Nature Investment Hub

About

Here at the West Midlands Combined Authority we’ve been working hard to help deliver a greener, fairer and more prosperous region for everyone. A region where social and environmental outcomes drive every conversation.

A platform built on trust

Created in partnership with the Environment Agency and DEFRA, the Nature Investment Hub provides a trusted platform that safely connects funders, landowners, charities and local communities to nature-based projects seeking funding. Every project included on the Hub has a clear set of environmental, economic and social goals, which will be evaluated in an annual report commissioned by the WMCA.

The Nature Investment Hub is here to:

  • Help local projects showcase impact and engage with businesses and funders.
  • Empower communities and leaders to shape nature recovery.
  • Contribute to the funding needed to scale green finance in urban areas.
  • Direct funding into areas and priorities identified  through the West Midlands Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Aerial view of Aston Hall Birmingham

Through the collective and continued support of local businesses and funders, we strongly believe that by 2030 nature in the West Midlands will be thriving, valued by all, and central to a healthier, more resilient and prosperous region.

Mayor Richard Parker

Backing nature makes business sense

Green spaces

50% of green space visitors also visit a local business before or after their trip.

Healthcare savings

£203 million per year savings in healthcare costs in the region.

Helps protect GDP

12% of the UK’s GDP is at risk due to the deterioration of our natural environment.

Generate Jobs

3.7 more jobs are generated by nature-based projects than fossil fuel investments.

Cleaner Air

£14.9 million worth of pollution is removed by trees within the region annually.

Carbon Storage

£1.86 billion worth of carbon is stored by trees within the region.

A quick word about Local Investment in Natural Capital

The WMCA is just one of a handful of areas in the UK selected to deliver a Local Investment in Natural Capital (LINC) programme. It’s both a massive honour and responsibility, as being picked demonstrates we recognise the essential role nature plays in improving wellbeing and delivering measurable value to both society and the economy. The short video below covers all the key things you need to know including the role LINC will play in unlocking improvements that come with sustainably managing and investing in our natural assets.