New analysis of project biodiversity monitoring events mobilising over 13k citizens and generating over 10k ecological observations across Europe A new project report analyses how our Farmer Clusters across nine European countries mobilised over 13,000 citizens through 38 FRAMEwork biodiversity monitoring events between October 2020 and June 2025. These were not one-off awareness events but structured biodiversity-monitoring activities that generated both valuable ecological data and meaningful opportunities for public engagement in local farmland ecosystems and economies. Participants recorded 10,189 biodiversity observations, identifying 2,190 species via the iNaturalist platform. This demonstrates that citizen science can scale effectively across diverse European contexts. Structured Community Participation Traditional biodiversity monitoring relies on expert scientists with specialised training and equipment. The FRAMEwork project took a different approach: engaging local communities alongside professional scientists through citizen science campaigns designed by Farmer Clusters. Participants recorded insects, plants, birds and small mammals across farmland transects, hedgerows and field margins, building firsthand understanding of the living landscapes that feed Europe. Rather than asking citizens to submit paper forms or hand over data exclusively to researchers, the iNaturalist platform empowered participants to contribute to global science. Citizens could photograph wildflowers, insects and birds; receive identification suggestions from a global community; and see their observations contribute to conservation knowledge. This two-way engagement built understanding and trust in science, particularly important in rural contexts where research institutions may seem distant from farming communities. Flexibility Across European Contexts No single approach fits all contexts. Farmer Clusters adapted their engagement strategies to local conditions and opportunities. The Basse-Durance Cluster in France organised Open Science Days and bat-box monitoring activities, engaging 36 public participants. The Born Cluster in Luxembourg conducted public bioblitzes as part of the City Nature Challenge 2022 and 2023 (300 and 150 participants respectively), operating nocturnal cameras to document bats and nocturnal insects. The Buchan Cluster in Scotland integrated biodiversity monitoring into the NHS Aden Country Park festival, reaching 200 participants. Burgenland in Austria engaged over 550 species documenters during the City Nature Challenge. Other clusters chose alternative formats. Cazadores de Aguilar in Spain planned school-based bioblitz events. The Cranborne Chase Cluster in England combined bioblitz participation with farmer training in species identification and habitat surveys. The Kanepi Kihilund Cluster in Estonia conducted 75 bird species surveys and documented 60+ wild bee species. The Mostviertel Cluster in Austria organised multiple bioblitz events and citizen science conferences. Val Graziosa in Italy conducted city nature challenge monitoring involving over 100 participants. The diversity of approaches demonstrates that citizen science thrives when aligned with local interests, institutions and existing community gatherings. Translating Engagement into Impact The 10,189 observations and 2,190 species records now support biodiversity conservation in multiple ways. They document baseline biodiversity in cluster landscapes, enable monitoring of rare and threatened species, inform habitat management decisions and contribute to European biodiversity indices and conservation planning. Beyond the data, citizen science fostered deeper community connection to farmland. Participants gained direct experience observing butterflies on wildflower strips, identifying bird species in hedgerows and understanding how farming practices shape the insects and plants that inhabit agricultural landscapes. For comprehensive documentation of citizen science campaigns, engagement approaches and outcomes, consult the FRAMEwork D3.3 Report at https://zenodo.org/records/17898912 or visit https://www.framework-biodiversity.eu/publications.

Project releases policy brief demonstrating that coordinated, landscape-scale action delivers measurable ecological benefits whilst strengthening rural communities across Europe FRAMEwork has published a policy brief documenting five years of evidence from eleven Farmer Clusters across nine European countries. The research demonstrates that coordinated, landscape-scale action delivers measurable ecological benefits whilst strengthening rural communities. Farmer Clusters represent an innovative approach to landscape-scale biodiversity management. By bringing neighbouring farmers together as a collective force, these groups coordinate conservation efforts across fragmented land holdings. Farmland biodiversity faces mounting pressure from land consolidation, intensive production and climate change. Individual farm actions, whilst valuable, cannot achieve the landscape-scale results necessary for ecosystem recovery and resilience. Critical Success Factors for Meaningful Recovery Eleven Farmer Clusters introduced practical landscape-level changes such as cover cropping, wildflower margins, nest boxes for birds and bats, complementary biodiversity monitoring and hedgerow restoration. Rigorous ecological analysis revealed that coordinated management delivers valuable insights for shaping biodiversity strategies suited to regional conditions and local farming systems. Recovery demands time, continuity and skilled facilitation. Facilitators must be funded and supported over multi-year periods to build trust and coordinate complex landscape-level activities across multiple farms. Farmers need tailored advice, training and monitoring tools, supported by open-access platforms enabling knowledge exchange and collaborative learning. Incentive schemes should reward voluntary, group-based actions, recognising farmer expertise and autonomy. Flexible, result-oriented payments should integrate into national and EU schemes, enabling implementation of measures such as biodiversity corridors and agroforestry systems at scale. Embedding Clusters into Agricultural Policy To realise lasting impact, policies must embed facilitation as a core element of agri-environmental programmes. Policies should simplify approval processes for collective actions and facilitate co-design of biodiversity strategies suited to local conditions and farmer circumstances. Public engagement matters equally, with citizen science events and outreach campaigns raising awareness and fostering stronger connections between rural and urban communities. The Farmer Cluster model offers a practical, scalable pathway to meet Nature Restoration Regulation objectives and support the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027. The brief was specifically prepared for policy makers at national and European Commission levels, with findings formally submitted to key policy makers in each country and disseminated at both national and European policy forums. Access this policy brief at https://zenodo.org/records/17898860. Explore all project publications at https://www.framework-biodiversity.eu/publications.

