England’s countryside is a hugely precious national asset, which needs protecting more than ever in the face of growing pressures. 

This is the reaction of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) [1] to the State of the countryside 2008 report published by the Commission for Rural Communities [2] today (Wednesday).

‘People are valuing the countryside more than ever, at a time when it is subject to greater pressures than ever before,’ said Tom Oliver, Head of Rural Policy at CPRE.

The report shows that more people are choosing to live in rural communities and that those who do live healthier lives. [3]  It also reveals that rural poverty has risen faster than in urban areas. [4] 

Tom Oliver continued:

‘Action to tackle rural poverty, and to increase the provision of affordable housing, should safeguard the characteristics that make the countryside special for so many people, whether they live there or not.

‘The scale of the pressures on the countryside, from large scale housing schemes and other intrusive development, are making rural England a place which needs more careful protection than ever before. [5]  Otherwise, we could be left with much of what we now value either lost or seriously damaged.’

Tom Oliver concluded:

‘Our own intrusion maps [6] show graphically how urban pressures are accelerating, fragmenting and eroding truly rural places.  Keeping such damage to a minimum is in everyone’s interests.  This is a valuable report.  We urge Government to act on it and respond wisely to the pressures it reveals.’

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk

2.  Further information about the State of the countryside 2008 published by the Commission for Rural Communities, the Government’s rural advisory body, can be found at: www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk//projects/stateofthecountryside2008/overview.

3. State of the countryside 2008 – Key Facts: The population of rural England continues to rise at a faster rate than in the country as a whole. Most households moving into rural England are families with young children and people aged from 44-64.

4.  The State of the countryside 2008 Summary Report states that ‘Poverty appears to be increasing in rural areas, and more than in urban areas. Over the last two years for which data is available the percentage of population under the poverty line rose 3% in rural areas compared to 1% in urban areas.’

5. State of the countryside 2008 – Key Facts: Demand for new development is significantly higher (per household) in rural areas than urban areas and the countryside has seen a greater number of new houses than in the urban fringe in recent years.

6. State of the countryside 2008 – Key Facts: The character of large parts of England’s countryside is changing as a result of built development particularly in the lowlands and areas beside major transport corridors. Comparison of the levels of visual and noise intrusion since the 1960s show that rural areas have become much busier with a three-fold increase in the ‘disturbed’ areas in the most rural districts.