News Desk

August 17th

"DO OR DIE" CHALLENGE FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

Britain’s rural villages are at risk of dying unless radical action is taken to secure their future, it is being warned.

August 7th

Commerical Conterurbanisation
RuSource briefing

Defra launches debate about environment policy (from Farmers Weekly
26.07.10)
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published a discussion document for anyone interested in shaping the Natural Environment White Paper (to be published in Spring 2011 and covering England only).

The document aims to encourage debate about how best to protect and enhance the natural environment and the valuable services derived from it.

The document raises fifteen questions and asks for areas that may have been missed. Interestingly, the final question posed is: 'if you could choose just one priority action for the Natural Environment White Paper to drive forward locally, nationally or internationally - what would it be?'

This question is timely with more than 250,000 people signing a petition against cuts to the countryside (a campaign led by the RSPB and backed by 28 other organisations.); the abolition of bodies such as the Commission for Rural Communities and Sustainable Development Commission; and a dialogue between the National Farmers Union (NFU) and RSPB over the relationship between farming practices and environmental protection.

The way land is used and managed will have important consequence for rural and urban dwellers. The government faces critical choices in the years ahead and the White Paper will play a key role in making some of these choices. Further information is available on the Defra website.

Rural Cultural Forum Report
Harnessing the untapped creative potential of the countryside could generate more than £1bn a year, says a report. The four-year study was prepared by the Rural Cultural Forum, which brings together artists, community groups and other rural stakeholders. It would also help Britain’s recovery from recession and double the contribution made by the arts to the national economy.

The full report, Creative Rural Communities - Proposal for a Rural Cultural Strategy, can be downloaded at from the Rural Culture Forum website

July 27th

House of Commons Finance Bill debate

July 6th

Uplands Report
The published version of the full report, ‘High ground, high potential’ is now available from the CRC

June 30th

The Government’s rural watchdog - The Commission for Rural Communities - is
to be abolished and the CRC responds to the announcement from the Secretary of State

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg unveils the new Regional Growth Fund

Key Points Affecting Rural England, from the first Budget of the New Coalition Government

June 26th

Ann McIntosh elected as chair of EFRA select committee. Ms McIntosh is MP for Thirsk, Malton and Filey. She succeeds Rt Hon Michael Jack who has retired from Parliament.

June18th

Deliciouslyorkshire
A celebration of all things food and drink in the Yorkshire region

Search is on for entries to 2010 deliciouslyorkshire awards
The search is on for Yorkshire and Humber’s very best food and drink with
the launch today of the sixth annual deliciouslyorkshire awards. The awards
recognise and celebrate the elite of the region’s food and drink, showcase
fantastic produce and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the sector
within the region.

All about deliciouslyorkshire

June17th

The first swing of the sword

Trainee jobs in the Dales  

The Griffin report on risks of farm visits and animals 

The Health and Safety Executive guidance on E coli  on farms

The Broadband policy statement for three test areas in rural. Broadband now seems to be with the Department of Culture Media and Sport

June15th

The CRC Uplands Report Press release. See Rural Review Reports for full papers

June 7th

CAP reform the environmental view

Rural Car Share Study Report now available

The Yorkshire and Humber Regional Rural Car Share Feasibility Study launched its Final Report at a major event in Leeds on 19th May 2010. The event was jointly hosted by the Regional Rural Affairs and Rural Transport Forums, and chaired by Rural Affairs Forum Chair Tony Pexton. The Humber Rural Partnership managed the project, and will continue to coordinate future action at both regional and local levels.

The study found relatively low levels of membership and uptake of formal car sharing schemes in the region, but high levels of informal car sharing in a range of rural areas. The current project Steering Group will be expanded to create a regional task and finish group that will progress a range of actions based on the study’s key recommendations.

These could include actions to :

• Increase car share scheme membership and sharing rates
• Encourage informal car sharers to join formal schemes
• Raise awareness of car sharing as a rural transport solution
• Improve and enhance existing marketing strategies and materials
• Consider the potential for some regional branding – e.g. of road sign advertising

Download the final report here