First set of mini-documentaries profiling cluster activities released... Taskscape are pleased to share that a first set of eight Farmer Cluster Profile Videos have been released. These latest mini-docs were created for the project's information platform Recodo.io , which is in development, as well as the   media page of FRAMEwork's website. They join a bank of videos produced so far on project activity. "Hear directly from participants on the ground in seven countries who share their priorities and actions for more biodiversity sensitive farming..." Taskscape filmed over 107 stakeholders interviews across Europe for the content strand and are grateful for consortium partners support and engagement. The   shoots  organised for the production of the new FC profile videos are multi-use media capture opportunities, allowing Taskscape to record material for podcast  episodes, articles and other planned video formats. You can find some accounts of filming taking place within FRAMEwork's Clusters within Recodo's new Farmer Cluster Stories  blog. Filming in the remaining three Farmer Clusters is planned over the coming months, so keep an eye out for all sorts of new content! Find out more on Recodo:

Stakeholders from across Estonia's agricultural sector recently gathered for a roundtable "Pests and Beneficial Insects in Agriculture," hosted by the Estonian University of Life Sciences . Short on time? View key takeaways on LinkedIn . This hybrid webinar was part of the H2020 FRAMEwork project’s knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement event series . This initiative is associated with the project's online platform Recodo , which connects people working at the frontiers of farming and biodiversity with vital resources. Producers, policymakers, and researchers came together to address a pressing challenge in modern farming: how to balance productivity and biodiversity through more sustainable insect management. Prof Eve Veromann presents | Credit: EMU Gathering Diverse Perspectives Attendees included researchers and farming organizations, as well as representatives from Estonia’s Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture (REM), the Ministry of Climate (KLIM), and the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK). The roundtable was designed to enhance dialogue around several core questions: How can landscape elements, such as field margins, contribute to natural pest control? What strategies best support beneficial wildlife and ecosystem services on farmland? How can subsidies and policies promote both productivity and biodiversity conservation? What challenges do Estonian farmers face in implementing these methods? Deputy Coordinator Alastair Simmons (Taskscape) welcomed attendees and provided a brief introduction to Recodo and relevant resources available on the platform, before handing over to the EMU team. Why This Matters: The Importance of Biodiversity Integrating landscape elements into agricultural management is vital for enhancing biodiversity, promoting natural pest control, and building ecosystem resilience. However, participants also acknowledged the real-world challenges: balancing productivity with conservation, bridging knowledge and implementation gaps, and weighing short-term costs against long-term benefits. Supportive policy and public recognition of farmers' efforts were recurring themes throughout the discussion. Professor Eve Veromann from the Estonian University of Life Sciences explained the foundational principle: "Agriculture, landscapes, and agricultural ecosystems are special... Farmers can contribute to them in two ways: either through planned diversity—what all producers can do themselves by using different crops and breeds—or by helping landscape elements have flexible standards that work well with fertilization, water operation, and water protection through the inhibition of chemical leaching." What's Working and What Needs Improvement: Current Strategies Estonia has made strides with subsidies already in place to encourage ecological areas and sustainable management practices. These measures help preserve habitats and landscapes, but the roundtable highlighted the necessity for broader adoption of diverse landscape elements—not just herbaceous field margins. Ministry representatives highlighted current support measures: "The main emphasis of the CAP subsidies we have in the country is the sectoral development plan for agriculture and fisheries. For biodiversity, we require the preservation of permanent grasslands, prohibition of incineration of harvest waste, construction of buffer strips along watercourses, and the preservation of landscape elements." Research Insights: Natural Pest Control Professor Veromann shared significant research findings about rapeseed pests and their natural enemies, explaining the vital role of landscape diversity: "In very simple terrain landscapes, the smaller the diversity, the lesser the chances of organisms surviving in such a landscape. The benefits of nature are crucial—plant pest control, environmentally friendly natural damage, pollination, and erosion reduction." She highlighted a surprising discovery about parasitoids—natural enemies of crop pests: "The average rate of parasitism of the giant beetle in Estonia can reach up to sixty percent. Parasitoid populations are regulated by the abundance of their host beetles. When the level of parasitism consistently exceeds a certain threshold, such as two percent, it can significantly impact the host population. In areas where the parasitism rate of the giant beetle was over thirty-six percent, the population of these beetles was reduced by sixty percent the following year." Farmer Perspectives: Real-World Challenges Ott Läänemets shared practical insights about the challenges facing farmers regarding landscape elements: "We still need to make progress with landscape elements. Many landscape features are just piles of stones or soil that are pushed together. Farmers should be motivated to create a more diverse