A countryside for all
From Andrew Wood
Sir: Mian Ridge (‘A question of ethnics’, 21 January) correctly outlines one of the aims of the Countryside Agency’s Diversity Review. However, the article misrepresents the Review by focusing solely on the ‘question of ethnics’. Our aim is to increase opportunities for those who do not now enjoy the benefits of the countryside, particularly those from inner cities, people with disabilities, young people, and those from ethnic minorities. Research conducted by the Countryside Agency found that countryside visitors are mostly white, are usually aged 35–54, have a relatively high income and travel by car.
The benefits of visiting the countryside — both physical and mental — are potentially huge and we will do what we can to help everyone share those benefits. Rural communities also stand to gain from the purchasing power that these groups command. An increase in visitors from beyond the white, middle-aged middle class would be of considerable benefit to many parts of the rural economy.
Andrew Wood
Director, Landscape, Access and Recreation, The Countryside Agency, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
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