From vision to delivery: what it will take to scale nature recovery in England

Local Nature Recovery Strategies were widely recognised as a critical foundation, offering a bottom-up and place-based approach. However, there was a shared view that these strategies must be better integrated into national planning frameworks to provide clarity and confidence for funders, infrastructure providers and land managers. 

The role of spatial planning was also emphasised, with growing optimism around planning reforms and the potential to embed nature recovery more directly into development strategies. A more coordinated, map-based approach could help stakeholders better understand where and how to act, enabling more effective and aligned delivery. 

Policy consistency and the need for alignment 

Participants raised concerns about inconsistent messaging and policy direction across different parts of government. This lack of alignment can undermine confidence, making it more difficult for organisations to plan and invest in long-term nature recovery projects. 

Greater policy clarity and stability were seen as essential to ensure that existing frameworks can operate effectively. A more joined-up, cross-government approach would help reduce fragmentation and support a more strategic delivery of environmental objectives. 

Unlocking green finance for nature recovery 

The roundtable explored the current state of green finance, with participants noting that while interest is increasing, the market remains underdeveloped. Existing funding mechanisms are often too large-scale or complex for many local projects, leaving smaller landowners and organisations without accessible pathways to participate. 

There was strong agreement that a blended finance approach will be necessary, combining public funding, philanthropic support and private investment. Not all nature recovery activities will generate financial returns, and public funding will continue to play a vital role in supporting outcomes that deliver broader societal benefits. 

Trusted intermediaries and delivery partners were also highlighted as important enablers, helping to de-risk projects and build confidence among investors and land managers. 

However, policy instability was identified as a key barrier to investment. Uncertainty around schemes such as biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality can deter both impact investors and traditional financiers from committing to long-term projects. 

Regulation, culture and enabling innovation 

The role of regulation and organisational culture was another key area of discussion. Participants reflected on the need for regulatory frameworks that enable innovation and informed decision-making, rather than acting solely as rigid rulebooks. 

There was recognition of a tension between ensuring compliance and enabling more ambitious approaches to nature recovery. In some cases, overly cautious interpretations of regulation can limit innovation and lead to less effective outcomes. 

Aligning risk appetite across regulators, businesses and the public sector was seen as critical to unlocking progress. Trusted partnerships and collaborative approaches can play a key role in building confidence, sharing risk and supporting more innovative delivery models. 

Participants also highlighted the limited incentives for corporate engagement in nature recovery. Strengthening reporting requirements or introducing targeted incentives could help mobilise broader business participation and move beyond voluntary, fragmented action. 

Strengthening skills, data and collaboration 

The discussion also highlighted the importance of building capacity across the sector. Skills shortages in specialist areas, alongside fragmented career pathways, can constrain the delivery of nature recovery projects at scale. 

Data sharing was identified as a significant challenge. While large volumes of environmental data are collected, they are often siloed or duplicated. Greater coordination and acceptance of shared datasets could improve decision-making, reduce inefficiencies and support more effective collaboration. 

More broadly, participants emphasised the need for stronger cross-sector collaboration. Professional bodies and networks can play an important role in facilitating knowledge exchange, promoting best practice and supporting more coherent delivery across the system. 

Opportunities in marine and coastal recovery 

The roundtable also explored opportunities in marine and coastal environments. Community-led initiatives, such as locally managed protected areas, were highlighted as a promising model for supporting both ecological recovery and sustainable economic activity. 

There was interest in applying strategic planning approaches used in marine environments to terrestrial systems, particularly in terms of spatial coordination and long-term planning. 

Looking ahead 

Overall there are several opportunities and challenges ahead in this area. While there is growing momentum behind nature recovery, delivering meaningful change at scale will require clearer strategic direction, greater policy stability and a significant expansion of finance and collaboration. A more integrated approach – combining national vision, local delivery, private investment and cross-sector partnerships – will be essential to ensure that environmental ambition translates into tangible outcomes. 

ISEP will continue to convene stakeholders, support dialogue and contribute evidence-led insights to help drive progress on nature recovery across the UK.