CLA hosts Natural Capital Roadshows in the North West and North East

The CLA North team hosted two Natural Capital Roadshows at J36 North West Mart Conference Centre and at Scotch Corner Hotel which covered all aspects of Natural Capital in relation to land use.

More than 130 members and guests attended the two roadshows covering the topic to gain a better understanding of the concept of ‘natural capital’ which can be defined as an economic understanding in the use of natural resources and the environment.

With potential funding of over £3.5 billion per year from the government and private sector, there could be significant opportunities, as well as associated risks for farmers and landowners.

Expert speakers from the CLA, Carter Jonas and Irwin Mitchell discussed the development of environmental markets and how landowners, farmers and land managers can take advantage of current and future opportunities.

These roadshows gave landowners and farmers the opportunity to hear from experts about a range of current and future income streams for sustainable farming, carbon, nature and water. Information covered included available funding through government schemes; what are the main private sector market opportunities; do the economics stack up?; and the legal and tax implications; and finally; where to start to create a baseline or audit. The roadshows also covered case studies to illustrate the topic.

CLA Director North, Lucinda Douglas, said: “Those attending these roadshows said the information provided was indispensable in understanding the steady stream of information around natural capital. CLA members understand the leading part they need to play if they are to meet our Government’s net zero targets and enhance biodiversity. Nature-based solutions that build natural capital can play an important part in this mission, and these roadshows made a compelling case for considering how land is used.”

“The roadshows highlighted that, for natural capital markets to work for landowners, they need three things: reliable baseline data and spatial information; a supportive tax system and access to specialist advice and training. This will help create the conditions for a private sector market to work alongside landowners in delivering public goods.”

These roadshows were supported by headline sponsor Carter Jonas, and sponsor Irwin Mitchell who also provided expert speakers at these events.