Defra-funded project exploring perceptions of past and future land use change among rural communities
You are being invited to take part in a Defra-commissioned project, which is gathering an understanding of the socio-economic impacts of land use change in rural communities. The work is being conducted in partnership between the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) at the University of Gloucestershire, the Centre for Rural Economy at Newcastle University and Live Economics Ltd.
Before you decide to participate, it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and then decide whether you want to take part. Where appropriate, you will be able to give your consent on the accompanying ‘informed consent form’.
About the research
Land in England and Wales faces competing demands, including climate, biodiversity, food, energy, housing and transport and as part of this the Government has started a conversation about land use change. The research aims to develop a clearer understanding of the socio-economic impacts, both positive and negative, that land use changes have in rural communities. This project covers 10 case study areas across England and Wales.
The project will:
- use a combination of desk-based and field research to examine the drivers of land use change, and associated barriers, risks and opportunities.
- engage with a wide range of stakeholders in 10 case studies to capture insights into how specific communities experience and adapt to change, providing evidence that can be used in land use policy making.
- produce case study summaries and a final report to Defra setting out findings and clear recommendations surrounding transferable lessons, vulnerabilities and policy levers.
Why am I being asked to participate?
We would like to encourage you to take part so that you’re able to share your experiences of issues surrounding land use change in your local area. You participation will help us better understand how changes to land use might affect your environment, livelihood and quality of life, both positively and negatively.
Do I have to take part?
No. It’s entirely up to you whether you decide to participate. If you do decide to participate, you will be given this information sheet to keep. Where appropriate, you will be asked to sign a consent form; more information about this is given below. If you later decide to withdraw, you can do so, without giving us a reason: contact a member of the research team using the details at the bottom of this form if you would like to withdraw from the study. However, please note that you only have 30 days from the date of your interview/workshop to withdraw.
What is the procedure if I do decide to take part?
You may be asked to take part in an interview (in-person, online or over the phone) or workshop, where we will explore your experiences of a range of issues surrounding past, current and future land use in your local area. Depending on your role and involvement in the area, these questions might focus on economic, environmental, social and/or governance matters.
At no time will you be obliged to discuss anything you are not comfortable discussing, nor to disclose anything that you do not wish to.
What will be done with my data?
As a Data Controller, the University of Gloucestershire will ensure personal data will be held and processed securely in line with GDPR rules. The University’s GDPR policy can be found here: https://www.glos.ac.uk/information/knowledge-base/data-protection/.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding the way in which the University is processing your personal data, please contact the Data Protection Officer using this email address: dpo@glos.ac.uk
All data will be kept securely and will only be accessible to University of Gloucestershire and Newcastle University research team members. Any identifying data will be removed from the interview transcriptions and notes. If you are particularly concerned about the removal of identifiable characteristics in your data, please let us know. We can arrange for you to have a copy of your transcript to approve and remove any details you are uncomfortable with being included. The anonymised data will be kept until July 2028 (2 years after the end of the project).
The interview data will be analysed qualitatively. This will involve researchers looking for key themes within the data. This will enable researchers to identify the range of perspectives and experiences of different participants. We may refer to the broad sector in which you work/live (e.g. ‘farmer’ or ‘local resident’), but otherwise no personally identifiable information will be included in any outputs such as reports or papers produced from the research.
Will my participation be kept confidential?
All information that is collected about you during the course of this study will be kept strictly confidential by the research team.
What are the possible benefits of participation?
This is an opportunity for you to provide insights that will help shape future policy surrounding land use and rural communities.
What might go wrong?
No undue effects are anticipated. As researchers we are bound by anonymity and confidentiality rules.
What will happen to the results of the study?
The results of this research will be used to write up case study summaries and a final report which will be presented to Defra. In addition, findings from the research may be used to inform papers that will be published in relevant academic journals. We may also use aspects of the data to present our findings at seminars and conferences.
We will also share the final report and key messages with you, it will be published by Defra, and the link will appear on the CCRI project page: https://ccri.ac.uk/category/research-projects/completed
Who is funding the research?
Defra.
Who has reviewed this study for ethical clearance?
This study has been reviewed and granted clearance by the University of Gloucestershire and Newcastle University’s Research Ethics Committees. For any questions or concerns regarding this, please contact the CCRI’s Ethics Lead, Hannah Chiswell, on hchiswell1@glos.ac.uk
What if I want to contact the researcher to ask about this study or my participation in it?
We are happy to discuss any concerns or answer any questions. In the first instance, please contact the project lead: Associate Professor Chris Short via email: cshort@glos.ac.uk
