RESEARCHERS studying the ’important and unique’ cultural landscape of the South Hams are talking to farmers to help understand how it may change in future.

As part of HERCULES, a major European research project, Brian Shaw from the University of Freiburg and Koen Tieskens from VU University Amsterdam are spending two weeks talking to as many farmers as possible in the area.

HERCULES is looking at nine study landscapes around Europe, one of which is the area centred on Modbury. This includes most of the Erme valley down to the coast, and much of the southern and western South Hams – together referred to as South West Devon.

The data the researchers gather will feed into a computer model designed by the pair, with which they hope to be able to anticipate ’undesired’ changes in the landscape of the area by examining different possible future scenarios.

In particular, they are looking at how the famous Devon hedgerows are managed, and how farms change and get bigger as farmers age, retire and sell land.

The information collected by Brian and Koen is completely anonymous, and no personal or location details will be made public.

They said: ’South West Devon, with its rolling hills and characteristic hedgerows, is an important and unique cultural landscape, valued by locals and visitors alike. Farmers, as the primary land managers, play an integral role in maintaining and enhancing this landscape.

’However, pressures on farming in SW Devon such as aging farmers, changing subsidies, climate change and a possible Brexit mean that agriculture will certainly not be the same thirty years from now. 

’Since landscape changes usually happen at an imperceptible pace, it is important to anticipate undesired outcomes before it is too late. We have developed a model which will explore possible landscape changes in the longer term by illustrating a number of different possible outcomes for the Devon landscape 30 years from now.

’Any farmers out there who would like to know more are invited to make contact.’

The two have organised a workshop they hope will be attended by as many farmers as possible next week, to explore different scenarios of landscape change in the area.

In attendance will be a mixed audience including policy makers, local councillors, land manager representatives, and landscape conservation professionals, but the organisers are particularly keen for farmers and any others interested to participate, and give their valued input to the discussion.

In the workshop participants will jointly consider the question of what makes the Devon landscape important, discuss its future by identifying the most pressing issues, and reflect on possible future scenarios.

The event will be held on Thursday, May 5 in the Devon Rural Archive, Shilstone, near Modbury from 10am to 4pm, and will include a complimentary lunch. Turn up on the day, or for more information or to confirm attendance, contact Brian and Koen on [email protected] or 004915777064709.