Nature market launched to support Cornwall’s environment and landowners

Cornwall’s businesses and organisations can now invest in environmental improvements across the county through a new ‘nature market’, which utilises the expertise of University of Exeter’s academics.

The Cornwall LINC Nature Market is an online marketplace where landowners are paid for projects on their land that benefit nature, such as improving water quality, creating wildlife habitats, and capturing carbon.

Run by EnTrade in partnership with Arup and Cornwall Council, the marketplace will connect buyers and suppliers of nature-based solutions, making it easier for companies to support environmental projects and giving landowners new opportunities to earn income – all while helping to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.

Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “This is a great opportunity for landowners to contribute to Cornwall’s environmental goals while also benefiting financially. We encourage everyone to explore how they can get involved.”

The market facilitates the sale of multiple environmental services through a single allocation mechanism designed by researchers from the University of Exeter Business School’s Economics Department.

The Lindsay Mechanism, designed by Dr Luke Lindsay and a practical application of academic research, matches together organisations and landowners by deciding how much organisations have to pay the landholders to fairly divide up the benefits from this trading.

“The market mechanism process ensures landowners get fair payments for the projects they deliver, and buyers pay a fair price for the environmental credits the projects generate, with any surplus returning to the buyers and suppliers, said Dr Lindsay. 

Guy Thompson, Managing Director at EnTrade said: “Nature is in crisis, and we need a fundamental re-think on how we fund nature recovery. By bringing the EnTrade market mechanism to the Cornwall Natural Capital Exchange we will unlock private investment to restore local ecosystems, support farmers and drive sustainable land management, ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits for the region.”

Amy Coulthard, Market Development Director at EnTrade, added: “Nature-based solutions are key to addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. By working together, we can create a market that delivers real benefits for both people and the environment.”

How It Works

Through the platform, businesses can offset their environmental impact by buying “environmental credits” from landowners who are improving local ecosystems. This system ensures funds go directly to projects that protect and restore Cornwall’s natural landscapes. A short film about how the market works is available here.

Landowners, businesses, and community groups interested in participating can contact the team linc@cornwall.gov.uk to learn more.