Welcome to Future Countryside, providing an opportunity to debate the future of conservation policy and the ways we can address the pressures on landscape, habitat and wildlife posed by environmental change and development. We encourage you to comment on the articles and engage with the debate. If you'd like to write for us, please e-mail info@futurecountryside.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @futurecountry.
Genetic modification of crops is seen by some as the answer to our food security challenge. Partly in response to the submission to this site from Dr Julian Little of the Agricultural Biotechnology Council, Pete Riley of GM Freeze outlines why he believes it isn't.
Pete Riley, GM Freeze - 18/12/2009 Have your say
Tony Whitbread of the Sussex Wildlife Trust writes for us again, this time on the issue of the creation of ecological networks. He argues that the creation of such a network is an essential component of the holistic approach to conservation that is needed.
Tony Whitbread, Chief Executive, Sussex Wildlife Trust - 30/10/2009 Have your say
In a speech to the CPRE Nick Herbert, the Shadow Environment Secretary, outlines the Conservative Party's view on the protection of the countryside.
Nick Herbert MP, Shadow Environment Secretary - 23/10/2009 Have your say
When landscape designation was originally planned over sixty years ago climate change seemed an unlikely idea. Now, Stephanie Hilborne from the Wildlife Trusts argues that a network of designated sites to protect our biodiversity is more important than ever.
Stephanie Hilborne, Wildlife Trusts - 01/08/2009 Have your say
Latest news
The Conservative party plans, which would fund nature protection through the sale of conservation credits to developers, have been met with caution by wildlife groups Full story…
Latest comments
What Future for the Countryside?
“One way to reduce the area of finite countryside that must annually be "released" for new housing development is obviously to make better use of vacant plots within existing settlement (built-up area) boundaries. I have however discovered that several viable plots on one estate in my town cannot… (read more)” - Peter Carder - 25/11/2009
Nature Matters Even More in a Changing Climate
“A good start would be lowering the speed limit on our rural lanes to 30mph. This would address the co2 problem, active life styles - non-motorised users cannot compete with motorists on roads of this width with an unlimited speed limit. The use of the lanes is therefore totally supressed by NMU's,… (read more)” - Maureen Comber - 05/11/2009
What Future for the Countryside?
“I would like to know if the 250,000 houses the government believes are needed per year allow for the estimated one million houses standing empty.
Of course, the probable government response is that said houses are 'in the wrong locations' . Well, are houses in the Green Belt not in… (read more)” - Charles Stammers - 05/11/2009