The most effective form of natural pest control is often hidden from view, leading to an underestimation of its true value. Scientific research clearly demonstrates that incorporating grass strips with diverse vegetation into simple landscapes dominated by large fields enhances the abundance of both pollinators and predatory insects. However, this benefit may not be immediately evident through simple observation. Ground-dwelling predatory insects, in particular, are frequently overlooked due to their inconspicuous appearance and often nocturnal lifestyle. To help producers in evaluating the impact of grassy fieldstrips and determine whether their inclusion in the landscape benefits agricultural fields, it is crucial to employ suitable and easy survey methods. We have developed a manual for using pitfall traps tailored for farmers and other nature enthusiasts, complete with images of common ground and rove beetles found in agricultural landscapes. 
With the help of detailed images and descriptions, farmers can independently identify which predatory insects are present in their fields, grassland strips, and other landscape elements. During the FRAMEwork Farmer Cluster Field Day, we demonstrated the correct setup of the traps and installed several traps to collect insects while discussing the ecological impact of herbaceous field edges. Among the first findings was the producers' helper, the granulated ground beetle (Carabus granulatus), whose diet includes both snails and beetles. 
Farmer cluster members and other interested parties can monitor changes in abundance and species composition, as well as compare results over the years. Additionally, they will also learn to identify the insects. 

A BioBlitz is a structured event where a group of people meet at a designated area for a set timeframe to record biodiversity. BioBlitzes can range from large global events like the City Nature Challenge (CNC) with thousands of participants worldwide, to local events, e.g., for a local school. 
Several FRAMEwork Farmer Clusters have participated in the CNC or organised their own BioBlitz. Common to these local community events was careful planning, considering:

1)    when and where to have the BioBlitz;
2)    who from the local community to invite, such as schools or the general public; 
3)    identify, invite and secure the participation of biodiversity experts;
4)    design interactive activities to enhance engagement beyond using a biodiversity app such as iNaturalist. Activities could include expert guided walks, self-guided walks, pond dipping, sweep netting, bug hunting, bird walks, etc.;
5)    decide on motivational activities for participants such as stickers, competitions, or nest building for children;
6)    promoting the event and recruit participants, e.g., through social media, local organisations, newsletters, etc.;
7)    plan and organise the logistics, including maps, signs, information on how to register observations, nets, other equipment and anything else for planned activities;
8)    how to evaluate the outcomes and communicate findings back to participants.

When well organised, BioBlitzes a great way to involve the public in biodiversity monitoring and increase participants understanding and appreciation of biodiversity as well as their trust in science. They also provide valuable data and understanding of local concerns when organisers interact and listen to community members participating.
 

The olive fruit fly is one of the worst pests in olive production systems. The fly produces several generations per year, and it is crucial to control the early summer generation when olive drupes start to appear on the trees. Since the ban on use of dimethoate, the most effective way to reduce the population is through mass trapping using pheromone traps. Olive fruit flies are mobile, and mass trapping is therefore more effective if performed at a landscape scale, covering at least 5ha. 
The SSSA team has set up a programme to teach the olive farmers how to set up traps and monitor the growth of the first summer generation of the olive fruit fly. Monitoring lasted from mid-June to mid-July and farmers performed a weekly count of the number of female flies (ovipositor at abdomen) on one or two yellow sticky traps that had a small pheromone flask attached to them. This information was uploaded to the Poderi App and served as the bases for determining the installation time of the pheromone traps. These traps were provided by the Framework project and were set up at the recommended density of 50 traps per ha. In the Monte Pisano area, this corresponds to 1 trap every 5 or 6 trees. By the end of July, another 25 traps were added in case of heavy infestation levels. From July to September the olives were monitored and assessed for the presence of oviposition punctures. 
Each farmer collected one hundred olives from 100 different trees and counted the number of olives with a puncture hole. This information was analysed by the researchers and the App Poderi, and recommendations about the time of harvest were made based on the population development. 

The Farmland Ecosystem Assessment Support Tool (FEAST) is a Microsoft Windows-based software designed to assess farmland biodiversity and ecosystem services. It enables users to model the interactions between land use and biodiversity, supporting conservation planning and ecosystem management.
FEAST offers four core functions: 
1.    biodiversity monitoring, allowing users to input or import species data and visualize it spatially; 
2.    performance assessment, evaluating landscape features for habitat suitability and ecosystem services; 
3.    mapping, creating data-driven maps to identify ecological strengths and weaknesses; and,
4.    planning, generating reports and action plans for ecosystem improvement.
Biodiversity data can be directly entered or imported from external sources like GBIF, and habitat suitability is assessed in two steps—evaluating individual landscape features and analysing spatial configuration for species requirements. FEAST currently includes 64 indicator species and 25 ecosystem service indicators, covering aspects like pollination, carbon storage, and water filtration.
The FEAST tool supports the work undertaken in the FRAMEwork’s Farmer Clusters by identifying suitable habitats that are present in both time and space (habitat complementarity) so each farmland species of interest can complete its life cycle. It identifies where additional habitats may be created so that they become ‘bigger, better and joined’, improving habitat networks between farms and throughout the cluster.
To learn more and download the tool, go to https://sitem.herts.ac.uk/aeru/feast/index.htm.

Within the FRAMEwork project, Farmer Clusters developed and implemented biodiversity and Ecosystem Services observation and monitoring activities with and for farmers using an action-based approach and citizen science methods. Capacity building has been essential as farmer-based monitoring empowers farmers to actively engage through structured training, participatory methods, and accessible digital resources:
•    citizen science tools include iNaturalist, BioBlitz events, and specialized monitoring techniques like earthworm sampling and pest monitoring. 
•    practical field demonstrations and expert-led workshops strengthen engagement, ensuring that farmers gain both theoretical and experiential knowledge. 
•    standardized citizen science protocols simplify data collection, providing clear guidelines on methodology, tools, and data submission to maintain accuracy and accessibility. 
By integrating existing tools and materials, the FRAMEwork project has compiled a comprehensive collection of over 70 protocols, apps, and training resources to support biodiversity monitoring across farming communities. This is available at https://zenodo.org/records/13832188.
This citizen science approach has a number of benefits, such as:
    practical insights: demonstrating clear benefits, such as understanding soil health or pest control, can make data collection more appealing.
    knowledge exchange: fosters a culture of joint knowledge generation and exchange among farmers.
    evidence-based perspectives: supports evidence-based perspectives and opens pathways for difficult conversations and better resolutions.
For more details on the use of this approach in the FRAMEwork project, go to https://zenodo.org/records/13842809.

