High Nature Value Areas Research Articles

A cost-effective method for tranquility mapping using open environmental data

In this study, we propose a cost-effective method for tranquillity mapping using multi-criteria analysis and open geospatial data. We apply this method in an extended zone around a major Greek highway trespassing areas of high natural value. Composite criteria are developed through analytic functions and geostatistical methods to reflect either barriers or enablers of tranquillity. The results indicate that it is possible to identify tranquility zones which are spatially plausible. To verify the validity of the results, we calculate the Kappa coefficient (0.71) and the overall accuracy (80%) using preference data obtained from non-specialized photo-interpreters in a sample of places on Google Earth. We believe that this method can inform planning, especially in countries with a weak landscape policy.

Possibility of Industrial Hemp Cultivation in Areas of High Nature Value

Abstract Subject and purpose of work: The aim of this work is to present the possibilities of cultivating varieties of industrial hemp which are registered in Poland in areas of high nature value. Materials and methods: This work is a type of overview; it describes characteristic features of areas of high nature value. It also presents specific biological properties, cultivation and agrotechnical requirements, as well as the versatility of industrial hemp usage. Results: This study demonstrated considerable importance of industrial hemp in developing areas of high nature value, in accordance with the idea of sustainable development. Conclusions: Due to the specific biological properties of industrial hemp, its low cultivation and agrotechnical requirements and lack of the need to use pesticides, industrial hemp can be successfully grown in areas of high nature value.

Wide corridors with much environmental heterogeneity best conserve high dung beetle and ant diversity

Landscape ecological networks (ENs) consist of landscape-scale conservation corridors that connect areas of high natural value within a production mosaic with protected areas (PAs). In South Africa, ENs have been implemented on a large spatial scale to offset the negative impacts of plantation forestry on indigenous grasslands. We focus on corridor width as a factor for conserving dung beetle and ant diversity within an EN. We also investigate the importance of natural environmental heterogeneity (elevation, vegetation type) and habitat quality (soil hardness, invasive alien plant density). We sampled dung beetles and ants in 30 corridors of different sizes, and at ten sites in a nearby PA. In addition, we also analysed dung beetles according to their feeding guild. Tunnelling dung beetle species richness increased with corridor width. Rolling dung beetle species richness was higher in the PA than in the corridors of the EN. The dung beetle assemblage within the EN differed from that within the PA. Corridors of various widths differed in ant composition but not in species richness. Furthermore, the PA and the EN differed in environmental variables, which contributed to differences in dung beetle species richness and assemblage composition. Within the EN, environmental heterogeneity across the landscape was more important than corridor width for driving species diversity of both dung beetles and ants. When planning future ENs, wide corridors (>280 m) that encompass as much natural heterogeneity across the landscape as possible will best conserve the range of local insect species.

Preserving an obscure bird: achievements and future challenges of Corncrake (Crex crex Linnaeus, 1758) conservation in Hungary

Abstract The Corncrake is a strictly protected species in Hungary and a qualifying species of many Natura 2000 sites. Despite its Least concern global conservation status, it receives much attention and was elected as “Bird of the Year” by MME BirdLife Hungary in 2016. In this paper, we estimate its population trends and analyse the suitability of the protected area system and agri-environment schemes for the species. We compiled information on major threatening factors and conservation measures applied for the species. We reviewed international publications on the ecology and conservation management of the species to extract information for practical conservation. We estimated that 500–2000 pairs of Corncrakes breed in Hungary. Although their breeding sites are well covered by protected areas, Natura 2000 sites (42%) and High Nature Value Areas (67%), their population has declined by 55% over the last 20 years. We found that most of the major threatening factors are addressed by conservation management, and appropriate measures are applied in most cases. Recent research findings and recommendations by the BirdLife International Corncrake Conservation Team suggest that mowing of grasslands around nesting places should be delayed until 1–15 August either in the entire field or at least on 2 hectares around nests. Prescriptions of agri-environment schemes should also be adjusted to the above requirements and more farmers should be encouraged to enrol in Corncrake conservation programmes. We strongly suggest that more emphasis should be devoted to combat important threats for the most important breeding sites such as aridification and flooding.

