Natural capital simply means the natural environment around us, from rivers and woodlands to soils, wetlands and coastlines, which provides essential services such as clean air for people, wildlife and the economy.
At its meeting on 20 August 2026, Winchester City Council backed a motion recognising natural capital as strategic critical infrastructure. This means acknowledging that our communities and economy depend on nature and that it should be considered alongside other essential infrastructure when decisions are made about future growth, planning and investment. The motion also calls for nature recovery and climate resilience to be built into future plans.
This comes at a critical time for nature, as Hampshire and the Isle of Wight face growing pressures including biodiversity loss, climate change, water scarcity, pollution, wildfires and flooding. Healthy rivers, aquifers, wetlands, soils, woodlands and coastlines can help address some of these challenges, while supporting water security, food production, public health and recreation.
Important decisions are also being made now that will shape how the region grows and develops for years to come. The emerging Hampshire and Solent Combined County Authority will have a role in areas including economic growth, housing, transport, infrastructure investment and strategic planning, including through its Local Growth Plan and future Spatial Development Strategy. Nature must be embedded into these plans to future-proof the economy, ensure resilience for our communities and wildlife and long-term prosperity for the region.
The Trust has written to council leaders encouraging councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to follow Winchester's lead. A collective commitment from local councils would send a strong signal that nature should be recognised as a strategic asset that underpins sustainable growth, climate resilience and community wellbeing.
Niamh Tickner, Planning Policy and Campaigns Officer at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: “Winchester's decision is an important step towards ensuring nature is prioritised and understood as essential to the region as Hampshire and the Isle of Wight plan for the future.
“Decisions being made now will shape our communities for years to come, so it is vital that nature is part of those conversations and is considered from the outset. By recognising healthy natural systems as essential infrastructure, we can make more space for nature while creating healthier, more resilient places for people too. We hope to see other councils support this call and recognise the [strategic] importance of nature”
Ask your council to stand up for nature
You can help show your support too. The Trust has created a simple letter that can be personalised and sent to your local councillor, asking them to support nature being recognised as strategic infrastructure and encourage their council to follow Winchester's example. You can also add your own personal reason for why local nature matters to you.
If you’re unsure who your councillor is, visit writetothem.com
Download the template letter and ask your local councillor to support nature as strategic infrastructure HERE.
