How to engage and access nature markets

This page identifies the experts, organisations and market providers to speak to when starting to engage with nature markets. It also highlights legal requirements, long-term commitments and market risks. 

Start by assessing your land’s potential

Before joining any nature market scheme, it's vital to understand your starting point. Environmental baselining helps you measure and prove the positive changes your land delivers, from carbon sequestration and soil health to water quality and biodiversity. It’s the foundation for getting fair value and avoiding double-counting or future compliance issues.

To engage in nature markets, start here:

• Assess your land’s potential for carbon storage, biodiversity enhancement, water quality improvements or flood management
• Identify suitable schemes, such as carbon credits, biodiversity net gain or nutrient neutrality programmes
• Register with verified brokers, government initiatives or private platforms
• Seek advice from trusted professionals to navigate legal, financial and compliance requirements, e.g. consultants, land agents, environmental organisations or market specialists
• Explore government grants and private funding options to support initial investments, ensuring long-term sustainability and financial viability

Nature markets: Checklist

Initial fit and farm impact

1. What do you want to achieve for your business from entering a nature market scheme, and does the scheme support this goal?
2. Could joining a scheme affect other parts of your farm business (supply chain contracts, assurance schemes, other subsidies)?
3. Are you comfortable with the rules before and after signing (no tillage, cover crops, minimum area under management)?
4. Have you compared the details of different schemes (look at contract length, costs, requirements and restrictions)?

Land access and contracts

5. Does the contract length suit your situation (consider tenancy agreements and land availability over time for future generations)?

Costs and payments

6. Do you understand and have you identified all costs involved (upfront fees, monthly charges, per hectare costs, commission on returns)?
7. How will you be paid – and when (market rate, fixed price, staged payments, early payout options and tax implications)?
8. If early payment is offered, how is best to secure the money and do you know the risks involved (future value may increase, additional fees may apply)?

Testing and monitoring

9. Are assessments or tests required before or during the scheme (soil, biodiversity, water quality – who pays for them?)?
10. How and when will your farm be monitored (physical inspections, test kits, satellite or AI-based tools)?

Buffers and outcome

11. Will any of your outcomes be held back as a buffer (could a shared buffer pool affect your final return if others exit?)?

Make contact 

For more information head to the Green Finance Institute page or see AHDB's Schemes in the carbon market: what to look out for.   

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