Country Landowners Association (Cla): The CLA represents the interest of its 50,000 members who have an interest in countryside issues, some with large farms and estates, others with smaller amounts of land. CLA members own and manage 60% of the countryside in England and Wales. This is a very graphically intensive site and takes a while to download - there is a text only option.

Adas : ADAS was privatised through a management and employee buyout on 1st April 1997 and undertakes a wide range of research and consultancy for government and theprivate sector in the food, farming, land and leisure sectors. ADAS’ diverse consultancy base includes a broad mix of farm-based enterprises, independent food processors, manufacturers, retailers, utilities, waste managers, mineral extractors and land developers. Its research customers include agricultural supply trade companies,farmer/industry funded levy bodies, DEFRA and other government and public bodies. ADAS consultants operate nationally and internationally, carrying out initial enterprise appraisals, market research and strategic planning and advising on the business and technical aspects of production, quality control and distribution. Project teams provide practical solutions to key environmental problems affecting users and developers of land. ADAS is also directly involved in the input to policy formulation and provides guidance on issues relating to food hygiene, animal health and environmental management and planning.

Action With Communities In Rural England (Acre): ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) is the national association of Rural Community Councils whose shared purpose is to improve the quality of life of local communities, and in particular of disadvantaged people in rural England. ACRE’s aim is to facilitate the development of thriving, diverse and sustainable communities throughout rural England. ACRE publishes Rural Digest (a fortnightly newsletter). This is a comprehensive website giving details of ACRE’s activities, publications, funding opportunities and network of Rural Community Councils. Regional sites include: Northamptonshire ACRE.

The Arkleton Centre: The Arkleton Centre for Rural Development Research was set up in November 1995 to research the issues of rural change and development in Europe, including developments in rural policy and practice. It has built strong links with researchers in Europe and North America, and works closely with rural communities, policy maker and practitioners. The Arkleton Centre was formed by an agreement to merge the activities of the Arkleton Trust (Research) Ltd with the University of Aberdeen. The Trust is a Charity under UK law is governed by a Board of Trustees.

Countryside Alliance: “It would mean the destruction of 16,000 rural jobs associated with hunting…the strength in numbers demonstrated in the 300,000-strong Countryside March..which dwarfs the anti-hunting petition…has shown rural people the influence they can bring to bear.” - Richard Burge.

European Council For The Village And Small Town (Ecovast): ECOVAST was set up in 1984 to further the well-being of rural communities and the safeguarding of the rural heritage throughout Europe. Its formal aims are: to foster the economic, social and cultural vitality and the administrative identity of rural communities throughout Europe, and to promote the sensitive and imaginative renewal of the built and natural environments of such communities. ECOVAST can thus act as a bridge between decision-makers and those who are active at local level, between experts and practitioners. It operates mainly as a network of over 500 members, to assist mutual support among its membership in pursuit of their activity in rural areas. Its Strategy for Rural Europe paper is available from the site.

Centre For Rural Mission: This site is maintained by Barry Osborne and links to several key networks for rural ministry and mission in the UK.

Council For The Protection Of Rural England (Cpre): CPRE is a national charity which helps people to protect their local countryside where there is threat, to enhance it where there is opportunity, and to keep it beautiful, productive and enjoyable for everyone.

Countryside Agency: The Countryside Commission is an independent Government agency funded through the DETR. It advises government and represents the interests of those who value the great outdoors, either as a place in which to live, to work, or to relax. It seeks to help people enjoy the English countryside including the beautiful views, national trails, forest walks, bridle ways, coast paths, country parks, village greens, etc.

Countryside Restoration Trust: The aims of the Trust are to show that profitable farming, attractive landscape and abundant wildlife can co-exist. The Trust demonstrates this by purchasing over-intensively farmed land and rehabilitating it. Contact: Countryside Restoration Trust, Barton, Cambridgeshire CB3 7AG. Tel: 01223 843322.