A PUBLIC body has said investment in the natural environment is essential to the North East’s future economic prosperity.

Research by Natural England shows that the economic value of nature now runs to billions of pounds in the UK.

The report, called No Charge?

Valuing the Natural Environment, says the natural environment provides cost-effective solutions to growing problems including flood and coastal defence, carbon emissions and the preservation of soil, water and air quality.

However, Natural England said the role the natural world plays in contributing to a thriving economy was undervalued.

Rob Aubrook, Natural England director for the North-East, said: “This report argues that areas such as the North-East of England cannot truly prosper without a thriving natural environment.

It is as integral to our economy as it is to our health, wellbeing and happiness.

“The evidence is overwhelming.

We need to recognise that the ecological solutions provided by the natural environment are among the most highly effective and cost-effective ways of tackling a range of environmental, social and economic problems.”

In the North-East, more than 80 per cent of the North-East’s agricultural land is managed under Natural England’s Environmental Stewardship scheme.

Nationally, the schemes reduce carbon emissions by about 3.5 million tonnes a year and, over a seven year period, this could lead to a carbon saving of £1.25bn.

Management of peatlands in the region not only reduces carbon emissions, but can help alleviate flooding by storing, filtering and regulating water.

A third of the region is also designated as National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Heritage Coast, which Natural England said offered huge opportunities for tourism.

Tourism is worth nearly £4bn to the North-East economy and employs more than 60,000 people in the region.

Mr Aubrook said: “It is abundantly clear that nature’s support services and the way we look after them are fundamental to our economic performance and wellbeing.

“There is enormous hidden value in the natural solutions provided by the natural environment.

“We need to recognise them as among the most highly efficient and cost-effective means of tackling some of our current economic, social and environmental issues.”