Exploring the case for a national-scale soil conservation and soil condition framework for evaluating and reporting on environmental and land use policies

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.It has long been realized that the conservation of soil capital and ecosystem services are of paramount importance, resulting in a growing case for a change in attitude and policymaking in respect of soils. Current UK and EU approaches are risk-based and focused on measures to manage and remediate the adverse impact of current policies and practices directed at maximizing productivity and profit, rather than one of resource conservation. Increasing soil loss and degradation is evidence that current policy is not working and a new approach is needed. In the UK there is governmental ambition to progress towards natural capital-led land use policies but, in the absence of a framework to determine the relative condition of the soil resource, the delivery of sustainable soil conservation policies will continue to be inhibited. Common Standards Monitoring (CSM) is an established monitoring and management framework (based on ecosystem structure, function and process) and has been effectively deployed for almost two decades by the UK Government for the monitoring and reporting of key biological and earth science natural capital and ecosystem services from ‘field’ to local, regional and national levels to the European Commission. It is argued that a CSM for soils could be developed for the UK's soil resources as well as for those elsewhere, and would be able to deliver a conservation rather than the current risk-based approach. It is capable of accommodating the complexities and variation in soil types and functions and potentially being practical and cost-effective in its implementation

Ultra-fine grain landscape-scale quantification of dryland vegetation structure with drone-acquired structure-from-motion photogrammetry

This is the final version of the article. Available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record.Covering 40% of the terrestrial surface, dryland ecosystems characteristically have distinct vegetation structures that are strongly linked to their function. Existing survey approaches cannot provide sufficiently fine-resolution data at landscape-level extents to quantify this structure appropriately. Using a small, unpiloted aerial system (UAS) to acquire aerial photographs and processing theses using structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry, three-dimensional models were produced describing the vegetation structure of semi-arid ecosystems at seven sites across a grass–to shrub transition zone. This approach yielded ultra-fine (< 1 cm2) spatial resolution canopy height models over landscape-levels (10 ha), which resolved individual grass tussocks just a few cm3 in volume. Canopy height cumulative distributions for each site illustrated ecologically-significant differences in ecosystem structure. Strong coefficients of determination (r2 from 0.64 to 0.95) supported prediction of above-ground biomass from canopy volume. Canopy volumes, above-ground biomass and carbon stocks were shown to be sensitive to spatial changes in the structure of vegetation communities. The grain of data produced and sensitivity of this approach is invaluable to capture even subtle differences in the structure (and therefore function) of these heterogeneous ecosystems subject to rapid environmental change. The results demonstrate how products from inexpensive UAS coupled with SfM photogrammetry can produce ultra-fine grain biophysical data products, which have the potential to revolutionise scientific understanding of ecology in ecosystems with either spatially or temporally discontinuous canopy cover.This research was supported by a NERC PhD studentship (NE/K500902/1) and Sevilleta LTER program research fellowship (NSF grant DEB-1232294) both awarded to AMC; neither funder had any further involvement in this experiment and the authors declare no conflict of interest. We thank Scott Collins, the Sevilleta LETR director and US Fish and Wildlife for their support during this research and for granting access to the field site. The 3D Robotics Y6 was supplied by the University of Exeter Environment and Sustainability Institute's (ESI) Environmental Monitoring DroneLab (EMDL). The authors wish to express their thanks to Leon DeBell and Agisoft's Alexey Pasumansky for the excellent technical support, to Susan Beck and Phil Cunliffe for facilitating access to archival material, and to Isla Myers-Smith and three anonymous reviewers whose comments allowed us to improve an earlier draft of this article. For access to the data presented herein please contact the first author

Beaver Management Groups: Capturing lessons from the River Otter Beaver Trial and River Tamar Catchment

This is the final version. Available from Natural England via the link in this recordThis commissioned report is a social science case study of how beaver management groups are forming around the unofficial beaver populations. It draws on findings from a previous, peer-reviewed study that captured the experiences of stakeholders involved in governing the River Otter Beaver Trial (ROBT) (Renewed Coexistence: Learning from Steering Group Stakeholders on a Beaver Reintroduction Project in England, 2022), and explores the applicability of those findings to the River Tamar. The findings of the report can be applied to other settings and inform the development of other Beaver Management Groups. The findings were that Beaver Management Groups can be adaptive structures that evolve in reflection of changing circumstances and new learning. Rather than being a fixed governance structure therefore, Beaver Management Groups themselves are a process, that seeks to facilitate renewed coexistence between humans and beavers in catchment settings. Three key stages to in the beaver management group process were identified: ‘Formation’, ‘Functioning’, and ‘Future?’. It also considers the external factors at play at each stage of the process

Improving engagement in managing reintroduction conflicts: learning from beaver reintroduction

