This project, commissioned through Natural England and Defra’s Agri-Environment Evidence Programme, is led by ICF, and includes ourselves, Kings and the University of Exeter. The work will test the psychological construct of Nature Connection and that of Relational Values with land managers to enable Natural England to:
a) Understand whether (either or both of) these concepts and associated measurement tools are effective for understanding and measuring the relationship farmers, specifically Agri-Environment agreement holders, have with nature
b) Whether variation in (either or both of) these measures, across the sample population, is associated with land manager ambition for supporting nature and pro-nature conservation behaviours, within the context of planning and delivering their AgriEnvironment Scheme agreements.
The project consists of:
• A rapid evidence review to summarise the existing evidence in relation to the application of these concepts to the target audience and to identify appropriate methodologies for the primary research phase
• Primary testing and research with Agri-Environment Agreement holders and Natural England’s Farm Advice Staff
• Production of recommendations relating to how we can operationalise the knowledge obtained to effect positive change within the policy area.
Taking place between October 2022 and March 2023, the CCRI portion of the work will be led by Jane Mills, and will involve Prof. Paul Courtney and Dilshaad Bundhoo.
CCRI REF: 2022-019
