They involve consciously moving away from the traditional ‘grey’ infrastructure, and instead incorporating natural, green and integrated infrastructure to protect, restore and sustainably manage landscapes, coastal locations and urban areas.  

For instance, it could be the restoration of wetlands to improve water quality and reduce flooding or simply planting trees and hedges to increase water absorption and reduce runoff. 

Nature based solutions aim to mimic the natural environment, using native plants and wildlife and using more local, sustainable resources.