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Natural Environment

Protecting, restoring and enhancing the region’s natural environment

It’s essential that everyone in the West Midlands has access to clean air, clean water and green spaces. Our natural environment has a direct impact on people's health and prosperity of the region.

The WMCA has been working with regional partners to improve the natural environment and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), published in November 2025, outlines the priorities for nature.

The West Midlands Nature Delivery Plan (2026-2029) outlines the key things that we will do in the region over the next 3 years to begin to deliver the LNRS. This includes the next phase of our innovative work to secure investment for nature projects, building on the Defra-funded Local Investment in Natural Capital programme. 

As part of the wider natural environment programme, the Community Environment Network is supporting community groups across the West Midlands to restore and protect nature, amongst other environmental priorities. 

Explore the pages below to find out more about our natural environment work. 

Community Green Grants Love Your River Stour Digital

Local Nature Recovery Strategy

WMCA has been appointed a Responsible Authority to deliver the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

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Natural Environment Awards

The Natural Environment Awards are to recognise excellence in protecting, restoring and enhancing our natural environment.

Cycling Walking (5)

West Midlands Walking Trail

The West Midlands Walking trail is a proposal for a new walking trail in the region.

Right Tree Right Place Wolverhampton Digital (1)

Forest Partnership

Find out about our work with trees across the region.

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Local Investment in Natural Capital

The WMCA are developing an approach to unlock private investment into the region’s natural environment.

Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham

Technical Resources

Technical reports on the natural environment prepared to support the work of the WMCA and its key stakeholders.