Archived News Nov/Dec 2006 Post office numbers slashed Dec 19th 2,500 post offices will have to close in 18 months following radical proposals to restructure the post office network. Polytunnels need planning permission Dec 18th A High Court judgement has made it clear that large scale use of polytunnels for farming enterprises do require planning permission. Building a zero carbon future Dec 17th A package of measures for planners and housebuilders, including proposals that all new homes be zero carbon by 2016 has been published. Planning system for 21st century Dec 11th A recommendation by the Barker Review on the Land Use Planning System that some development should take place on green belt land has been strongly opposed by some countryside organisations. Flood risk advice a priority Dec 10th Local planning authorities are taking advice and increasingly avoiding building in areas at risk of flooding, according to a new report. Short-eared owl mystery Dec 9th A raptor population survey has highlighted an urgent need to find accurate methods of assessing numbers of short-eared owls. Rogue Food Sellers 'Need More Penalties' Dec 8th A new report has revealed that food laws are too weak to deter business from pretending their produce is organic and selling it as such Farm Visits for All School Pupils Dec 7th A new scheme was launched by Defra today, giving English school children the opportunity to visit farms and undertake countryside activities. Hunting tops e-petitions to PM Dec 5th A repeal against the 2004 Hunting Act is the most-signed e-petition on the Number 10 website, with more than 9,000 e-signatures so far Local community help re-create woodland Dec 4th A unique partnership project is paying dividends in mid Wales where the local community are working alongside Forestry Commission Wales staff and helping to re-create an ancient broadleaf woodland. Children to be taught food and farming Dec 3rd How food is produced, sourced and impacts on our health and the environment will form the basis of a Year of Food and Farming in education. School trips to be encouraged Dec 2nd The Government is putting learning outside the classroom at the heart of the curriculum and young people’s personal development with a new £2.7 million package for schools. Christmas Markets Nov 29th A list of Christmas shopping extravaganzas, bazaars and openings taking place over the next few weeks Civilised Christmas Shopping Nov 29th It is time to start addressing the annual trauma of Christmas shopping. But why involve yourself in high street pandemonium when you can do all your shopping under one roof at dedicated Christmas fairs? Edinburgh wins Favourite Farmers' Market Nov 28th After months of nominations, voting and judging, Country Life names Edinburgh Farmers' Market winner in the quest to find Britain's Favourite Farmers' Market. Planning for the South East’s future Nov 27th A public examination of the future needs of England’s most built up region begins this week. Wildlife tourism boost Nov 26th A wildlife visitor attraction at Saltholme in northern England has received the necessary investment for development to start. Multi-million pound green holiday village Nov 25th Work is to start on a £110m green holiday village within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which will create hundreds of jobs and boost the local economy. Cumbria Drafts World Heritage Bid Nov 22nd County councillors in Cumbria have voted to back a bid to make the Lake District into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plea to horse riders Nov 21st Police and horse experts are issuing fresh warnings about the dangers associated with riding horses on rural roads. Hidden cost of family labour on farms Nov 20th The cost of unpaid family labour on a beef or sheep farm is £11.18 an hour, according to the findings of a representative survey. Wasps are bad losers Nov 19th Wasps carry the insect version of pepper spray in their heads, which they can release when fighting other wasps, according to new research to be published this week. Rural Women Lead the Field Nov 14th Female entrepreneurial activity is nearly twice as high for rural women as it is for those living in urban areas, says a new report. What is the UK’s greatest environmental icon? Nov 13th The public are being encouraged to vote for what they believe is the most iconic symbol from our environment. Hidden lives of young rural carers Nov 12th Many young carers are missing out on vital support and find themselves increasingly lonely, particularly in rural areas, a new report reveals. New animal transport regulations Nov 8th Animal transporters can now apply for authorisation to carry animals under new rules which become law in January 2007. Pigeon racing in financial hardship Nov 7th Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Avian influenza restrictions over the last twelve months has left pigeon racing in serious financial difficulties. Wooden houses branching out Nov 6th An increasing number of new homes are being built using the latest timber technology. National Trust Supports Staghunting Nov 5th The Devon and Somerset Staghounds are permitted to hunt sick and wounded deer on National Trust land, following a members' vote at the Trust's Annual General Meeting. Awards For Top Georgian Architects Nov 4th The annual Georgian Group Awards were presented in London last night, honouring the achievements of seven British architects working in the Georgian style or context A vision for local government Nov 1st New proposals to devolve power to local government and allow local people to influence area decision-making have been published.