2 February 2026 The role of saltmarshes in tackling climate change

UKCEH’s assessment of carbon accumulation and greenhouse gas fluxes has produced the first emission factors for saltmarshes in northern temperate Europe. The findings are striking: 

Natural UK saltmarshes could provide a net carbon sink of 6.5 tonnes CO₂ equivalent per hectare per year — a rate comparable to other major blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrasses. 

Restored saltmarshes show slightly higher carbon burial rates, although more research is needed to understand how long this enhanced storage continues after restoration. 

These insights offer strong scientific support for recognising saltmarshes within national climate accounting. 

To make this growing evidence base accessible, UKCEH has developed an interactive, open access UK Saltmarsh Carbon Database Webtool. The platform allows users to: 

• Visualise measurements of carbon accumulation and GHG fluxes 
• Explore and download datasets 
• Contribute new data for future updates to emission factors 

This “living database” is designed to evolve as new research emerges, supporting scientists, policymakers and restoration practitioners. 

For the full article, please visit the UKCEH website