This is the final version. Available on open access from Taylor & Francis via the DOI in this recordData availability statement: The evidenced summaries as shared with the participants are attached as Supporting Information, as well as an example of the ethical consent form for participation.Social factors hold implications for the success or failure of wildlife reintroductions. Potential conflict issues may prevent projects from proceeding or succeeding. The manner in which wildlife managers engage with affected people in conflict scenarios may prevent or contribute toward conflict escalation, so an understanding of how to improve engagement is required. We conducted interviews with individuals who reported conflicts with beavers (Castor fiber) within the case study of a reintroduction trial in England, called the ‘River Otter Beaver Trial’. Using a qualitative thematic analysis, we identified five themes to be considered when engaging with affected people in beaver reintroduction conflicts: (1) Proactive Engagement or a Fast Response; (2) Appropriate Communication; (3) Shared Decision-Making; (4) Sense that Humans are Responsible for Conflicts with Reintroduced Species; (5) A Need for Certainty. We conclude that engagement with affected individuals will likely be improved, with reduced conflict potential, where these themes are addressed.University of ExeterDevon Wildlife TrustPlymouth City CouncilCornwall Wildlife TrustNatural Environment Research Council (NERC

Wildlife Tourism in Reintroduction Projects: Exploring Social and Economic Benefits of Beaver in Local Settings

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available on open access from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordWildlife reintroduction projects are required to account for social and economic factors. Wildlife tourism is often cited as a benefit of reintroduction, so an understanding of whether and how this manifests is required. Through a case study of a village in the catchment of a live reintroduction project (Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) in England) we reveal how reintroduced species tourism has economic benefit for local business, but the scale of benefit is dependent upon business initiatives that take the opportunity (eg merchandise, marketing etc.). We suggest reintroduction practitioners should actively encourage local businesses to maximise opportunities, especially where tourism is cited as a reason to reintroduce. We recommend further research into whether benefits remain in the long-term, but speculate some value will persist. Finally, we recognise reintroduction-related wildlife tourism may interact with other local issues, but seeing a reintroduced species or signs of its activity can produce positive emotional responses.University of ExeterDevon Wildlife TrustPlymouth City CouncilCornwall Wildlife TrustNatural Environment Research Council (NERC

Renewed coexistence: learning from steering group stakeholders on a beaver reintroduction project in England

This is the final version. Available on open access from Springer via the DOI in this recordData availability: All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article (and its Supplementary Information files). The anonymised survey data is available in full (with participants’ details redacted) in the supplementary information.Species reintroductions are growing in popularity, and example motivations include supporting species populations or the restoration of ecosystem function. Interactions between humans and the reintroduced species are likely to occur post-reintroduction. Coexistence between humans and wildlife is adaptive and dynamic, in part requiring management of conflicts between humans and wildlife, or of conflicts between humans over wildlife management. We seek to learn from the experiences of steering group members in a Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) project in England and identify how governance of coexistence with reintroduced species may differ from the governance of coexistence with species that are already present in the landscape. Using a qualitative thematic analysis of an online survey, we identify a series of lessons in six key areas: (1) project governance, (2) stakeholder engagement, (3) research and monitoring programme, (4) strategy to manage arising conflicts, (5) public engagement, and (6) broad perspectives on reintroduction trials. We advocate for reflective evaluation as an essential component of reintroduction projects to enable knowledge-sharing from experiences, leading to improved practices in the future. Reflecting on our analysis, we identify and define 'Renewed Coexistence'-a new term that draws on pre-existing coexistence knowledge but identifies the unique elements that relate to governing coexistence with reintroduced species.University of ExeterDevon Wildlife TrustPlymouth City CouncilCornwall Wildlife Trus

Beavers and flood alleviation: Human perspectives from downstream communities

This is the final version. Available on open access from Wiley via the DOI in this recordData availability statement: The anonymised Q-Sort data is available at: https://github.com/exeter-creww/Auster-Barr-Brazier_Beavers-and-Flood-Alleviation_Q-Sort-DataNatural flood management (NFM) methods work with natural processes to reduce flood risk, while often providing additional benefits such as water quality improvement or habitat provision. Increasingly, the activity of an animal—beavers—is recognised to potentially provide flow attenuation, along with multiple benefits for the environment and society, but there can also be associated challenges. We use Q-Methodology to elicit and understand human perspectives of beavers and their potential role in flood management among communities living downstream of beavers at three sites in England (Cornwall, Yorkshire and the Forest of Dean). This is the first time a study has focused on downstream communities as the primary stakeholders. We identify diverse perspectives that exhibit a range of value judgements. We suggest a catchment-based approach to beaver management and public engagement may facilitate deeper recognition of contextual perspectives in decision-making and enable knowledge dissemination with communities. Further, we examine the relationship between beavers and other NFM methods through these perspectives. In doing so we identify features that relate to the unique element of relying on the natural behaviour of beavers for flood management, rather than human flood managers being the primary decision-makers.University of ExeterDevon Wildlife TrustPlymouth City CouncilCornwall Wildlife Trus

