The ‘not so idyllic’ countryside

The English countryside is often painted as a Constable or a Turner; ‘an idyll to retreat to’; ‘an urban playground’. However, not only is it also a place where many make their living, it is a place that creates a great number of difficulties for those who live there, particularly the elderly. In fact, aContinueContinue reading “The ‘not so idyllic’ countryside”

Goats and Reflections on Summer Writing

Firstly, apologies that I have not been writing on thinkingcountry for a while. This is because I have been away working on a goat dairy farm in Somerset (wwoofing for those in the know) – an experience I have taken a lot from. The farm is based at Wookey near Wells in Somerset, and isContinueContinue reading “Goats and Reflections on Summer Writing”

What is animal studies?

Last week I was lucky enough to be able to attend a BIRTHA funded symposium at the University of Bristol Department of Historical Studies on the subject of ‘Animals and Empire’ – involving a cross disciplinary approach to research in the form of animal studies. The day included papers on subjects as diverse as ‘MulesContinueContinue reading “What is animal studies?”

Green Britannia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=KZ6IBoQ35uA Some shameless plugging for the British tourist industry (especially Cumbrian and Welsh tourist trade).