The relationship of landscape structure and land use intensity with biodiversity is being studied in 26 areas of Europe as part of the EU Greenveins project. The “ecological infrastructure” of landscapes is recorded, i.e. hedges and green strips, as this strongly influences biodiversity. How far can production be intensified and the landscape cleared without loss of biodiversity? We are developing a method that provides knowledge about relationships within the system. The intention is to derive recommendations as to the proportion of low-input habitats in the farming landscape for subsequent inclusion in directives.

Start of project: 2001