Effective communication within Farmer Clusters provides internal advantages such as keeping members informed, motivating participation, and encouraging knowledge sharing. Externally, it helps build networks, attract support, and increase visibility.
Key Communication Strategies
1.    Involve Organisations – Partner with relevant initiatives, fostering a diverse network.
2.    Engage Communities – Collaborate with local groups and leverage community events.
3.    Utilise Media – Establish connections with local, national, and international media.
Communication Channels & Audiences
•    Traditional Media: Newspapers, TV, and radio can target specific farming and environmental audiences.
•    Social Media: Use quick, engaging content with visuals to reach a broad audience efficiently.
•    Collaborators' Platforms: Leverage existing networks for wider reach.
Mapping Stakeholders
1.    Identify the cluster’s focus areas.
2.    Categorize stakeholders (local, regional, national).
3.    Use a Venn diagram to map key actors and audiences.
Best Practices
•    Use Scheduling Tools: Plan and streamline social media posts.
•    Adopt the Right Tone: Match communication style to the audience.
•    Test & Adapt: Track engagement and refine strategies.
•    Prepare for Challenges: Have ready responses for diverse viewpoints.
By implementing these strategies, Farmer clusters can maximize engagement and drive meaningful collaboration.
To learn more about Farmer Clusters Engagement and Communications, see our guidelines at https://zenodo.org/records/8142698.

Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life in ecosystems, including plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria. It is vital for ecosystem stability but is often threatened by human activities like climate change. Monitoring biodiversity helps track species populations, identify risks, and take action to prevent declines. 
To establish an effective monitoring system, a baseline survey should be conducted when a Farmer Cluster is formed, providing a reference point for future assessments. Progress surveys should follow annually or every three to five years, depending on the species monitored. Surveys should take place multiple times during spring and summer when species activity is highest, while winter surveys can focus on species like harvest mice that are less disturbed in colder months. 
Key species groups for monitoring include butterflies, farmland birds, vegetation, and bumblebees, while priority species such as corn buntings, brown hares, long-eared bats, and pearl-bordered fritillaries require focused observation. Mapping the landscape is crucial for effective monitoring. By dividing the area into survey grids, researchers can ensure a representative sample of biodiversity across different habitats. Transect surveys, where observers walk designated routes recording species, are widely used. Longer transects are suited for bird monitoring, while shorter ones capture insect and plant populations. Essential equipment includes data sheets, binoculars, nets, GPS devices, and apps like iNaturalist for digital data collection. To learn more about monitoring biodiversity, see our guidelines at https://zenodo.org/records/13880020.

A Farmer Cluster is a community of farmers in the same region who collaborate to enhance biodiversity and ecological health on their farms. The facilitator plays a key role in supporting the cluster by organising activities, securing funding, providing environmental guidance, and fostering group cohesion. Understanding the local farming landscape and building trust through one-on-one and group meetings are essential. Farmers should feel a strong sense of ownership over the group’s goals to maintain motivation.
The first meeting should be informal and farmer-led, setting the tone for collaboration. Ongoing meetings should be structured yet concise, ensuring all members can participate. Attendance issues can be addressed through flexible scheduling and personal follow-ups. Keeping farmers engaged requires clear objectives, training sessions, monitoring activities, and occasional friendly competition. Public recognition, such as media coverage or awards, can further strengthen commitment.
To sustain momentum, regular meetings and training sessions should be held, and progress should be tracked through wildlife and environmental monitoring. Engaging with the public through events builds awareness, while identifying and securing funding opportunities ensures long-term success.
To learn more about Farmer Clusters, see our guidelines: Managing A Farmer Cluster (https://zenodo.org/records/8142725) and Monitoring biodiversity (https://zenodo.org/records/13880020).

A Farmer Cluster is a community of farmers in the same region who collaborate to enhance biodiversity and ecological health on their farms. By working together with a facilitator, they can achieve greater environmental benefits on a landscape scale than individual efforts allow. These include improved soil, water, and wildlife conservation, as well as increased knowledge-sharing and innovation among farmers.
Key roles in a Farmer Cluster include the Lead Farmer, who coordinates efforts; the Facilitator, who provides expertise and administrative support; and Volunteers, who assist in data collection and fieldwork. Clusters can be formed by farmers or external organizations, requiring local collaboration, facilitator support, and funding to be sustainable. 
Starting a farmer cluster involves identifying a lead farmer who gathers local farmers for an initial meeting to discuss shared goals. The group defines its members, geographic scope, and potential legal agreements. A facilitator is then selected to coordinate activities, seek funding, and provide environmental guidance. The farmers collectively set priorities, assess biodiversity potential, and establish a work plan. Training events, funding sources, and biodiversity monitoring are key components.
To learn more about Farmer Clusters, see our guidelines: Starting a Farmer Cluster (https://zenodo.org/records/8142741) and Managing a Farmer Cluster (https://zenodo.org/records/8142725).

