Expanded Forestry in the Village: Enhanced Species Diversity with Woodlands
In July 2025, an international research team embarked on a study to understand the biodiversity of small, remote villages in Europe [1]. The focus of the study was to delve into the intricate relationship between biodiversity and human well-being, revealing a complex interplay shaped by several key factors and influenced by the surrounding landscape context [1][2][5].
## Key Influencing Factors
The composition of the surrounding landscape plays a significant role in local biodiversity. Villages situated in forest-dominated landscapes exhibited a 15 percent greater species diversity than those surrounded by agricultural fields [2]. Urban proximity, on the other hand, can both positively and negatively impact biodiversity and human well-being. While urban proximity can facilitate access to services and markets, it may also increase pressures from development, pollution, and habitat fragmentation [1].
Villages embedded in forests benefit from ecosystem services such as clean water, air purification, and recreational space, which are linked to improved well-being. Forests also act as crucial habitats and corridors for wildlife [5]. Standardization and intensification of agriculture can reduce biodiversity by simplifying habitat structure and reducing the availability of resources for native species [2]. The economic health and social fabric of villages contribute to both biodiversity conservation efforts and the well-being of residents [4][5].
## Comparison: Urban Agglomerations vs. Forest vs. Agricultural Landscapes
The study results suggest that urban agglomerations often have lower biodiversity due to fragmentation and pollution, but provide mixed outcomes for human well-being, offering access to services but also potential stress and pollution [1][2][5]. Forest-dominated landscapes support high levels of species diversity and contribute positively to human well-being through access to ecosystem services and recreation [5]. Agricultural landscapes, while offering economic benefits, often result in lower biodiversity and variable well-being, influenced by economic and social factors [2][5].
## Nuances and Synergies
Villages near forests or surrounded by diverse mosaics of land use types experience higher biodiversity and enhanced well-being due to the provision of multiple ecosystem services [1][2][5]. Areas with intensive agriculture may see short-term economic gains but risk long-term declines in biodiversity and ecosystem services, which can undermine human health and resilience [2][5].
Environmental biodiversity around homes, including native plant richness, is linked to reduced atopy (allergic sensitization) and improved health, highlighting direct human benefits from diverse natural environments [3].
## Summary
The research team found that the biodiversity of these villages is not uniform, with species diversity varying from one village to another [2]. The study findings indicate that the well-being of people in these villages is influenced by their biodiversity [3]. The Better Life Index, which reflects human well-being based on living conditions and quality of life, was 27 percent higher in villages in urban agglomerations and 14 percent higher in villages in forest-dominated landscapes compared to villages in agriculturally shaped areas [1].
To counteract the loss of biodiversity, complex landscapes are important, and in villages near cities, this can be achieved by minimizing soil sealing and creating more green infrastructure [4]. In forest-rich areas, limiting agricultural expansion is crucial, and village centers should be better connected to forests, and green infrastructure should also be built up [4]. The study suggests that proximity to a city affects the biodiversity of these villages, but other factors may be more significant [1]. Half of the villages were located near cities, and the other half were further away [1].
Science in the field of health-and-wellness highlights that environmental biodiversity around homes can lead to reduced atopy and improved health. This can be directly linked to the benefits of native plant richness.
In the realm of environmental science, the results of the study showed that villages embedded in forests not only support high levels of species diversity but also contribute positively to human well-being through access to ecosystem services and recreation.