Recreational Use of the Countryside: No Evidence that High Nature Value Enhances a Key Ecosystem Service

In Western Europe, recreational amenity is presented as an important cultural ecosystem service that, along with other values, helps justify policies to conserve biodiversity. However, whether recreational use by the public is enhanced at protected areas designated for nature conservation is unknown. This is the first study to model outdoor recreation at a national scale, examining habitat preferences with statutory designation (Site of Special Scientific Interest) as an indicator of nature conservation importance. Models were based on a massive, three year national household survey providing spatially-referenced recreational visits to the natural environment. Site characteristics including land cover were compared between these observed visit sites (n = 31,502) and randomly chosen control sites (n = 63,000). Recreationists preferred areas of coast, freshwater, broadleaved woodland and higher densities of footpaths and avoided arable, coniferous woodland and lowland heath. Although conservation designation offers similar or greater public access than undesignated areas of the same habitat, statutory designation decreased the probability of visitation to coastal and freshwater sites and gave no effect for broadleaved woodland. Thus general recreational use by the public did not represent an important ecosystem service of protected high-nature-value areas, so that intrinsic and existence values remain as the primary justifications for conservation of high nature value areas. Management of ‘green infrastructure’ sites of lower conservation value that offer desirable habitats and enhanced provision of footpaths, could mitigate recreational impacts on nearby valuable conservation areas.

Muskau Arch Geopark in Poland (Central Europe)\u2014Is it Possible to Integrate Geoconservation and Geoeducation into Biodiversity Conservation?

The Muskau Arch Geopark, situated on the Polish-German border, belongs to the UNESCO Global Geopark Network and is a model example that allows for the examination of the relationship between geo- and biodiversity as present in preservation, tourism, and management. In this area, there are 31 geotopes representing both natural geological processes as well as remnants of the cultural heritage associated with the region’s industrial history. The geodiversity of the area is well-documented, while data on its biodiversity are rudimentary. Attaining a supplement was the one of the aims of this study. In the Polish part of the geopark, besides objects of geological heritage, nine types of natural habitats were found, which contained 634 species of vascular plants; 220 fungi species; 76 lichens; 42 species of amphibians, reptiles and mammals; and 146 species of birds. Spatial analysis revealed that 54.2 % and 53.8 % of the recognized valuable plant and animal sites, respectively, are located less than 1 km from the nearest geotope and nearly 100 % of these sites are located within 5 km of one. In the area of the Muskau Arch Geopark, geodiversity and biodiversity values are of equal importance, yet they are separated at the landscape scale. The majority of valuable geoheritage geotopes are the result of previous anthropogenic activities. However, contemporary areas of high natural value are parts of previously existing ecosystems of a natural or semi-natural character, coming from the period before the mining of mineral deposits by humans. A more integrated approach to conservation would benefit both the biodiversity and geodiversity of the Muskau Arch Geopark, would be of interest to tourists, and would increase the scientific and educational attractiveness of the region.

Towards understanding and resolving the conflict related to the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) conservation with participatory management planning

Conflicts often arise in relation to the conservation of protected predator species. If stakeholders are well defined and involved in participatory processes, their views and perceptions can be incorporated and steps can be made towards resolving such conflicts. In this paper, a case from Hungary is presented. In this case, a participatory management planning process was initiated in the Jászság Special Protection Area of European importance (SPA), within the frame of a LIFE+ project focusing on the conservation of the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca). It provided a good opportunity to address a complex conflict situation between nature conservationists, game managers and farmers. We identified structural conflicts such as contradictions between direct agricultural payments and nature conservation goals, conflicts related to different views of the main influencing factors, relational problems between various stakeholders, and even differences in value orientation. The participatory management planning process was successful in clarifying the conflict situation and making productive steps toward a common understanding and resolution. Besides the mutually agreed conservation measures, the establishment of an administrative and financial incentive such as the high nature value area (HNVA) scheme proved to be an especially important factor for mitigating the conflict. It also contributed to a more successful realisation of nature conservation objectives in an area dominated by private land owners. However, continued interaction and cooperation are needed to stabilise this progress. Our paper also shows that stakeholder involvement in conservation management planning can transcend the strategic dimension of participation, and address broader common values besides the interests of land user groups.

