Whose countryside is it anyway?

Whose Countryside is it anyway? – a challenging title and one that will be debated at one of four free conferences to be held at this year’s Royal Show, taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 2-5 July 2006.

The ADAS-sponsored event on Tuesday (July 4), will address such questions as:

· Who are the landowners and managers of the countryside?

· Should the landowners decide what they do with their land?

· What should the countryside be used for?

· Should food production take precedent over other uses?

· What rights of access should the general public have to the countryside

· How can society exploit the countryside’s natural resources yet preserve and protect them at the same time?

“We can no longer take agricultural issues in isolation and need to look more holistically at all the pressures on the countryside,” said Dr Andrée Carter, ADAS director of Science and Environment, who will introduce the session and lead the debate. “These are fundamental issues that affect everyone who lives and works in the countryside – I’m sure this will prove to be a really thought-provoking and revealing session.”

Keynote speakers are the Sustainable Food and Farming Group’s Sir Don Curry, and John Gummer, MP, leader of the Conservatives Quality of Life Initiative. Joining the debate on the future role for Britain’s farmers will be NFU president Peter Kendall and chief executive of Natural England Helen Phillips.

The session will take place in the Wolfson Theatre in the Warwick Complex at the Royal Show on Tuesday, July 4, and is due to start at 2:30pm. Those wishing to attend or reserve a place should e-mail royalshow@adas.co.uk.