The Big Nature Impact Fund: Mobilising Private Capital for Nature in England
This session will present the Big Nature Impact Fund as a practical example of blended finance in action in England. The panel will explore how first-loss public capital can help turn emerging nature markets into investable propositions: reducing risk for institutional investors, supporting developers of biodiverse habitat projects, and strengthening nature markets. It will also examine what this model can teach other countries seeking to scale private investment into nature.
Framing
This section provides context for the event to ensure all participants, regardless of prior knowledge, are equipped to engage with the discussion.
The UK faces an estimated £10bn annual funding gap for nature recovery, meaning public funding alone will not be enough to meet nature targets. Nature markets are emerging and beginning to attract private capital, but they remain nascent and are not yet operating at the scale required. Despite growing institutional appetite for natural capital, most investors still view these newer revenue streams as too risky. The Big Nature Impact Fund offers a practical solution: UK Government-backed first-loss capital to reduce downside risk, build market confidence and unlock private investment into projects restoring woodlands, wetlands and other high-integrity habitats.
