The countryside with which we are all familiar has developed over the centuries.Fields and hedgerows have been changed to accomodate different patterns of farming, from the 'open fields' of the mediaeval 'manor' through the 'enclosures'of the 17th. and 18th. centuries back to the large arable fields of today. One of the attractions of our countryside is the variety of its landscape, from the moors of the North of England and Scotland to the small fields and narrow lanes of Devon and to the wide open spaces of East Anglia.
Suggestion:- Visit the village of LAXTON near Ollerton in Nottinghamshire.There you will find the old 'Open Field' system still in use. There is a visitors centre to guide you round and help in understanding the area.
The small fields and narrow country lanes so typical of Dorset and Devon are part of a system of farming dependent on small family farms and dairy herds. The hedgerows are a haven for wild life as well as the more obvious flowers like primroses and orchids. Sadly many farmers now use flail hedge-trimmers which are far cheaper than the worker with his traditional billhook. However the rural crafts of hedge laying and walling are still taught in Young Farmers Clubs and through local Agricultural Training Groups. As the farming community goes even further into decline there is an increased threat, not only to a way of life but also to a valuable resource and landscape. The question " who pays for the maintenance of the countryside?" needs asking loud and long of our urban based government!
Suggestion:- Look up the phone number of your local Young Farmers' Club and see if they are running any country skills programmes. Get involved!
Planning for development in the countryside is, in most areas left to town and city based Local Authorities. These may, but need not, call on specialist help before making any decision. Housing developments are still allowed to proceed even though they may be near a long established local business which will cause problems in the future. Among those of which I am aware, the most ridiculous is the proposed development of a 'New Town' centred on Exeter Airport! Who wants to live under a flight path used already by dozens of flights each day and with more planned for the future. This ranks alongside the Huntington Lane development at York as being one of the most insensitive in the country. At Huntington, new estates were built completely surrounding the very active slaughter-house and rendering plant. The planners knew it was there. They knew that it produced very unpleasant smells and yet the planning consent was given! Whose fault is it when house owners complain of noise or smell?
Comment:- A church in North Devon has managed to get a clause included in the contracts to be signed by new house owners denying them any comeback over the ringing of the church bells next door.
With our rich heritage of the past , it is vital that we find a way of preserving a living, working countryside where the food which we all need can be grown and the environment preserved and developed. The responsibility for this rests on us all.
Suggestion:- Ask your church or organisation to set up a study group / discussion forum on what YOU as a church / group can do locally to help the environment. If there is no group near you, get your friends together and start one!
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