range in the field, but in a way that actually provides benefits." He emphasized flexibility's importance: "Farmers must see this for themselves and optimize their strategies to find solutions... Farmers should design landscape elements while considering our goal of making production more efficient. This doesn't necessarily conflict with environmental goals." Another farm organization representative shared an impactful experience: "Last year, there was one farmer who never used insect control as they relied entirely on natural methods. He disliked insect repellents. The predation was substantial, and all the stems were eaten. The most effective approach is to implement the right strategies that assist when chemical options aren’t available." Climate Change and Pest Dynamics: Emerging Effects Silva Vilumets from the Estonian University of Life Sciences emphasized how climate change affects pest patterns: "We have experienced significantly warmer springs, leading to earlier plant growth. Additionally, the soft ground, especially over large areas, results in decreased winter pest control. Over the past five to ten years, pest populations have risen above average levels." Looking Ahead: Collaborative Future The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to ongoing collaboration among stakeholders. A ministry representative summarized: "We need two separate meetings here. One group should focus on plant protection products, plant health, and related insect issues. The other group should discuss landscape elements further. We’ll work on bringing together the right people for each discussion and develop more specific proposals." There was widespread consensus on the importance of evidence-based support and knowledge sharing between farmers, scientists, and policymakers. Emphasizing actionable data and insights for better decision-making will strengthen partnerships and promote sustainable agriculture across Estonia. Professor Veromann noted the success of the discussion: "I am glad that a substantive conversation has emerged. We need farmers, scientists, and policymakers working together to find practical solutions." The interplay between agriculture and biodiversity is vital and the roundtable showcased the ongoing value of this important discussion. The webinar ultimately emphasised the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to foster multi-benefit management of productive landscapes. For those interested in topics like these, check out our free webinars, which kick off with Transforming Agroecosystems Together  from 13-15 May 2025.

FRAMEwork has released evidence showing that ecological health directly supports crop production and long-term farm profitability, bridging the divide between conservation and productivity. The natural capital approach views farms as integrated systems where soil, water, habitats, and biodiversity underpin essential ecosystem services. FRAMEwork has released a comprehensive analysis testing this approach at Cranborne Chase farmer cluster in England, revealing critical insights for policy reform and landscape-scale planning. The evidence bridges the traditional divide between production and conservation, demonstrating that they are complementary rather than competing objectives. Measuring environmental performance and economic value Cranborne Chase covers 20,000 hectares across 19 farms with intensive conventional agriculture at nearly 200 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare annually, compared to the European average of 68 kilograms. This intensity, whilst producing high yields, creates pressure on soil, water, and biodiversity. Analysis using the Natural Asset Profiling method measured 24 environmental indicators across atmosphere, water, land, and biodiversity dimensions, providing a comprehensive assessment of farm system health. Results showed that hedgerow expansion directly correlates with pollinator diversity. To raise the Shannon diversity index from 0.7 to 0.8, hedgerows would need to expand by approximately 200 per cent, requiring 2.4 per cent of farmland reallocated from crop production to permanent habitats. Economic modelling revealed soil regeneration practices deliver substantial returns. Avoiding soil erosion of 0.7 tonnes per hectare annually provides marginal crop benefits of 500 pounds per hectare. Soil conservation contributes to 28 per cent of crop production—demonstrating that soil conservation is not merely an environmental benefit but an economic imperative for sustainable production and long-term farm viability. Policy implications for landscape-scale change Expanding hedgerows to 10 per cent of agricultural land, as recommended by the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, could generate revenue losses near 20,000 pounds per farm, requiring targeted subsidy incentives around 600 pounds per hectare to compensate farmers for lost production. However, improving soil retention from 0.7 to 1.2 tonnes per hectare per year could reduce nitrogen fertiliser use by approximately 33 kilograms per hectare, generating input cost savings around 13,200 pounds per farm—offsetting some subsidy requirements through operational efficiencies. Long-term monitoring is essential, as changes in natural capital may manifest only after several years of implementation. Policies should integrate biodiversity considerations into land-use planning, dedicating at least 10 per cent of farmland to natural features. Governments, NGOs, and the private sector must collaborate on practical implementation. The Common Agricultural Policy should promote community-led biodiversity-sensitive practices through landscape-scale initiatives, recognising both environmental goals and farm viability. Flexible incentive schemes combining biodiversity payments with technical support can accelerate adoption. Explore this policy analysis at https://zenodo.org/records/17304889 and the Farmland Ecosystem Assessment Support Tool. Visit https://www.framework-biodiversity.eu/publications for additional resources.

