Nature North showcases northern investment opportunities at landmark investor event

More than 50 cross-sector organisations are collaborating through Nature North to deliver large scale, investable nature recovery across the North of England.

At a landmark event alongside the twelfth Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), investors visited three projects demonstrating the North of England’s nature investment potential: Wigan Greenheart, Smithills Estate and Castlefield Viaduct

Investing in nature recovery supports economic growth and delivers multiple returns, reduced flood and drought risk, carbon storage, green jobs and improved water quality.

Nature North – a pioneering collaboration including businesses and infrastructure providers, conservation NGOs, Natural England, the Environment Agency, National Parks and Landscapes, local authorities and land managers – joined Greater Manchester Combined Authority to showcase the investment potential of nature recovery projects across the North.

Business, finance and government delegates attending the IPBES 12 international biodiversity conference and parallel programme toured three pioneering projects:

• Wigan Greenheart natural flood management scheme covering 1,400 hectares of former industrial land;
• Woodland creation and peatland restoration across 1,700 acres at Smithills Estate;
• Castlefield Viaduct, which has transformed a Grade II listed railway structure into a sky garden in central Manchester.

The event showcased investment opportunities in the North of England’s natural environment and nature recovery projects. Attendees heard how restoring nature can boost the regional economy and learned about Nature North’s role in linking investors with trustworthy projects that benefit the environment and offer financial returns.

Mike Innerdale, Chair of Nature North and Regional Director, National Trust said:

“This event demonstrated that a thriving environment and sustainable economic growth can go hand in hand – nature is a foundation for growth, not a barrier.

“By identifying and matching investors with opportunities in natural flood management, woodland creation, peatland restoration and urban regeneration, we can allow the North of England to lead the way in nature’s recovery.”

David Renwick, Regional Director for Natural England in the North, and Nature North Board member said:

“As the latest IPBES assessments make clear, nature underpins our nation’s health, wealth and security. Natural England is committed to reversing nature’s decline, and if we are to succeed in meeting development and growth needs, we must ensure that nature is central to investment decisions.

“Greater Manchester is already showing how development can unlock vital green finance needed to turbo-charge nature recovery. By working with investors and local partners to channel private investment into nature, we can create opportunities that deliver returns for both people and the planet, whilst building the resilient ecosystems our economy depends upon.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: 

“Greater Manchester is proud to be leading the way on nature recovery. We’re the first region in the North to publish a Local Nature Recovery Strategy, we are investing in communities through our Green Spaces Fund and we’re working closely with our local authorities to make sure the benefits of Biodiversity Net Gain stay here in Greater Manchester.

“We know that a healthy natural environment underpins our economy, strengthens our communities and improves quality of life, and that’s why nature recovery is central to our vision for a greener, fairer city region.”

George Coiley, Sustainability Manager at Northern Powergrid said:

“As the company that powers everyday life across the North, we’re investing in our network to accelerate the transition to clean energy and keep customers reliably connected. We know this comes at a time when UK nature is under pressure and many communities lack access to green spaces that support health and wellbeing. Our work with Nature North ensures we develop our network in a way that supports local nature recovery and delivers lasting benefits for the people and places we serve.”

Another highlight of the Aviva and Defra hosted the IPBES‑12 Parallel Programme was the Business and Finance Day on Wednesday 3 February at Aviva Studios, Manchester.

The session, Northern Roots: Opportunities for Nature Restoration across the North, was led by Steph Hepworth, Project Manager at Nature North, alongside Tom Bloxham MBE CBE, Chair of Urban Splash.

Steph highlighted the North of England’s unique potential to lead the UK’s nature recovery agenda— how the region is a place of collaboration, ambition, innovation, and large‑scale opportunity. The conversation explored how green infrastructure, urban greening, and nature‑based solutions can drive nature‑positive outcomes while delivering clear social and economic benefits for local communities and regional economies.

Tom shared his work on CyanLines, an ambitious urban regeneration and restoration project in Manchester, aiming to create a 100 mile plus network connecting and improving Greater Manchester’s parks, squares, rivers, canals and viaducts. The discussion also highlighted the wider Northern Opportunity, including Nature North’s collaborative programmes and flagship nature‑based projects. The session demonstrated how locally driven ideas can be scaled into transformative regional or national initiatives, positioning the North as a leader in nature‑based investment and climate resilience.

For more information, contact stephh@naturenorth.org.uk