People stuck at home may want to move to countryside, Humble says
TELEVISION PRESENTER Kate Humble has said that she would welcome people moving to the countryside after the coronavirus pandemic.
The former BBC Springwatch host said that for many people, being forced to stay at home will make those who live in cities want to uproot their lives.
She said the current situation may remind people of the importance of “family and community and outdoor space and nature”, sparking a search for space in a rural setting.
“I think there will be a lot of rebalancing of lives,” she said, speaking to Radio Times magazine.
“If a result of what’s happening is that more people consider moving to the countryside, I’d say ‘come and do it’.
“The world has been chucking fire and floods at us and we still think we can carry on behaving as we have been – now maybe we’ll realise we can’t.
“It’s hard to consider at the moment, but I think there could be some positive outcomes to this.”
Ms Humble’s new Channel 5 series, A Country Life For Half The Price, follows those who have started self-sufficient new lives in the countryside, often leaving city life behind them as they follow their dreams. It starts next Tuesday.
“I think a lot of people at the moment will be re-evaluating their lives and considering what’s important,” she said. “Instead of chasing mad consumerist things, we’ll realise that the important things are family and community and outdoor space and nature.”
However, she has said that if people do choose to move to the countryside from towns and cities, they must not bring their “city slicker” ways with them.
“If you’re going to do it, don’t come stamping around in your Jimmy Choos,” she adds. “Come and put your wellies on and muck in with the rest of us.
“I think the countryside has got an awful lot to teach people in the cities and I would rather see it that way around.”