A trademark of the Mostviertel region are the many orchards. There are also many fruit trees on the land of the Mostviertel Farmer Cluster. Therefore, correct tree pruning plays an important role for the farmers in the cluster. 
Fruit trees are pruned to produce high-quality fruit and to keep the tree healthy. The fruit trees can be pruned in winter as well as in summer. The former stimulates growth, and the flower buds are less sensitive because they have not yet swollen. In addition, the tree crown has no leaves, which means it is easy to see. When pruned in summer, the tree's wounds heal very well, growth is slowed down, and flower formation is stimulated for the next year. In addition, perfect sunlight for the fruit can be taken into account. Depending on how much you shorten a branch, it will sprout the next year: 
•    No cut: A single, very strong shoot is created.
•    Long cut: Means that the branch sprouts weakly.
•    Short cut (in the middle of the shoot): Strong sprouts.
When cutting, the middle shoot of the tree crown should be kept longer than the leading shoots. 3 to 4 leading branches that are in a favourable position at a 45° angle to the trunk are selected and cut to the same height; this is called "adjusting the sap balance". Weaker leading branches can be removed. Then the side branches, the so-called fruit branches, of the leading branches are shortened to subordinate them. Finally, the wounds on the tree are treated with tree wax or something similar.

A methodology on natural asset profiling was developed to assess dependencies and impacts on natural capital of Farmer Clusters. The protocol was tested at the Cranborne Chase (UK). 
We found that its main dependency is on nitrogen consumption, while the use of energy and pesticides is below the EU average farm use benchmark. Main crop system impacts are on faunal diversity, but some positive impacts come from the adoption of regenerative practice (e.g., low tillage, crop rotation, cover crop) and the high presence (as percent of the utilised agricultural area) of landscape features, with the exception for hedgerows. Two environmental aspects influence biodiversity: permanent grassland and hedgerows. The first is correlated with birds’ biodiversity, the second with pollinators. Moreover, we explored the role of avoided erosion and found it to contribute to 20% of crop production, while pollinators account for 55% of the yield of pollinators dependent crops. 
The Cranborne Chase Farmer Cluster exemplifies the necessity of planning natural features at landscape scale rather than addressing the issue at farm level. We found that the high value of pollination demand does not occur on farms where the pollinators are supplied, but spillover emerges as an element in the production-biodiversity relationship across the landscape. The use of natural capital indicators supports the idea that incentivizing and optimizing a correct landscape planning (possibly based on connectivity of the natural and semi-natural patches) can be considered an optimal solution to achieve a more effective use of agri-environmental subsidies, and that natural features addressing the decline of biodiversity should be implemented by adopting a cooperative approach.

The Czech Farmer Cluster was interested in reducing soil erosion, increasing agricultural productivity, and producing farm-grown fruit while supporting awareness and research on agroforestry in temperate climates. The lead farm - Ekofarma PROBIO - decided to establish an 8.78 ha agroforestry system in 2024, following advice from experts at the Czech University of Life Science Prague and the farmer cluster. The system integrates 866 newly planted trees, 65 shrubs, and 12 existing trees, with species such as winter oak, sorb tree, wild cherry, norway maple, and common almond selected for their suitability to local conditions. The trees serve as a windbreak, improving microclimatic conditions as well as habitat and food for birds, contributing to bird population support. A major challenge was the fragmented land ownership, with 140 individual plots involved—common in South Moravia. However, in the Czech Republic, agroforestry establishment is now supported by agricultural subsidies, covering both the initial planting and five years of management. The expertise within the farmer cluster contributed to the decision-making and design of the system, ensuring trees were effectively integrated into the farm’s cropping system. 

Once a biodiversity-sensitive farming system was established, customers need to be attracted and ideally be informed about the production methods and the role of biodiversity. In case of the Born Farmer Cluster, the City Nature Challenge (CNC) was identified as an opportunity for informing and attracting cider customers. The CNC is one of the major global citizen science events that aims primarily at motivating people to find and document wildlife in their region. The headquarters of the local stakeholder Ramborn Cider Co., which is located between the orchards of the Farmer Cluster, served as a base camp for the event, where participants were welcomed and made familiar with the app iNaturalist (https://www.inaturalist.org/). A project named “FRAMEwork – Biodiversity in orchards of the Mullerthal” was established in iNaturalist and the participants of the CNCs were asked to link their observations with this project. During the event, digital images of organisms are taken by the citizen scientists along the orchard trail using smartphones, uploaded to the iNaturalist platform and subsequently identified by experts. This event was organised in the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 during the period of apple bloom and allowed potential customers to learn first-hand of the biodiversity, that can be found in the orchards of the Born cluster.  

Traditional olive groves are often in hilly areas and on steep slopes in terraced systems, making it very difficult to plough the soil. Hence, the natural vegetation is managed according to the farmers’ abilities. In some cases, sheep, horses, donkeys or goats graze underneath the trees, while other farmers perform one main cut per year, often later in the growing season, when the vegetation is dry. On the one hand, this is necessary to prevent wildfires, frequent in the Mediterranean region, and on the other hand, it facilitates the olive harvest as nets are placed underneath the trees. However, in these systems, the flower abundances are variable and mostly rich in spring, while scarce from July onwards. Diverse flower resources are a great support for diverse bee and butterfly communities, and it would therefore be important to stimulate late-flowering species. A diversified vegetation management may result in more diversified flower resources throughout the year.  
To test the possibility of diversifying the vegetation management in olive groves while respecting the above-mentioned constraints, farmers of the Val Graziosa Farmer Cluster have been interviewed and a personalised alternative cutting scheme tested. After only one year of implementation, the vegetation composition has not changed significantly yet. The composition is very different in two out of five farms and sampling time (spring, summer autumn) seems to affect the vegetation composition more than farmers’ management.

In commercial olive groves, the advance of mechanization and the use of herbicides brought an intensification of actions and the removal of any type of vegetation between olive trees. This has led to a loss of fertile soil and erosion, the formation of gullies and ravines, along with an increase in evapotranspiration and reduced soil infiltration and water retention capacity.

The recovery of vegetation cover can be used to mitigate these losses. Firstly, raise awareness and train farmers to implement the covers or any equivalent management practices. Secondly, manage the cover crops especially in terms of the timing and manner of their disposal, to ensure their positive effects on the soil and on wildlife is preserved. 

