Assessing the wider value of agri-environment scheme heritage actions for the natural environment and for people

The aim of the project is to establish a baseline of the available evidence for the co-benefits provided by AES heritage actions. The aim is supported by these objectives: assess the range of multi-objective benefits (including but not limited to evidence on biodiversity, soil health, water quality, carbon sequestration, heritage, landscape character, access and engagement); identify where heritage actions contribute to Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) targets; quantify the wider VfM of the heritage actions; identify evidence gaps and further research needs.

The review will also identify gaps in the current evidence base that limit robust assessment of these cobenefits. The outputs of the project are: scoping review of scientific papers, journals, industry guidance to enable an assessment of multi-objective benefits; report on the findings; infographic or one page briefing paper for a non-technical audience; and a webinar. The project will start in early July 2026 and must be completed and invoiced by mid-March 2027.