What is a Nature Economy?
A nature economy is an economic system that sees nature and natural resources as essential to how we live and work. It focuses on using the environment responsibly in business, industry, and policy, so healthy ecosystems can help people and economies grow.
Across the UK, pockets of nature are recovering, from rewilded landscapes to wildlife returning, thanks to the efforts of conservationists, landowners, and volunteers. In Derbyshire, work to restore rivers, regenerate woodlands, and protect species offers hope, but the State of Nature Report warns that one in six UK species faces extinction, and nature loss is accelerating faster than current action can reverse.
To fully restore functional, resilient ecosystems across Derbyshire and beyond, we need more than philanthropic goodwill and dedicated people. We need funding — and lots of it.
Our Mission:
The Nature Economy team at DWT have a mission to successfully unlock and embed economic solutions across Derbyshire that are nature-positive, net zero and socially just to support a Wilder Derbyshire where people and wildlife thrive together.
Develop innovative economic models
This involves working from the ground up to understand the needs and motivations for all parties so that we can match these opportunities together. These models must benefit our local communities, our wildlife, and our economy and require careful design. The Nature Economy team will focus on scaling up nature-based investments in things like habitat and species restoration, nature-led finance, and green skills development to drive economic growth while ensuring the restoration of healthy ecosystems.
Foster productive partnerships
There are many incredible people working in this sector or interested in engaging with it, and the Nature Economy team seeks to develop effective partnerships. Partnership working will ensure that opportunities created are high quality, effective, and socially just. By collaborating with stakeholders, the team aims to increase ecological returns by creating landscape-scale change, flourishing habitats, restored ecosystems, and wetlands to reduce flooding, while also increasing carbon capture for long-term environmental benefits.
Develop and deepen a wider understanding of a Nature Economy
There is a lot of jargon about green finance, nature economies, and ecosystem service markets, and often it can feel like we’re going around in circles. It is important that a Nature Economy for Derbyshire is accessible and understood by all. The team facilitates this through access to education and resources, providing advice and platforms for discussion, and offering opportunities to get involved. The mission here is to increase social returns, supporting community engagement in decision-making, promoting transport and infrastructure that connect people to nature, and fostering an increased sense of place for Derbyshire.
Embed these practices into our own organisation
Every business, every organisation, every landowner, everyone, could benefit from establishing a nature economy where nature-based investments provide multiple sustainable returns. DWT is no exception. We will lead by example, seeking opportunities to support and engage with ways to increase economic returns such as restorative and regenerative practices, the establishment of nature-based businesses, diversification of local supply chains, resilient farm businesses and increasing local employment opportunities.
(c) Matthew Roberts
Find out more about the role of nature economy in nature's recovery in this blog about reconnecting nature, businesses and people
Your Role in a Thriving Nature Economy
Practical ways each sector can turn environmental goals into action and how we can help.
Businesses
Harness the Power of Nature to Build a Resilient, Future-Ready Business
Businesses across all sectors are increasingly recognising the value of working with nature—not just for environmental impact, but for long-term business resilience and innovation.
Our Nature Economy team is here to help you understand and adopt nature-based solutions (NBS) that support your sustainability goals, reduce risks, and uncover new opportunities for green growth.
Through our Business 4 Nature initiative, we've co-developed a practical toolkit and resources to support you in embedding NBS into your business model. We also offer insight into market trends, emerging regulation, and local ecosystem service opportunities.
Get in touch to access support with your sustainability targets, explore the toolkit, discuss investment opportunities, and be part of Derbyshire’s transition to a greener, more resilient economy.
Contact us
Landowners/Managers
Unlock Sustainable Income and Stewardship through Nature-Based Solutions
As a landowner or land manager, you’re at the heart of shaping a Wilder Derbyshire. We understand the challenges around business resilience, funding uncertainty, and the pressure to make land work harder. That’s why our Nature Economy team has developed resources and support specifically for you. Whether you're curious about payments for ecosystem services, looking to improve biodiversity, or seeking viable routes to fund nature recovery, we can help.
We’re here to connect you with opportunities—from business diversification to carbon credits and habitat creation—while ensuring practical, profitable outcomes on the ground.
Contact our Nature Economy team to access tools, explore funding pathways, and join our growing network of land managers working with nature.
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Policy Makers/Regulators
Co-Designing Policy that Works for Nature and People
A nature-positive economy requires supportive policy frameworks that reflect the realities on the ground. Our Nature Economy team is actively engaging with regulators, local authorities, and national policymakers to shape evidence-based, practical recommendations that unlock nature-based solutions and deliver on net zero, biodiversity, and resilience targets.
Through initiatives like Business 4 Nature, we’ve gathered valuable insight into the enablers and barriers businesses and landowners face. This evidence is helping us co-create a policy brief grounded in real-world experiences, highlighting what’s needed to scale up ecosystem services effectively and equitably.
Partner with us to inform policy, align priorities, and ensure a thriving, nature-based economy for Derbyshire and beyond.
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Our Work:
We’re already working to build this vision — restoring landscapes, working with farm businesses, and championing the economic case for nature. See below for some examples:
