This study examines the multifunctionality and trade-offs of ecosystem services in the North-East Green Belt of England, highlighting the importance of considering these services in peri-urban planning. Green Belt policies in England aim to prevent urban sprawl but often overlook the ecosystem services they provide. The research quantifies the supply, trade-offs, and multifunctionality of ecosystem services within the Green Belt, revealing that areas with deciduous and coniferous woodlands and key "green wedges" near urban populations are multifunctionality "hot-spots," while arable and improved grasslands are "cold-spots." Trade-offs are primarily from provisioning services, such as crop production and flood mitigation. The study argues that explicitly accounting for ecosystem services in Green Belt policies could create opportunities for climate, nature, and people in peri-urban landscapes. It also demonstrates the conceptual merits of ecosystem service multifunctionality for planning. The results show that Green Belts can provide multiple benefits when studied through these lenses, but spatial variations in ecosystem service supply and multifunctionality exist. The study emphasizes the need for flexible, place-based policies that account for these variations and highlights the importance of integrating ecosystem services into planning practices. The findings suggest that development should be directed away from the urban edge to preserve multifunctional areas. The study also underscores the need for stakeholder engagement and participatory approaches in planning to ensure the effective management of ecosystem services in peri-urban areas. Overall, the research provides evidence that Green Belts can be strategic green infrastructure opportunities, supporting multiple land-use demands and enhancing the holistic management of peri-urban landscapes.This study examines the multifunctionality and trade-offs of ecosystem services in the North-East Green Belt of England, highlighting the importance of considering these services in peri-urban planning. Green Belt policies in England aim to prevent urban sprawl but often overlook the ecosystem services they provide. The research quantifies the supply, trade-offs, and multifunctionality of ecosystem services within the Green Belt, revealing that areas with deciduous and coniferous woodlands and key "green wedges" near urban populations are multifunctionality "hot-spots," while arable and improved grasslands are "cold-spots." Trade-offs are primarily from provisioning services, such as crop production and flood mitigation. The study argues that explicitly accounting for ecosystem services in Green Belt policies could create opportunities for climate, nature, and people in peri-urban landscapes. It also demonstrates the conceptual merits of ecosystem service multifunctionality for planning. The results show that Green Belts can provide multiple benefits when studied through these lenses, but spatial variations in ecosystem service supply and multifunctionality exist. The study emphasizes the need for flexible, place-based policies that account for these variations and highlights the importance of integrating ecosystem services into planning practices. The findings suggest that development should be directed away from the urban edge to preserve multifunctional areas. The study also underscores the need for stakeholder engagement and participatory approaches in planning to ensure the effective management of ecosystem services in peri-urban areas. Overall, the research provides evidence that Green Belts can be strategic green infrastructure opportunities, supporting multiple land-use demands and enhancing the holistic management of peri-urban landscapes.