Book Review: ‘Land of Plenty’ by Charlie Pye-Smith

It won’t be news to any regular reader of this blog to hear that many farmers struggle to make a living from the land. Farming is famously volatile and those running farming businesses are at the mercy of world markets, changing government policy and of course the weather! The decision to withdraw from the EuropeanContinueContinue reading “Book Review: ‘Land of Plenty’ by Charlie Pye-Smith”

Rural Coalition Statement 2017

You may not have heard of it, but ‘The Rural Coalition’ recently published its 2017 statement, outlining the policy priorities and actions that it thinks will be required to sail rural communities through Brexit and beyond in a safe and secure (as opposed to strong and stable) manner. The Rural Coalition is exactly what itContinueContinue reading “Rural Coalition Statement 2017”

Fighting Crime in the Countryside: An interview with a Rural PCSO

From fly tipping to farm burglaries, deer poaching to hare coursing and suspicious vehicles to sheep worrying, rural crime is a reality for many parts of the countryside. Fortunately people like Tom Balchin, a PCSO from Dorset Police, are on hand to fight it and support rural communities in preventing it as much as possible. I spokeContinueContinue reading “Fighting Crime in the Countryside: An interview with a Rural PCSO”

Book Review: ‘Not a Perfect Fit: Stories from Jane’s World’ by Jane A Schmidt

I have certain friends who are a) good storytellers and b) seem to get into situations that led themselves to good stories. There are many aspects to what makes a good storyteller, but for the best voices it is often difficult to pin down what makes them so successful. For me, a good storyteller mustContinueContinue reading “Book Review: ‘Not a Perfect Fit: Stories from Jane’s World’ by Jane A Schmidt”

Farming Today and the Floods

Farming Today and the FloodsFarming Today this week follows the tragic story of the farmers, the floods and the Levels. Really worth a listen to understand the people (and animal) situation more acutely. This is an absolute disaster for these farmers. Animals are stressed, crops are drowned, people are homeless and there is no endContinueContinue reading “Farming Today and the Floods”