Writing for the Countryside Alliance website, Baroness Mallalieu the Countryside Alliance President, argues that the Government should open campsites, cottages, cafes and pubs with outdoor gardens, and all national park car parks to spread visitors across the countryside rather than concentrating them at select ‘honey pot’ sites

She echoes the Countryside Alliance’s belief that tourism underpins the rural economy and will therefore be the engine that restarts it.

Meanwhile, several local groups have been awarded funding to support rural efforts. The Prince’s Countryside Fund has awarded three emergency grants to farming and rural community support groups who are providing assistance to counter the effects of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The successful applicants are tackling COVID-19 in a number of ways – from grocery, hot meal, and prescription delivery in remote areas, to setting up community shops and food banks, or providing business support tailored for rural and farm businesses.

Full articles:

Cumbria Crack - The Prince’s Countryside Fund awards three emergency grants to rural communities across Cumbria

Cumbria Crack - Carlisle Local Committee awards over £5,000 to rural community groups

Cumbria Crack - Countryside Alliance: reopen the countryside and let rural businesses prosper

Wales247 - Five Rural Communities Awarded Emergency Grants