January marked a significant moment for the future of nature in the UK. The National Landscapes Association and National Parks Partnerships joined forces to host the inaugural Delivering for Nature, Together forum, bringing businesses, funders and investors into the heart of the conversation about how we restore, protect and future-proof our most precious landscapes and in turn create economic resilience.

This event was more than a gathering. It was the culmination of months of purposeful collaboration between two organisations united by a shared belief: that the scale of the nature challenge - and the opportunity - demands that we work not in parallel, but in partnership.

A national priority

Opening the forum, Mary Creagh, Minister for Nature, underlined just how central protected landscapes are to meeting national and international commitments.

Her message reinforced the reality that without action in National Parks and National Landscapes, the UK cannot meet its Environment Act targets or its global 30 by 30 commitment to effectively conserve and manage 30% of land for nature by 2030.
 

She said: “Our National Parks and National Landscapes are the living proof that investment in nature delivers tangible returns for all of us. Our protected landscapes must lead change for people and the planet: harnessing bold, innovative ideas and collaborating across the country to deliver more for people and nature.

"These places are crucial assets: they underpin our national infrastructure. Investment in them benefits communities, businesses, and the planet as a whole. Our future prosperity depends on them."

Why this collaboration matters
National Parks and National Landscapes represent some of the UK’s most valuable natural assets. They:
•    Deliver clean air and water
•    Store vast amounts of carbon
•    Support biodiversity at scale
•    Sustain local economies
•    Improve health and wellbeing for millions
 

But their continued ability to provide these benefits cannot be taken for granted. Restoring peatlands, recovering habitats, strengthening ecosystems and increasing resilience to climate change all require sustained, long-term investment.
Public funding, including vital support from Defra, remains essential. Yet it is clear that government funding alone cannot meet the scale of ambition required for nature recovery. Unlocking new sources of finance, particularly through high-integrity Nature-based Solutions, is now critical.

John Watkins, CEO of National Landscapes Association, said: "Protected landscapes cover 25% of the country, but the footprint of the benefits they generate is far greater. From whole water catchments that support downstream communities to the millions of visitors they welcome each year, National Landscapes are rooted in place but delivering impact at a national scale. They combine local knowledge with national importance, bringing together ambition, innovation, partnerships and strong evidence to unlock the full vitality of place and drive nature recovery for the nation."

A room full of possibility
Delivering for Nature, Together convened a room of forward-thinking organisations ready to explore how private investment can help deliver landscape-scale restoration, while also supporting business resilience, climate goals and long-term value creation.
The message was clear: nature recovery is not only an environmental responsibility, it is also a strategic opportunity.
This partnership between National Landscapes and National Parks provides a unique platform for investment into projects that are:
•    Landscape-scale
•    Scientifically robust
•    High integrity
•    Socially and environmentally impactful
 

Cat Hawkins, CEO of National Parks Partnerships, said: “What came through clearly at the Forum is that nature recovery is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It is fundamental to business resilience, supply chains and long-term value. Protected landscapes are uniquely placed to offer long-term stewardship, trusted governance and the scale required to deliver nature recovery alongside real social value — turning commitments into measurable, lasting outcomes for people, nature and the economy.”

Proof that partnership works
Attendees heard first-hand how private finance is already accelerating impact.
•    Olly Breen, Senior Manager – Climate Change Strategy for Santander UK shared how the partnership with the National Parks has offered more than just carbon credits and has supported the banks capability development and internal thinking. 
•    Paul Leadbitter shared how investment in the North Pennines National Landscape has amplified peatland restoration, unlocking environmental gains at a scale not previously possible.
•    Nick Heaseman highlighted how partnerships in the South Downs National Park are demonstrating the potential of blended funding models to drive long-term landscape recovery.
These stories showed that when public purpose and private capital align, the results can be transformative.
 

Protected for the nation and sustained by partnership
National Parks and National Landscapes are protected for everyone. They are places where nature and people thrive together, where heritage meets innovation and where local communities are central to long-term stewardship.
But safeguarding them for future generations will take collective effort.
 

The Delivering for Nature, Together forum marked an important step forward: a clear signal that protected landscapes are open for partnership, ready for investment, and committed to delivering high-quality, large-scale nature restoration.
The collaboration between National Landscapes and National Parks demonstrates what is possible when organisations pool expertise, ambition and reach. Now, the invitation is open to others to join this journey to help shape a resilient, nature-rich future for the UK.