Connections to trees in the countryside: exploring public perceptions of agroforestry as a future land management system in England

Agroforestry is increasingly recognised as an approach to deliver multi-functional land use and provide a range of ecosystem services. In England, rural agroforestry is an important part of the government’s net-zero strategy. However, the adoption rate is lower than the policy targets with agroforestry currently accounting for around 1% of the total agricultural area in rural England. Significant landscape change is therefore yet to emerge. To ensure sustainable benefits and be socially acceptable, landscape changes should take into account stakeholder preferences. This study explores people’s connections with trees in the countryside and their perceptions of benefits and risks associated with increased agroforestry in England. We report the results of focus group discussions involving 32 people across two economically, geographically, and agronomically contrasting regions of England (Northumberland/Tyne and Wear in the Northeast, and Thames Valley in the Southeast). The participants articulated an appreciation and enjoyment of established trees in the landscape and referred to social, emotional, and physical connections. Agroforestry systems were seen as generally positive, providing more ecosystem services than disservices. The participants associated a number of environmental and social benefits with the increase in tree cover in the countryside. However, they also stressed the need to ensure that the right tree is planted in the right place so that agroforestry does not negatively impact on the landscape. Our results suggest that there is public support for increased agroforestry adoption, but the incentive schemes should be carefully designed to reflect stakeholder preferences and values and maximize public benefits.