C23432 - Comparative M&E of dry-stone walls

This project will focus on monitoring the condition and management of drystone walls, which are significant boundary features in the landscape as well as being historic environment assets providing numerous ecosystems services. National Character Area (NCA) statements recognise that their maintenance across a range of agricultural landscapes, including protected landscapes, contributes to the overall landscape character of an area. The project will look at how agri-environment schemes have helped manage walls, review current options, and make recommendations for their future protection and management through Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS).

Comparative case studies will compare wall management in several landscape types, both protected and unprotected and both in scheme and not to help develop improved understanding, monitoring, and future management. Such detailed studies have not been undertaken before and this project, which will be run in partnership with Historic England, will provide essential baseline evidence.