North East Mayor launches UK’s first Combined Authority-led Carbon and Nature Marketplace

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has unveiled a bold new initiative aimed at making the region greener, more sustainable, and a national leader in environmental innovation with the launch of the North East Carbon and Nature Marketplace.

This online platform, the first Combined Authority-led initiative of its kind in the country, forms a key part of the Mayor’s commitment to driving forward green growth. It empowers businesses and organisations to invest directly in local nature restoration, green housing, biodiversity enhancement, and climate innovation—while supporting green jobs and social value projects across the region.

What is the Carbon and Nature Marketplace?

A carbon marketplace serves as a hub where individuals, companies, and governments can buy or sell carbon credits and offsets to balance out their emissions. The North East Carbon and Nature Marketplace takes this a step further by connecting potential investors with verified, high-integrity carbon-saving and nature restoration projects within the boundaries of the North East Combined Authority.

It allows organisations to explore and invest in impactful local projects by geography or sector—either by purchasing carbon offsets or by contributing directly to initiatives that help them meet their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

Among the first featured projects are two major peatland restoration efforts: one in Northumberland led by the Northumberland Peat Partnership, and another in County Durham managed by the North Pennines National Landscape team. These projects are focused on preserving and restoring internationally significant peatland ecosystems.

Real Projects, Real Impact

To highlight the tangible impact of the Marketplace, Mayor McGuinness visited an active peatland restoration site in the North Pennines National Landscape—on the border between Weardale and Teesdale. These restored peatlands serve as powerful carbon sinks, critical for mitigating climate change, protecting water quality, and reducing flood risks.

Paul Leadbitter, Peatland Programme Manager at the North Pennines National Landscape, explained, “Healthy peatlands are incredibly important for people and nature. Damaged peatlands release carbon, worsening climate change. By restoring these habitats, we lock away carbon, support biodiversity, and improve water quality.”

The North Pennines boasts England’s largest blanket bog system—spanning 100,000 hectares. Thanks to decades of restoration efforts, over half of this area has already been rehabilitated, creating and supporting jobs in rural communities and attracting more than £40 million in funding.

Diverse Investment Opportunities

At launch, the Marketplace offers 10,000 carbon credits and more than £11 million in investible projects. Beyond peatlands, businesses can support a wide range of social and environmental projects, including:

• North East Community Forest – Enhancing urban and rural green spaces

• FareShare North East – Addressing food insecurity through surplus redistribution

• Northumberland Community Energy – Bringing solar energy to community buildings

Councillor Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council and portfolio lead for Environment, Coast and Rural at the North East Combined Authority, said: “Because of the North East’s unique geography, the Marketplace will feature projects across coastal, countryside, and urban areas—cementing the region’s leadership in decarbonisation and the green energy revolution.”

A Regional Movement Toward a Greener Economy

Mayor Kim McGuinness added: “Launching our own Carbon and Nature Marketplace means organisations based here can now invest in green projects right on their doorstep. It improves our local environments, supports social value initiatives, and builds new habitats for wildlife—while powering a green economy and creating sustainable jobs.”

The North East Carbon and Nature Marketplace is a joint initiative between the North East Combined Authority and the Net Zero North East England partnership. It is funded by the Environment Agency’s Local Investment in Natural Capital (LINC) programme.

Organisations interested in learning more or listing their projects can visit:
🔗 North East Carbon and Nature Marketplace
📧 info@netzeronortheastengland.co.uk

At ReGeneration Earth 

Ross Lowrie, Principal Manager for Net Zero and Low Carbon Growth at the Combined Authority, will be speaking on the Earth Stage at our flagship conference, ReGeneration Earth. He will discuss opportunities for low carbon growth in the North East region.

Join us in Leeds on 18–19 June to be part of the conversation. Purchase your tickets here.