The Marches Nature Partnership is an informal association between the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Local Nature Partnership and the Herefordshire Local Nature Partnership. The 47 local nature partnerships across England originated in a vision set out in the UK government’s 2011 ‘Natural Environment White Paper’, which identified the need to take greater account of the value of the environment when strategic decisions are made that affect people and the local economy. They're formed from a broad range of partners, such as business groups, health and wellbeing boards and conservation agencies to bring about improvements in their natural environment and the benefits this brings to society. These benefits are known as ecosystem services.

Our key roles include:

• Developing a shared environmental vision and identifying local priorities
• Engaging communities, and raising awareness of the vital benefits that a healthy natural environment brings to people and the economy
• Promoting the use of the natural environment to tackle public health issues
• Ensuring communication and coordinated action across organisations
• Working with the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership to help businesses to fulfil corporate responsibility objectives and develop new business opportunities linked to a green economy
• Influencing local plans, development frameworks and policies
• Ensuring that good practice is recognised and celebrated

For more information about the Marches Nature Partnership please contact the coordinator on 01743 258511, email: contact@marchesnaturepartnership.co.uk