NATURAL CAPITAL
IN THE UPLANDS

Our uplands are incredibly rich in natural capital – the stocks of resources from the natural world that support our society.  
 

From clean air, drinking water and food production to dark skies, carbon capture and recreation – our precious uplands are vital to our existence. 

There are obvious links between the natural resources in these areas and the contribution they make to the economies they sustain. Farming, woodland creation, mineral extraction, renewable energy, recreation and tourism all benefit from the uplands. 

The Heather Trust wants to see greater recognition for those who are managing these natural capital assets for the benefit of wider society alongside a focus on inward (private and public) investment to support positive, long-term management. This includes Biodiversity Net Gain (or equivalent) initiatives that contribute to the sensitive enhancement of upland areas via conservation covenants, biodiversity credits or other mechanisms. 

The value of our natural environment should not be ignored in decision making. Only by fully understanding the value of natural capital in the uplands can investors, policy makers and the wider public appreciate the vital part they play in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and wider societal benefits.  

We believe that incentivising sustainable management is key. Like any other prized asset, our uplands must be maintained in a manner that allows them to continue delivering benefits into our future and if the mechanisms are not there to support this activity, then we all lose out.  

As Natural Capital markets continue to evolve at pace, The Heather Trust seeks to build greater awareness of the myriad benefits our uplands provide and facilitate discussion around inward investment and policy required to maintain and enhance sustainable, resilient moorlands.