New research published
highlights that National Nature Reserves (NNRs) managed by
Natural England offer huge value for money, with a wide
range of economic, environmental and societal benefits
totalling £36 million.
Our NNRs are some of the most important sites for wildlife
and geology in England. They conserve biodiversity and
geodiversity, provide an outdoor space for education,
learning and research, and opportunities to access, enjoy
and engage with our natural heritage, championed within the
Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan.
A new Natural Capital Accounts report published today
provides an innovative insight into the health of our NNRs
as natural assets, as well as demonstrating the ecosystem
services, benefits and value they provide to society in one
extended balance sheet. The report will provide a new
perspective to inform investment and management decisions
around NNRs.
The report shows the most significant benefits provided by
our NNRs are wildlife, positive cultural impacts, and
climate change reduction through carbon sequestration. The
report estimates that the 141 NNRs managed by Natural
England will remove up to 185,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide
equivalent per year from our atmosphere providing an annual
benefit of approximately £12 million. NNRs are an important
recreational resource, attracting an estimated 5.5 million
visits a year. NNRs do not charge for access so these
visits represent free recreational experiences which we
estimate are worth £22 million per year.
Other benefits of NNRs, such as wildlife and health
improvement, and water quality and pollination, are also
highlighted in the report, although we are not yet able to
place a monetary value on them.
Tim Hill, Chief Scientist at Natural England said:
National Nature Reserves are the crown jewels of our
natural heritage, important natural capital assets that
need to be understood to ensure they are resilient so we
can continue to provide environmental, societal and
economic benefits for generations to come.
I believe that these accounts demonstrate not only how
important National Nature Reserves are, but also how a
more inclusive approach to natural capital accounting is
essential if we are to invest in, and manage, our natural
capital for the full suite of benefits that they offer.
Natural Capital Accounting organises the available
evidence, quantifying and expressing NNRs in monetary terms
where possible, demonstrating the benefits of investment.
Like other assets, the NNRs will continue to provide
benefits if they are maintained and invested in.
Natural Capital Accounting is an experimental accounting
method which has been used by the Environment Agency,
Forest Enterprise and the Royal Society for the Protection
of Birds.
