In 2023, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Galway conducted surveys of farmer attitudes towards rewetting/wetland farming (paludiculture) in England (UK) and Ireland. In both cases, the majority (~68%) of farmers interviewed had not heard of paludiculture, but were interested in learning more about it. Most farmers are concerned about land degradation and want to increase biodiversity to ‘do the right thing’ but are often most limited to market uncertainties. Our results clearly indicated a lack of existing business case studies and an unwillingness to enter uncertain markets were the main barriers preventing uptake of paludiculture.
In 2023, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Galway conducted surveys of farmer attitudes towards rewetting/wetland farming (paludiculture) in England (UK) and Ireland. In both cases, the majority (~68%) of farmers interviewed had not heard of paludiculture, but were interested in learning more about it. Most farmers are concerned about land degradation and want to increase biodiversity to ‘do the right thing’ but are often most limited to market uncertainties. Our results clearly indicated a lack of existing business case studies and an unwillingness to enter uncertain markets were the main barriers preventing uptake of paludiculture.
UK Survey
Out of the 19 participants, 15 were currently farming on peat, with 12 of them specifically operating on lowland peat. The survey primarily focused on assessing the knowledge base of land managers regarding paludiculture. Participants were asked to rate their current level of knowledge on paludiculture practices with 21% stated that they had no previous knowledge, while 26% claimed to possess a high level of knowledge. These findings suggest the existence of knowledge gaps that need to be addressed through further outreach and education.
Regarding familiarity with paludiculture products, only 10% of land managers had never heard of any of them, whilst most had some level of awareness. Food crops, Reeds and Sphagnum Moss has a similar degree of knowledge, ahead of emerging crops such as those for medicinal purposes, building materials and biochar. In terms of barriers to uptake, 55% agreed that both unwanted effects on neighbouring land causing conflict and increased water use were issues, while 72% agreed that lack of knowledge and machinery availability were concerns (Figure 1). This indicates a need for further education around paludiculture products and on how farm businesses can incorporate them as a viable option, alongside addressing concerns around barriers to uptake through provision of evidence around flooding and support around machinery adaptions from policy makers.
Inhibitors to uptake of paludiculture were dominated by financial concerns. 55% strongly agreed that paludiculture crops' profit margins posed a barrier, and 35% strongly agreed while 50% agreed that the lack of business cases for paludiculture was also a barrier. These findings suggest the presence of knowledge gaps that ongoing trials can address by providing more information on business cases and viability.
When considering the motivations that would support a farmer uptake of paludiculture (Figure 2), 72% agreed and 22% strongly agreed that the positive effect of paludiculture on climate change would be a motivating factor for adopting these practices. Additionally, 66% agreed that diversifying their farm was a good reason to consider paludiculture. However, most participants disagreed that it would reduce the overall amount of working hours on the farm, despite agreeing that it would require fewer inputs, which they considered a favourable aspect for adoption.
