The "state of the region" study by independent public body Natural England warns of a raft of dangers to Yorkshire's diverse environment, including the potential release of millions of tons of carbon from the region's peat bogs and marshy uplands if they are not maintained.

Some areas will have to adapt to the arrival of new species migrating from the south as temperatures rise, the report predicts, while green urban spaces such as parks, gardens and allotments must be protected and extended for both wildlife and human benefits.

The report – last night branded a "wake-up call" for the Government – also warns that waters off the Yorkshire coast are in "very poor condition", a situation which "adversely affects coastal and regional economies."

Peter Nottage, regional director of Natural England, stated: "The region's environment needs the support of more than its traditional champions. Our natural environment provides vital services to us all."

The report highlights five key areas where it says work must be focused if Yorkshire's landscapes are to be preserved.

One key area is the need to both mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, and the study highlights the huge stores of carbon currently locked up in peat-soils in the region's extensive bogs and upland heaths.

Scientists estimate there are close to 100 million tons of carbon stored in Yorkshire's
soils – more than the region's entire annual output – and the report warns they are "at risk of releasing this carbon if soils dry out".

Report author Richard Wilson, Natural England's senior specialist in planning and advocacy, said landowners, planners and developers must bear this in mind when considering areas to drain or develop.

He said: "We must ensure these peat soils stay intact – and damp – to make sure the carbon stays in there. We also need to avoid losing these carbon sinks by developing them. It's really important we keep them in optimum condition."

The report also explains how rising temperatures mean Yorkshire is already hosting wildlife normally found further south.

He said: "There are already examples of butterfly and bird species extending their range northwards, and much evidence of them losing ground in the south. The big issue is you get a sort of separation – their natural habitat does not always change at the same rate as the climate."

Just as important as adapting rural areas to cope with climate change is maintaining and extending the precious green parts of towns and cities, the report says.

It lays out the huge benefits to both people and wildlife of our urban "green infrastructure" – assets such as gardens, allotments, parks, roadside trees, verges and hedgerows.

"The point is not to see each green space as an opportunity to put a supermarket on," Mr Wilson said.

The report will now be used in briefings with planners, politicians and other key decision-makers in an effort to try to influence thinking.

Shaun Spiers, of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: "The findings of this research are a wake-up call for the Government."


MAIN POINTS

To combat climate change planners are being told to:

Maintain peat soils

Adapt habitats for new species

Improve sites of special scientific interest

Realign coastlines to restore lost saltmarshes.