Securing the Tapestry
His Majesty The King, arguably the greatest champion of those who live and work in rural Britain, once said that our precious countryside is like a tapestry made up of myriad threads. You only have to pull on one or two and before you know the gorgeous, intricate, irreplaceable thing of beauty is gone. He is, of course, quite right. And I believe it is our collective concern for this extraordinary living organism made up of people, animals, Nature and landscape that we will gather at Syon House in June.
One of the saddest things I have seen over recent years is the polarisation of views that seems to swirl around any debate about the countryside. Whether it be “rewilding”, badgers, planning, vegans, climate change or any number of issues – we seem to be frighteningly adept at finding ways to drive ourselves apart. More often than not, this is born of fear, ignorance and misunderstanding. Fear that someone who knows nothing of my life, is going to take it away from me. Ignorance of old ways and new ways. And endless misunderstanding – sometimes deliberate, sometimes genuine. For me, it is really important to try (this is work in progress, I should add!) and walk in the footsteps of others. That way perhaps one can begin to understand why people take the positions they do – and then, hopefully, work towards consensus.
I also believe we must be wary listening to the loudest or most sophisticated voice. And this is more true in the countryside than most other places. There are endless debates around endless tables in London and elsewhere about agriculture and rural policy led by brilliant people all trying their best to make a difference for the better. But too often, for me, they are lacking something really important. The views of people whose lives are been affected. Where are the small family farmers who are too busy just getting through a day (and night!) calving, lambing, milking, silaging, let alone managing the endless administration demanded of any farmer? Where are the people who are desperate as they see their beloved corner of the United Kingdom insidiously morphing into some urban hinterland as thousands of inappropriate houses are built on edges of market towns and villages, or witness business parks popping up which in their turn demand bigger, wider roads and roundabouts, and infrastructure which destroys the very communities they claim to serve? Where are those of different ethnic and religious backgrounds who feel excluded from the world so many of us take for granted? Where is the younger generation who desperately want to farm, but cannot find a way in for the reasons we all know only too well? Where are those who just want to live in the village in which they grew up – and serve their community - but cannot afford a home because of exorbitant house prices? All these voices – and so many more - really matter if we are to ensure a thriving future for our countryside.
And that is why Future Countryside matters. It is where we try to give a voice to the voiceless, to let those who are seldom heard to be heard, where we listen, rather than pontificate. Last year was a success. People from so many different backgrounds were there and we seemed to find common ground and, importantly, a real sense of common endeavour. I remember being particularly moved by Craig Bennett’s intervention at the end of the day. He is, of course, the CEO of The Wildlife Trusts. You might have thought you could predict his position. But he said this (not a direct quote!): “Let’s not talk about farming in balance with Nature. That implies there is a conflict and a trade-off between the two. Instead, let’s talk about farming with Nature. Both matter and both need each other.” For me, this was a truly memorable moment and encapsulated exactly what Future Countryside is all about.
So please think about that beautiful tapestry, its fragility, its importance to every man, woman and child in this country. Instead of pulling at its threads, together let’s repair it, reinforce it, restore it. Working in harmony with each other, with respect and kindness, we can ensure the people, the landscape, the animals and the Nature that underpins all life doesn’t just survive, but thrives.
Elizabeth Buchanan CVO is a Steering Committee member, a farmer in Sussex and incoming Chair of the APHA.