Campaigns Update

In a big success for the countryside and our brilliant supporters, Boris Johnson has announced the government will take a different approach to development.

The Prime Minister has used his major Conservative Party Conference speech to signal a commitment to protecting our green spaces from unscrupulous development.

But with the government’s Planning Bill just around the corner, we need to ensure these changes are cemented into law.

Can you chip in a few pounds to help keep up the pressure?

This November the UK is hosting the 2021 international climate summit, COP26, where global leaders will set out key climate ambitions for the UK and beyond. 

On Saturday 6 November there will be a Global Day of Action for climate justice, where NGOs, civil society organisations and grassroots community groups will come together to march in towns and cities across the UK during the conference. We'll be joining the marches in Glasgow and London but invite you to join the nearest march to you. 

Never joined a march before? Don’t worry, we’ve created a simple signup form to register your interest in attending the demonstrations, after which we can email you with all the information you need.

Wilmer, who lives with his wife and son Maddox in Morpeth, tells us about his experience of moving to rural Northumberland, how it compares to his life in Honduras and how he's found setting up his own business in the countryside.

Wilmer says: 'Ellie is from the UK. Our first child was born with a genetic condition and that changed our life completely.'

Victoria, based in Liverpool, tells us about her experiences of isolation in lockdown and how walking with other black women has helped her to improve her mental health and enjoy her local area.

As Victoria says in her poem: 'we are the countryside; you, me and every fellow here.'

This Black History Month were lucky to enough to speak to Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, known as The Black Farmer, about his connection to the countryside.

Part of the Windrush generation, Wilfred came to this country from Jamaica in the 1950s.

Wilfred says: 'The more people from diverse backgrounds who can get access to land and have that sense of belonging, the better it is for us as a society.'

October is a month for the senses. Trees begin to turn colour, their leaves rustle on the branches and tumble down on windy days.

Gathering seeds, searching for fungi and listening out for robins are just some of the ways you can pause and connect with nature during October.

Take a look at Guardian country diarist Susie White's top tips for what to spot in the countryside this month.