Challenge
Aberystwyth University wanted to understand how farmers and the public value nature, and how those different values could be better reflected in woodland enhancement decision-making. The challenge was to capture both economic and non-economic perspectives in a way that could inform policy and practice.
Approach
We supported a two-phase project combining a large-scale survey with farmers and households, followed by regional in-person workshops that brought different groups together to explore values, priorities and trade-offs in more depth. This mixed-method approach allowed us to combine breadth with richer deliberative insight.
Outcome
The research created a rich evidence base on how different groups value nature and helped inform wider EU work on more inclusive and grounded approaches to environmental policymaking. It also highlighted where values aligned and where tensions needed to be navigated.