BI6Identify and Measure Carbon Sinks

Stevenage currently has the following main habitat types:

• woodland;
• grassland;
• ancient hedgerows;
• wetland; and
• neighbourhood nature such as gardens, allotments and buildings.

Of these habitats, grasslands, wetlands and woodlands are likely to be the most significant sites of carbon sequestration and storage.

Carbon storage in grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change and maintaining ecosystem health in the UK. Grasslands act as significant carbon sinks, with their extensive root systems sequestering carbon in the soil.

Wetlands, characterised by either temporary or permanent waterlogged conditions, facilitate carbon storage through the accumulation of organic matter in anaerobic environments, preventing its decomposition.

Woodlands, comprising various tree species, not only absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis but also store substantial amounts of carbon within their aboveground and below-ground biomass.

These ecosystems contribute to the country's carbon balance, helping offset emissions and fostering biodiversity. Sustainable management practices are essential to preserve and enhance these natural carbon reservoirs, promoting both environmental resilience and the fight against climate change.