Part A: report on the pilot study
Introduction:
The Welsh landscape is known throughout Great Britain and also abroad for its diversity, natural beauty and biodiversity. However, in recent years the habitats of Wales have come under threat due to unsustainable practices. For instance, the latest UK Biodiversity Action Plan has shown that 46% of the habitats of Wales are declining; 7% of wildlife species have been lost, and 18% were declining.
Now, imagine that you have relocated to a Welsh townhouse. Your town borders a large countryside speckled with farms. The farmers in the area are concerned about their livelihood and not so much about the environment; therefore, the wildlife and plants in the area are quickly declining.
The Welsh Assembly Government is considering the financing of an agro-environmental initiative, Tir Gofal, which would pay Welsh farmers to preserve or improve key features of their landscape. Please note that this initiative would cause Welsh farmers to forgo income resulting from farm practices that are less friendly to the environment. Moreover, additional works on farm properties could be carried out to improve local habitats. In order to finance this, the Assembly needs to raise sufficient money through taxes from people like you.
General Questions
Would you be willing to pay an increased government tax to preserve the Welsh natural landscape and wildlife? Yes / No / No answer
If Yes, would you be willing to pay £75 yearly tax to preserve and improve Welsh landscape and wildlife?
(Instructions: if yes, increase by £25: Would you be willing to pay £50? Continue to increase until the person says “no”.
When no, decrease by £10 until person says “yes”. Then refine by adding £5 until you get a ‘no’ again.)
In-Depth Questions
In the next few questions, I will be asking you whether you would be willing to pay for some benefits that the policy would provide, and how much you would be prepared to pay. Please note that ‘taking care’ or ‘preserving’ a habitat is easier and cheaper than ‘creating’ a habitat.
- Environmental Measures
- Woodland
Woodland is a great source of natural beauty and wildlife; it also plays an important role in absorbing carbon dioxide emissions.
Would you be willing to pay £20 to reward farmers for taking care of existing woodland?
(Instruction: If yes, double amount; if no, decrease by £10 until person says yes. Then refine by adding £5).
Would you be willing to pay an additional £20 to reward farmers that increase the woodland?
(use same procedure).
- Wetland
Wetlands are an important source of livelihood for numerous species of birds, fish and small fowl. Research has shown that the reduction of wetlands in Wales particularly affects birds like the bittern and bearded tits.
Would you be willing to pay £20 to reward farmers for taking care of existing wetlands? (for instance, they would have to reduce grazing, use of herbicides / pesticides in the area, or preventing drainage).
(use same procedure).
Would you be willing to pay an extra £20 to reward farmers to create new wetlands?
(use same procedure).
- Grassland
Unimproved grassland is grass in a natural state which has not been fertilized, ploughed or grazed for a number of years. Semi-improved grassland is more fertilized or grazed, and usually contains ryegrass and clover.
Would you pay an extra £20 to preserve or restore unimproved grassland on Welsh farms?
(use same procedure).
Would you be willing to pay £20 to preserve semi-improved grassland on Welsh farms?
(use same procedure).
- Heathland.
Heathland is a mixture of heather and bilberry with a wide range of grasses and other plants. Heathland declined considerably during the last century.
Would you be willing to pay £20 to reward Welsh farmers for maintaining heathland intact?
(use same procedure).
Would you be willing to pay an extra £20 to restore / create lost heathland?
(use same procedure).
- Coastal Habitats
In Wales, coastal habitats are represented by saltmarshes, sand dunes, coastal cliffs and slopes. These are usually a great source of beauty, are attractive for tourism and preserve numerous wildlife species.
Would you be willing to pay £20 to reward Welsh farmers for preserving coastal habitats?
(use same procedure).
Would you be willing to pay an extra £20 to restore / create coastal habitats?
(use same procedure).
- Other Measures
In addition to these eco-friendly measures, the Welsh government intends to add some measures to Tir Gofal. The next questions will concern these measures.
Q6
Public Access
The Assembly intends to support the creation of public footpaths, cycling routes and disabled access through farms that are included in the Tir Gofal scheme. These would enable anyone to pass through, hike or cycle through some farms, thus allowing anyone to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and sightings of wildlife.
Would you be willing to pay £40 for the creation of such footpaths / cycling routes?
(use same procedure).
Q7
Educational Access
In addition, the Assembly intends to sponsor educational visits on farms under the Tir Gofal scheme. These would enable young people to become more aware of farm life as well as of the local environment.
Would you be willing to pay £40 for the creation of educational programmes on farms?
(use same procedure).
Q8
Historical Preservation
The historical / manmade environment is an important part of the Welsh landscape as well as a source of identity and heritage for Welsh people. Historical remains include hill forts, burial mounds, standing stones, hut circles, old boundaries and trackways.
Would you be willing to pay £30 for the preservation of historical remains in Welsh farms?
(use same procedure).
Thank you for your participation. I will now collect some general data:
Age:
Sex:
Ethnicity:
Birth place:
Current residence:
Income:
Knowledge of the Wales farm environment: High, Medium, Low
Prior Visits to Farm environment: Yes / No
Did the questionnaire and explanations improve your concern for the Welsh environment?
Not at all Somewhat Yes