The Viticulture Test and Trial was carried out by the Kent Downs National Landscape as part of Defra’s national Tests and Trials programme to inform the design of the Environmental Land Management scheme.
The study focused on understanding how viticulture can deliver environmental and landscape benefits within protected landscapes, while identifying potential risks and opportunities associated with vineyard development.
Context
Between 2005 and 2020, vineyard area in the UK increased by more than 300 percent, with significant growth occurring in the Kent Downs. This expansion reflects the success of viticulture as a rural enterprise, supported by changing climatic conditions, investment, and improved recognition of English wine.
While viticulture offers clear economic benefits, vineyard development can also affect landscape character, biodiversity, and environmental quality, particularly within protected landscapes. The Test and Trial responded to the need for evidence on how vineyard development can be integrated in ways that protect and enhance natural and cultural assets.
Scope and approach
The Test and Trial combined:
- Workshops and engagement events with vineyard owners and land managers
- One-to-one interviews and surveys
- Targeted research on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and sustainable vineyard management
- Case studies from the UK and international wine regions
The work examined topics including biodiversity enhancement, pesticide use, precision viticulture, ecosystem services, and landscape character impacts.
Key themes
The research highlighted:
- Opportunities for vineyards to deliver public goods, including biodiversity, climate mitigation, and landscape enhancement
- The importance of scale, siting, and landscape context in vineyard integration
- The need for clearer evidence and guidance to support decision-making in protected landscapes
Findings contributed to draft recommendations and proposed actions aimed at supporting sustainable viticulture.
Outputs and impact
Evidence and recommendations from the Viticulture Test and Trial were submitted to Defra in 2021 and helped inform the development of the Environmental Land Management scheme.
The full report and supporting appendices are available below.
Partners
This work was delivered in collaboration with specialist consultants in nature conservation and viticulture, including White Horse Ecology and Vinescapes.
Read the Full Report
Viticulture Final Report (PDF, 3 MB)
Appendices
Appendix I – Viticulture Test and Trial – Summary of Workshops March 2020 (PDF, 454 KB) Appendix II – Viticulture Test and Trial – Summary of Workshops Autumn 2020 (PDF, 2 MB) Appendix III – Viticulture Test and Trial – Summary of Workshops February 2021 (PDF, 1 MB) Appendix IV – Viticulture Test and Trial – Summary of One to One Interviews summer 2020 (PDF, 2 MB)
Appendix XII – Viticulture Test and Trial Draft Recommendations. October 2020 (PDF, 1 MB)
Appendix XV – Viticulture Test and Trial Row Fruit Final Report – April 2021 (PDF, 4 MB)
Appendix XVI – Viticulture Test and Trial Questionnaire Report – May 2021 (PDF, 1 MB)
Appendix XVII – Viticulture Test and Trial Case Studies – June 2021 (PDF, 4 MB)
This report is a collaboration with expert consultants in both nature conservation and viticulture: White Horse Ecology and Vinescapes