Jake Fiennes - We need rural policy that is fit for purpose, people and planet

I have lived and worked in the British countryside for a significant proportion of my life. I have witnessed the good, the bad, and the ugly, and at times have had the opportunity to make a difference to a landscape that is always evolving. I have huge admiration for all of those individuals across our rural landscapes that work hard to ensure that the patchwork is maintained. Our green and prosperous land is rich and diverse and offers huge opportunities provided we fully understand the challenges our generation faces.

Over the last few years challenges have manifested themselves in many forms. Some expected and some unexpected, and we will constantly have to adapt and change as they occur. But without doubt the most significant rural challenge of our lifetime is to ensure that we start to put down the foundations for a rural policy that is fit for purpose, people and planet.

Our exit from Europe has seen the implementation of the Agricultural Act, the Environment Act, and a commitment from the Government to commit 30% of rural land to nature. We have a food and farming sector that is going through a generational transition in the way it is supported, inflation that has not been seen for over 50 years and the pressure on land to serve multiple purposes.

Where there is change there is undoubtedly opportunity, and these opportunities can only be realised if we work collectively. We have a wonderful ability to adapt, and the British countryside is testament to that. There is no conceivable reason that we cannot achieve a consensus on how we move forward, and this can only be achieved through working together and being open, honest, and transparent on our collective objectives.

It is imperative that the rural voice can demonstrate it can be spoken to collectively. This will ensure that those implementing the policy for the change that is required, can do so in the knowledge it can be implemented effectively. I do not for one minute think this will be a walk in the park as the opinions, issues and stakeholders are wide and varied. What I do believe is we have this once in a lifetime opportunity to make things better.

So, what do I think the British countryside might look like in the future? Fundamentally it will be a living landscape managed and maintained by the few, for the benefit of the many. It will be a countryside that is rich in nature while still producing healthy, nutritious food. In places nature will be the priority and in others it will be food, but they will not be mutually exclusive. It will be a countryside that is affordable and accessible to all. It will be a countryside that has adapted and is resilient to climate change. It will be a countryside that recognises its heritage, but also understands the need to adapt. It will be a countryside that is fit for purpose.

The event at Hatfield House on the 6th of June has the potential to be of significant importance in shaping the future of our countryside. It will bring together a wide range of voices who I believe have more common ground than one would think. I hope that it is the start of a conversation and that all will have the opportunity to have their voices heard. It should also be an opportunity to celebrate our countryside, although there is much work to be done.

 And in the words of Bill Bryson:

 “Britain still has the most reliably beautiful countryside anywhere in the world. I would hate to be part of the generation that allowed that to be lost”

About Jake Fiennes

Jake Fiennes is Director of the Holkham National Nature Reserve and General Manager Conservation of Holkham Estate. He has over 30 years of experience in land management on private landed estates and is author of Land Healer, published June 2022.