Rewilding: A Powerful Tool for Carbon Sequestration Beyond Traditional Forests

A recent study by Nancy Burrell challenges traditional assumptions about carbon storage in rewilded landscapes, highlighting their potential as significant players in mitigating climate change.

Key findings:

• Hidden Carbon: Traditional methods underestimate carbon storage in rewilded scrublands.  The study revealed a four times higher root-to-shoot ratio than expected, indicating significant underground carbon reserves neglected by current models.
• Herbivory and Carbon Storage: Contrary to popular belief, browsing by herbivores might enhance carbon storage in rewilded landscapes.  Plants respond by investing in root systems and defensive structures, potentially extending their carbon sequestration period.
• Beyond Trees: The study emphasizes the carbon storage potential of shrubs and hedgerows (hawthorn, blackthorn, dog rose and oak), often overlooked in favour of large trees grown in plantations.  Accurate accounting methods are needed to capture the full contribution of diverse rewilded ecosystems.

Addressing Blind Spots:

The research sheds light on several crucial points:

• Rewilding goes beyond biodiversity: Its role in carbon sequestration deserves greater recognition.
• Current carbon accounting methods: Need revision to accurately assess the complex dynamics of rewilded landscapes.
• Importance of diverse ecosystems: We must acknowledge the carbon storage potential of various vegetation types, not just large trees.

The Path Forward:

This study calls for:

• Refined assessment methods: Developing accurate tools to capture the full carbon storage potential of rewilded landscapes.
• Further research: Investigating the long-term impact of browsing pressure on carbon storage and these ecosystems.
• Embracing diverse solutions: Recognising rewilding as a valuable tool for combating climate change alongside other strategies.

By adapting current methodologies and acknowledging the diverse benefits of rewilding, we could unlock its true potential in addressing the climate crisis.