Identifying areas of agricultural land abandonment for active restoration : the 'woodland islets model'

Abstract

The small island state of Malta, which will be the focus of this research study, is facing considerable challenges in connection with agricultural land abandonment. This abandonment is being brought about by the diminishing number of employees in the agricultural sector, mainly due to farmers’ children opting for other professions. This study provides an in-depth assessment of the suitability of three sites in which significant agricultural land abandonment has taken place, to be actively restored by the planting of woodland islets using the woodland islets model. Sites were evaluated against a set of Criteria and Indicators, compiled through a review of relevant literature. A list of tree, shrub and plant species was also put together to be used in the creation of the ‘woodland islets’ if such an approach is implemented in the near future. Based on the criteria and indicators chosen, the land feasibility assessment was successful in identifying one of the three sites under investigation, Site A, as a possible area suitable for the planting of woodland islets. Furthermore, the study also quantified the proximity of Site A to other ecologically important areas, which proved to be important when considering site suitability. Finally, a number of considerations were put forward which were not tackled in this study; however, they would be crucial to consider if this approach would be realised and implemented at a local level.