Cultural landscapes of the future: using agent-based modeling to discuss and develop the use and management of the cultural landscape of South West Devon

Koen F Tieskens,Peter H Verburg,Toon Haer,Catharina J E Schulp,Brian J Shaw

doi:10.1007/s10980-017-0502-2

Koen F Tieskens, Peter H Verburg + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-017-0502-2

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Abstract

ContextHedgerows are typical landscape features of high environmental and cultural value that often have been sacrificed for agricultural intensification and scale enlargement.ObjectivesWe studied the dynamics of hedgerow quality over time in a case study area renowned for its hedgerow landscapes: South West Devon (UK) answering the following research questions: (1) how does the imperative of scale enlargement affect hedgerow quality? and (2) to what extent can cultural landscape degradation be countered by targeted policies?MethodsWe applied an agent-based modeling approach, parameterized with a site specific survey, to explore and discuss outcomes of future landscape change with stakeholders and co-designed preferred scenarios of landscape change during a workshop.ResultsOutcomes suggested that in the case-study area, scale enlargement has a negative effect on hedgerow quality when agri-environment scheme subsidies (AES) are low. In contrast, if the level of AES enrollment is high, scale enlargement can have a positive effect on hedgerow quality, as large holders are more likely to enroll for AES. Stakeholders acknowledged the need for agricultural intensification, but at the same time valued biodiversity and environmental value of the landscape in South West Devon.ConclusionCurrent AES are able to retain a decent hedgerow quality. With lower AES, scale enlargement can have an invigorative effect on hedgerow quality as land managers of larger farms will be less likely to join AES As an addition to AES, harvesting wood fuel from coppiced hedgerows appears a promising way to incentivize rejuvenating hedgerow management without governmental subsidies.

Highlights

Over the past few decades, trends in land management, such as scale enlargement, agricultural intensification and land abandonment, have dramatically altered landscapes throughout Europe
Outcomes suggested that in the case-study area, scale enlargement has a negative effect on hedgerow quality when agri-environment scheme subsidies (AES) are low
If the level of AES enrollment is high, scale enlargement can have a positive effect on hedgerow quality, as large holders are more likely to enroll for AES

Summary

Introduction

Over the past few decades, trends in land management, such as scale enlargement, agricultural intensification and land abandonment, have dramatically altered landscapes throughout Europe. Despite these changes, Europe still contains landscapes that have managed to retain a traditional small-scale character. Europe still contains landscapes that have managed to retain a traditional small-scale character Landscapes such as the French Bocage and the Tuscan valleys are attributed special cultural values (Tieskens et al 2017) and host large amounts of biodiversity. Intensification and scale enlargement can increase commodity production, it often comes at the expense of biodiversity and cultural values of the landscape (Plieninger and Bieling 2012)

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