Natural spontaneous vegetation covers evolve over time and are highly dependent on the climate. Initially they tend to be rather monospecific, with plants with a large taproot and large size, over time, they are dominated by the species best adapted to the terrain. This can be implemented in all olive groves, except in those with a slope and erosion, where implantations must always be carried out perpendicular to the line of maximum slope. Allow the covers to produce seeds for self-seeding. 

Green covers can increase the risk of fire in summer, which can be reduced by partially removing the cover at the beginning of the season. It is also recommended to gradually remove the vegetation cover and in newly established olive groves, to reduce the removal of vegetation in the vicinity of trees. This approach has shown no reduction in olive production. There is no magic recipe that works for all olive groves. Each farmer must determine the best vegetation cover to develop based on the characteristics of their plot and management practices.

The size of field blocks plays a crucial role in farmland biodiversity. Smaller field blocks and the presence of non-crop elements can significantly enhance biodiversity in intensively managed arable landscapes. FBO, a precision agriculture approach, has been applied at EKOFARMA PROBIO (CZ), which operates on 360 ha of erosion-prone arable land. Field blocks have been optimized, i.e., the size reduced, and shapes adjusted, to balance productive and non-productive areas, with the aim to enhance both agricultural efficiency and biodiversity. The optimization process has effectively reduced erosion risks, showcasing the practical benefits of this approach. The designated non-productive areas also enhance water retention, support ecological networks, while improving landscape permeability for public recreational activities. Further, FBO reduces greenhouse gas emissions due to lower fossil fuel and fertilizer usage, decreases soil compaction, and limits nutrient loss. These benefits, combined with the stabilization of the energy balance and protection of water bodies from eutrophication and sedimentation, underscores FBO’s role in enhancing the ecological stability of agricultural landscapes. To implement FBO, we recommend using an expert to achieve an optimal result. The workload should not be underestimated; this is an expert and knowledge intensive innovative system. One of the example locations is EKOFARMA PROBIO Velké Hostěrádky (Czech Republic). The farm operates in an organic  farming system on approximately 360 hectares of arable land, where the vast majority of land consists of areas at risk of erosion. Field block optimization helps reduce the risk of erosion.

Video abstracts (VAs) summarise publications, offering an innovative way to communicate research. Studies suggest that VAs can boost academic engagement metrics like readership and citations. They also enable access to broader audiences, enhancing dissemination impacts. Our workflow helps researchers in varying circumstances create the necessary materials in eight simple steps:

1.    Define Narrative: identify your target audience(s) and key research takeaways. (~30 mins if your research draft is ready).
2.    Choose Format: a longer (~3 mins, horizontal) or shorter (1 min, vertical) format depending on your preferred release destination (~10-15 mins).
3.    Produce Narrative: write a script or conduct an interview about the research. Use vocabulary accessible to your target audiences (~1-2 hrs.).
4.    Discuss Narrative: get feedback from colleagues or target audience reps (~1 hr.).
5.    Record Media (~1-2 hrs.):
a.    Personally record yourself communicating your research using your script or interview material.
b.    Use AI tools to communicate your research, e.g., ‘Text-to-Speech’ tools generate voiceovers while ‘AI Avatar’ tools generate talking heads. AI can also generate versions in additional languages. Search online to find a tool suitable to your needs and budget. 
6.    Add Visuals: source infographics, animations, stock footage, or footage recorded for your research project (~1-2 hrs.).
7.    Edit Media: use software or collaborate with a professional (~3-7 hrs.). Tips: web search ‘Text-Based Video Editing’ for easy DIY editing options. Don’t forget to generate subtitles, as videos are often viewed muted.
8.    Review and Deliver: review, refine, and incorporate feedback. Deliver your VA to a journal and/or post on social platforms (~1-3 hrs.).

The Czech Farmer Cluster in Velke Hosteradky worked with local and regional partners to develop a 7,8 km long path to promote the contributions of local farming to biodiversity and the local landscape. The path links several farms that are part of the Farmer Cluster and includes six information boards focussing on different environmental themes. Ideally, the walk is started at Ecofarma Probio, where the Bio region of Velke Hosteradky - the first in the Czech Republic - is introduced. Along the circuit walk visitors can enjoy sweeping views while learning about organic farming practices, farmland birds, butterflies and bees. The barcode of the i-Naturalist app, including a ‘project’ that is linked to the path, is provided on the information boards for download. It encourages visitors to take photographs of plants, birds and insects for identification via the app and for collecting biodiversity data for the ‘project’. Since the official opening of the path one month ago, 977 observations were made by 94 observers, and 464 species identified by 255 identifiers. Hence, the path provides ongoing opportunities for data collection by citizen scientists and collaboration, e.g., between citizens, farmers and scientists, including hands-on activities that can support learning. Anyone interested in doing something similar in their local area should check possible funding opportunities first and invite relevant local and regional partners to progress ideas together for a joint project that can serve multiple goals. 

Traditional high stem orchards have the advantage that cattle may graze underneath the trees. This dual use of land that somewhat resembles the concept of agroforestry was implemented in the Born cluster. During summertime, Limousin cows graze  the orchards, thereby making use of the vegetation growing below the trees and preventing an overgrowing of the fruit trees as can be observed in abandoned orchards. Typical plant species that can quickly overgrow fruit trees in the area of the Born cluster are wild hops and blackberry. Furthermore, the all-year cover of the soil reduces the risk of erosion in the mostly sloped orchards and contributes to carbon sequestration. Traditional orchards tend to have a higher aesthetic value compared with intensively managed orchards. The price that the growers have to pay for the dual use of the land is that each young tree needs to be protected from the cows, as they tend to damage the bark, while the bark of old trees is in most cases rather unattractive. For further promoting functional agrobiodiversity, perennial flower strips may be useful. However, they will need protection from the cattle just as the young trees do.

