The National Trust has cautioned that safeguarding all heritage properties against the impacts of climate change “just may not be possible,” as extreme weather events increasingly threaten historic landscapes. Justin Scully, manager of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal in North Yorkshire, highlighted that rising temperatures, intense rainfall, and wildfire risks are already damaging gardens, moorland, and ancient structures.
According to Scully, heavy rain can overwhelm drainage systems and seep into walls, leading to dampness and erosion. He noted that repeated cycles of wetting, drying, freezing, and thawing pose significant risks to stonework, while flooding can destabilize foundations. Conversely, hotter, drier conditions increase the likelihood of subsidence and wildfires.
“These last two summers have really brought this home to ourselves and to our visitors,” Scully said. “Climate change isn’t a thing that’s happening out there to other people, it’s actually impacting ourselves and the places we love. The threat is tangible.”
In response, the charity is adopting a forward-looking strategy, modeling potential scenarios for its properties and landscapes over the next four decades. This involves considering worst-case outcomes to inform adaptation measures. At Fountains Abbey, plans may include enhancing drainage capacity and gutters to manage heavier rainfall, as well as altering garden aesthetics to be less manicured to better withstand environmental shifts.
Coastal sites are also under severe pressure. The Trust oversees miles of coastline from Loftus to Filey, including areas like Ravenscar, where erosion and rising sea levels present major challenges. Other affected properties in the region include Beningbrough Hall, Nunnington Hall, and Treasurer’s House in York. A spokesperson for the Trust emphasized that conservation decisions will now weigh the significance of a site, its public benefit, and long-term sustainability.
Visual evidence of these climate impacts was seen in 2025 when the water cascade at Studley Lake ran dry during a period of extreme heat. The National Trust, which operates as a charity without guaranteed government funding, acknowledged that some adaptation measures could be costly but committed to continued investment in conservation.
Scully called for climate resilience to become a national priority, advocating for a Cabinet-level minister to coordinate preparedness across government and support long-term funding. Despite the challenges, he urged the public not to despair, noting that community actions such as reducing carbon footprints can make a meaningful difference over time.
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