Franz Höchtl

Historic terraced vineyards: impressive witnesses of vernacular architecture

ABSTRACT English The history of viticulture has been widely studied in Europe. Knowledge of the landscape history of the viticulture once widely practised on terraced slopes is lacking, however. This paper contains an outline of the history of such vineyards. The forces driving the terracing of steep slopes are discussed, as are the advantages of building terraces and of using dry stone walls as retaining structures. The building fabric of historic terraced vineyards located in south-western Germany and in the Swiss canton of Valais was analysed employing a historical landscape analysis. The construction and function of the different elements of the vineyards, and their interactions, were a particular focus. Also presented are insights into how the building fabric may provide indications as to the owners and the construction history of such winegrowing areas. Finally, strategies for the preservation of these terraced vineyards, which are of great value from both a nature and a heritage conservation perspective, are presented, as are the benefits of continued research.

Beyond Agricultural Production: Forest Expansion and the Preservation of Open Landscapes in Marginal Areas A Case Study from the Black Forest, Germany

In marginal areas throughout Europe, forests are expanding at the expense of agricultural land. Various incentives in the respective regions try to foster agriculture mainly for its effects on scenery and nature conservation, with the aim of maintaining an open landscape. This article presents insights from a case study in south-west Germany, including an analysis of the current use of grassland and the circumstances, preferences and opinions of landowners in the region, in order to explore possible strategies for the promotion of open landscapes. The results highlight the need for an interdisciplinary approach, focusing on decision making by land users and its corresponding spatial effects.

Landscape Change and Regional Identity: Introduction to the Special Section

If cultural landscapes around the world are to be retained and developed it will depend upon the cooperation of various actors—users, conservationists, scientists, politicians, administrators and associations—to adopt the issues relating to the cultural landscape as their own, and to act in concert. As yet there is no consensus with regard to the desired landscapes of the twenty-first century, but the tendency is apparent. It is vital that the essence of the cultural landscape that has evolved through history, in which our everyday life is reflected and in which we work and live, remains identifiable and recognizable. The great diversity of nature and of human culture enriches the quality of life for all Europeans. Our duty to future generations is to understand, protect and enhance this heritage (Council of Europe, 2002). The Permanent European Conference for the Conservation of the Rural Landscape (PECSRL), as a pan-European network of landscape researchers, is particularly committed to this goal.