Access to nature and an increase of arable land going into environmental schemes are the hot topics this week.

A recent study has shown that 42.3% of farmers across the UK reduced their cropped arable area to take part in agri-environment schemes for harvest 2025, with the majority being in the South East and East of England where less productive and marginal ground which is difficult to access with machinery are being put into schemes to improve profitability and help the environment.

Meanwhile a Labour-led all-party parliamentary group has released a report which concludes that there is not enough access to nature in England and calling for greater access to nature, particularly inland waters. There is also a push for improving accessibility of existing rights of way by removing stiles and replacing with inclusive alternatives.

Richard and Richard discuss these topics, the deeper meanings and their potential impacts on rural spaces and our wildlife.

CountrySlide is a podcast that looks at farming, conservation and life in the British countryside.



Links
- Environmental scheme study
- Helena Horton's article about access to blue spaces
- More information on the All-party parliamentary group and their recent report
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- CountrySlide website
- Negus' book tour dates can be found here


The Hosts

Richard Negus website
Callum McInerney-Riley website
Richard Prideaux website


Edited and Produced by Amy Green for Rural and Outdoor.