Sustainable Development Research Group

The Sustainable Development Research Group (formerly the Centre for Land Based Studies) was established in 1993. It provides an ‘umbrella' under which members and associates of the University can conduct research, consultancy and training activities relating to various aspects of the theme of, land-based enterprises, including agri-food and service sector enterprises and much of our work falls under the generic heading of rural diversification. The Group has a multi-disciplinary approach based on a systems philosophy. Its strengths lie in the core members, the resources of the University and a network of Associates and associated organisations with which it collaborates.

There are specific members attached to the Group, who have a wide range of skills and experience, from soil science and animal physiology to rural development and business. In addition the Group has and continues to be involved with a number of other organisations and independent consultants in a range of projects both in the UK and overseas. These include University departments across the EU and Eastern Europe, Regional Development Agencies, in the UK and in Europe, the UK Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Exmoor National Park and the other Schools of Bournemouth University.

Since its inception core members, plus colleagues and associates, have undertaken a range of activities in terms of research, consultancy and training. One important focus has been the challenges of agricultural reform and rural development in the countries of Southern, Central and Eastern Europe. These projects have been funded by the British Council and by the European Union both under its research programmes, Inco Copernicus, Framework V and development programmes such as LEADER, PHARE AND TEMPUS. More recently the Group has undertaken a project to develop a Centre for Tourism and the Environment for the Central Asian country of Turkmenistan.

Other recent smaller consultancies and commissioned research projects include an assessment of the value of farm demonstration ‘Diffuse Pollution’ Open Days for DEFRA and a review of rural tourism research for the South West Regional Development Agency.