News

Holnicote PES Pilot Research Project Published by Defra

Defra has today published five project reports as part of an intitiative to further understand and develop the concept of Payment for Ecosystems Services (PES) in an England context. The projects were chosen as par of a third round of pilot studies to demonstrate proof of concept and practical application of PES, as set out in the Natural Environment White Paper and PES Action Plan.

PAA’s Holnicote project was chosen as one of the PES pilot studies, with the aim of investigating PES approaches to natural flood management, biodiversity enhancement, and carbon and soil regulation.

The project investigates the structures and framework required to successfully deliver multiple ecosystem services at a landscape level, identifying the need for a partnership of stakeholders (landowners, tenant farmers, government, statutory agencies and the public). Potential funding sources are key, and are examined in detail in the project report.

The full report can be downloaded here, and for more information on the PES Pilot Research Project scheme please visit the Defra website randd.defra.gov.uk/ScienceandResearch/PaymentForEcosystemServices

If you would like more information on the Holnicote project, or on our services relating to Ecosystem Services, please contact us.