Soil Biological Quality (QBS) index is used to evaluate the entire community of edaphic micro-arthropods considering their adaptability in different environments. The presence or the absence of the different edaphic groups can be used to assess the stability and quality of soil, and in particular its capacity to maintain its functionality in sustaining ecosystem quality. This method does not request a robust and specific taxonomic preparation and can be applied to small and large-scale since it is very affordable. In our study, we investigate the QBS in traditional organic olive groves treated with olive pomace, the solid by-product from olive oil extraction, composed of kernel fragments, peel and residual pulp. Each sampling consists of a soil cube that needs be transferred and processed in a laboratory under controlled conditions within a few hours. The micro-arthropods are grouped depending on their morphological similarities, following the Eco-Morphological Indexes (EMI) table. All the identified biological forms receive an EMI score, proportionate to their adaptation level. Preliminary results on QBS suggest that the olive pomace improves soil biodiversity and abundance of edaphic micro-arthropods that may have crucial roles for the cycle of organic matter. Considering the characteristics of Monte Pisano, defined by low-fertility soil, the re-use of a by-product as the olive pomace may help soil restoration.

BioBlitzes bring families, neighbours and visitors closer to local nature. A diverse landscape is an advantage, with as many habitats as possible so that a wide variety of creatures can be discovered. An unpaved path between extensively cultivated meadows, which then leads into a forest or a body of water, is ideal for this. Insect nets and magnifying glasses can be used to catch insects and make them easier to see and photograph. A suitable identification app is essential, such as the i-Naturalist and BirdNet. Both of which are free. The group is led on a leisurely walk-through nature and encouraged to take photos of different species (plants, birds, insects) and identify them using the identification app. To make the BioBlitz interesting for children, the walk-through can be designed as a scavenger hunt. In addition, flyers and further information on biodiversity topics can be used to attract people´s attention. Participants will be amazed at how many different species there are in nature. 

The best way to introduce secondary school pupils to biodiversity is to take them to a meadow. Access to different meadows in the surrounding area would be ideal to clearly illustrate the differences in natural conditions and management. Before heading out, take the time to train the pupils on the use of the i-Naturalist app and run a short test. They will feel involved and become “researchers” themselves identifying the plant or animal species using the app on their own. This exercise can even be packaged into an exciting scavenger hunt, with tasks like: “Find 5 different flower shapes” or “find the flower of the cocksfoot”. In the meadow, divide the pupils into small groups of 3 to 4 depending on class size. The fastest group wins the scavenger hunt. Then to identify all the plants and animals found, the class is divided into 2 groups that compete against each other. Each group forms a line. Print out profiles of the plants and place them on a table. In the challenge, the name of a plant or animal is called out and the students at the front of the line, run to the table and find the correct profile. The faster one gets a point. The group with the most points wins. The aim of these exercises is to bring the students closer to local nature and its biodiversity in a fun and interactive way.

To build scops owl nesting boxes, around 0.25m² of a 3-layer board made of spruce wood and some sheet metal and wood screws are required. In total, you can expect material costs of around €15 per nesting box (as of December 2023). The wooden panels are cut to size according to the construction plan and screwed together. The entrance hole should have a diameter of 7 -7.5 cm. The same nesting box design is suitable for other bird species, only the size of the entry holes must be adjusted depending on the bird species. You will also need a Bunsen burner to burn the outer surfaces of the finished nesting box so that it appears less conspicuous in nature. To extend the durability of the box, the roof is fitted with a bent sheet metal plate which is also screwed into place. It is important to make the sheet metal slightly larger than the wooden roof so that it stands slightly over the wooden edge after installation. This allows the water to drip off and does not infiltrate between the wood and the sheet metal due to capillary action. The finished nest box should be hung in a place protected from strong weather (where the tree is densest) at a height of 4 - 6 m.  In autumn, the old nests are removed, and the nest box is cleaned with a spatula and a brush. Never use chemicals! If other animals, such as hazel mice, are encountered in autumn - do not disturb them, as they also need a place to hibernate. In spring, the nest box can be cleaned. With the nesting boxes, everyone can promote bird diversity in their garden. 

Orchards often lack plant diversity, which increases their dependence on phytosanitary intervention to manage regular pests. Weed cover can be selectively maintained to allow spontaneous flora to flourish and play an agro-ecological role. Flower strips with a selection of functional species can also be installed in or around the orchard for improved regulation of certain pests, in particular aphids that are more exposed to predation or parasitism. Recent studies (Howard et al, 2024, Journal of Applied Ecology) have shown a reduction of up to 50% in the presence of rosy apple aphids on apple trees, up to 50 m from the flower strip. As part of the Framework project, several strips have been installed around the edges of orchards, in collaboration with the Institut de l'Abeille (ITSAP), with a mixture of 3 melliferous species. GRAB's aim is to get growers to observe natural regulation in their plots, by allowing them to observe predation cards displayed for several days in the flower strips and in the orchard. Direct observation enables them to see the regulation at work in their plots and may encourage them to reduce their application of insecticides.

Bats in Europe are eating many insects and are therefore useful to farmers facing lepidopteran pests in orchards. Increasing their populations by setting up batboxes (around 10 per ha) can help Pipistrella species to establish and feed in orchards. These batboxes have been set up in 2022, and their occupation has been monitored by a professional in first year. From 2023, Grab proposed a simplified protocol to farmers, for observation of each batbox with endoscopic camera. Some farmers started observations during summer, others will do it after pear/apple harvests. A whatsapp group has been created in order to facilitate communication among farmers and partners. Bird nests will also be monitored during winter by farmers. By doing so, partners assume farmers will be more sensibilized to living biodiversity in their own plots, and maybe reduce their spraying programme.

