'Countryside Matters!'

The Principality and Power of Europe
by Adrian Hilton, with a foreword by Lord Tonypandy former Speaker of the House of Commons.

A disturbing book about the emerging 'European Empire' with chapters on Sovereignty, Citizenship, Monetary Union etc. First published in 1997 this book was endorsed by Lord Tonpandy, and is now in its second edition. An important book for those trying to understand the host of new rules and regulations which are affecting both town and countryside.

Countryside
and
Farming

GM Crops

Genetic Engineering, Food and our Environment
by Luke Anderson

The author speaks around the country on issues related to genetic engineering. This very useful book firstly explains GE, then looks at how it affects the environment and farming. Biopiracy and the patenting of life forms, the WTO and questions as to who is really in control are all covered. At £3.95 you cannot afford not to read it!

The Impact of Genetic Modification on Agriculture, Food and Health Published by the British Medical Association, Board of Science and Education

This easily readable interim report covers GM in the food chain, the regulatory process, environmental impact, health concerns and recommendations. A number of concerns are raised and each section carries a very short summary. Again an essential read and one which has not received much publicity, probably because it calls for more independant research, and supports the precautionary principle.

'Genetic Engineering - Dream or Nightmare?'
by Mae-Wan Ho.

An in-depth study into the subject by a respected British scientist, which looks at the scientific background to many of our concerns arising from this technology.
This is the revised and updated second edition.

The Making of the English Landscape
by W.G. Hoskins

A 'must have' book which deals with the historical evolution of the English countryside; from pre-Roman times, through the Black Death and the Industrial Revolution to the end of the 20th century.

The Killing of the Countryside
by Graham Harvey

Looks at agricultural policies and practise and advocates a return to sustainable farming methods.

Understanding the British Countryside
by Peter Prag

This book by Mr. Peter Prag explains how the British landscape has evolved. Conservation, countryside access, field sports, diversification, food and animal welfare are all covered. This is a book about the working countryside and the pressures put on it.

If you are concerned for the well-being of the farming community have you read:-

'Next of Kin'by Joanna Trollope ?

An account of the underlying realities of life on our farms at the beginning of the new millenium.
There were some 74 farmer suicides last year (1999). For many, as for Joe in this novel, the future becomes too awful to contemplate.
Sadly this leaves his family to pick up the pieces and move on if they can . . . . . .

Out of the Ashes
by Michael Morpurgo

The diary of a thirteen year old whose family is caught up in the foot and mouth crisis. The author, who is a well known children's writer, lives in Devon and brings first hand knowledge to this new book. It presents a picture of what the crisis has meant to real people on real farms. Fifty pence from each sale will go from the publishers to farming charities.

'Food' for Thought 2002