Cottage sprawl: Spatial development of second homes in Bory Tucholskie, Poland

Currently, urban sprawl is one of important spatial problems in Poland, although to date it has mostly been recognised as an issue in suburban areas. This study aims to explain how the expansion of purpose-built second homes contributes to the creation of a sprawled settlement pattern in areas of high natural value, focusing on the example of Bory Tucholskie as a study area. Two research approaches are used: first, an inventory of second homes and archival aerial photographs are combined to perform a GIS analysis of the factors affecting the location of second homes and other new buildings within the past two decades; second, the results of a survey, interviews and the analysis of documents provide a deeper understanding of the quantitative results. The location of new second homes is conditioned by the presence of the forest, lakes, and their isolation from main villages. Unlike other new developments, second homes create a disorganised, discontinuous and increasingly dispersed spatial pattern in the vicinity of natural areas, which can be explained by the motives for the use of second homes, the practices of their acquisition and the planning regulations. Second homes are an integral part of the sprawl process that is occurring in Poland, which is generated by economic restructuring, increasing consumption, and lifestyle changes.

Effects of set-aside management on soil macrodecomposers in Hungary

Increased agricultural production demands have decreased the area of set-aside fields in the European Union during the last decade. In contrast, set-aside still remains a management practice in Hungary, where the establishment of sown set-aside fields is a requirement of certain agri-environmental schemes in High Nature Value Areas (HNVA). We tested the effects of set-aside management on the communities of macrodecomposer arthropods: isopods (Isopoda: Oniscidea) and millipedes (Diplopoda). We assessed the effects of habitat type, plant species richness and vegetation cover on species richness and abundance of these taxa. Pairs of wheat and set-aside fields of different ages (1, 2, 3 years) and additional semi-natural grasslands were sampled using pitfall traps. Isopods showed a significantly higher species richness and abundance in set-aside fields compared to wheat fields. Older set-aside fields had a more positive influence on the diversity and abundance of the studied macrodecomposers than one-year-old fields. Three-year-old set-aside fields had significantly higher species richness of millipedes compared to grasslands. Plant diversity had a significant positive effect on almost all species while vegetation cover showed significant influence in the case of Brachyiulus bagnalli, Iulus terrestris and Leptoiulus cibdellus. Habitat type and plant species richness significantly affected the composition of macrodecomposer communities. Our results highlight the importance of set-aside fields as habitats for soil arthropods, particularly after an initial establishment period of two years. Set-aside fields that are out of a crop rotation for more than 2 years could be a valuable option for establishing ecological focus areas under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2013 reform in the EU, as these fields may simultaneously conserve elements of above- and belowground diversity.

Development and implementation of a high nature value (HNV) farming indicator for Denmark

During the latest decades, conservation awareness have increased and conservation of biodiversity is no longer an agenda restricted to pristine natural areas of high value but is being integrated in cultivated landscapes characterized by increasing fragmentation and anthropogenic pressures. Conservation of species has become relevant even in agricultural areas especially in countries heavily influenced by intensive farming and ubiquitous infrastructure. Based on the UN biodiversity convention all EU membership countries are obliged to develop a high nature value (HNV) farming indicator. The purpose of such an indicator is to provide a basis for informed decisions in prioritizing agricultural subsidies allocating these to high nature value areas. Here, the development of a national HNV farming indicator for Denmark is presented and its application in the Danish government-controlled agricultural subsidy system is outlined. The Danish HNV farming indicator is based on landscape structural parameters, known occurrences of natural and semi-natural habitats, current land use and the distributions of rare and threatened species. It covers all agricultural areas as well as Natura 2000 areas and nationally protected sites in Denmark, ranking them on a 0–13 point scale from low to high nature value according to their estimated value for threatened and rare biodiversity. The Danish government recognizes areas reaching at least 5 points as HNV farming areas eligible to subsidy and from 2015 and onwards the HNV farming indicator will be implemented for allocating part of the agricultural subsidies under the Rural Development Program in Denmark. The indicator will be updated annually to include the growing knowledge of species occurrence and land use changes.

