RuSource is supported by donations and sponsorship and is hosted by the Arthur Rank Centre. RuSource Briefings is a free rural information service for anyone working in the countyrside or with rural people, and those supporting rural life.
We add the current week's Briefings to the SWAN website. If you are interetsed in catching up with earlier editions, please go to the RuSource page on the Arthur Rank website.
Week ending 28 November 2008
Declines in plant species richness have slowed in all habitats but more improvement is needed to support wildlife through climate change. The length of managed hedgerows has decreased but those remaining are in better condition. Vegetation which prefers wetter conditions and casts or prefers shade has increased as have the number of non-native species. Habitat condition has improved in streams but not on their banks. 80% of ponds are in poor condition. Soils are becoming less acid and increases in carbon concentration in soil have slowed or reversed. Defra and the Natural Environment Research Council
There should be a consumer oriented definition of local food. Local food producers need better market awareness and improved production standards and to scale up production. Local food hubs or other specialised intermediaries should be encouraged. Better merchandising of local food in the store is needed and there should be a light-touch system of store accreditation. Producers should collaborate in a single marketing desk for local food. Public sector purchasers should be reminded of government objectives of increasing tenders from small and local suppliers. A local food information centre should be set up. Henry Brown, Westley Consulting Limited and John A Geldard FRAgS
735 Public services and disadvantage
Reforming public services by promoting competition is often ineffective in rural areas. Collaboration and the integration of services can deliver better results. Service commissioners must rural-proof the decisions they make and providers should not be allowed to meet their targets by concentrating their activity in urban areas. Resource allocation should take into account the additional costs of providing services to rural communities. Strengthening local decision making will take time and money to make it work effectively and in particular to engage disadvantaged people. Tackling rural disadvantage through how public services are reformed’ Commission for Rural Communities