We investigate farm-level land use changes undertaken by landowners in six study areas in Europe where agriculture is under pressure.

The dominant trend was extensification of land use (afforestation) and hedgerow planting) with a large diversity of activity-level between areas.

Full-time farmers in peri-urban landscapes were the most active landowners.

Contextual factors are significantly correlated with land owner initiated land use changes.

Agri-environmental policies and schemes should be adapted to local conditions to facilitate landowner participation.