Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute (LEEP)

About us

Who we are

A thriving interdisciplinary research group, comprising internationally recognised academics, dynamic postdoctoral and postgraduate researchers, impact and innovation associates and highly skilled professional services staff.

Explore the Future of Nature, Policy & Economics

Discover how the Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute (LEEP) is driving real-world change through innovative research and decision-support tools.

From woodland planting for Net Zero to valuing £100Ms in environmental benefits, our work is shaping environmental policy, sustainable markets, and community well-being.

View the Poster to see how our research is transforming the way society measures, values, and protects nature.

A cyclist navigates a path, depicted in vibrant green and blue tones, showcasing an active outdoor scene.

What we do

We deliver policy-focused research, outputs, and tools that drive tangible change — tackling environmental challenges both locally and globally.

By combining core expertise in economics with natural, social, physical, and data sciences, LEEP is uniquely positioned to address complex issues such as sustainable food production, urban well-being, pollution, and climate change.

Our research features in leading journals including Nature Food, Nature Climate Change, Science, and the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management. We have developed more than 40 tools, models, and products that empower land managers and policymakers to understand and act on the environmental consequences of their decisions.

Our impact

Over the last decade, LEEP has worked with more than 300 partners in government, business, worldwide to deliver solutions-focused research with real-world outcomes. Highlights include:

  • Driving major shifts in UK environmental and agricultural policy
  • Valuing over £100 million in environmental benefit flows through LEEP tools
  • Accelerating the adoption of the Natural Capital Approach
  • Embedding environmental value into HM Treasury guidelines influencing billions in public investment annually
  • Designing ‘Payments for Ecosystem Services’ programmes that have delivered over £500 million in savings
  • Learn more about our impact through the SWEEP Programme.

Businesses can now engage with LEEP through Green Futures Solutions – the University of Exeter initiative that connects organisations with its world-leading community of over 1500 climate scientists, economists, and researchers.