The sustainability benefits and limitations of green infrastructure in vineyards – exploring the experiences of winegrowers

Abstract

Winegrowing is traditionally associated with intensive management practices and there is a need for sustainability in the sector. Green infrastructure, encompassing non-vine vegetation, water bodies, and other human-made structures, can contribute to this sustainability from a multi-dimensional viewpoint. In the United Kingdom (UK), viticulture is one of the fastest growing agricultural sectors and simultaneously, agri-environmental schemes are encouraging the integration of green infrastructure in agriculture. In this study, we explored the sustainability impacts from green infrastructure in vineyards as experienced by English and Welsh winegrowers. We find that multiple sustainability benefits and limitations are experienced – pertaining to the environmental, economic, social, and cultural realms. Impacts are influenced by contextual factors, including vineyard management approaches, the placement of green infrastructures, and the person who is having the experience. Participants in this study also conveyed various assumptions, expectations, and values in relation to green infrastructure, as well as perspectives on sustainability, which may have come to shape their experiences. Our findings identify opportunities to increase the understanding of the effects of green infrastructures in UK winegrowing, and to effectively communicate this knowledge to winegrowers. Additionally, it could be valuable to provide additional support to winegrowers to manage challenges associated with green infrastructures.

Keywords

• Viticulture
• experiences
• sustainability
• multi-dimensional
• wine