Place attachment and attitudes to landscape change for tree planting and net zero

Abstract To reach net zero by 2050 the Paris Agreement on Climate Change recommended tree cover expansion and tree planting to support Nationally Determined Contributions. We use place attachment in the context of historical events to explore landscape change and attitudes towards tree planting. A qualitative study of the Elenydd, Mid Wales, UK, uses semi‐structured interviews and participatory workshops to evaluate the significance of key historical events in local stakeholder responses to future landscape change. We reveal how inherent connections to intergenerational memories and historical legislation impact responses. This includes a perceived threat to place attachment that influences attitudes towards landscape change. Using a place attachment lens allows recognition of deep connection to place and the importance of listening to and engaging with local voices in a landscape. Changes in land use directly connected to historical context need an analysis of landscape disruption and marginalisation. This helps identify how historical events can create barriers to tree planting while also recognising inherent emotional bonds to landscape and land stewardship needed to explore alternatives that do not replicate the disruptive and contested actions of the past. Understanding interdependencies of placemaking and place attachment can help policy decision‐makers direct engagement processes to support integration of local stakeholder perspectives into environmental policy. The strongly held views of historical events in landscapes bring a requirement for greater respect and recognition of place attachment during development of landscape change policies. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.