New project study identifies set of indicator bird species that can simplify biodiversity monitoring for farmers and facilitators... Monitoring farmland birds is one of the most established ways to track the health of agricultural landscapes. But current breeding bird survey methods require observers to identify a large number of species by sight and sound, using complex survey protocols that demand significant training and time. For farmer clusters seeking to monitor their own biodiversity, this presents a real barrier. A new project-funded study published in Ecology and Evolution asks whether a small number of indicator species could give farmers and facilitators a reliable picture of farmland bird diversity without needing to identify every species present. How were the indicators identified? Researchers from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust and The James Hutton Institute used breeding bird survey data collected between 2021 and 2024 on two FRAMEwork farmer clusters — one in England (Cranborne Chase) and one in Scotland (Buchan). Using data from 2021 to 2023, they applied statistical methods including ordination analysis and generalised linear mixed models to identify which species correlated most strongly with the abundance and richness of specialist farmland birds, and with the wider bird community as a whole. They then validated their findings against independent 2024 survey data to test whether the indicators held up. What did the study find? Corn Bunting, Linnet, and Skylark emerged as the species most strongly correlated with specialist farmland bird abundance. Of these, Linnet stood out: it showed a significant positive relationship with both specialist farmland bird abundance and species richness in both farmer clusters — making it the most consistent single indicator across the two very different landscapes studied. For the total bird community, Goldfinch showed a significant positive relationship with both overall species richness and abundance in both clusters. In England, Stock Dove was also identified as a significant indicator of total bird abundance. The practical significance is clear. Rather than asking practitioners to learn dozens of species and master complex survey techniques, these findings suggest that monitoring a handful of readily identifiable birds can provide a reliable proxy for the broader health of the farmland bird community. This makes bird monitoring far more accessible for farmers, cluster facilitators, and citizen scientists - precisely the audiences that FRAMEwork’s monitoring tools are designed for. Where can I read the paper? The full open-access paper is available from Ecology and Evolution. For more on FRAMEwork’s approach to farmland biodiversity monitoring, see our publications on standardised monitoring protocols and monitoring tools for different practitioners. Browse all FRAMEwork publications at framework-biodiversity.eu/publications.

This year, the Ecosystem Services Partnership  held its fifth European Conference   in Wageningen, Netherlands, 18-22nd November. The conference convened around the theme “Ecosystem Services: One Planet, One Health,” highlighting the interdependence of human, ecosystem and planetary health. An attendee learns about Recodo | © Taskscape FRAMEwork and its outputs had a strong presence at the conference - expanded since our previous attendance in 2022. Representatives of the project shared research and insights and promoted our knowledge and action platform Recodo .   ESP is a global network that connects ecosystem services scientists and other important stakeholders on different topics and at different scales, from regional to international. At the Wageningen conference, around 500 people from across Europe gathered to enjoy various knowledge exchange and networking activities. A high volume schedule of presentation and poster sessions throughout the week was supplemented by networking opportunities, field trips, and workshops on key topics, including salsa dancing for the bravest attendees! “ESP stands out as one of my favourite events, offering a unique sense of community that brings together researchers from diverse disciplines to deepen our understanding of how nature supports human well-being … Two sessions that particularly caught my interest explored advancements in artificial intelligence for ecosystem services and the complexities of interregional ecosystem service flows. These sessions underscored the transformative potential of AI in environmental management and the critical need to consider international dependencies in sustainability efforts.” ~ Claudio Pettuco, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology   Project researchers giving presentations | © Taskscape The conference featured a range of insightful presentations exploring innovative approaches to natural capital, biodiversity, AI and sustainable land use. FRAMEwork research was presented in various sessions - Simone Martino from Hutton discussed the integration of natural capital into policymaking and the role of wellbeing and natural capital indicators in advancing a “One Health” approach. Claudio Pettuccio from LIST presented on the use of advanced modelling techniques for sustainability assessments in agriculture. Gerid Hager from IIASA highlighted bottom-up pathways for engaging farmers in biodiversity and ecosystem service observation, while Niamh McHugh of GWCT shared insights on monitoring farmland bird species in the UK. Although Iris Bohnet of CULS was unable to attend, her presentation on co-designing strategies for biodiversity-sensitive farming across Europe was covered in her absence by Niamh McHugh. “I have been impressed how The Ecosystem Services Partnership Conference 2024 has catalysed energies and efforts to deal with the