Nature Returns addresses the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss by building the evidence around nature-based solutions (NbS) through scientific research and collaboration. The programme aims to understand how biodiverse habitats can both capture and store carbon and help us to adapt to climate change, whilst delivering other societal benefits. Research also looks at how NbS can be practically implemented at the landscape scale, including how public and private funding can be blended to support large-scale environmental recovery. By filling evidence gaps and integrating findings into policy, Nature Returns seeks to accelerate progress toward Net Zero and biodiversity goals, and support climate change adaptation and the implementation of the land use framework for England.
Natural England leads Nature Returns, in partnership with the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, RBG Kew at Wakehurst and six Local Partnership Projects. The programme is co-sponsored by Defra and DESNZ, which is helping to ensure that emerging results can be integrated into developing policy.
Nature Returns Commissioned Reports
The following reports have been published externally. For Natural England publications, please scroll to the bottom of this page.
Carbon & Biodiversity Research
Utilising Remote Sensing to Compare Grassland and Woodland Temperatures at Wakehurst
Estimating and Comparing Modelled Rainfall Interception Loss in Woodland and Grassland at Wakehurst
Nutrients, carbon, mycorrhizas and tipping points in forests
Giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) in the UK: carbon storage potential and growth rates
Wakehurst Oaks 2025 Dendrometer Report
Soil moisture monitoring pilot across Nature Returns partner sites
Investing in Nature
The Aggregation of Ecosystem Services Suppliers
Buyers of Ecosystem Services in Voluntary Markets
Green Finance, Flood and Water Governance
Aggregation and Investment for Nature
UK Voluntary Carbon Market Pricing Research
Motivations of buyers of ecosystem services in voluntary markets
Landscape Scale Delivery
Cultural Ecosystem Services and opportunities for inclusive and effective nature-based solutions
Land Use Decision Research & Guidance
Contact Information
If you would like to find out more or keep up to date with our progress, please contact us at naturereturns@naturalengland.org.uk or on our dedicated webpage Nature Returns, Kew.
Accessibility
If you require any of the reports in a different format, or have any other feedback about the content's accessibility, please contact naturereturns@naturalengland.org.uk