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CONSIDERING THE COUNTRYSIDE CONSIDERING THE COUNTRYSIDE


From ecosystems large and small to meadows, hedgerows and woodlands: the countryside we all know and love is under threat


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espite the countryside getting more attention from government, in the form of


the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, and from the wider public in general, there is still work to be done when it comes to protecting our nature from developers and pollution. The State of Nature Report 2016, commissioned


by the RSPB (rspb.org.uk), showed that between 1970 and 2013, 56% of species declined, with 40% showing strong or moderate declines. More worryingly still, a new measure that assesses how intact a country’s biodiversity is, suggests that the UK has lost signifi cantly more nature over the long


term than the global average. The index suggests that we are among the most nature-depleted countries in the world. All this means it’s of little surprise conservation


charities are stepping up their eff orts to protect our ecosystem from further damage. The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) (cpre.org.uk) believes it is time for greater national cooperation on land use and that a cross-party board devoted to looking after the UK’s land should be set up. “Amidst the rush towards global competition


and unrestrained economic growth, a national approach to how we use land is more important


ADVERTISEMENT than ever. We are The State


making big decisions in isolation, and not thinking about what kind of wider pressures individual developments bring – to the land, the climate, the economy and our health and wellbeing,” explains Belinda Gordon, head of government and rural aff airs at the CPRE. This is a view echoed by architect and urban


of Nature Report assessed over 8,000 species of the highest conversation concern and found that 15% were threatened with extinction


planner, Sir Terry Farrell CBE: “Pollution, climate change and the ever-increasing reduction in natural species, as well as human city-making on an unprecedented scale, have made the proper


planning of land use a top priority for our very survival in the long term. “The scale, complexity and seriousness of


these issues mean we cannot any longer proceed as before, treating land as a disposable asset. We have now got to plan proactively for rapid and radical change.” You may be asking: how can I help? Well, the


T e index suggests that we are among the most nature-depleted countries in the world


easiest way to make a diff erence to the future of our countryside would be to join the National Trust


(nationaltrust.org.uk). They have over


61,000 volunteers supporting 11,000 permanent members of staff in helping them run and care for over 618,000 acres of land, 775 miles of coastline, 76 nature reserves and 500 historic houses, parks and ancient monuments. It is a big operation which does a lot of good and any help you can


INSURING RURAL PURSUITS Cont nued on p32 ▶


NAVIGATING THE INSURANCE maze can be tricky for those involved in fi eld sports. From personal, public and employers’ liability to horse insurance, personal accident and shoot cancellation cover, it’s imperative policy limits are adequate and that you are fully covered. Not all policies are the same so guidance from


a specialist insurance broker should be sought. For more advice, read Lycetts guide at: lycetts.co.uk/rural-pursuits


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DARTMOOR HAWKING FALCONRY EXPERIENCE


AT DARTMOOR HAWKING, our hands-on approach to falconry is inherent in all that we off er. On our introduction and experience days, the emphasis is very much on clients handling and fl ying birds. For those wishing to experience real falconry, our hunting days provide a fantastic opportunity to work with birds in the fi eld and see what the hawks can really do! Unique to Dartmoor Hawking is our ‘Falconry


on Horseback’ sessions which off er a fantastic opportunity to combine the art of horsemanship with that of falconry. Our aim is to share the wonders of birds


of prey and falconry with all our clients. At Dartmoor Hawking, we know that your time spent with our hawks, falcons, owls and eagles will be a truly unforgettable experience. dartmoorhawing.co.uk 0779 156 0948


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