Overview
Defra-funded project investigating the socio-economics of land use change
Land in England and Wales faces competing demands, including climate, biodiversity, food, energy, housing and transport. As part of this, the government has started a conversation about land use change. This research aims to develop a clearer understanding of the socio-economic impacts, both positive and negative, that land use changes have in rural communities.
This project is led by the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI), University of Gloucestershire. It is delivered in partnership with Newcastle University's Centre for Rural Economy and LIVE Economics Ltd, with support from NICRE researchers.
The research is underway and covers 10 case study areas across England and Wales. The project:
- Uses a combination of desk-based and field research to examine the drivers of land use change, and associated barriers, risks and opportunities.
- Is engaging with a wide range of stakeholders in 10 case studies to capture insights into how specific communities experience and adapt to change, providing evidence that can be used in land use policy making.
- Is producing case study summaries and a final report to DEFRA setting out findings and clear recommendations surrounding transferable lessons, vulnerabilities and policy levers.
To find out more, contact the project lead Associate Professor Chris Short via email: cshort@glos.ac.uk
This work was supported by a project commissioned through the Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs’ (Defra’s) Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning facility Lots 1–4, managed by ICF.
