Estate Futures

The diversity of European geographies, histories and cultures is reflected in the sheer diversity of rural estates across Europe. While in some countries rural estates as a mixed model of land management is still thriving, in other regions this model of land management is at the risk of being lost completely. Each country or region also has its own legislation and policy measures that affect rural estates. An overview on the status quo of rural estates in a European context is still largely missing. Our research aims to contribute to better understanding of rural estates in a European context. Currently, however, hardly any publications exist on this topic. Two books published by the European Landowners' Organization (ELO, https://www.europeanlandowners.org ) are a rare exception in this regard. They bundle together information on individual rural estates from across Europe (mostly larger-scale estates) and their contributions to society.

Otero, C. & Bailey, A. D. (2003), Europe's natural and cultural heritage: the European estate. (Brussels: Friends of the Countryside).

Otero, C. (2009), Creatin the future of the countryside : the European estate. (Madrid: Instituto Ibérico para el Medio Ambiente).