There is a lot going on out here, from community shops and village allotment schemes, to the replanting of ancient cider trees and groups that bring art films and international performers to villages.

There is also the hunting issue, the badger cull issue, the peat harvesting issue, the farming and wildlife issue, the rural jobs issue, and a whole lot more. Rural lives are just as complex as any others and by no means more idyllic.

Here are a few sites to give you a taste of what we mean: