The pioneering ‘Adapting the Landscape’ study has identified the contribution that natural landscape resources can make to the development of the Lower Mersey Basin.The study was commissioned to see how the diverse natural and industrial landscapes of the watershed could support economic development and regeneration for Manchester, Liverpool and the Mersey Belt. Fragmented by roads and rail, much of this landscape is inaccessible and unloved. There are significant pressures on the land as well as enduring pockets of deprivation.URS Corporation led the consultancy, guided by a multi-disciplinary steering group including Northwest Development Agency, the Mersey Basin Campaign, Natural England, Environment Agency and Peel Holdings.Adapting the Landscape included an extensive baseline study of the area, and the development of a series of scenarios for the future. It provides a framework for investment to tackle climate change; to give people and businesses a new reason to relocate to the area; to create opportunities to improve health and wellbeing; and increase the value and productivity of the land, using a green infrastructure approach.Central to this is a celebration of the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal and their role in providing a distinctive approach to landscape adaptation that reflects unique local assets.The vision is threefold. Mersey Playgrounds: a landscape linked to cultural and artistic activities, where waterways are destinations and flood alleviation creates new landscapes.  Innovation Axis: the two city regions connected with sustainable growth industries such as environmental technologies.  Mersey Bioregion: self sufficiency with an emphasis on localism, renewable energy and food crops.  Adapting the Landscape has been influential in developing the business plan for the new Atlantic Gateway Partnership. This is business-led with strong political support and the collaboration of the Merseyside, Manchester and Cheshire Local Enterprise Partnerships.