Making the Business Case for Landscape Scale Nature Recovery

Charlotte and Sophie will present on the economic assessment of nature recovery conducted by AtkinsRéalis on behalf of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and the West of England Nature Partnership. Alongside outlining subsequent steps for achieving 'nature and people positive' outcomes, they will explain the development of the business case for landscape-scale nature recovery and its role in supporting the delivery of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

The analysis conducted by the team found that investing in nature recovery in the West of England is economically viable, with potential benefits including improved health outcomes, climate resilience, and sustainable growth. The findings indicated that higher ambition options provide greater value for money, while insufficient investment may result in increased economic, environmental, and health costs. The region faces challenges related to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss, which could impact both economic stability and public wellbeing. A strategic business case evaluated the benefits and costs of a range of nature recovery options, emphasising the importance of public funding to act as an enabler and collaboration for effective project implementation. The business case also estimated that over £1 billion investment in regional nature recovery would be needed to enhance resilience and address biodiversity loss, but that current investment levels fall significantly below that. Aligning nature recovery with local priorities such as transport, health, climate, and housing, engaging stakeholders, and leveraging environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments could help develop investable propositions and attract diverse funding sources.

About Charlotte Sugden

Charlotte is an Associate Consultant with AtkinsRéalis and is experienced in delivering a wide range of flood risk and environmental economic appraisals, using a natural capital approach, and developing business cases for local and central government and other public and private sector clients in order to access funding. She champions the application of the multi- capitals approach (social, manufactured, human, intellectual and financial capital, all underpinned by natural capital) to inform sustainable and resilient investment decisions and sits on the Water Industry Forum’s Multi-Capitals Working Group. She is passionate about promoting and seeking funding for less traditional capital solutions, such as nature-based solutions, such that they are funded and implemented and deliver a wide array of benefits for the environment and society.

About Sophie Spencer

Sophie is a Senior Environment Manager with 20 years of experience in the charity and public sector, specialising in strategic policy, environmental leadership, and regional sustainability. She has served as a charity director, led national policy campaigns, and worked as a Senior Advisor at Natural England, focusing on strategic planning for nature’s recovery.

At the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Sophie provides regional leadership on Green Infrastructure, Climate Resilience, and Nature & Health, overseeing key projects, policies, and strategic initiatives. She leads Green Infrastructure strategy and implementation, ensures the delivery of climate resilience actions, and provides expert advice to shape regional environmental strategies, including leading a team to produce the first statutory Local Nature Recovery Strategy in the UK.

Sophie manages a team of specialists, and leads cross-regional project teams, overseeing government engagement, and advising on policy and investment initiatives. Through her leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction, she helps advance impactful environmental change across the region.