Carbon in the Lake District landscape
How much carbon is already in the landscape?
The Lake District is estimated to already store:
22.9 million tonnes of carbon - equivalent to 84 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Source (Word document)
2 million tonnes of carbon - equivalent to 7.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Source (Word document)
To mitigate climate change, these existing stores need to be protected. Many Lake District peat soils are very slowly depleting – releasing carbon back into the atmosphere because they are in poor condition. When fully restored they absorb carbon from the atmosphere (sequester it) instead.
Woodland has the greatest potential for sequestration. To achieve this we need to manage our existing woodlands and increase the number of young woodlands where vigorous growth occurs. Ensuring harvested-wood has as long a life as possible, for example in wood products, or by substituting the burning of fossil fuels is further action we can take, after the wood has left the forest.
But is it really that significant?
To put these figures into context, it's helpful to look at the current 'carbon footprint' of the area. The carbon emissions from the activity of residents and visitors within the National Park is estimated to be 2.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. Source (Word document)
So yes, the carbon store in Lake District peat and woodland - equivalent to 91 million tonnes of carbon dioxide - really does help!
Contact us
We want to work with land managers to develop together how carbon land management can be a greater part of our landscape. If you would like to be involved in this process, please contact samantha.hagon@lakedistrict.gov.uk
Related pages
Useful links
All links open in a new window unless stated otherwise:
- England's Peatlands: carbon storage and greenhouse gases
- Climate Change Information Pack - Forestry Commission
In association with:
