Developing a nested-scale landscape modelling framework for ecosystem services

Assessing landscape systems in relation to ecosystem services requires the ability to work at scales consistent with the service being evaluated. To support such assessments, a nested-scale framework of land use scenarios is proposed. Using scenarios, coherent assumptions on potential land use changes are specifically constructed to deduce landscape consequences. The approach uses a single modelling tool, LandSFACTS, to create potential land use patterns corresponding to the proposed scenario conditions. The model considers simple spatio-temporal constraints on land uses or cropping systems and its inputs are adaptable to multiple scales and scenario needs. The landscapes incorporating the simulated land use patterns can then be assessed for ecosystem services such as habitat networks and crop production at the required scale. The common approach across scales supports the analysis of benefits at multiple levels, and thus will facilitate a coherent assessment of ecosystem services across scales. Scenarios and their evaluation are iteratively refined through comparison between scale specific conclusions. The framework is currently being applied to the North-East of Scotland region, the Dee catchment and Tarland sub-catchment. Preliminary conclusions of the project are reported