Celebrating 10 Years of LEEP
Here, economists, environmental and data scientists work together to understand the value of nature and guide better decisions for people and the planet. This is a place where research drives policy, communities benefit and sustainable futures take shape.
Our Story
The central challenges of the 21st century, including food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss, are united by one common factor: how we use land. Land is a vital resource underpinning both economies and ecosystems.
From pioneering the integration of economics, environmental and data science to building influential partnerships across the globe, the Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute (LEEP) has spent a decade developing research that deepens understanding of how nature supports society.
Our community brings together experts who share a commitment to collaborative, evidence-led approaches that informs decisions and delivers meaningful change for people and the planet.
300+
partners delivering real‑world solutions
£100m+
environmental benefits valued through LEEP tools
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£500m+
savings through ecosystem services programmes
Professor Ian Bateman
Co-Director of the Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute
"Over the past decade, LEEP has shown how rigorous evidence and collaborative thinking can transform the way we value nature and make decisions about our shared future. I’m incredibly proud of the people who have built this community and excited for what the next ten years will bring."
Dr Martina Egedusevic
Impact Fellow, Green Futures Solutions
"Through LEEP's great leadership, research can move beyond papers and projects into practical action where it matters most for communities, nature, and climate resilience."
Dr Ben Balmford
Lecturer in Economics
"What truly motivates me in my research is a desire to leave the world better than I found it through improving environmental policy design and implementation."
Dr Dawn Scott
LEEP Manager
"The most rewarding part of my work is helping an incredibly talented team with a shared purpose turn ideas into real change for people, places and the environment"
Professor Amy Binner
Associate Professor in Environmental Economics
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua, ut mundum meliorem reddere atque consiliorum environmentalium consilium atque exsecutionem augere studeam."
Rose Crocker
PhD student, UNRISK CDT
"LEEP offers exciting exposure to and engagement with the true multi-disciplinarity of environmental policy and decision making."
A Decade of Impact
From shaping national policy to advancing global thinking on the value of ecosystems, our work has helped decision‑makers tackle complex environmental challenges with confidence.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we deliver trusted, real‑world impact that improves sustainability, protects natural resources and supports communities, making our research matter where it’s needed most.
Driving major shifts in UK environmental and agricultural policy
Accelerating the adoption of the Natural Capital Approach
Embedding environmental value into HM Treasury guidelines influencing billions in public investment
Research That Shapes the Future
From integrated modelling of natural capital futures, to designing environmental policy and markets, LEEP is working at the frontier of evidence-based decisions making.
It does this by harnessing cutting-edge data-science, and bringing together the natural, physical, economic and social sciences.
Evidence‑based insights that shape environmental policy and guide better decision‑making
At the cutting edge of environmental economics, by being genuinely and uniquely interdisciplanary
Real‑world impact that protects nature, strengthens communities and supports sustainable futures
Looking Ahead: The Next 10 Years
From emerging technologies to evolving global challenges, the years ahead offer new opportunities to deepen our understanding of people, nature and the choices that shape our future.
We are committed to advancing research that delivers smarter decisions, stronger environmental stewardship and transformative pathways towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
Expanding our research to tackle new environmental, economic and societal challenges
Building the next generation of leaders and shaping environmental decision-making
Advancing innovative methods and tools to create smarter, more sustainable futures
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LEEP partners with policymakers, businesses and communities to deliver research‑driven insights that inform decisions and create real‑world impact.
