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Increasingly public policy and delivery in rural areas has focused on the principles of Integrated Rural Development. IRD is integral to the Rural White Paper and its 2004 revision, to the report of the Commission into the Future of Farming and Food (2002), Defra’s subsequent Food and Farming Strategy, and Defra’s Rural Strategy (2004).
Rural areas have and continue to undergo dramatic change. Climate change, agricultural policy reform and national policy pose many challenges for the sustainable future of rural areas. Socio-economic characteristics also create new perspectives. The rural economy of many areas is now similar to that of urban areas. Land-based activities generally make up a very small proportion of rural employment. Car use determines rural life styles. The majority of rural residents of working age commute to towns for work and services. These patterns have contributed to the rapid rise in rural house prices, greatly reduced housing affordability.
Much of our work is required to look at specific aspects of rural life and / or policy. All such work is undertaken within our broader understanding of rural areas and Integrated Rural Development – seeking integration and mutual benefits wherever possible.
- Major reviews of national and regional rural policy and guidance
- Evaluations of rural programmes
- The development of strong rural evidence for particular topics and localities
- The use of GIS to give spatial definition to complex socio-economic data
- Rural Housing Market Assessments
- Development of rural plans and strategies for particular geographical areas and topics
- Research into local and locality foods
- Preparing bids and business plans in support of Heritage Lottery Fund and other funding applications
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