New UKREiiF 2026 Survey Launches to Unlock Private Investment in Nature Recovery
Nature North, in partnership with Accelar Limited, has launched a new industry survey for UKREiiF 2026 to better understand demand for, and barriers to, private investment in nature recovery projects across the UK.
The survey builds on insights gathered at UKREiiF 2025, where organisations from the built environment and infrastructure sectors revealed a growing recognition of the importance—and value—of nature-based solutions.
Strong interest, but persistent uncertainty
Results from the 2025 survey highlighted a significant shift in business attitudes:
- Organisations are increasingly motivated to invest in nature due to climate urgency, regulatory pressures, and brand alignment
- Customer and employee expectations are becoming a powerful driver of nature-positive action
- Businesses see nature investment as a way to deliver multiple benefits, from resilience to reputation However, the findings also revealed a critical challenge:
Despite growing interest, many organisations remain uncertain about how to engage in nature investment due to the complexity of funding mechanisms and a lack of clear, proven pathways.
A limited track record in nature markets and a fragmented landscape of investment models continue to act as barriers to scaling private sector involvement.
Survey aims to unlock practical solutions
The 2026 survey aims to address these challenges by capturing up-to-date insights from across industry, helping to:
Identify practical barriers to investment Understand evolving market demand Inform the development of clearer, more accessible investment pathways Support the growth of a credible, investable pipeline of nature recovery projects
Steph Hepworth, Nature North Project Manager, said:
“We’re seeing a clear shift—businesses want to invest in nature, but many don’t know where to start. This survey is about closing that gap and making it easier to turn ambition into action.”
Get involved
The survey takes less than two minutes to complete and is open to all organisations with an interest in nature recovery and sustainable development.
Participation in this survey will support work at Wild Ingleborough; a landscape-scale restoration programme in the Yorkshire Dales to protect, restore and reconnect this stronghold for rare and threatened species that are found nowhere else in the world. One survey participant will be randomly selected to be a named supporter of this work through a £100 donation.
🗓️ Closing date: 30 May 2026
Meet us at UKREiiF
Attendees can connect with us at the Landscape Pavilion during UKREiiF 2026 to learn more about the survey and opportunities to collaborate.
What You Can Do
Partner with Nature North Explore the strategic plan for a nature-positive regional economy: Investing in Nature for the North Contact: stephh@naturenorth.org.uk
Collaborate with Accelar: Discover consultancy services and digital tools like the Sustainability Business Tracker, BNG Finder, and acra: Visit www.accelar.co.uk Email: info@accelar.co.uk