So just how do we define ‘rural’?

According to the Office for National Statistics, some 43.7 million people in England (82.4% of the population) lived in urban areas (settlements of more than 10,000 people) in 2011. At the same time, 9.3 million people lived in rural areas (17.6% of the population) – defined as smaller towns (less than 10,000 people), villages, hamlets […]

A rural stake for our youngsters

Frozen out of getting a foot on the property ladder, the most economically active moving out, negative stereotyping and a lack of things to do and places to hang out – what does the future hold for young people? What support do they need to fulfil their potential? And what is the role of Government, […]

Devolution: a new deal for rural England?

When devolution began it was a process designed to decentralise government and give more powers to nations which make up the UK. Powers were transferred from the UK parliament in London to the Welsh Assembly Government in Cardiff, Northern Ireland Assembly in Belfast and the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. This process began in 1997 in […]

Are our rural economies really working?

According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), there are 505,000 businesses in rural areas – around 28% of all businesses in England. Rural businesses are just as diverse as those in urban areas and contribute more than £211 billion to the UK economy but many have untapped potential. With ‘economic growth’ […]

Is rural life so great outdoors?

A growing body of evidence demonstrates the contribution of green spaces to mental and physical health and wellbeing – from reducing symptoms of stress to increasing levels of communal activity and social capital. But it also suggests that some people are absent from or failing to reap the benefits from engaging with the natural environment. […]

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Jessica Sellick

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