One of a farmer cluster Facilitator’s roles is to coordinate the environmental monitoring within the cluster. This can be either carrying out the monitoring themselves or getting specialists or local volunteers to carry out these surveys. Farmland birds can be used as an indicator species group to help quantify the biodiversity within a cluster and monitor changes over time in response to environmental and habitat changes. They can be easy group to survey in the breeding season (April-June) due to the territorial and vocal nature of most species whilst they are breeding. The main survey methods are point counts or set length transects that are walked an hour after dawn, with a count of each species and any breeding behaviour recorded. The same points or transects should be repeated between years so that the data is comparable. It is preferable for the surveyor to be able to identify all bird species seen and heard, but if they don’t have the knowledge to do so then they should aim to be able to identify at least some of the key farmland bird indicator species. By building up a dataset of farmland bird numbers over a time period, responses of populations to the implementation of new habitat features, changes to farming practices, the installation of nest boxes etc. can be observed. This will provide feedback on the effectiveness of these measures and allow further changes to be targeted to benefitting specific species of interest.

Set length transects should be selected; the transects should be as linear as possible and in areas with good views of the surrounding landscape. A suggested length is 1km, but whatever length is selected, all transects should be the same length so as to be comparable. Transects should be split into smaller sections to make field recording easier, 100m is a suggested length of each section. Transects should be walked ideally twice each breeding season, once April to mid-May and once mid-May to end of June. Surveys should be started an hour after dawn, multiple surveys can be carried out in one morning but shouldn’t go beyond mid-morning. When walking the transect, any bird seen or heard should be noted, as well as any breeding behaviour such as singing, alarming, territorial behaviour, juveniles, nest building, chick feeding etc. Counts of each species seen should be recorded, and birds seen only flying over should be recorded separately. To make field recording easier, the BTO has devised a list of 2 letter codes for each species which can be used. If possible, each transect should be walked at the same slow steady pace with each section taking roughly the same amount of time. Each year, the same transects should be repeated to ensure the data is comparable between years to provide data on long term trends of populations. Surveys should only be carried out in favourable weather conditions. Avoid surveying in high winds, rain or poor visibility.

Plant diversity at the base of the food chain is the baseline for the presence of biodiversity. Rapid changes in vegetation often translate habitat management and land use change, which inevitably shape species diversity in the landscape. In the Framework project we developed a common vegetation survey protocol of agricultural landscapes in Europe to estimate biodiversity value of the farmer clusters across the years. Vegetation transects were co-located with the pollinators and birds monitoring transects to sample all the habitats present within the FC. Several straightforward vegetation parameters were measures in the field while walking along the transects to estimate the nature value of the habitat (presence of woody elements, flower density, diversity of colours, number of flowering species, list of indicators species, cover of legumes, level of fertilisation, ...) along with more usual parameters (Land cover classes, vegetation covers, vegetation height...). The vegetation parameters recorded are simple and easy to learn making the protocol accessible to facilitators and practitioners. The results of the vegetation monitoring will be used to assess the benefit of implementing biodiversity sensitive farming practices. Along with the pollinators and the birds monitoring data collected in the same locations, the vegetation monitoring will complement a comprehensive set of biodiversity indicators to be used at the farmer cluster level.

Pollinating insects such as wild bees, hoverflies, beetles, and countless other insects provide a wide range of services and benefits to society: they are a key component of terrestrial ecosystems and their importance for food security is widely acknowledged.To assess the impact of biodiversity-sensitive land management practices in FRAMEwork’s farmer clusters , pollinator monitoring is conducted using two widely used methods: pan-trapping and bumblebee-butterfly counts along transects. This monitoring has the following advantages: 1) it makes use of standardised, quantifiable collection methods, commonly used in several pollinator monitoring schemes in Europe, and in the recently proposed EU Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (EUPoMS), 2) it has a broad taxonomic coverage of pollinators (e.g., butterflies, wild bees, hoverflies, other insects), 3) it is easy to implement both by citizen scientists and experts (e.g. facilitators).By using the proposed standardised methods, farmer clusters will not only be able to assess the benefits of pollinator-sensitive management actions implemented in their specific context and in the long term, but they will also be able to compare the results of their pollinator-friendly management practices to a reference baseline in the larger countryside and beyond, to contribute to wider-scale monitoring programs that make use of similar methods, and to potentially further engage both farmers and citizen scientists.

Biodiversity is the key to functioning ecosystems and stable field yields. From this point of view, it is important that farmers who spend a large part of their working time outdoors in nature have a good knowledge of the vegetation in their meadows. But it's not just the vegetation that is of great importance, but also all the creatures that live on and in the grassland. The i-Naturalist app offers very good assistance for identifying flora and fauna in grassland. A farmer cluster meeting was organized at one of the Cluser farms to register and use the app. Each of the farmers received the link to install the app. At the beginning there was a small theoretical introduction to i-Naturalist, such as how to use the app and how we can use it for our cluster. The participants were then asked outside to a flower-filled meadow to practice the application of i-Naturalist on the smartphone. It was demonstrated how to take clear photos of plants, insects, etc., upload them to the app and find the correct identification. For example, the same species was photographed by each participant to see if everyone achieved the same identification in the app. In order to collect the monitoring data for the framework project, a separate group “Species diversity in the Mostviertel grassland” was set up. Every farmer in the cluster was invited to the group. 480 observations have now been uploaded and 274 species have been identified. Additional ideas, such as an orchid atlas, are being pursued to encourage the Farmer Cluster to use i-Naturalist even more.

Climate changes and many uses - grassland is exposed to a number of stress factors. Stepped grassland management offers an opportunity to counteract climate change and maintain economic viability. The concept is based on the fact that grassland areas are used at different levels of intensity; a distinction is made between multi-cut meadows with high fertilizer use and meadows with lower management intensity, i.e. fewer cuts. The intensive meadows are often those closest to the farm. The more extensively used meadows are those that are further away from the farm and are subject to natural usage limits, such as waterlogged, shallow or steep areas. The farmers in the Mostviertel Farmer Cluster have also already established graduated grassland management. They mow less often on the steep meadows, which contributes significantly to promoting biodiversity, which can be clearly seen in the colorful flowering plants during vegetation period. The flat areas close to the farm are mown more often and thus contribute to the farm's profitability. Each farm should decide individually on the correct implementation of graduated grassland management, as every farm has different natural conditions. To protect the insects, the farmers in the cluster partly use a double blade mower when mowing instead of a disc or drum mower.

