SWEEP

The South West Partnership for Environmental and Economic Prosperity (SWEEP) is helping the South West of the UK become a national exemplar for sustainable economic growth, social gains, and environmental improvements built on the regions’ natural capital.

Led by Professor Ian Bateman OBE, SWEEP is a major Natural Environment Research Council impact programme, running from 2017‐2022. They connect expertise from the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, and Plymouth Marine Laboratory with a large group (200+) of highly engaged, regional and national businesses, policymakers, and community partners.

The programme aims to support the regions’ decision‐makers to adopt a Natural Capital Approach to investments and policy by developing bespoke guidance, decision support and mapping tools. Together, they are working towards a future where the South West builds on a restored, more resilient and enhanced natural environment, producing gains for business, government and society.

So far, they have helped leverage over £43 million of new funding, influenced over £95 million of partner investments and business cases, supported partner cost saving in excess of £200 million, and created or safeguarded 47 jobs. In terms of positive environmental impacts, they have helped protect 117 square miles of seabed from near-shore trawling and 8,416 hectares of land planted for pollinators. Please contact the Environment and Clean Growth team to find out more.