implementation of the Ecosystem Services concept in environmental governance. A dedicated session to “Ecosystem Services concept in science, policy and practice” gathered an exceptional presence of researchers and practitioners operating at the science-policy interface to present and discuss how to breach barriers and mainstream the Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital approaches in national and local policies.” ~ Simone Martino, The James Hutton Institute  Slide announcing the winner of the Video Abstracts prize | © Taskscape FRAMEwork partner Taskscape  was a sponsoring organisation of the conference and arranged the opportunity to promote Recodo for the duration of the week via a dedicated booth featuring flyers and a live demo. Recodo work package lead Gerid Hager and Taskscape attendees enjoyed the opportunity to spend time talking to conference attendees about the platform. As part of this in-kind arrangement, Taskscape provided media coverage around the conference, including interviewing leadership team members and keynote speakers and delivering a well-attended workshop for researchers on Video Abstract s . Taskscape offered a prize of a free edit for the best Video Abstract covering a topic suitable for Recodo, announced at the final award ceremony. “The ESP Community is always fantastic to engage with. From early career researchers to experienced experts, the conference’s interdisciplinary makeup and coverage of leading-edge topics make it a stimulating center of discussion and progress on important issues. It was a privilege for Taskscape to engage researchers on media communication techniques as well as interview leaders in different fields. The chance to create an opportunity to invite knowledge sharing around Recodo was fantastic as the project enters its final year and consolidates impacts”. ~ Theo Simmons, Taskscape Associates From the wide-ranging and enriching conversations held with visitors at the Recodo booth, to the knowledge exchange taking place across sessions, overall ESP 2024 provided an enlivening opportunity for learning and connections with international colleagues. The project looks forward to building on these interactions and forging new knowledge exchange collaborations through its final year.

Project policy brief outlines why skilled facilitators are essential for landscape-scale conservation within farmer clusters Farmer clusters succeed or fail based on facilitator quality. FRAMEwork has published a systems analysis brief of eleven clusters across nine countries examining how facilitators shape biodiversity outcomes. The research shows that skilled facilitators serve as critical hubs distributing knowledge, building trust, and connecting farmers with researchers and policymakers. Weak facilitation sees engagement decline; strong facilitation creates conditions where conservation becomes the expected practice within farming communities. The Facilitator's Crucial Roles Facilitators wear many hats. They coordinate practical activities such as adoption of sustainable farming practices and foster connections with local communities and retailers. Economic experiments revealed that misunderstandings about new agri-environment schemes reduce conservation efforts. Facilitators are positioned to clarify how schemes work, provide tailored advice suited to local conditions, and create opportunities for peer learning. They work on two levels simultaneously. Individual guidance helps farmers plan technical changes suited to their holdings. Group guidance addresses landscape connectivity and shared goals. Facilitators maintain momentum by organising meetings, coordinating field days, and following up with individual farmers. Where facilitation was strong and consistent, trust and peer learning flourished. Where it was weak or absent, engagement declined and clusters lost momentum toward biodiversity goals. How do they Build Norms and Trust? Research on behaviour change shows that people's beliefs about what their peers do shapes their own choices. Facilitators nurture peer conservation norms by building trust, promoting visibility of conservation efforts, and demonstrating that collective action is feasible. This norm-building effect proved as important as direct incentives in driving conservation adoption. Successful clusters depend on five interconnected factors: skilled facilitation, long-term funding (5-10 years), financial support for biodiversity monitoring, access to knowledge platforms, and voluntary incentive schemes. Facilitators must be locally embedded—understanding community dynamics, speaking local languages, and knowing landscape history—whilst also professionally equipped with biodiversity knowledge and facilitation training. How do they Support Cluster Success at Scale? Long-term funding commitment signals genuine policy support and enables the trust-building that conservation requires. Farmers need access to open platforms like Recodo.io, enabling adoption of practices aligned with conservation goals. Policymakers should establish Facilitation Funds across EU Member States, providing accessible long-term support for farmer cluster facilitators working in landscape-scale conservation initiatives. The brief demonstrates that investment in skilled facilitation represents one of the highest-impact uses of conservation funding, creating multiplicative effects across entire clusters and regions. By supporting facilitators to build trust, coordinate action and distribute knowledge, policymakers enable the peer-learning and collective action necessary for landscape-scale biodiversity change. Access the policy brief: https://zenodo.org/records/17304873. Explore ralated resources on Recodo.io. Browse all FRAMEwork publications at https://www.framework-biodiversity.eu/publications.

