22 April 2010
Burnham Beeches biodiversity facing climate change threat
Woodland and wildlife at Burnham Beeches could become more
susceptible to periods of drought, according to a new study on
climate change published by the City of London Corporation.
Experts from the Environmental Change Institute, University of
Oxford, working closely with nature reserve staff at Burnham
Beeches, have warned that although the ancient woodland's famous
beech trees may still be able to grow in future they could become
increasingly threatened by reduced levels of rainfall (up to a 50%
decrease in mean summer rainfall). The research also shows that
under a 3.2°C increase in global mean temperature, projected for
2080, a number of beech woodland species could lose all or over 90%
of their suitable climate space in the region.
This could lead to Burnham Beeches (which is owned and managed
by the City of London Corporation) becoming dominated by smaller,
scrubby species of tree that are better suited to the changed
climate. The ground vegetation in the Beeches is also projected to
change from heathland to have much more grass. These changes may
have detrimental consequences for insects and animals that depend
on these habitats.
This issue is particularly relevant as 2010 has been declared
the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations, and
today (22 April) is the 40th Earth Day.
The Director of Open Spaces at the City of London, Sue Ireland,
said: "We are delighted to have had the opportunity to use the best
available information to predict in detail what the future might
have in store for Burnham Beeches. In this time of change we
need to be prepared, as custodians of such precious sites, to do
what we can to protect them for wildlife and for the public for
many years to come."
The results were presented to a workshop featuring
representatives from the City of London Corporation, managers of
nature reserves local to Burnham Beeches and staff from key
Government agencies and environmental charities. Participants also
discussed how to manage projected changes by, for example,
replicating the type of wood decay conditions in old trees that are
favourable for existing biodiversity if beech trees decline in
future.
Dr. Pam Berry, the researcher who led the project, said: "It was
very exciting being able to talk about the results of our work with
people working on the nature reserves where the consequences of
climate change will have a direct impact. It gave us an
insight into the problems that will be faced and how some of them
may be overcome."
The scientists used computer modelling techniques to look at the
responses of the key plant and animal species found at Burnham
Beeches today and how they are likely to respond to the changes
projected in the future.
Ends
Notes for editors
About the City of London Corporation:
The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation.
It supports and promotes the City as the world leader in
international finance and business services and provides local
services and policing for those working in, living in and visiting
the Square Mile. It also provides valued services to London and the
nation. These include the Barbican Centre and the Guildhall School
of Music & Drama; the Guildhall Library and Art Gallery and
London Metropolitan Archive; a range of education provision
(including three City Academies); five Thames bridges (including
Tower Bridge and the Millennium Bridge); the Central Criminal Court
at Old Bailey; over 10,000 acres of open spaces (including
Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest), and three wholesale food
markets. It is also London’s Port Health Authority and runs the
Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow. It works in partnership with
neighbouring boroughs on the regeneration of surrounding areas and
the City Bridge Trust, which it oversees, donates more than £15m to
charity annually.
Burnham Beeches:
Now regarded as one of the best examples of ancient woodland in
Britain, Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire was acquired by the
City of London in 1880, in response to a threatened purchase by
residential developers. Despite its relatively small size of 220
hectares (540 acres), Burnham Beeches attracts around 500,000
visitors a year, who appreciate its tranquillity as well as its
rich diversity of habitats and wildlife. Burnham Beeches is a
Special Area of Conservation (SAC) which means that it is one of
the most important places in Europe for wildlife.
Beacon Status for climate change:
This research was funded by the City of London Corporation as a
consequence of the Beacon Status for climate change, which was
awarded in 2009. The City has reduced its energy use by 35 per cent
over the last ten years, is a major purchase of renewable
electricity, and in 2007 became the first Local Authority to
develop a Climate change Adaptation Strategy."
The Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford:
The Environmental Change Institute (ECI -
www.eci.ox.ac.uk) is an
interdisciplinary unit within Oxford University that undertakes
research on environmental issues, teaches an MSc in Environmental
Change and Management, and fosters university-wide networks and
outreach on the environment. Amongst others things is at the
forefront of British and European research on the impacts of
climate change on wildlife and habitats, regularly leading
international consortia. It led the formative Britain and Ireland
MONARCH project working with national conservation bodies, and
provides insights for UK and European Government policy advisers.
ECI is also home to the internationally acclaimed UK Climate
Impacts Programme, UKCIP.
Press enquiries
Sanjay Odedra, Press Office, City of London Corporation
Tel: 020 7332 1835 / Mobile: 07831 542 856
Email:
sanjay.odedra@cityoflondon.gov.uk