An ambitious environmental project which aims to reduce flood risk to Keswick has been hailed as a “great example of what investing in nature can achieve”.
In launching a strategic plan called Investing in Nature for the North; A Strategic Plan for a Nature Positive Regional Economy, Dr Colm Bowe, development manager at Nature North, highlighted the Resilient Glenderamackin scheme as the way forward.
At the launch of the document, shaped by more than 400 contributors, in Sheffield on Tuesday, Dr Bowe said schemes in the north of England could attract investment and drive forward a pioneering and transformative approach to nature recovery.
The strategic plan lays out how the north is uniquely positioned to scale up green initiatives, drive economic growth, attract public and private investment and improve the prosperity, wellbeing and resilience of communities.
“Cumbria has leading examples of this new approach to nature recovery,” said Dr Bowe. “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. Ten to 12 million is expected from the UK Government’s Landscape Recovery Programme, and £250,000 from local businesses. It’s a great example of what investing in nature can achieve.”
Another project referenced in the document was the Great North Bog coalition works towards restoring 7,000 square kilometres of peatland in the north – a source of drinking water to 15 million properties and an unrivalled natural carbon store. Covering parts of Cumbria, Lancashire, Northumberland, and Yorkshire, it is taking action to restore habitat on an unprecedented scale and raising the green finance to help make it possible.
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.”
Nature North is England’s first cross-sector, pan-regional collaboration working for nature recovery across the region. Investing in Nature for the North; A Strategic Plan for a Nature Positive Regional Economy was fed into this week’s two-day Convention of the North. The event brings together business, community, academic, and political leaders to address the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the region.
Copies of Nature North’s strategic plan can be found online at naturenorth.org.uk/strategy.
