What more can we do to protect crops and plants?
Back in January 2023, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), in partnership with the Forestry Commission and the Scottish and Welsh Governments, published the Plant Biosecurity Strategy for Great Britain. This sets out a 5-year vision for plant health. How is the strategy being implemented, and what does it mean for rural […]
Will the new Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act combat farm vehicle crime?
The Act has been being introduced to prevent the theft of machinery and equipment used by the agricultural sector, particularly quad bikes, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). How will it help tackle equipment theft on farms, and what more can be done to support farmers struggling with both the fear of crime and being a victim […]
How much capital investment is being made in new (rural) hospitals?
The New Hospital Programme was set up in 2020 to build 40 new hospitals in England by 2030. The Government allocated £3.7 billion in capital funding for this up to March 2025, with more to be provided for the following five years. How has the Programme been implemented so far, and what does it mean […]
Do we need a new framework for managing land?
While land is one of our greatest assets, it is a finite resource. A number of commentators have suggested a land use framework would help tackle increasing pressures on land. It is also seen as a way of giving local communities and landowners greater security in making long-term decisions about land. But there are also […]
What does the transition from analogue to digital landlines mean for rural communities?
Over the next few years, landline telephone services in the UK will switch to a fully digital network. This means phone calls will be carried over the internet rather than through the existing analogue telephone system. Telecom companies plan to do this by 2025. What is being done to ensure rural areas are ready for […]