Thoughts from Alastair Simmons, Deputy Project Coordinator and Communications Lead, Taskscape, at the project's online Kick-Off Meeting... Stock | WIX When we all launched the FRAMEwork project, we knew we faced a fundamental challenge: how do we inform lasting change in European farming systems? Reflecting on Taskscape's role supporting the project, and as a fellow of the UK's RSA , I've recently been reading their interesting report, 'A Stitch in Time: Realising the value of futures and foresight'. This report offers a crucial insight: the way we think about and communicate our future directly shapes how we act in the present. For FRAMEwork, this means we can't simply document what's happening in our Advanced Farmer Clusters or Citizen Observatory areas. We need to actively help inform new narratives about collective land management, biodiversity-sensitive farming, and the power of community-driven change. As the report starkly puts it, if we're not enabling a thriving future on our planet today, we're colonising our own tomorrow. Breaking the Short-Term Trap One of our biggest challenges is overcoming the incentives that drive short-termism in agriculture. Farmers face immediate pressures – market demands, weather uncertainties, regulatory requirements. Yet biodiversity loss and ecosystem destabilisation demands long-term thinking and action. Our solution is to develop communication strategies with and for the project that make challenges immediately relevant. To show how engaging with biodiversity can help farmers feel more connected to their land and communities right now – being supported, not blamed, as my fellow speaker today Jess Brooks (GWCT) aptly put it when discussing the successes of the UK Farmer Cluster Network on which we're all building. As a research-in action-project, FRAMEwork isn't simply producing reports for academic audiences. We're building what I call a "dynamic conversation" – not just information transfer, but genuine participation and application. This means: Telling fresh stories  about collective approaches to land management through our farmer clusters Creating accessible tools  and training modules that speak directly to farmers' needs Building bridges  between citizen science, data sharing, and practical farming decisions Exploring "futures literacy"  across all our stakeholder groups. Alastair presenting to the project's virtual Kick-Off Meeting | Taskscape Two Truths in Tension There's a paradox we have to embrace: successful projects need both rigorous documentation of what they're doing (a traditional approach) AND active creation of discourse (a dynamic approach). Like a sign that says "Do Not Read This Sign," these two needs can often feel in opposition. Our approach in WP1 is to help build parallel, interconnected, project workflows: Project Management systems support rigorous documentation, data integrity, and scientific validity Communications, Knowledge Exchange and Participation focuses on story-telling, and building out collective impacts Both are essential, and will help us achieve our ambitious goal of prototyping collective approaches to biodiversity-sensitive farming systems across Europe. What This Means in Practice As we move forward, you'll see FRAMEwork: Hosting participatory workshops that challenge conventional thinking about farm management Developing multimedia content that brings farmer experiences to life Creating platforms for genuine dialogue between scientists, farmers, and citizens Building tools that help all stakeholders think beyond immediate constraints Taskscape is currently preparing a dedicated virtual co-working platform for the project to best support your work, as internal communications is also vital. An Invitation to Shape the Future The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us both our societal vulnerabilities and our remarkable capacity for collective action. Individual behavior changes, when multiplied across communities, can have enormous impacts. FRAMEwork is harnessing this same principle for biodiversity conservation - to not just study futures for European farming, but actively pilot them. And we'll need diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences to ensure the futures we're exploring are ones that our stakeholders find useful. Whether you're a farmer wondering about sustainable practices, a citizen interested in biodiversity, or a researcher exploring new approaches, FRAMEwork is creating spaces for your contribution. Because as researchers continue to show me - thinking about the future isn't just an academic exercise, it's about taking action today to choose a better world, so that tomorrow those options, ecosystems and choices aren't gone. Alastair Simmons is WP1 lead for Communications, Knowledge Exchange and Participation at partner Taskscape Associates. He became the project's Deputy Coordinator in 2023, following Dr Benedetto Ruggani's transition from project partner LIST to Italy's National Research Council (CNR). For more on getting involved with FRAMEwork's activities, contact us .