Eurasian beaver activity increases water storage, attenuates flow and mitigates diffuse pollution from intensively-managed grasslands

This is the final version of the article. Available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record.Beavers are the archetypal keystone species, which can profoundly alter ecosystem structure and function through their ecosystem engineering activity, most notably the building of dams. This can have a major impact upon water resource management, flow regimes and water quality. Previous research has predominantly focused on the activities of North American beaver (Castor canadensis) located in very different environments, to the intensive lowland agricultural landscapes of the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe. Two Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) were introduced to a wooded site, situated on a first order tributary, draining from intensively managed grassland. The site was monitored to understand impacts upon water storage, flow regimes and water quality. Results indicated that beaver activity, primarily via the creation of 13 dams, has increased water storage within the site (holding ca. 1000m(3) in beaver ponds) and beavers were likely to have had a significant flow attenuation impact, as determined from peak discharges (mean 30±19% reduction), total discharges (mean 34±9% reduction) and peak rainfall to peak discharge lag times (mean 29±21% increase) during storm events. Event monitoring of water entering and leaving the site showed lower concentrations of suspended sediment, nitrogen and phosphate leaving the site (e.g. for suspended sediment; average entering site: 112±72mgl(-1), average leaving site: 39±37mgl(-1)). Combined with attenuated flows, this resulted in lower diffuse pollutant loads in water downstream. Conversely, dissolved organic carbon concentrations and loads downstream were higher. These observed changes are argued to be directly attributable to beaver activity at the site which has created a diverse wetland environment, reducing downstream hydrological connectivity. Results have important implications for beaver reintroduction programs which may provide nature based solutions to the catchment-scale water resource management issues that are faced in agricultural landscapes.The Devon Beaver Project is led by Devon Wildlife Trust, monitored by the University of Exeter, and funded by Devon Wildlife Trust and Westland Countryside Stewards

Mapping landscape-scale peatland degradation using airborne lidar and multispectral data

This is the final version. Available on open access from Springer via the DOI in this recordContext An increased interest in the restoration of peatlands for delivering multiple benefits requires a greater understanding of the extent and location of natural and artificial features that contribute to degradation. Objectives We assessed the utility of multiple, fine-grained remote sensing datasets for mapping peatland features and associated degraded areas at a landscape-scale. Specifically, we developed an integrated approach to identify and quantify multiple types of peatland degradation including: anthropogenic drainage ditches and peat cuttings; erosional gullies and bare peat areas. Methods Airborne LiDAR, CASI and aerial image datasets of the South West UK, were combined to identify features within Dartmoor National Park peatland area that contribute to degradation. These features were digitised and quantified using ArcGIS before appropriate buffers were applied to estimate the wider ecohydrologically affected area. Results Using fine-scale, large-extent remotely sensed data, combined with aerial imagery enabled key features within the wider expanse of peatland to be successfully identified and mapped at a resolution appropriate to future targeted restoration. Combining multiple datasets increased our understanding of spatial distribution and connectivity within the landscape. An area of 29 km2 or 9.2% of the Dartmoor peatland area was identified as significantly and directly ecohydrologically degraded. Conclusions Using a combination of fine-grained remotely sensed datasets has advantages over traditional ground survey methods for identification and mapping of anthropogenic and natural erosion features at a landscape scale. The method is accurate, robust and cost-effective particularly given the remote locations and large extent of these landscapes, facilitating effective and targeted restoration planning, management and monitoring.Dartmoor National Park AuthorityDartmoor Peatland PartnershipDuchy of CornwallEnvironment AgencyForestry CommissionMinistry of DefenceNatural EnglandSouth West partnership for Environmental and Economic Prosperity (SWEEP)South West WaterNatural Environment Research Council (NERC

Perceptions of Pine Marten Reintroduction in South-West England: Results of a Q-Method Stakeholder Study and Regional Public Survey

This is the final version.Report for submission to the Two Moors Partnership. Executive Summary • At the time of writing, a proposal is being put forward by the Two Moors Partnership to reintroduce pine martens (Martes martes) to the south-west. • Neither the University of Exeter nor individual authors of this report are members of the Two Moors Partnership. The authors were commissioned as independent researchers to capture an understanding of perceptions held by key stakeholders and the wider public about pine marten reintroduction in the south-west. • Between March and July 2023, two studies were completed in parallel. This is a factual report that presents the findings from these two studies. [...