countryside – Page 3

The Hare, why I love it and why we might lose it

Working on a mixed farm with a mosaic of arable cropping, tussocky grassland, marshland and hay meadows I am lucky to be able to see a wide variety of species, although I would love for wildlife abundance to be still greater, a difficult prospect when wildlife is under threat from so many angles. Hares haveContinueContinue reading “The Hare, why I love it and why we might lose it”

Opening Doors to Shared Ownership in the Countryside

First-time buyers often perceive that properties in the countryside are only within reach of the very rich, and their only chance for affordable housing is to head to the city. Well, shared ownership could change all that. In recent years, the cry from those who have lived in rural areas is that they are oftenContinueContinue reading “Opening Doors to Shared Ownership in the Countryside”

Does the Agriculture Bill actually mean anything?

Last week I visited Mark Hayward, a farmer in Suffolk who runs Dingley Dell Pork (watch this space for an upcoming podcast episode). I was particularly impressed by him and brother’s drive and determination to improve the abundance of wildlife on their farm in real terms; ie not just engaging with Natural England led schemes butContinueContinue reading “Does the Agriculture Bill actually mean anything?”

Music, Art, Creativity and the Countryside

Countless great pieces of music and art are influenced by the natural world and rural landscapes. The works of Ralph Vaughan Williams for example, or Beethoven’s 6th Symphony or Chopin’s Raindrop Prelude are all influenced by the outdoors. Elgar was influenced by his beloved Malvern Hills, Benjamin Britten by the Suffolk coast and Holst theContinueContinue reading “Music, Art, Creativity and the Countryside”

‘Meet the Farmers’ – episode 18 – Matt Naylor

I’ve been conscious that Meet the Farmers has been somewhat south and east focused so far, so last week I set off on a road trip to south east Scotland (including the Highland Show), stopping off at farms along the way. On the first day I called by flower grower Matt Naylor’s place in Lincolnshire.ContinueContinue reading “‘Meet the Farmers’ – episode 18 – Matt Naylor”