Engaging people and communities in shaping agri-environment (AE) schemes to provide the landscapes and cultural benefits which they desire

a. Increase our understanding of public perceptions of the effectiveness of A-E schemes in delivering the benefits that they seek from their local landscape, in relation to the changes that have been happening through A-E schemes.

b. Shed light on how the public views and perceptions compare with 'expert' opinions of the schemes' effectiveness on landscape character, quality and function. The work will also provide an opportunity to 'test' our expert approach and findings with the public.

c. Use these insights to provide recommendations on the future alignment of A-E scheme landscape objectives with the outcomes desired by the public.

a. and c. should also provide some evidence of how important the public consider it is for a 'landscape objective' be included in A-E schemes and what that objective ought to be delivering (e.g. whether people perceive A-E schemes to be about delivering tidy domesticated farmland landscapes, 'nice scenery', or wilder, nature-rich landscapes).