CRC Work : State of the Countryside 2008 http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/projects/stateofthecountryside2008/ en-us Copyright 2010 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:34:26 UT Latest items from State of the Countryside 2008 on http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/ Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:34:26 UT Meet the greenshifters http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/items/3484 http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/items/3484 The Observer has drawn on the findings of our most recent State of the Countryside report for their article on 'greenshifters' - people moving to the countryside and returning to the land.


For the first time in generations, more people are moving to the countryside than are leaving, and many are families with children.


Read the article on 'greenshifters'

Find out more about our State of the Countryside 2008 report

]]> Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:52:34 UT State of the Countryside 2008 reveals increasing inequality in rural areas http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/items/3259 http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/items/3259 'State of the Countryside 2008' is the tenth report in our series providing the definitive picture of rural England and a unique analysis of how it's changing.


Whilst there are many advantages to living and working in rural England, there remain some significant challenges. The quality of life may often be better in rural areas but this is not the case everywhere and for everyone.


'State of the Countryside 2008' highlights a rise in households living in poverty in rural England and a growing inequality between remote rural areas and other parts of the countryside.


The report also looks forward to what the future might hold for rural communities and reflects on what aspects have remained important since the first report was published in 1999.


Find out more about 'State of the Countryside 2008'

Read the full press release

Read an ePolitix interview about the report with Stuart Burgess, our chair and the Government's Rural Advocate

Some of the media coverage for the report


CPRE have issued a message supporting our report:

"The State of the Countryside reports are a vital resource for understanding our countryside. Thriving rural economies show the countryside's value to the nation's economy. But development pressures continue to mount, and we are pleased to see that the environmental changes that are so important to rural communities receive greater attention in this year's report."

"The report also points to a growing need to deal with rural disadvantage. We hope the series as a whole will prompt greater action to tackle rural inequality, while safeguarding the characteristics that make the countryside special."


We've also had responses to the report from Age Concern and NALC

]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:53:00 UT Launch of State of the Countryside 2008 http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/items/3220 http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/items/3220 We'll be launching the State of the Countryside 2008 report at a debate exploring the economic, social and environmental trands in the countryside over the last decade. This year's main theme will be the growing inequality and diversity in the countryside.


This year is the 10th anniversary of the State of the Countryside report, which has become the major source of data and analysis for policy makers and delivery bodies working with rural communities.


Supported by the London School of Economics, the debate will also look ahead to future challenges in the countryside. The audience will be drawn from across the political, media, academic, public and voluntary sectors.


Places for the event are very limited, but if you're interested in attending please email info@ruralcommunities.gov.uk

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