Everything you need to know about carbon sequestration

Nature can absorb carbon, but not fast enough to keep up with our emissions. That’s why scientists and engineers are developing technological solutions to help. Although innovative and pioneering technologies are promising, they’re expensive and still being scaled. That's why helping nature do its job better - through wilding, regenerative farming, and habitat restoration - is the most immediate and cost-effective solution.

Why is carbon sequestration important?

Carbon dioxide is one of the main greenhouse gases driving climate change. When we burn fossil fuels, we release CO₂ into the atmosphere, which disrupts the natural balance and causes the planet to heat up faster than it should.

By increasing the amount of carbon we can capture and store, we can help offset some of the damage, especially while we work on reducing emissions at the source. It’s not just about climate. It’s about protecting ecosystems, improving air and water quality, and supporting human health.

So, when you hear people say, “we’re running out of time,” it means that the window to prevent the worst impacts of climate change is rapidly closing. The most immediate and effective solution is to rebuild nature, and we need to act now before critical tipping points are crossed.

How much carbon does a tree absorb?

Trees are amazing carbon sinks. Over its lifetime, a hectare of woodland can absorb between 4.5 and 40.7 tonnes of CO₂ per year in its first 20 years, depending on species, age, and climate. Fast-growing trees like European oaks are particularly effective.

But it’s not just about planting trees; we have to make sure ecosystems are functioning properly. Grassland, wood pasture, peat bogs, fens, scrubland, hedgerows, even tiny patches of woodland - they all matter.

Does planting trees offset carbon footprint?

Yes, but with caveats. Tree planting is a popular way to offset carbon, but it’s not a silver bullet.

Ella Lewis, Conservation Officer at the Kent Wildlife Trust says, “A common misconception is that tree planting delivers immediate results, when in reality, it takes decades for trees to mature and sequester significant carbon.”

Monoculture plantations (where one species is planted across large areas) can harm biodiversity and disrupt ecosystems. Natural regeneration, where a natural mix of trees, adapted to the local environment, can grow back on their own, tends to be more resilient and beneficial.

What is soil carbon sequestration?

Soil carbon sequestration is the process of storing carbon in the ground. When plants die, microbes break them down, and some of that carbon gets stored in the soil as soil organic matter (SOM). It’s a quiet hero in the climate fight, and it’s happening right under our feet.

Farmers can boost this process through regenerative agriculture, by reducing things like tillage, cover cropping, crop rotation, and agroforestry. These practices not only store more carbon but also can improve soil health, crop yields, and resilience to extreme weather.

It’s not just forests and soil. Wetlands, peatlands, and seagrass meadows are some of the most powerful carbon sinks on the planet. In fact, some findings suggest that one hectare of seagrass can store the equivalent carbon of five petrol-powered cars per year.

These “blue carbon” habitats also protect coastlines, support fisheries, and boost biodiversity, making them essential for both climate and nature recovery.

What can you do to rebalance the carbon cycle?

Even small actions make a difference. Here are a few ideas:

• Take public transport or cycle instead of driving.
• Eat less meat, maybe try meat-free Mondays.
• Turn down your thermostat by 1°C.
• Buy second-hand clothes instead of fast fashion.
• Support local tree planting schemes or nature restoration projects.
• Create a wilder garden this winter.

Individually, the impact might seem small, but collectively, it makes a difference. See more of our actions for nature here.

How can communities get involved?

Communities can:

• Set up local sustainability schemes.
• Advocate for green infrastructure like cycle paths and renewable energy.
• Work with local wildlife organisations and the council to support nature-based solutions, such as Plan Bee and the Kent Tree Plan.
• Promote awareness and education around climate change.

If there’s one thing you can take away today, it’s this: much of the world’s carbon is captured out of sight - in our oceans, soils, and wild spaces. Restoring these places is key to a healthier planet.

As a Wildlife Trust, we take carbon sequestration and nature recovery seriously. Right now, we’re on a mission to raise £3 million - our most ambitious fundraising appeal yet - to fund nature’s recovery in Kent.

The Government set a target to restore 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030 – and we know we can achieve this in Kent. The county you love can be wilder. But time is ticking and with four years remaining, Kent Wildlife Trust has entered the most crucial phase of our mission…

To reverse the decline of nature and create a wilder Kent for people and wildlife.