The Countryside Alliance has today praised the UK National Ecosystems Assessment (NEA) report - which aims to put a price tag on a range of economic, health and social benefits provided by the natural world - and said that it hopes the findings play a central role when the Government releases its Natural Environment White Paper later this year, H&C has learned. 

Slow to realise

Sarah Lee, Head of Policy for the Countryside Alliance, said: “While previous Governments have been slow to realise the benefits of the natural world, rural communities have known for a long time that the value of nature does not just come from resources that are bought and sold in the marketplace.  

Fishing generates jobs

“People have always invested in improving the hidden benefits of the natural environment. Recreational fishing can contribute £1 billion per year in England and Wales, generating 37,000 full-time jobs. Private investment in moorland management through driven grouse shooting now plays a major role in conserving this internationally threatened habitat for the benefit of all.
 
“It has been a long time coming but it is encouraging that this hidden value of nature is now being recognised by the NEA and we hope it plays a central role in the Government’s forthcoming Natural Environment White Paper.”