Oferta produktowa jako element marketingu-mix w gospodarstwach agroturystycznych obszarów przyrodniczo cennych województwa lubelskiego

Prowadzenie działalności gospodarczej, bez względu na jej charakter, wiąże się z wykreowaniem produktu, który będzie stanowił przedmiot zainteresowania konsumentów. Według prognoz Instytutu Turystyki, liczba przyjazdów turystów w nadchodzących latach będzie wzrastała. Szczególnie istotny wydaje się trend wskazany przez Europejską Komisję Turystyki, według której wzrost świadomości związany z ochroną środowiska będzie skutkował wzrostem zainteresowanie turystów miejscami, gdzie rozwój zrównoważony odgrywa znaczącą rolę. W przypadku Lubelszczyzny szczególnie duże znaczenie ma rozwój segmentu, jakim jest turystyka na obszarach wiejskich, ekoturystyka i agroturystyka. W celu pozyskania klientów gospodarstwa agroturystyczne zmuszone są do podejmowania działań ukierunkowanych na wypromowanie interesującej i atrakcyjnej oferty. Możliwe jest to tylko wówczas, gdy zaoferują produkt, który zainteresuje i zaintryguje turystów. Celem niniejszego opracowania jest analiza oferty produktów oferowanych przez gospodarstwa agroturystyczne na obszarach przyrodniczo cennych województwa lubelskiego oraz próba odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy prowadzenie działalności na tych terenach wpływa korzystnie na zakres oferty produktowej. Dla realizacji celu przeprowadzone zostały badania w gospodarstwach agroturystycznych z gmin przyrodniczo cennych oraz gmin o niskich walorach środowiskowych. Badania zrealizowane zostały w okresie listopad–grudzień 2013 roku. Uzyskane wyniki wskazują, iż umiejscowienie gospodarstw świadczących usługi turystyczne na obszarach przyrodniczo cennych wpływa zdecydowanie na poszerzoną ofertę produktową. Wpływ na to mają zarówno czynniki środowiskowe, jak również aktywność samych właścicieli gospodarstw.

Assessing the biodiversity value of wet grasslands: can selected plant and insect taxa be used as rapid indicators of species richness at a local scale?

Sixty percent of the land surface of the Republic of Ireland is farmland of which up to 12 % is estimated to sustain high species richness. Given that this farmland is predominantly pasture-based, the ecological status of semi-natural grasslands is particularly important for biodiversity. Recent studies indicate that those grasslands with high nature value (HNV) in the north-west of Ireland are wet grasslands. We investigated seven taxa as potential bioindicators of species richness of wet grassland habitats and examined how this information could be used in rapid assessment methodologies to identify areas of HNV. Grasses, sedges, rushes, ground beetles (Coleoptera) and marsh flies (Diptera) were identified to species and Diptera to parataxonomic units. Sedges was the most significantly correlated taxon with overall species richness of the remaining taxa. In addition, ten combinations of taxa revealed significant positive correlations with the remaining species richness of which sedges and carabids combined showed the strongest correlation. Our data indicate the appropriateness of using more than one taxon in rigorous studies to reflect the overall species richness of wet grasslands. Nevertheless, the use of a single taxon or a combination of two taxa has a useful role to play in the rapid identification, protection and future monitoring of species-rich wet grasslands where taxonomic and financial resources for rigorous studies are limited. We discuss this in the context of agri-environmental schemes and HNV farmland identification.

