A new report published by Natural England has revealed that investment in the natural environment is "critical" to the long-term economic prosperity of Britain.

The No Charge? Valuing the Natural Environment study claims that the natural environment contributes billions of pounds to the UK economy, while also identifying savings that can be made by looking after the countryside. According to the report, investment in schemes designed to reduce the levels of greenhouse gas emissions from farming by 11 per cent has resulted in carbon savings of around £180m.

Natural England said that improved management of peatlands would prevent up to five million tonnes of carbon being released into the atmosphere, which is equivalent to the entire carbon cost of the British aviation industry. The provision of green spaces in towns and cities throughout the country would deliver healthcare savings of nearly £1.5bn, while increased woodland areas would also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions.

Natural England chief executive Helen Phillips said: "We cannot truly prosper without a healthy natural environment. It is integral to our health, wellbeing and happiness. Investment is now critical if the environmental services we all depend on are to continue to underpin our future prosperity. "The idea that there is a choice to be made between economic success and conservation is a false one and we have to move away from the mindset that regards securing the health of the natural environment as a drag on prosperity and growth."