A mixture of plenary sessions, keynote speeches and seminars will bring together experts from across the built environment professions. There'll also be a range of site visits to innovative housing schemes.

Seminar subjects will include the role of landscape in achieving sustainable homes and tackling flood risk in the creation of new estates.

Visit the conference website to find out more about this two-day event

During the past ten years, increasing proportions of new migrants to the UK have settled in rural areas, where many are employed in agriculture, food processing and the hospitality sector.

'International Migrants in Rural Areas: Communities, Impacts and Issues' will:

• present new research on the impact of migration on public services in rural areas
• examine ways in which public services might become more responsive to migrants
• present new research on the risk to rural economies caused by changing migration flows, and look at how these risks can be managed.

Visit the ippr website to find out more and book your place

During the past ten years, increasing proportions of new migrants to the UK have settled in rural areas, where many are employed in agriculture, food processing and the hospitality sector.

'International Migrants in Rural Areas: Communities, Impacts and Issues' will:

• present new research on the impact of migration on public services in rural areas
• examine ways in which public services might become more responsive to migrants
• present new research on the risk to rural economies caused by changing migration flows, and look at how these risks can be managed.

Visit the ippr website to find out more and book your place

It's based on the views of a range of people working with older people in rural communities and lead officers from the Individual Budget pilot programmes. The report describes the implications of an ageing rural population and its potential impact on the future of adult social care.

40% of England’s rural population is over 50, a quarter is over 60 and 1 in 12 is over 75. It's estimated the number of over 75s in rural areas will increase by 90% over the next 25 years.

This will substantially increase the demand for care and support services in rural areas. A challenge compounded by the fact it costs more to deliver such services in rural areas.

The personalisation of adult social care brings opportunities and challenges for rural communities. The Personalisation of Adult Social Care in Rural Areas explores the likely impact on resource allocations, community social cohesion and the social care workforce in rural areas.

It also identifies the vital role the voluntary sector will play and the need for local government to work in partnership with outside agencies, including rural interest groups, on the personalisation of services.

We're working with the Department of Health and other key partners to ensure England’s future care and support system recognises rural circumstances and meets the needs of older people living in rural areas.

Download 'The Personalisation of Adult Social Care in Rural Areas'

The report describes the implication of an ageing rural population including its likely impact on the future of adult social care.

Paper for the 12th meeting of the Commission for Rural Communities, 10 July 2008.

Paper for the 12th meeting of the Commission for Rural Communities, 10 July 2008.

Home-based workers and businesses make an important contribution to rural economies. Our Under the Radar report showed a significant increase in home-based working in rural areas over recent years.

The Great British Home Business Survey is being managed by home business company, Enterprise Nation, and supported by BT. Full results will be available in the 2008 Home Business Report, launched during BT’s Small Business Week.

Take part in the survey

“Despite its close proximity to London, Essex is predominantly a rural county, nearly three quarters of which is farmed. Generally, the county has an excellent quality of life but people who live in the countryside are presented with a range of challenges that those who live in urban areas do not have to face.

“With escalating costs it is becoming increasingly difficult to live in the countryside on even an average wage. Pensioners and those on modest earnings find it increasingly hard to cope and are being priced out of rural communities.

“This is a worrying state of affairs and I am very pleased to have been asked to chair this commission to tackle these issues head on and put forward recommendations to the policy makers of Essex.”

Other members of the commission include Prof. Germaine Greer and Tom Oliver of CPRE.

Visit the Essex County Council website to find out more

Supported by ACoRP, The Future of Community Rail will examine best practice for getting the most out of Community Rail development in terms of community engagement, partnership working, scheme promotion and looking at alternative methods of funding.

For more information about the event visit the Future of Community Rail website

Live and Local offers a choice of workshops exploring in more detail the opportunities that ‘local’ can present.

For more information about the event visit the Live and Local website

For more details and to book a place, visit the NALC website