Evaluation of the commitment of the Krakow Regional Directorate of State Forests and its organizational units to the development of recreational and tourist forest functions*

Abstract Forest management affects the scope of various functions provided by forests. Considering the increasing expectations of the society about utilizing non-productive forest, it is important to investigate the commitment of the State Forest units to the development of forest functions. The study’s aim was to evaluate the activity of particular organizational units, namely forest districts of the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Kraków (RDSF Kraków), in adapting forests to serve tourism and recreation. Our analysis covered data from the years of 2005–2009, which was obtained from forest management plans, financial statements and department reports of the RDSF Kraków as well as a questionnaire survey. Both direct and indirect additional costs incurred in order to adapt forests for their recreational function, were included in the analysis. We also attempted to estimate the potentially lost profits. The zero unitarization method was used to identify units showing the greatest and lowest commitment. In the area of the RDSF Kraków, a total of 1 765 500 PLN was spent on tourism management and activities supporting recreation. Average direct costs amounted to 1.24 PLN/ha/year, while the workforce expenditure for maintenance of tourist infrastructure and historical buildings was estimated to be 60 700 PLN. Expenses incurred for cleaning up litter in forests attained 629 800 PLN in the considered time period. Profits potentially lost due to the lack of management in the protected zone ‘A’ surrounding health resorts, reduced by the costs of timber harvesting and extraction, were estimated to total 58 200 PLN. Our study indicates that during the analyzed period, forest districts differed in their commitment to the development of recreational and tourist forest functions. The synthetic measure of commitment varied between 0.114 and 0.694 in the State Forest units. The greatest additional costs were incurred by forest districts with towns and areas of high natural and landscape value. The Directorate of State Forests took the financial responsibility for adjusting forest complexes to tourist and recreational needs, but should nevertheless seek external financial and specialist support. The issue of internalization of the positive outward effects of forest management also needs to be discussed.

Plant diversity in a changing agricultural landscape mosaic in Southern Transylvania (Romania)

Traditional agricultural landscapes represent mosaics of land use covers that often support high species diversity. Many Eastern European countries contain large areas of High Nature Value (HNV) farmland. However, these landscapes are likely to change under current EU regulations and global market pressure, with potentially negative consequences for biodiversity. The conservation value of Romania’s grasslands is widely recognized, but the potential conservation value of other parts of the landscape mosaic has not been assessed to date. For this reason, we sought to assess patterns of plant diversity across the entire landscape mosaic. We sampled vascular plants at 139 sites (comprising 8 plots of 1m2/ha) in forest (n=23), grassland (n=57) and within the arable mosaic (n=59). To examine potential differences in species richness and composition between these land cover types, we used analysis of variance and detrended correspondence analysis. We also modeled total species richness, richness of HNV indicator plants and richness of arable weeds in response to variables representing topography as well as structural and configurational heterogeneity. Species composition differed strongly between grassland, the arable mosaic and forests. Richness was highest in grasslands, but surprisingly, the arable mosaic and grassland contributed similarly to the cumulative number of recorded species. Models of species richness revealed a wide range of responses of plant groups to topographical conditions and to structural and configurational heterogeneity, which often differed between land use types. Plants were affected by conditions measured at both local (1ha) and landscape (50ha) scales. Noting the substantial, and hitherto under-recognised, contribution of the agricultural mosaic to regional-scale plant diversity, we recommend consideration of the entire landscape mosaic in future conservation schemes.

How is agriculture reproduced? Unfolding farmers' interdependencies in small-scale Mediterranean olive oil production

In some regions, small-scale low productivity farms persist despite modernisation pressures and policy pitfalls. This phenomenon calls for a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play which are largely bypassed in current academic debates, but are regaining momentum given the complex challenges faced by the agricultural sector. Some Mediterranean areas represent a particular case, characterised by a landscape of small farms, managed part-time, extending through high nature value areas, and producing reputable quality products. This research aims to unveil how this type of agriculture is reproduced. Through an enlarged notion of embeddedness this study explores the distinct farmers' strategies and their interdependencies in Alto Palancia County (Spain). For that purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted in three municipalities that sought first to unveil the role of social and territorial embeddedness in reproducing the system, but also revealed the necessary contribution of capital flows from the local and regional economy as well as welfare state transfers. These findings shed light on the nature of part-time farming, which needs to be considered as part of a broader agricultural system. Furthermore, this paper calls for a more place-based and relational analytical framework in order to understand the reproduction of agricultural dynamics. This approach is paramount to assess public policy impacts – which go beyond agricultural policy measures – and improve the design of future interventions.

