Natural England has published new research on an emerging field of natural capital accounting, highlighting that Natural Nature Reserves managed by Natural England provide benefits of £36 million per annum, and are of economic value to local communities and society. These benefits include health benefits, flood alleviation, pollination, water and air quality.
A Natural Capital Account of the National Nature Reserves managed by Natural England. Executive summary. Download
Natural Capital Accounts (NCAs) are a way of organising information about the natural environment to inform economic decision making. NCAs go further than traditional accounts because they place an economic value on non-market environment benefits e.g. benefit of recreation provided by rural areas.
The full report can be found here: Natural England