On a warm Friday morning in late June, the historic Monte Pisano Oil Mill in Vicopisano opened its doors to a gathering of researchers, local producers, and community leaders for an event that aimed to strengthen connections across various sectors regionally. Explore the event program in English and Italian here . Courtesy © Frantoio del Monte Pisano Vicopisano The conference, titled 'Activities and Networks of Monte Pisano Between Present and Future' brought together diverse local actors united by a shared goal - preserving and revitalizing the Monte Pisano territory. The event was organized by Dr Camilla Moonen at partner Scuola Sant'Anna in collaboration with local organisations, with its development supported by Taskscape as part of the project's stakeholder engagement event series . This multi-sectoral gathering attracted consumers interested in olive oil quality, territorial development professionals, and community leaders focused on sustainable tourism and cultural heritage preservation. This diversity highlighted the conference’s holistic approach to addressing the environmental, agricultural and social challenges facing the Monte Pisano region. At the June 27 event, project researchers mingled with hands-on olive producers and millers - while local government representatives connected with community cooperatives and business networks, and the Natural History Museum offered cultural and educational insights. Specialised entities, such as the Monte Pisano Forest Community and the Agroecology Office, also shared expertise on sustainable land management. Exploring The Program To kick off, Dr Camilla Moonen from the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies welcomed participants, introducing FRAMEwork's activities and results. This opening set a collaborative tone for the conference. What followed was a series of presentations, painting a vivid picture of the unique challenges and opportunities in this area of Tuscany. Olive Oil and Sustainable Practices Val Graziosa Cluster Farmer Francesco Elter presented on the 'Monti Pisani Olive Road.' His emphasis on the mantra that "good oil comes from good olives" resonated with many and underscored the importance of nurturing natural resources and ensuring quality throughout the production process. Another key moment came from Fabio Mencarelli of the Municipality of Calci. He addressed the issue of olive grove abandonment threatening Monte Pisano. His strategies for mitigation sparked animated discussions during coffee breaks, where participants exchanged contacts and ideas. Payment for Ecosystem Services Mario Pestarini from the Monti Pisani Business Network concluded the morning's presentations with an introduction to Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes. His talk illustrated a collaborative approach to incentivising biodiversity production and conservation. Many participants saw ways these mechanisms could support the community valuing and protecting its natural heritage. Interactive Working Groups After a light lunch featuring local products, the conference moved into a more interactive phase. Two working groups engaged deeply with practical solutions. The first group focused on PES as a development tool, while the second aimed to strengthen collaboration among olive oil producers, millers, and consumers. The insightful exchanges during these sessions emphasized the importance of cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals. Building Connections for a Sustainable Future As the day came to a close, a palpable sense of momentum filled the room. The vision offered by Forest Community attendees , 'Shared Roots for a Shared Future,' resonated strongly. Participants departed with new knowledge and connections as well as emerging action plans - to help pave the way for future opportunities and ensure that the region's local natural and cultural heritage is preserved for generations to come through better biodiversity management. Don’t forget you can follow the activities of the region's pilot project Farmer Cluster, Val Graziosa, via Recodo and its YouTube channel.

Building on learnings from the UK's Cluster Network, with GWCT's Jess Brooks... Jess Brooks (left) receiving a biodiversity monitoring award | Courtesy: GWCT At the H2020 FRAMEwork project kick-off meeting, Jess Brooks, Farmland Biodiversity Advisor at project partner the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), delivered a compelling presentation that cut straight to the heart of agricultural biodiversity challenges. Speaking from her family farm on the Isle of Wight, Brooks brought a unique perspective shaped by her dual background in farming, science and conservation. You can watch videos featuring key sections of her talk on this site's media page . The Human Dimension of Farmer Clusters Brooks manages two farmer clusters in the UK, and her opening message was clear: "We must remember that these clusters are made up of people and no two people are the same." This seemingly simple observation underpins a fundamental challenge in biodiversity conservation efforts. The term "farmer" itself, Brooks explained, encompasses an extraordinarily diverse group. Her clusters include everyone from a Monaco-based stockbroker who owns a farm but contracts out all the work, to a Dorset farmer managing 400 hectares of mixed livestock alone on just four hours of sleep per night. While both may share similar conservation goals, the approaches needed to engage them effectively differ dramatically. Breaking Down Barriers of Distrust One of the most significant obstacles Brooks identified is the profound absence of trust between farmers and external entities—whether government bodies, environmental organisations, or the public. This distrust is compounded by overwhelmingly negative discourse around farming and the environment. Current agri-environmental schemes, she noted, fail on multiple fronts. They don't provide adequate financial incentives, lack proper monitoring systems, and crucially, offer little positive feedback or encouragement. "Farmers in that kind of setting will never be inspired to do more if they feel unappreciated and persecuted," Brooks emphasised. The administrative burden is crushing. Farmers navigate a maze of rules, inspections, payment delays, and heavy paperwork while facing pressure from all