Frequently Asked Questions
1. Project Delivery Partners
The Nature Investment Hub is a key delivery mechanism for the West Midlands Local Nature Delivery Strategy (LNRS), helping turn regional priorities into funded projects on the ground.
By adding your nature recovery projects to the Hub you organisation can:
- Be showcased to regional and local businesses seeking credible investments aligned with ESG and CSR commitments
- Access private and blended finance opportunities that support delivery of Local Nature Recovery and Nature‑based Solutions
- Contribute to a coordinated regional approach, ensuring your work forms part of a wider approach through the delivery of the West Midlands LNRS
- Gain visibility through inclusion in an annual regional impact report, demonstrating collective progress on nature recovery
- Receive project development support from the WMCA Environment Team, helping strengthen alignment with LNRS priorities and delivery outcomes
How does my organisation showcase a project on the Hub?
Organisations can apply via the Hub website to become an approved Project Delivery Partner.
To be eligible, your organisation must:
- Have been operational for at least three years, with financial summaries available
- Demonstrate a track record of delivering environmental or nature‑based projects within the WMCA area
Once approved:
- A user account will be created for your organisation
- You will be able to upload and manage projects that are ready to be funded
If your organisation is not yet eligible, we may still be able to support you through other WMCA‑led initiatives, such as the Community Environment Network.
The Hub supports projects that deliver practical action against the priorities of the West Midlands Local Nature Delivery Strategy and Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Eligible projects typically:
- Deliver environmental and social benefits within the WMCA area
- Contribute to habitat restoration, enhancement, or connectivity
- Support nature‑based solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation
- Improve access to nature, particularly in urban and underserved communities
- At least 50% of the project budget is focused on nature recovery activities
All projects are assessed using our Project Eligibility Screening to ensure strategic fit and deliverability. Colleagues at the Environment Team are available to support you in developing a project that meets the needs of the Hub.
In line with the Local Nature Delivery Strategy, all Hub projects are expected to contribute to one or more of the following outcomes:
- Nature recovery and biodiversity enhancement, supporting priority habitats, species and ecological networks identified in the LNRS
- Climate resilience, through nature‑based solutions that reduce flood risk, overheating, and environmental pressures
- Improved health and wellbeing, by increasing equitable access to high‑quality green and blue spaces
- Inclusive economic growth, supporting green skills, local employment, and long‑term stewardship of natural assets
Projects must clearly identify how they contribute to these outcomes and how impact will be measured over time.
2. Funding Partners
The Nature Investment Hub translates regional nature priorities into credible, fundable projects.
For businesses, the Hub:
- Curates verified projects aligned with the West Midlands Local Nature Delivery Strategy
- Provides assurance that investments support agreed regional priorities rather than isolated activity
- Enables businesses to deliver measurable, place‑based ESG and CSR outcomes
This ensures your funding contributes to both business objectives and long‑term regional resilience.
The Local Nature Delivery Strategy recognises that private sector funding is essential to scaling up nature recovery.
By supporting local projects, your business can:
- Deliver tangible and measurable ESG impact
- Strengthen local relationships and reputation
- Support solutions to climate and environmental risks that affect the regional economy
- Demonstrate leadership in protecting and enhancing natural capital
Local investment also helps unlock wider environmental, social, and economic benefits across the West Midlands.
All Hub projects define specific environmental and social impact targets, aligned with LNRS priorities.
As a funding partner, your business will receive:
- Regular updates on progress and outputs
- Reporting on outcomes such as habitat creation, access to nature, or climate resilience benefits
- Clear evidence of how your investment contributes to regional delivery objectives
This supports transparency, accountability, and ESG reporting needs.
Every Hub project directly supports delivery of the West Midlands Local Nature Recovery Strategy, which is the statutory framework for nature recovery in the region.
Projects:
- Align with one or more LNRS priorities and mapped opportunity areas
- Contribute to a joined‑up wider efforts across the region
- Support coordinated action led by WMCA and regional partners
This means your business investment forms part of a larger, long‑term plan for a nature‑positive West Midlands.
My business is concerned about flooding or overheating at our premises. How can nature‑based solutions help?
The Local Nature Delivery Strategy promotes nature‑based solutions as cost‑effective responses to climate and environmental risk.
Examples include:
- Trees, wetlands and green spaces that slow and store water, reducing flood risk
- Urban greening that lowers temperatures and improves air quality
- Restored habitats that strengthen ecosystem resilience while delivering social benefits
If your business is interested in exploring nature‑based solutions aligned with regional priorities, please contact us at nature.hub@wmca.org.uk.