Welsh landscapes are vital for nature, but habitats are under pressure and public funding alone cannot meet the scale of what is needed. This project will explore how private investment can be used to fund nature recovery across whole landscapes. It will look at opportunities such as carbon markets, nature-based solutions and voluntary biodiversity net gain, where development leaves biodiversity in a better state than before.
The project will focus on iconic landscapes facing serious threats to their natural heritage, including:
- Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, which is threatened by climate change, water pollution, habitat loss and tourism pressures
- Gwent Levels, which is under pressure from large-scale development, industrial and agricultural pollution and increased flood risk
Working with farmers, utility companies, a National Park and environmental organisations, the project will develop nature recovery proposals ready for private investment. It will also share knowledge and learnings across the sector and feed into Welsh Government policy on sustainable finance.
Its goal is to enable habitat restoration at scale, reconnect protected sites and improve the resilience of Wales' nature network.
Rachel Sharp, Director of Wildlife Trusts Wales, said: "Wales has extraordinary natural landscapes, but we need more investment to safeguard their future. This project is about building the tools, confidence and frameworks to unlock vital funding and restore nature right across the country."
This project was awarded funding through the Nature Networks Fund, distributed by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government and in partnership with Natural Resources Wales.
