Category: countryside

countryside, Exclusive

Pheasant Awareness Training for Dog Owners

BY INDIA MAPPLETHORPE DEFRA Introduces Mandatory ‘Pheasant Awareness Training’ for Dog Owners In a move that has left the British Countryside equal parts bemused and grudgingly resigned, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has quietly unveiled its latest initiative to restore harmony between man, beast, and gamebird. From January 2026, all dog walkers venturing within three miles of a hedgerow will be required … Continue reading Pheasant Awareness Training for Dog Owners

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countryside

Fall of the ‘Eco’ Trolls

BY BERT BURNETT The Demise of the Online Haters of the British Countryside Ignoring trolls like Chris Packham and George Monbiot, who thrive on triggering emotional responses from Countrysiders and grow increasingly extreme and irrelevant, is not just a matter of personal preference—it’s a strategic necessity. These individuals have built their platforms on divisive rhetoric not science, often targeting the British countryside, its traditions, and … Continue reading Fall of the ‘Eco’ Trolls

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countryside

The Noble Mission of Tom Opre

BY JAMIE FOSTER A Visionary Bridging Conservation, Human Rights, and Storytelling In a world where the delicate balance between humanity and nature is increasingly under threat, few individuals have managed to bridge the gap between conservation, human rights, and storytelling as pragmatically or effectively as Tom Opre. A film director, cinematographer, television producer, best-selling author, and passionate advocate, Opre has dedicated his life to shedding … Continue reading The Noble Mission of Tom Opre

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countryside

The Great Peatland Con

BY BERT BURNETT Peatlands have become a hot topic in recent years, hailed as vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots. Yet, behind the well-meaning rhetoric of conservation and rewilding lies a more complex story—one of financial incentives, natural processes, fire risk, and the often-overlooked role of traditional land management. While the protection of peatlands is undeniably important, it is equally crucial to question whether the … Continue reading The Great Peatland Con

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countryside

Notes from the Actual Countryside

BY GARY BAXTER I have had eeefuckinnough. This winter has done it for me. It’s not so much the weather either.  So what erks me you ask? Tread mighty careful if you dare ask, as I am getting as growly as the Deputy Prime Minister’s ginger growler. So let me begin…  North of the border an outbreak of oversized pussy cats in the hills. Who … Continue reading Notes from the Actual Countryside

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countryside

The Complexities of Habitat Management and Rewilding

BY BERT BURNETT While the UK boasts pockets of natural beauty, much of its terrain has been shaped by centuries of human activity. From the stone-clad mountains to the managed grouse moors, the idea of a ‘natural’ habitat is often elusive. The Illusion of Natural Habitats in the UK In the UK, truly natural habitats are rare. Even the most remote areas, such as the … Continue reading The Complexities of Habitat Management and Rewilding

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countryside

The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Grouse Shooting in the UK

BY CHARLES HOFFMAN Grouse shooting is a time-honoured tradition in the UK, deeply rooted in the cultural and historical fabric of rural Britain. Beyond its heritage value, grouse shooting significantly benefits the economy, contributes to environmental conservation, and sustains rural communities. Grouse shooting is a major contributor to the UK economy, particularly in rural areas where opportunities for economic growth can be limited. According to … Continue reading The Economic and Environmental Benefits of Grouse Shooting in the UK

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countryside

Crisis-hit Curlews, Cash & The RSPB

BY BERT BURNETT I am reminded of a project to help one of the country’s most threatened breeding bird species, the curlew, which was awarded more than £156,000 from the Scottish Government’s Biodiversity Challenge Fund. This initiative, titled Curlews in Crisis Scotland, aimed to increase breeding areas and reduce predation for Europe’s largest wader and one of its most iconic birds. Scotland is home to … Continue reading Crisis-hit Curlews, Cash & The RSPB

