Securing the long-term health and vitality of rural areas

Rural Futures

Truly sustainable futures must take account of the environment, the economy and community needs

As a society we expect much from the countryside. Whether as a home, habitat, workplace, playground or cultural refuge, our needs are many and often conflicting. Integrated approaches to public policy are required that balance these multi-functional roles.

Although the rural economy and communities are closely connected to those of urban areas, many of the challenges facing rural areas are distinctive. The land provides a wide range of services including food, clean water, biodiversity and, increasingly, energy. Ensuring that society as a whole values and rewards these services is a growing challenge.

Rural communities are heavily reliant on the car which raises questions about their long term sustainability. The provision of services in rural areas can be sparse and the prevalence of relatively affluent communities often hides significant levels of deprivation.

We provide a comprehensive understanding of rural areas and we deliver integrated solutions firmly rooted in evidence and stakeholder involvement.

What we can do for you:

  • Development and appraisal of rural plans and strategies
  • Evaluations of rural development programmes
  • Production of practical management and action plans
  • Research to develop a new evidence base for policy
  • Facilitation of independent and authoritative consultations

Click here for landscape planning, environmental assessment and historic landscapes.