Landscape grammar: a method to analyse and design hedgerows and networks.

In Europe, rural landscapes are characterized by the presence of hedgerows and networks. In recent decades changes in agricultural systems, due in particular to the intensification of agricultural practices, have caused a transformation of hedgerows and networks, thereby reducing their qualities and changing their ecological and social functions. Yet, no global framework to analyze and design hedgerows and networks is available. Our paper is a step forward in combining the ecological and social dimension of hedgerows and hedgerow networks for both analytical and planning purposes. We propose to use a landscape grammar for deciphering the structural and functional aspects of hedgerow units and networks and to formalize rules for design and management based on scientific evidence. In the case of hedgerows, landscape grammar consists of letters, or single units of trees and shrubs of different species and their different shapes related to management practices. Appropriate or meaningful combinations of letters create words and sentences, hence forming hedgerow networks. In order to test the suitability of the grammar for reading or understanding and consequently writing or planning hedgerows in different landscapes, two study areas were chosen: Pleine-Fougères in Brittany (France) and Pianura Padana in Piedmont (Italy). The basic units, the aggregated units and the network were analyzed respectively as the letters, the words and the syntax of our landscape grammar. This metaphor provides an analytical framework for understanding hedgerows, from the individual tree to the landscape. Our model anticipates the concerns of both researchers and policymakers throughout the hedgerow network planning process

Linking Multifunctionality and Sustainability for Valuing Peri-Urban Farming: A Case Study in the Turin Metropolitan Area (Italy)

Agriculture plays a key role in managing the peri-urban landscapes in Europe, influencing their social, aesthetic and environmental functions. Considering the increase in urban population and land consumption in the last decades, sustainability in peri-urban areas is a priority. Farming multifunctionality is the integration of different functions and activities that produce beneficial effects on local economy, environment and society. Three research questions were explored: How is multifunctionality applied in peri-urban agroecosystems? How do we ensure sustainability in peri-urban agroecosystem? How could a bottom-up approach promote sustainable actions, strategies and policies? The Chieri Municipality (Turin Metropolitan Area, Italy) was chosen as representative case study. A trans-scalar approach from the farm to the municipality levels was adopted. The analysis of statistical data and farmers’ interviews were performed. Multifunctionality for three main farm categories (crops and grasslands; vineyards and orchards; and horticulture) was explored using the following parameters: website presence, online selling, agritourism, didactic farms, nonagricultural activities, maintenance parks and gardens, renewable energy, and transformation. According to the different farm types, multifunctionality assumes different aspects covering specific sets of sustainability needs. We consider important to move from the farm level multifunctionality to the landscape level multifunctionality in order to provide all services at a territorial scale. As a result, the following perspectives and strategies were proposed: increasing rural farm networks and cooperation, promoting initiates for valorizing the local food products, including farms in touristic and cultural networks, and involving farmers in social and didactic programs. In conclusion, this methodology could be applied for decision makers and planners for implementing a participatory approach in environmental-social and economic programs for peri-urban areas

Assessment and Mapping Green Areas Ecosystem Services and Socio-Demographic Characteristics in Turin Neighborhoods (Italy)

The ecosystem services (ES) and human well-being are keywords that guide the Italian strategy on urban greening. The development of ES priorities linked to specific land uses help to guide the drafting of management plans. The aim of the research was to assess and map green areas ecosystem services and socio-demographic characteristics in Turin neighborhoods in order to identify where to improve the provision of ecosystem services and the socio-demographic conditions. The Preliminary Assessment Method (PAM) was used for the assessment of provision and regulating services based on land use. The Species-specific Air Quality index (S-AQI) was used to assess the regulating services provided by trees. Three socio-demographic characteristics were analyzed at the neighborhood level—age index, housing density, and % of economically assisted citizens. PAM results show that Turin provides more ecosystem services in peripheral areas of the city. Trees with high S-AQI values represent 21% of the censed trees. Not recommended trees are 18%. The neighborhoods with higher S-AQI values are not always characterized by a higher number of trees/km2 or species richness. Results show that the northern part of the city is characterized by higher values of ES and socio-demographic conditions than the central-southern part. This aspect is related to the conspicuous presence of agricultural land uses and water bodies, together with the presence of tree species with a high S-AQI values and high or medium socio-demographic conditions. 57% of the neighborhoods present low results for both aspects. Actions to improve the quality of green spaces in those neighborhoods could have great effects on liveability. Future management and planning strategies for increasing citizens’ well-being through urban greening should consider the proposed approach