The natural environment has been shown to improve wellbeing, mental and physical health and a range of wider positive outcomes. But what can the government do? And are investments in "nature" value for money? There are a wide range of policy interventions which effectively protect and improve the natural environment and enhance the benefits which flow from it. Many important interventions protect the natural environment in oceans, rivers, mountains and forests, safeguarding wellbeing for current and future generations. In this paper, we explore the value for money of 3 selected potential options for government investment: - converting small areas of vacant, unused land to new green space and parkland; - maintaining blue spaces to be accessible for public visits; - example schemes to encourage access to green space and engagement with nature.

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23 July 2026     Paper Number CEPOP76

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