The old stands of traditional pome fruit trees in the Luxembourg farmer cluster accumulate dead wood over time, which limits the ventilation within the canopies and the exposure of the fruit to sunlight. Impeded ventilation in the canopy promotes fungal diseases and heavily shaded fruit ripen poorly. Furthermore, pome fruit trees in the Luxembourg farmer cluster are easily colonized by parasitic mistletoes, which can reduce the life expectancy of the trees. These problems have motivated the search for a suitable funding scheme that can cover a part of the costs of pruning fruit trees and removing the mistletoes. Program 073 (promotion of orchards scattered in meadows) was identified and serves as the basis for the preservation of the orchards. In addition to removing mistletoe and pruning fruit trees, the program allows for replacing dead trees. The latter point is important for the preservation of old fruit cultivars, which are an important element in the differentiation from competing suppliers on the cider market. Scions from old and often rare cutivars are grafted onto vigorous rootstocks that will become new high-stem trees (in some regions also referred to as standard trees) within a few years. 

The disappearance of indicator species from agricultural landscapes is a clear indicator that the ecological state of the agricultural landscape is unfavorable. Traditional practices such as grazing and haymaking in semi-natural habitats have been replaced by intensive feed production, characterized by multiple mowings instead of the previous single mowing. Consequently, the change in management practices has prevented the maturation of seeds for numerous plant species that were once abundant in grasslands, leading to the rarity or complete disappearance of formerly common plant species in agricultural landscapes. One such species that has nearly vanished from agricultural ecosystems is the Globe-flower (Trollius europaeus). Globe-flower thrives in meadows subject to occasional mowing or grazing.Grazing positively impacts soil health by enriching it with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as preserving and sequestering carbon in the soil. Properly managed grazing helps distribute nutrients more evenly across the landscape, making them more accessible to plants and enhancing nutrient cycling efficiency. The use of grazing and minimized mowing reduces soil disturbance, preserves or enhances soil structure, moisture, and carbon content, and ensures the survival of deep-rooted plants that facilitate water absorption into the soil, thus reducing the risk of erosion. In agricultural landscapes and field margins, it is essential to practice minimized mowing to create suitable conditions for various flowering species. Flowering plants play a critical role in supporting the food sources for pollinators, parasitoids, and many predatory species. Their availability in the landscape significantly influences one of the fundamental pillars of integrated pest management: biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes.

Agricultural land must be managed in a sustainable way that maintains long-term ecological functioning and quality crop production with minimal environmental impact. At the CSC, long-term experimental platform, we aim to design, implement, and demonstrate a resilient arable cropping system that can meet all of these requirements. We do this by combining best practice options to achieve multiple benefits, using biodiversity (microbes, plants, and invertebrates) within, and surrounding arable fields to support ecosystem functions and increase the efficiency of crop production. Our low input system integrates management practices for improved soil biophysical quality (conservation tillage, organic matter amendments), sustainable crop nutrition (legume BNF, cover cropping, Soil Nutrient Supply) and enhanced biodiversity (targeted weed control, biofortification to minimise crop protection inputs, species rich field margins). The platform was established in 2009 with a 6-course rotation of beans, barley, wheat, oilseed rape and potatoes over 42 ha, using a split field design comparing low-input system with standard commercial practice. We have found a positive effect on a wide range of systems indicators including soil microbiome (rhizobia, mycorrhizae, antagonists), invertebrate communities (earthworms and carabids), insect pollinators (foraging activity and pollination rates), weed seedbank diversity and beneficial species with no significant impact on crop yields for the most crops. Increased resilience (reduced risk of yield loss) can be seen for varieties adapted to low input conditions. Long-term trends in biodiversity and system functions are being monitored to track changes with management and climate.

The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a key species controlling the abundance of field voles (Microtus arvalis) in agricultural landscapes. nstallation of bird boxes for nesting can be effective in locations where voles are abundant. 
To build the bird boxes, use waterproof plywood (1-1.5cm thick). The internal size of the cavity (25x30x35cm) must ensure sufficient overlap of the canopy over the open front wall, with a 13cm high bar at the bottom to hold substrate and prevents chicks from falling out. Drill several 3-5mm holes in the bottom for drainage. Brown or dark grey colour paint is recommended. Line the nesting site with a thick layer of hay or straw. For hanging on a tree or post, stretch a 3mm wire through two holes drilled in the upper fifth of the back wall. 
Install the bird boxes to a height of at least 10m. Kestrels prefer to nest in solitary trees in the middle of fields and meadows and are less willing to settle on the edges of copses. If the poles are located where there is no risk of disturbing nesting pairs, they can be placed at a height of 1.5-2m. Ideal poles are built out of strong metal T-pipes and sunk deeply to prevent rotation by strong winds. When selecting a site for installation of low-lying posts, care should be taken to ensure that they are in gaps between shrubs, in completely open space or in suitable borders without mature trees. The orientation of the inlet is not important but the outlet must be down the slope and not into the trees.
3-4 boxes per 1 km2 should be installed to reduce vole abundance during peaks. Costs of manufacture, installation and maintenance are low, but it takes usually about 10 years for predator exposure to be high enough to push vole densities down to acceptable level.

