations available to us.

For more information or to request a copy of the report on publication please contact our Climate Change Officer directly >>> tom.johnstone@denbighshire.gov.uk