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countryside

Rural Poverty: A Snapshot

CSM EDITORIAL In the fight against poverty, one of the most crucial voices is often the one that goes unheard—the voice of those who live in poverty themselves. The Poverty Truth Commission (PTC) seeks to change this by placing people with lived experience at the heart of the conversation. Established in 2009, the PTC operates across the UK, bridging the gap between those living in … Continue reading Rural Poverty: A Snapshot

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countryside, Roadtrips

Rolling Hills and Open Roads: UK Countryside Road Trip Guide

A road trip through the UK countryside is the perfect way to soak in its charm. The journey offers a mix of rolling hills, quiet villages, and historic cities. If you’re planning your route, don’t miss Scotland and the city of Edinburgh. And for a unique stop, consider visiting a casino during your trip. Here’s a guide to help you plan. Starting in England A … Continue reading Rolling Hills and Open Roads: UK Countryside Road Trip Guide

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countryside, Rewilding

Another Rewilding Failure

BY BERT BURNETT Rewilding, a concept that promotes restoring ecosystems to their natural state, has gained popularity in the UK as a solution to environmental degradation. The current government is apparently fond of it. Advocates herald it as a means to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and reconnect people with nature. However, the reality of rewilding is often far more complex and fraught with challenges. … Continue reading Another Rewilding Failure

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countryside

A Government Out of Touch with Rural Realities

BY BERT BURNETT The Impact of New Bird Flu Regulations on Rural Practices In a move that has sparked considerable debate among farmers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, the government has announced a directive requiring the registration of live decoy crows in crow-catching cages. These crows, held captive and never to be released, stand as the focal point of a controversial strategy aimed at combating bird … Continue reading A Government Out of Touch with Rural Realities

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countryside

Eco Illiteracy

BY JOHN NASH On Monday 18th November, by an amazing coincidence just in time to confuse Farmer’s Day on the 19th, YouGov published a survey, “Where do the British public stand on hunting?”   The short answer is they don’t – their ability to stand on hunting approximates that of standing a drunk worm on end. It makes for interesting reading, mainly because it illustrates … Continue reading Eco Illiteracy

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countryside

Preserving Britain’s Historic Estates: Challenges and Opportunities

The United Kingdom is rich in historic estates and has a wealth of history. These mansions and gardens are symbols of the history this country carries, preserving cultural identity and heritage. The upkeep of these properties is a hard, unforgiving and resource consuming task. Let’s learn more about the challenges and opportunities of preserving Britain’s historic estates. The Financial Burden of Upkeep Historic estates are … Continue reading Preserving Britain’s Historic Estates: Challenges and Opportunities

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Conservation, countryside

Golden Eagles Soaring

BY BERT BURNETT In recent years, discussions about wildlife in Scotland have repeatedly centred on concerns regarding species decline and environmental degradation. However, one notable success story that challenges this often-cynical narrative is the remarkable recovery of the Golden Eagle population in Scotland. Contrary to the prevailing perception in the Guardian and across the BBC of a “nature-deprived” UK, data suggests that Scotland is home … Continue reading Golden Eagles Soaring

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countryside, scotland

Forestry and Woodland Creation Regulation

BY CALUM CAMPBELL Scotland’s forestry and woodland creation schemes are coming under scrutiny, with growing concerns about the harmful impact they are having on already endangered wildlife. This is your chance to push for change in the way these schemes are regulated and implemented, to protect our natural heritage for future generations. A case in point is the Muckrach Estate near Grantown-on-Spey, which recently received … Continue reading Forestry and Woodland Creation Regulation

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Art, countryside

The Hood in the Wood

BY THE EDITOR Andrew Hood, not to be confused with Robin Hood, is a contemporary British sculptor known for his distinctive work that often merges fine art with elements of nature and the human experience. His sculptures explore themes such as movement, form, and the interplay between different materials. Hood has gained a reputation for his innovative techniques and varied use of materials, including metal, … Continue reading The Hood in the Wood

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