Bid to reap rewards from nature

The Hull and East Riding Local Nature Partnership has been approved by the Government and aims to create a “step change” in local understanding of the environment and the benefits that can be derived from it.

A spokesman for East Riding Council, which is a lead partner with Hull Council, said: “The benefits derived from nature are described as ‘ecosystem services’ and sustainable economic growth relies on them.

“Some products like timber have a known financial value, but in other cases, such as the role of bees in pollinating crops, we are only just beginning to understand their role and financial value.”

The councils are now putting together a business plan to make the partnership self-funding.

Bridlington firm Muntons Malt has been highlighted as one that is already demonstrating how low-carbon working practices can have economic and social benefits.

The company, which has been producing malt and malted ingrediants for 90 years, is rated among the top 20 green companies in the country.

Tim Wakely, from the firm, said: “As a supply chain we face significant pressures to continue to deliver quality malt by securing sufficient quantity and quality of barley.

“However, we are absolutely convinced that a sustainable green agenda makes sound financial sense, contributes to our operational efficiency and in the longer term will protect both our business and our environment.”

Coun Symon Fraser, East Riding Council portfolio holder for environment, housing and planning, added: “The partnership will enable people from different sectors to work together to consider Hull and East Riding’s natural environment functions as a whole and how it contributes to the area’s economic and social prosperity.”