Natural Capital science at CEH

We're delivering our new Science Strategy (2014-19) through a number of Science Areas and underpinning activities. Find out more about each area as we profile them over the coming weeks in a series of blog posts.

This post focuses on our Natural Capital Science Area, headed by Professor Mike Acreman.

We use the term natural capital to recognise the importance of nature’s assets & the benefits that flow from them
— CEH Science News (@CEHScienceNews) February 7, 2014

Soil, insect pollination, water, food, nutrient cycling, flood control etc - we rely on goods and services provided by the natural environment. The concept of natural capital as the stock of environmental assets will inform decisions on how we use our natural resources and manage the environment sustainably.

Wetlands, such as this blanket bog on the Isle of Harris, provide essential ecosystem
functions and services, including regulation of water quality, sustainable control and
mitigation of flooding, greenhouse gas reduction, essential habitats for plants and
animals, and cultural and recreational facilities.

CEH carries out a wide range of research into wetlands in the UK and overseas.

CEH has unrivalled and longstanding expertise in the science of the natural environment that underpins natural capital. We'll use surveys, experiments, analysis and modelling to produce detailed knowledge of water, soils, plants, animals and atmosphere provided by the UK environment.

...explaining trends & sensitivity of natural capital to different drivers... pic.twitter.com/Hrt8Ol0fpw
— CEH Science News (@CEHScienceNews) February 7, 2014

Research objectives in this Science Area include assessing the extent, quality, trends and vulnerability of the UK's natural capital. We also define ecosystem services that flow from the natural and managed environment, quantifying short and long-term trends and natural variations.

Food security depends on sustainable nutrient management of soils – CEH co-authored paper in latest issue of @SfEP http://t.co/jeD74vTRQH
— CEH Science News (@CEHScienceNews) July 12, 2013

New paper co-authored with Mike Acreman @CEHScienceNews on how wetlands affect floods is now officially published http://t.co/IYnQyIHlV6
— Joseph Holden (@geojho) September 15, 2013

We'll also work with other experts in economics, health and sociology, to evaluate the benefits of natural capital to human well-being, how to balance exploitation with protection and where to target management and restoration efforts. For example, we are a partner member of the Natural Capital Initiative.

Blog 2 of 3 on #natcap13 from NCI: Bruce Howard @CEHScienceNews takes a natural science view on @NatCapForum http://t.co/mquX1hyGjI #natcap
— NatCapInitiative (@NCI_NatCap) December 20, 2013

New on our blog: Construction, #biodiversity and natural capital: discussing the challenges http://t.co/qCFjI30IFH
— CEH Science News (@CEHScienceNews) December 19, 2013

Ecological science for ecosystem services & the stewardship of Natural Capital - editorial in @JAppliedEcology http://t.co/YD2KSufpHp
— CEH Paper Alerts (@CEHPaperAlerts) July 29, 2013

Long-term monitoring helps us record how natural capital is changing and identify the causes of change. For example, CEH coordinates the UK Environmental Change Network, and operates the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme in partnership with Butterfly Conservation and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Washout 2012 was the worst year on record for UK butterflies http://t.co/NatOoIdRFG @CEHScienceNews
— BC (@savebutterflies) March 26, 2013

More details of our Natural Capital Science Area, including a Science Area Summary [PDF], are available on our website.

Additional information

CEH Science Strategy