Making the Most of Country Life

The lack of affordable housing, public transport and other rural services, and the decline in agriculture has created many challenges for rural communities.

Helping to breath vibrancy back into them, both in the UK and beyond, is at the heart of the highly acclaimed research carried out by the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI). Continually developing its international reputation, 85% of its work has been recognised as internationally important in the government's 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).
Based at the University of Gloucestershire, CCRI staff use their diverse expertise to help shape the daily lives of rural populations across Europe.

Food production, the rural economy, heritage and landscape and rural services are all key areas of work, and partnerships and knowledge exchange with rural communities and organisations have helped to guide and influence rural change based on sound and rigorous research.

"Many of the issues facing those living in rural areas, such as food and health, also affect people living in urban towns so these issues have wide implications for all, no matter where you live," said CCRI Director Professor Nigel Curry.

Forged by a unique partnership between the University of Gloucestershire, the University of the West of England, the Royal Agricultural College and Hartpury College, the Institute was inaugurated in May 2008.

Much of the research and recommendations focus on innovative thinking and solutions. One example is realising the benefits of home working for communities.
"We have seen examples of home workers, who pop to the pub at lunchtime, joining forces with others who do the same. They set up a shared office in the village hall, which can then be used as a hub for supermarkets to drop off grocery deliveries," said Professor Curry. "The government's national ‘Pub is the Hub' policy has also helped to provide services such as a village shop or post office at the pub, and the improvement of services such as broadband connections can improve the quality of country life."

Just as in urban towns and cities, affordable housing poses a problem for people in the countryside, including Gloucestershire. Picture postcard Cotswold villages have outpriced the wage packets of many rural workers, while new build housing can court controversy on the green belt.

The CCRI is trying to address these issues in a number of areas, not least through community land trusts, and closer to home, Gloucestershire Land For People.
"One of Gloucestershire's biggest issues is the unequal nature of wealth.

"We're always looking at innovative ways to support local livelihoods and economically sustainable lifestyles. These type of organisations can help to provide affordable tenure, unlocking the potential of sustainable housing and communities."

The conversion of historic farm buildings whilst protecting their rural heritage is another aspect of CCRI's research and it has produced publications for English Heritage and the Countryside Agency to raise awareness of the contribution that historic farm buildings make to rural areas.

Town dwellers also benefit from the countryside. "It's important to remember that access to the countryside isn't just for enjoyment and leisure but for health too," said Professor Curry. "We work with a variety of agencies to ensure that access is encouraged and domestic and tourist use is provided for."

Gloucestershire's agricultural and tourism was hit hard by the foot and mouth epidemic in 2001, but this year the looming economic crisis may bring more domestic visitors than ever to its diverse and picturesque heart.
And so in this era of significant change, the CCRI continues to meet the challenges of an innovative rural research agenda. .

"From improving internet access and transport, to national agricultural policy, we're always searching for sustainable solutions to rural issues, and finding alternative ways for people living, working and visiting in order to get the most out of what it has to offer, for now and the future."

Source: University of Gloucestershire