The UK National Ecosystem Assessment provided the first analysis of the UK’s natural environment in terms of the benefits it provides to society and our continuing economic prosperity. Its findings indicate that ecosystems and ecosystem services, and the ways people benefit from them, have changed markedly in the past 60 years, driven by changes in society. It also cites that the UK’s ecosystems are delivering some services well, but others are still in long-term decline.

The UK National Ecosystem Assessment follow on was published in 2014. It provided further analysis of the cultural and economic value of nature and developed a range of tools and methods to assist decision-makers wishing to apply an ecosystems approach.