Tropical islands quick data gap analysis guided by coral reef geomorphological maps

A gap analysis is the initial step towards the identification of areas where data are needed. However, often, data coverage cannot be assessed against a reference that objectively guides the identification of both gaps and priority areas for data acquisition. Here, we describe a quick, effective and reproducible spatial data gap analysis approach based on the relationship between location of available metadata and coral reef geomorphological richness. In Solomon Islands, we identified gaps defined by high richness and low biological data coverage. We collected metadata only, to avoid dealing with data ownership, availability, and formats, and to be able to identify gaps in less than two months. This fast method does not replace quantitative and comprehensive gap analysis, but provides effective identification of areas of high natural value and limited knowledge. The method is widely applicable and particularly invaluable for large and complex domains such as the Coral Triangle.

Effect of climate change on environmental flow indicators in the narew basin, poland.

Environmental flows-the quantity of water required to maintain a river ecosystem in its desired state-are of particular importance in areas of high natural value. Water-dependent ecosystems are exposed to the risk of climate change through altered precipitation and evaporation. Rivers in the Narew basin in northeastern Poland are known for their valuable river and wetland ecosystems, many of them in pristine or near-pristine condition. The objective of this study was to assess changes in the environmental flow regime of the Narew river system, caused by climate change, as simulated by hydrological models with different degrees of physical characterization and spatial aggregation. Two models were assessed: the river basin scale model Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and the continental model of water availability and use WaterGAP. Future climate change scenarios were provided by two general circulation models coupled with the A2 emission scenario: IPSL-CM4 and MIROC3.2. To assess the impact of climate change on environmental flows, a method based conceptually on the "range of variability" approach was used. The results indicate that the environmental flow regime in the Narew basin is subject to climate change risk, whose magnitude and spatial variability varies with climate model and hydrological modeling scale. Most of the analyzed sites experienced moderate impacts for the Generic Environmental Flow Indicator (GEFI), the Floodplain Inundation Indicator, and the River Habitat Availability Indicator. The consistency between SWAT and WaterGAP for GEFI was medium: in 55 to 66% of analyzed sites, the models suggested the same level of impact. Hence, we suggest that state-of-the-art, high-resolution, global- or continental-scale models, such as WaterGAP, could be useful tools for water management decision-makers and wetland conservation practitioners, whereas models such as SWAT should serve as a complementary tool for more specific, smaller-scale, local assessments.

Medidas agroambientales y conservación de la biodiversidad: Limitaciones y perspectivas de futuro

Las medidas agroambientales se consideran la principal herramienta disponible para frenar la pérdida de biodiversidad asociada a la intensificación de la agricultura. Sin embargo la cuestión sobre si constituyen o no una herramienta adecuada para cumplir este objetivo continúa siendo objeto de debate científico. Las evaluaciones realizadas hasta el momento ofrecen resultados muy variables al respecto. En general, las medidas resultan efectivas cuando su objetivo es la conservación de especies concretas en regiones bien delimitadas, pero esta efectividad suele ser menor cuando sus objetivos son más amplios, como la conservación de la biodiversidad en un país o región. Se han propuesto varias razones para explicar las limitaciones observadas con el fin de mejorar la efectividad de las medidas. En primer lugar se encuentra la dificultad de diseñar prescripciones que beneficien a conjuntos de especies con requerimientos diferentes e incluso contrastados. Otra de las principales limitaciones de las medidas agroambientales es su aplicación a escala local (campos de cultivo), lo que restringe su capacidad para compensar los efectos paisajísticos o regionales de la intensificación agrícola o de otros cambios de uso. Finalmente, las relaciones no lineales entre intensificación agrícola y diversidad a varias escalas espaciales y sus efectos interactivos implican que la efectividad de las medidas pueda variar dependiendo del grado de extensificación de la medida y del sistema en que se aplica. Es necesario que los programas agroambientales adopten un enfoque a múltiples escalas espaciales, combinando la extensificación de las prácticas agrícolas con la conservación del paisaje agrario. Las medidas de conservación más adecuadas en cada caso dependerán del contexto paisajístico, así como del nivel de intensificación del sistema agrícola de interés. En sistemas agrícolas intensivos, con niveles intermedios de complejidad paisajística, se deberían aplicar medidas genéricas basadas en la reducción de la intensidad de los usos agrícolas, y dirigidas al mantenimiento de los servicios ecosistémicos que desempeñan los organismos que albergan. Los sistemas agrícolas complejos requieren el mantenimiento de los usos tradicionales extensivos que garantizan la conservación de paisajes complejos con niveles elevados de biodiversidad, en combinación con medidas específicas para las especies amenazadas presentes en los mismos. Para ello podrían utilizarse herramientas de la Política Agraria Común (PAC), como la condicionalidad o los programas para áreas de alto valor natural, así como medidas específicas de planificación territorial dirigidas a fomentar la heterogeneidad y la conectividad en los paisajes agrícolas.

