Countryside
Brace yourself for the real experience of going to a rural parish service on Easter Sunday
‘And we extend a special welcome to all our visitors here today.’ That’s the vicar speaking; and this Sunday is one of the two days in the year when you… Continue reading
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Gordon Wilson, a hero for our times
If there was any justice in the world, Yorkshire pensioner Gordon Wilson would feature in the New Year’s Honours list – but I suppose it’s too much to hope for.… Continue reading
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Why are Conservative MPs so intent on wrecking our countryside?
Last week we had Nick Boles extolling the virtues of concreting over what green space we still have in order to tackle an alleged housing shortage. And now, in today’s… Continue reading
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In England’s green and pleasant land
The idea came to me after I had just got back from South America after a long trip to Peru. Perhaps because I was badly jetlagged, everything about England looked… Continue reading
0 CommentsThere’ll be no u-turn on planning
This government has developed rather a reputation for u-turning. But I would be extremely surprised if it did one over its planning reforms. When you talk to ministers and advisers… Continue reading
32 CommentsThe government has been weak over forests
A very dangerous precedent has been established today over the forest fiasco. Caroline Spelman earlier gave the most extraordinary interview on Radio 4′s PM. "We got it wrong," she said… Continue reading
52 CommentsHow the Tories will repeal the hunting ban
The Guardian has a story today about how field sports enthusiasts are donating heavily to Nick Herbert, the shadow DEFRA secretary. The paper links the donations to the fact that… Continue reading
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