The multifunctional role of hedgerows in the historical rural landscape: the case study of Staffarda Abbey (Italy)

The restoration and conservation of historical rural landscapes are considered a priority at both international and national levels. For valorising the historical landscape as cultural heritage, a national project (PNRR, Cultural heritage active innovation for sustainable society -CHANGES- 2022-2025, Spoke 1 – Historical, Landscapes, Traditions and cultural Identities) was recently approved in Italy. Hedgerows are recognized as important elements for the landscape structure, but the agriculture intensification in the last Century caused their reduction. Staffarda Abbey (Piedmont, Italy) is a Cistercian Benedictine monastery, founded in the XII century. The multifunctional role of hedgerows in the historical rural landscape and the changes occurred were investigated. The first part of the research was carried out by analyzing historical cartography, documents and references from the XVII and XIX centuries found in archives and libraries. This analysis was performed at a landscape level. The analysis of historical documents and cartography confirmed that the cultivated fields and waterways were characterized by the widespread presence of hedgerows, functionally related with the farming system. The second part was the characterization of the remnant hedgerows. Using the Regional Forestry Information System and GIS these elements were analyzed. Then on field surveys were performed. The study is still ongoing, preliminary results will be discussed. Different types of hedgerows are still present in the area. The common species are: Salix alba L., Morus alba L., Populus spp., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Prunus avium L., Fraxinus excelsior L. Quercus robur L., Rubus spp., Corylus avellana L. and Sambucus nigra L. With the aim to analyze the Ecosystem Services provided, several parameters are in course of assessment: the botanical composition, productivity, historical use, ecological and ornamental interest. The analysis will be integrated with the use of drones. In this historical rural area, the relationship between hedgerows and other physical features determines their functions and structure. Moreover, the multifunctionality of these elements was highlighted. At the same time, these elements were recognized as qualifying features and historical permanence to be valorised in future restoration programs.