Rural connectivity is priority

Rural communities have put improved digital connectivity on the top of their wish list, according to a survey which asked country dwellers to list issues of concern.

Seventy per cent of respondents said digital infrastructure was the most important issue to be addressed in the countryside.

The online research was undertaken by the Countryside Alliance and has been presented to the House of Lords, which will make recommendations to the Government next year, as part of their inquiry into the rural economy.

This is the first time that a Parliamentary inquiry has considered such a broad range of rural issues at any one time and it is hoped that this will help improve the lives of those who live and work in the countryside. Highest importance Digital infrastructure Provision of services Support for local amenities

49% Rural businesses and investment Rural housing and planning policy

48% Transport

connections Digital connectivity is still an issue in many rural areas Employment and skills

40% National and local government policy and devolution Rural deprivation and isolation

33% Demographic

challenges Gamekeeper Mike Holliday was recorded by BBC Radio stalking a red stag on the Glenample estate in Scotland.

The 15-minute recording takes listeners through every stage, from taking note of wind direction, walking through undergrowth, crawling through heather, through to the final shot and the gralloch. The whole piece gives an atmospheric sound experience that makes the listener feel they were present. Listen at po.st/radiostalk.

LISTEN

Mike stalks an elusive stag in BBC Radio 4’s In My Head feature

SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRY MAGAZINE • 7