The North can use nature to boost its economy, a new report says.
Investing in Nature for the North; A Strategic Plan for a Nature Positive Regional Economy has launched today by Nature North.
It said the North was uniquely positioned to scale up green initiatives, drive economic growth, attract public and private investment and improve the prosperity, wellbeing and resilience of communities.
The authors said initiatives to build on included ground-breaking approaches to the funding of nature recovery in Cumbria.
Dr Colm Bowe, development manager at Nature North, said: “Cumbria has leading examples of this new approach to nature recovery, showing what the North is capable of.
“For instance, near Keswick, Resilient Glenderamackin is one of England’s biggest blended finance projects.
“It’s a catchment based natural flood management project that is working with farmers to deliver nature-based solutions to reduce flooding in Keswick.
“£10 million to £12 million is expected from the Government’s Landscape Recovery Programme, and £250,000 from local businesses. It’s a great example of what investing in nature can achieve.”
The plan was shaped by over 400 contributors and Nature North is supported by £500,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
Dr Bowe added: “Another example of Cumbria leading the way is the Landscape Enterprise Networks (LENs) initiative in the Petteril catchment in Eden.
“Following the success of the first LENs in Cumbria, which began trading in 2019, others are now active across the UK, including in Yorkshire, and Europe.”
Mike Innerdale, chair of Nature North and the National Trust’s regional director for the North, said: “This strategic plan shows that the North can lead the way in nature’s recovery and that a thriving environment, farming, and sustainable economic growth can go hand in hand. Nature is a foundation for growth, not a barrier.”
Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, said: “With the increased pace in devolution across the North, alongside green growth and net zero ambitions, the North is in a unique position to drive forward a pioneering and transformative approach to nature recovery. In doing so it will bring multiple rewards for the environment, economy, and communities across the region and act as an inspiration to other parts of the country and beyond.”
World renowned ecologist Professor Sir John Lawton CBE FRS said: “I have read many environmental strategies but not one inspired by business leaders, senior politicians, and policy makers in the North of England.
“This document is truly astonishing, potentially transformational, and unequivocal in its aims. A healthy environment, rich in nature, is not a ‘nice-to-have.’ It provides the fundamental infrastructure underpinning virtually everything that society needs and does, and it fills me with hope.”
Copies of Nature North’s strategic plan can be found online at naturenorth.org.uk/strategy