Birds (such as tits) and bats are very useful in the orchard to control certain pests such as codling moths or aphids. However, natural refuges are becoming increasingly difficult to find for these animals, as old buildings are disappearing, as well as old hedges that are more suitable for sheltering them. It is therefore important and useful to be able to help them by installing nesting boxes for birds and lodges for bats (about 10/ha, see models on nichoirs.net) in the plots, in order to settle the populations durably, and to have an early control in spring. These practices will allow to limit the populations of some pests, and to reduce the use of pesticides. See also:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDQblFaljvk
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evEfK9tdWoI
• http://archives.phytoma-ldv.com/archivephytoma/article/les-mesanges-se-…

In order to be successful with a biodiversity sensitive farming system, a market niche needs to be identified where the quality and the quantity of the produce that can be obtained do not exclude the crop from market access. 
In case of the Luxembourgish farmer cluster, cider was identified as a product that does not require large and visually perfect fruit that are extremely difficult to obtain without intense agricultural management practices. In contrast, small and bitter fruit from existing old cultivars can be particularly valuable for the flavour of cider. Next, the basis for the production of the fruit, namely the old high stem trees, needed to be secured. For that purpose, an agri-environmental scheme was identified that covers parts of the costs of (1) pruning and (2) the removal of the parasitic mistletoes from the trees. Then, the product needs features that allow a distinction from competitors. Fruits from old cultivars are processed separately, resulting in ciders with specific colour, odour, and taste. Ramborn pays the farmers of the cluster a higher price, if they deliver fruit from cultivars separately. The resulting single cultivar ciders can either be marketed as they are, or, be used for blending. Both methods result into products that stand out when being compared with competing products as evidenced by various awards that the ciders received. The outstanding quality of the products and the biodiversity sensitive system of production allow targeting the upper price segment that in turn allows re-investments into the farming system.

In recent years, a loss of biodiversity in Austrian grassland has been recorded. This was caused by the intensification of use, but also by the abandonment of the grassland, which resulted in successive reforestation. This issue can be overcome by sowing species-rich grassland mixtures. The creation of new grassland becomes necessary if the old stock is to be completely cleared out, for example due to high weed infestation or the conversion of the area for another use.
The reverse rotor harrow can be used for reseeding without a plough. Their S-shaped blades work against the direction of travel and the soil is thrown against a grid, depositing weed seeds and small stones in the bottom of the tiller pit. Only the top layer of soil (8 -10 cm) is processed. Before planting, a razor cut must be done to incorporate as little fresh matter as possible, and the soil should be dry to a depth of 10 cm. Then the soil is worked and sown in one operation, the tractor should have 90 to 120 hp for this. 20 kg/ha of the Renatura tall oat meadow seeding mixture are used for sowing (price for 10 kg is €250). Subsequent rolling with a profile roller is important for good ground contact. This prevents the embryonic root from drying out. Sowing is possible during the entire vegetation period, but late frosts must be avoided. After sowing, one or two care cuts should be made. This meadow is suitable for use twice a year.

In the agricultural landscape different elements, including grassy strips, are important feeding, living, shelter and overwintering habitats for invertebrates, birds, and small mammals. The establishment of grassy strips are also a quick and cost-effective measure compared to other methods of landscaping. Although, flowering edges produce rapid effect, they require continuous management and provide rather feeding than living habitats. When establishing grassy strips to diversify large fields, the best results for both feeding and living habitats are obtained by maintaining species-rich permanent grassy strips. In Estonia, where the most species-rich communities are meadows, it is advisable to sow local meadow species to ensure rapidly diverse, permanent, and self-regenerating vegetation cover. The natural recovery of diverse vegetation is a long process, and in areas where natural meadows are scarce or distant, such a recovery may take too long.
When creating grassland strips, attention must also be paid to proper soil preparation and sowing time. In the future, on the other hand, there is less maintenance – you only need to cut once a year, remove the cuttings and it is recommended to vary the cutting time between years, so that the seeds of different species can ripen. Attention must be paid to the fact that chaffing is not suitable for meadows - excessive nitrogen in the soil favours vegetative growth of some species which quickly eats out others.
Grassy strips provide habitat and a food source for both pollinators and predatory arthropods, reduce erosion and agrochemical drift.

Establishing wildflower areas near crops will provide habitat for beneficial invertebrates to increase crop yields. Pollinators may also be encouraged to visit crop flowers. Increased numbers of natural enemies can reduce crop pests. 
• The wildflower seed mix should contain at least 10 native perennial wildflower species with a diverse range of floral structures, colours, and flowering times to support a diverse range of insects over a long time.
• Prepare the soil in a sunny, dry, and low fertility area. Clear and remove the vegetation during a dry period in July to keep the soil fertility low. Allow remaining seeds to germinate then mechanically weed them to create a stale seedbed.
• Broadcast sow the seed at 1 g/m² on loose soil during a dry period prior to rain in late Aug-Oct then roll the area to fix the seed.
• To ensure a diverse wildflower area cut it to 8-10 cm during dry periods and remove the cuttings to lower soil fertility. Remove harmful weeds such as broad-leaved docks and thistles.
• Year 1: cut in late April to control grasses. Cut up to twice more if annual flowers, grasses, and weeds are stopping perennials from having space to germinate and grow.
• Year 2 and onwards: cut in late April and cut again in Aug/Sept; with each cut leave 15-30% standing to provide insects’ shelter. Consider cutting half the area in June to encourage flowering.

Agricultural intensification has had a negative effect on pollinators and caused rapid decline throughout European landscape. Farmers need to be encouraged and provided with practical techniques to restore pollinator-friendly habitats. Organic farming can be introduced as a management system which can increase pollinator biodiversity. Further, following strategies can be recommended as practical management measures to promote flowering plants and thus pollinators: a high proportion of semi-natural habitats; species-rich flowering strips with autochthonous seed mixtures and proper management, i.e., mowing or replanting only in sections, versatile crop rotations with flowering annual plants (e.g., sunflowers, canola) and perennial forage crops (e.g., clovers, lucerne), species-rich cover crop mixtures, high diversity of habitats, small habitat size or long length of habitat boundaries, intercropping and long-lived flowering strips are preferable. To maintain pollinator biodiversity in the long term, it is recommended to re-establish a proportion of young rotation strips every 4-5 years by turning them over (e.g., ploughing and harrowing) in autumn. To encourage pollinators, nesting locations are important. Because most solitary bees nest in the ground, agricultural practices that inhibit or destroy nests, such as extensive tillage, should be avoided. Therefore, no-tillage and reduced tillage can be recommended. Additionally, a maximum distance of 200 m between habitats with flowering plants should be kept.