This project sought to develop the evidence base around the role of local scale farm advice. It focussed on how such advice can improve environmental outcomes, spatial targeting, and the perceived coherence of policies and regulations. Applying a realist evaluation approach, evidence from 82 UK-based publications were reviewed to develop theories as to how and why local scale farm advice works. These theories were tested through interviews with advice providers and users. The findings stress the importance of trust, long-term engagement, as well as maintaining contextual and technical relevance to ensure local and national agri-environment aims are met.
Disclaimer: Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) were commissioned by the Office for Environmental Protection to undertake a realist evaluation of local scale farm advice. The views provided in this report are those of CCRI and do not represent the opinion or position of the OEP. Some of the analysis in this report was used to inform the OEP’s report Progress in Improving the Natural Environment in England 2025/2026.