The North West region covers around 14,000 square km, from Cheshire in the south to its northern border with Scotland. Around 7 million people live in the region, most in the urban areas of Merseyside and Greater Manchester. The landscape is varied and beautiful, from mountains and lakes in Cumbria, to the seaside at Blackpool and the industrial heritage of Manchester. Agriculture covers 80% of the region, and important habitat and wildlife areas include nearly 400 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

The region has significant environmental challenges, with 25% of England's derelict land and a third of the poorest quality rivers in England and Wales. The Agency is working hard with partner organisations to repair the damage caused by previous industrial activity and to protect and enhance the region's environment for future generations.