Go Long! Catch the Carbon

Plants, like us, need to ‘breathe’, however they take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and release oxygen (which we use). They do this through microscopic pores on the surface of the leaf called stomata. These pores open and close to allow gas exchange and when open water also leaves, which helps to keep the plant cool, and at the right temperature ensures optimal growth. The plant must carefully adjust how open the stomata to balance these processes, ensuring sufficient CO2 for photosynthesis can enter but not too much water is lost. We can visualise this behaviour using thermal imaging.

Our Essex coastline boasts some of the most extensive UK salt marshes - a changing coastal feature over the centuries. Historically, salt marshes provided grazing for cattle, or were drained for land reclamation. These swampy, mythical wetlands are now set to be one of our natural allies in the fight against climate change. Find out the hidden delights of our salt marshes, why we call them ‘blue carbon’ habitats, and how they can protect our coastlines in the future.