Archived News April/ May/ June 2006 Local Shops Succeed June 28th A new study has found that local foods and shops flourish in the absence of superstores in rural areas Schools worth leaving London for June 20th According to leading estate agents, parents moving out of London will pay a substantial premium to secure the right house within 20 minutes of their chosen school. Village school gets a gold star June 19th A North Devon primary has won the highest possible praise from education inspectors after being judged outstanding in every area of school life. The evaluation of the right of access June 13th The right to roam was successfully introduced but there are areas that could be improved upon according to a new report. Rural Life ‘Poverty Ridden’ June 12th Poverty is affecting 25% of all country residents but pride prevents them from admitting it, says a new report. Go on a vole patrol June 11th The public are being asked to be on the watch for water voles. To help protect these small mammals on the UK’s canals and rivers a new survey has been launched. Let washing dry in the wind June 8th If every family in the UK hung out just one load of washing once a week we would: * Save 300 million loads of tumble drying * Prevent 515,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions * And save £88 million in electricity bills every year ICONs Project Branded ‘fiddle’ June 7th The Government opted against making foxhunting an official Icon of England, even though it gained more supportive votes than the other Icons put together. The countryside is for everyone June 1st A public consultation on the best ways to encourage young people, people with disabilities, those from inner cities and black and ethnic minority communities, to visit and enjoy local green spaces and the English countryside has been launched. Supermarket to help local traders May 31st A new supermarket scheme is encouraging customers to support smaller local businesses as well. Seeking Young Countryside Champions May 30th The Field magazine and Lycetts, a leading national insurance broker, are rewarding young people who make a difference in the countryside in a new national competition for everyone under 30. Affordable Rural Homes Shortage 'Critical' May 24th The Affordable Rural Housing Commission reported today, and found that unless action is taken swiftly, rural communities will have little chance of survival in any meaningful way Water becoming a scarce commodity May 23rd Water supplies and the environment in the south east of England are still at serious risk because of the drought and not enough action is being taken by some water companies, people and businesses to save water, according to the Environment Agency. A popular wildflower could be feeling blue May 22nd The Natural History Museum is calling on everyone to search for, identify and record the bluebells of the UK. Churches Urgently Need New Funds May 16th English Heritage has today warned that the future of churches and other places of worship is under considerable threat, and a concerted effort is required to ensure their safety for the subsequent generations. Waste regulation day May 15th Farmers and smallholders are being reminded that 15 May 2006 sees the introduction of new waste regulations which bring agriculture into line with controls applied to other businesses and industries. The rise and fall of butterflies May 14th Butterfly numbers in Britain are continuing to decline at alarming rates. However, the spectacular recovery of one butterfly species, the Silver-spotted Skipper, provides a glimmer of hope 'Opening Green Doors' May 13th - an evaluation of five years of Doorstep Greens, shows how new open spaces, play areas, nature reserves, village greens and flower gardens are helping to improve quality of life for communities everywhere. Concern over flood planning May 13th The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee is concerned that the advice of the Environment Agency is not being fully taken into account when it comes to allowing house building on land at risk of flooding. Rural Businesses Embrace Digital Revolution May 9th Country tourism businesses are using broadband and text messaging services to further their goals, according to the CLA. Visitors to New Forest are looking for peace May 8th The biggest ever visitor survey carried out in the New Forest has shown that the public are looking for peace and quiet. Be a responsible metal detector May 7th A new guidance leaflet about the correct way to go about metal detecting has just been launched. No compensation for Hunting Act losses May 6th Businesses and farms dependent on hunting will not be compensated for financial losses incurred as a result of the Hunting Act 2005. British Beef is Back May 5th The ten year export ban on British beef, imposed during the BSE crisis in 1996, has been lifted this week. Recycling Guide Apr 26th New website with all you need to know about recycling at home, the office, and school Water saver awards Apr 25th Show how water efficient your business or organisation is and win an award. An ancient way of Welsh lifes Apr 24th One of the oldest land management schemes in Wales has been secured for the future. Rural Businesses Embrace Digital Revolution Apr 23rd Country tourism businesses are using broadband and text messaging services to further their goals, according to the CLA. No compensation for Hunting Act losses Apr 22nd Businesses and farms dependent on hunting will not be compensated for financial losses incurred as a result of the Hunting Act 2005. Use the new law on light pollution Apr 19th The worst kind of light pollution is about to become a Statutory Nuisance. This could be an important new weapon. Outcry over village's road signs Apr 13th Villagers in Nottinghamshire have accused a council of wasting money after more than 100 signs were put up along a one-mile stretch of road. Village water power scheme launch Apr 13th A Powys village has become the first in Wales to set up a community hydro-electric scheme to supply the national grid with power. The elderly like the countryside Apr 12th The number of older people living in the English countryside is soaring at a much faster rate than the rest of the country, posing numerous urgent challenges to the Government and other bodies. Habitats guide for planners Apr 5th A guide offering advice to local authorities on how to include conservation within planning decisions has been published. Road deaths threaten otters Apr 4th Designers and engineers working on civil engineering schemes are being urged to help prevent otters being killed on our roads. By building ledges and mammal passes into bridges and other river crossing structures, otters and other small mammals can travel safely.