Aerial footage from the National Trust's Holnicote estate in Somerset has highlighted the benefits of rewilding land in the face of extreme weather. Areas where rivers have been returned to their natural courses and wetlands restored have remained green and lush throughout five heatwaves this summer.
In contrast, the surrounding countryside has become parched and brown. Ben Eardley, project manager at the Holnicote estate, stated that these rewilding projects provide evidence that nature-based solutions can protect against wildfires.
Mr Eardley explained that by reconnecting river systems and creating natural sponges, the system stores water during drought and slows water during storms, which helps protect villages from flooding downstream. Harry Bowell, the National Trust’s director of land and nature, called for increased government investment in nature-based solutions to enhance the country's resilience.