sides. Conservation becomes yet another item on an already overwhelming list of demands. The Farmer Cluster Revolution Here's where farmer clusters offer a transformative alternative. Rather than imposing top-down directives, clusters function as enablers, creating bottom-up support networks where farmers choose their own trusted environmental advisers and work collaboratively with neighbours. Brooks stressed that this approach is essential because "wildlife doesn't need boundaries" and "rivers run through more than one farm." Individual farm-level conservation, while valuable, has inherent limitations. Landscape-scale cooperation is not just beneficial—it's necessary. Understanding Motivations and Values Brooks provided crucial insights into what drives farmers. Their core values include pride in land stewardship, quality food production, business success, respect for tradition, and deep knowledge of their local landscapes. Many have witnessed wildlife declines in their lifetimes and genuinely want to reverse these trends. However, economic realities cannot be ignored. "You don't become a food producer to get rich," Brooks noted, adding that farmers often say they "struggle to be green if their bank statement is in the red." The health of the farm business directly impacts capacity for environmental action. Learnings for FRAMEwork Brooks's key recommendation for the FRAMEwork project was both simple and profound: "Forget the outcomes that you want and start with the farmers, understand their psychology!" Success depends on identifying both barriers and motivations, building trust, and forming genuine relationships. The farmer cluster model demonstrates how shifting from a punitive, top-down approach to an enabling, supportive framework can transform negative attitudes into positive action. By creating mini-communities based on trust, support, and shared knowledge, clusters help farmers move from isolated struggle to collaborative success. As FRAMEwork develops its co-designed approaches and tests biodiversity measures across its network of sites, Brooks's message is clear: successful biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes requires more than scientific knowledge and policy directives. It demands genuine understanding of and partnership with the people who manage the land. This transformation Brooks describes as possible, from isolated, pressured individuals to supported, collaborative communities offers hope for achieving FRAMEwork's ambitious goals. By starting with farmers rather than outcomes, and by building trust rather than imposing requirements, the project can pilot change that benefits both biodiversity and farming communities. Jess Brooks is a Farmland Biodiversity Advisor at project partner the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). The FRAMEwork project aims to support better biodiversity management across European agricultural landscapes through approaches co-designed with farmers and land managers. Contact us to learn more and get involved!

Project publishes Cluster-level policy briefs documenting farmer-led biodiversity management across Europe. Here is what they offer and why they matter! FRAMEwork has published ten policy briefs, each documenting a different farmer cluster operating within the project. The briefs cover 11 clusters across 9 European countries: Austria (2 clusters), the Czech Republic, England, Estonia, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Spain. Scotland’s Buchan cluster is covered within the English farmland brief at UK level rather than as a standalone document. Together, the collection offers a cross-European evidence base for anyone assessing whether the farmer cluster model can deliver landscape-scale biodiversity outcomes under real farming conditions. What do the Briefs Cover? Each brief follows a similar structure: the regional farming context, the biodiversity measures implemented or maintained, monitoring results, community engagement activities, and policy recommendations specific to that cluster’s regional and national setting. They are practical documents aimed at policymakers, advisors and farming organisations rather than academic audiences. The briefs range across farming systems — arable, pastoral, orchard and olive cultivation — and across scales from 50-hectare traditional holdings to clusters coordinating over 3,000 hectares. What Will Readers Learn? The collection is most useful read comparatively. Each brief individually explains aspects that worked and didn’t across specific regions. Readers will see which types of biodiversity measures were adopted across the different landscapes and farming systems. They’ll find explanations of how monitoring results varied by intervention type and regional context, and how community engagement formats were adapted to local conditions. The briefs also document where existing policy mechanisms supported cluster development, where they currently fall short, and what alternative funding or governance structures clusters explored in response. What are Some Key Takeaways? Three findings recur across the collection. The first is that long-term facilitation of at least 5 years is a precondition for building the trust that enables collective action. Incentive structures that reward group outcomes rather than individual compliance produce stronger participation and more durable results. And monitoring embedded from the start of a cluster’s life generates the evidence base needed for adaptive management and to make the case for sustained funding. Where any of these elements are missing, clusters will struggle regardless of how favourable other aspects are. Explore the briefs: All ten policy briefs are available in our Zenodo Community: Cranborne Chase, England • Burgenland, Austria • Mostviertel, Austria • Velké Hostěrádky, Czech Republic • Kanepi Kihilund, Estonia • Basse-Durance, France (in French) • Val Graziosa, Italy • Born, Luxembourg • Zeeasterweg, Netherlands • Cazadores de Aguilar, Spain. For the fuller story behind these briefs, the Farmer Clusters Narrative Magazine documents the experiences and lessons from all eleven clusters and Cluster participants also share their stories in their own words on our Substack. Browse related publications at framework-biodiversity.eu/publications, or explore the Resource Finder on our Info Hub for more.