Policy reform and agricultural land abandonment in the EU

This paper examines the potential impact of agricultural and trade policy reform on land-use across the EU focussing particularly on the issue of land abandonment. Using a novel combined application of the well established CAPRI and Dyna-CLUE models it estimates the extent of change across Europe under removal of Pillar 1 support payments and trade liberalisation. Overall, it is estimated that around 8 per cent less land will be farmed under these reforms than under the baseline situation. However, some regions, areas and farm types face more significant reductions. The reforms are particularly felt on livestock grazing farms situated in the more marginal areas of Europe, which also coincide with areas of high nature value. Therefore, farmland biodiversity is likely to be reduced in these areas. However, using a range of environmental indicators, relating to nutrient surpluses, GHG emissions, soil erosion and species abundance, an overall improvement in the environmental footprint of agriculture is likely. In addition, the economic efficiency of the agricultural sector will probably improve. The paper considers several possible options available to deal with any negative aspects of land abandonment. Following the FAO (2006), it is argued that untargeted, rather general agricultural policy measures which maintain land in production are likely to be an ineffective and inefficient way to address the perceived negative consequences of abandonment. A more holistic approach to rural development is required, tailored to the specific context within each area.

Low‐intensity agriculture increases farmland bird abundances in France

Summary 1. Farmland biodiversity continues to decline mainly because of agricultural intensification and land abandonment. Agri‐environment schemes can be designed to halt this loss by favouring extensification of agricultural practices and through sympathetic management of field boundaries and fallow land. In Europe, High Nature Value (HNV) farmland is defined as low‐intensity farmland supporting or associated with a high rate of biodiversity, in terms of species richness or habitat diversity and therefore plays a crucial role in the maintenance of European biodiversity. However, no large‐scale analysis has explored the role of these areas in achieving conservation goals. 2. We analysed information from widely used indicators in order to describe the impact of low‐intensity agriculture on farmland biodiversity in France. We used the HNV farmland indicator, based on agricultural statistics such as the Farm Structure Survey and the grassland survey, and common bird indicators, i.e. the Farmland Bird Indicator (FBI), the Community Specialization Index (CSI) and species richness indexes, based on the French Breeding Bird Survey. 3. Temporal trends in the farmland bird indicator showed that populations of farmland birds were more likely to increase inside HNV areas compared to non‐HNV areas. Although species richness is not higher within HNV farmland, bird communities are composed by more specialist species than in non‐HNV areas. In addition, these specialist bird species are significantly more abundant in HNV areas. 4. Synthesis and applications. Further farmland biodiversity decline is potentially reversible through an appropriate management of HNV areas. Existing and future agri‐environment schemes should focus on preserving and extending HNV farmland, by favouring the maintenance of low‐intensity agriculture and landscape complexity. Priority should be given to preserving diversity at the community level, with the help of adequate indicators, such as the ones presented here. The role of HNV farmland or similar concepts in combining agriculture and biodiversity goals should be further analysed and further used as large‐scale conservation tools.