Marches Forward Partnership adopts green growth programme
The Marches Forward Partnership (MFP) is launching a green growth programme, a bold initiative designed to bring lasting benefits to communities across the region.
The MFP aims to position the region at the forefront of rural green growth by creating the UK’s first geography-based environmental market. This will harness the Marches’ unique natural capital assets – from its rivers and farmland to its landscapes and biodiversity – establishing a market rooted in real-world trades with corporate buyers, generating both economic growth and environmental resilience.
At a recent kick-off session, partners from across the Marches came together to set out a clear vision for a healthier, more connected, and prosperous future.
Central to the MFP’s plans are:
• Marches Environmental Investment Platform (MEIP): A concept to attract private capital and direct it to our land managers by addressing barriers such as unclear returns, risk quantification, and fragmented project pipelines.
• Marches Environmental Development Corporation (EDC): A proposed governance model to bring together communities, buyers investors, policy makers and delivery partners.
• Severn Valley Water Management Scheme: A pilot project led by the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Powys and Shropshire Councils to explore large-scale water infrastructure solutions.
It is anticipated the programme will support new and existing businesses to grow and create jobs; help communities become more resilient to environmental challenges; support the wider resilience of infrastructure such as energy and transport and encourage investment in local projects that make a real difference.
The strategy is being led by Shropshire Council and Powys County Council.
Heather Kidd, leader of Shropshire Council, said:-
“By pursuing our cross-border collaboration, local councils, businesses, and community organisations are building a region that leads the way in green innovation and resilience which is vital to our prosperity and economic growth.”
Jake Berriman, leader of Powys County Council, added:-
“By working together we can attract both private and government investment which will allow us to scale up our ambitions.
“The MFP is committed to open collaboration, with regular meetings and opportunities for stakeholders to get involved. Over the coming months, the team will be engaging with local residents, landowners, and investors to shape the programme and ensure it meets the needs of everyone in the Marches.”
The Marches Forward Partnership includes councils from Shropshire, Powys, Herefordshire, and Monmouthshire, working together to unlock investment and deliver transformational change across the England-Wales border.
