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Making space for cultural ecosystem services: Insights from a study of the UK nature improvement initiative

  • Andrew Church
    ,
  • Rob Fish
    ,
  • Cheryl Willis
    ,
  • Michael Winter
    ,
  • Jamie A. Tratalos
    ,
  • Roy Haines-Young
Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

A study of the cultural ecosystem services (CES) arising from peoples’ interactions with the rural environment is conducted within the context of a landscape scale, ‘nature improvement’ initiative in the United Kingdom. Taking a mixed methodological approach, the research applies, and demonstrates empirically, a framework for CES developed under the UK National Ecosystem Assessment (Fish et al., 2016). Applications of the framework involve the study of the ‘environmental spaces’ and ‘cultural practices’ that contribute to the realisation of benefits to well-being. In this paper empirical work is undertaken to inform the CES evidence base informing management priorities of the Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area (NDNIA) in south west England. Findings from a questionnaire survey, qualitative mapping, group discussion and a participatory arts-based research process are presented to document the many and diverse ways this study area matters to local communities. The paper analyses the qualities that research participants attribute to the environmental space of the NDNIA, the cultural practices conducted and enabled within it, and their associated benefits. The implications of the study for applying this framework through mixed methodological research are discussed, alongside an account of the impact of this approach within the NDNIA itself.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 329-343

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Ecosystem Services (Volume 21, Issue Part B)

Publication milestones

  • Accepted/In press - 25/09/2016
  • Published - 03/11/2016

Publication status

Published - 03/11/2016

ISSN

2212-0416

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/625124
  • Scopus: 85005847246

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