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Somerset wetlands stay green through one of the UK’s hottest summers

River restoration, wetlands and beaver activity at the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate have helped parts of the landscape retain water and wildlife through extreme summer heat.

By The TEA Editorial Desk · 28 August 2026

Aerial view of restored wetlands at the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate Image: National Trust Images / Steve SayersOriginal source

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Parts of the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate in Somerset have stayed green and wildlife-rich through a punishingly hot summer after years of river restoration and wetland creation.

The work includes restoring more natural river processes, creating wetlands and reintroducing beavers. New aerial imagery shows wetter river corridors standing out against much drier surrounding land, offering a visible example of how landscapes can hold more water during drought.

The projects are intended to tackle several problems at once, including flooding, drought and loss. Holnicote is now being presented as a practical for how nature-based solutions can help communities and landscapes adapt to a changing climate.