Countryside goes head to head with cities to become UK City of Culture

Farm Stay UK, together with leading countryside organisations the National Trust and the National Farmers' Union, is asking the question "Why can't the countryside be recognised as a cultural experience?"

"We are instigating a bid for The UK City of Culture 2013 as we know the countryside has just as much to offer culturally as any city in the UK.  Our bid, which is supported by the National Trust, will focus on the facilities available in the countryside that far outstrip any traditional city destination," commented Andy Woodward, Chief Executive of Farm Stay UK which represents over 1,000 working farms offering visitor accommodation.

Andy continues; "The countryside has culture, heritage, the arts and some of the finest sporting events and venues in the world, many of which are National Trust properties.  

We have tremendous music festivals, be they pop or classical, open air theatre and every type of recreation.  We have the full range of accommodation from traditional farmhouse B & B to luxury stately home hotels and chic country inns, from quirky self catering cottages to yurts, tipis and wigwams.

Add to this a stunning sky line and you have the perfect mix of natural landscape and culture."

The serious message is that the countryside needs to be supported and is struggling every bit as much as any city, if not more.

The countryside is dominated by micro-businesses, run by small family units, and a successful bid would enable the countryside to come together, to get involved and showcase exactly what it is capable of.

Jo Burgon, Head of Access & Recreation at the National Trust, said: "The countryside has provided the inspiration for some of the world's finest art, music and literature.

It could easily be argued that the cultural contribution of a countryside area such as the Lake District far outweighs that of any UK city.  Today the countryside acts as inspiration for millions of visitors each year, providing a landscape of culture packed with cultural activities.

The countryside is an important part of UK culture that is frequently overlooked, which is why we are keen to back this bid." 

The National Farmers' Union is also supporting Farm Stay's bid for the countryside to be the City of Culture in 2013.

NFU Director of Policy Martin Haworth explains: "As our Why Farming Matters campaign highlighted, the countryside and farming brings unique benefits to the country as a whole; to our economy, our biodiversity and, by growing fresh, quality produce, to the nation's health.  

"Winning the City of Culture would reflect the wealth of cultural opportunities that are already available in our rural towns and villages, as well as bring much-needed investment to build on existing success."

RASE Supports UK Countryside bid for "City of Culture" status

The Royal Agricultural Society of England is supporting the imaginative application from Farm Stay UK to have the UK countryside considered as the UK City of Culture 2013.

Supported by the National Trust and the National Farmers' Union, Farm Stay UK is asking the very pertinent question: "Why can't the countryside be recognised as a cultural experience just as much as any individual City?"

"We are instigating a bid for The UK City of Culture 2013 as we know the countryside has just as much to offer culturally as any city in the UK.  Our bid, which is supported by the National Trust and the NFU, will focus on the facilities available in the countryside that far outstrip any traditional city destination," said Andy Woodward, Chief Executive of Farm Stay UK which represents over 1,000 working farms offering visitor accommodation and is based on the RASE's Stoneleigh Park.

Commenting on the bid, RASE Chief Executive Brian Warren said that he was delighted to give Farm Stay UK the Society's unqualified support.

"In terms of culture, the arts, heritage and sport, the UK countryside can stand alongside any individual City. It would also offer unrivalled opportunities to taste some of the best food and drink in the world. Indeed, the rich diversity to be found in rural Britain provides a stimulating and rewarding experience for any visitor.

"In addition, our countryside has a very special atmosphere and always offers a fantastic welcome to visitors. To receive an endorsement like City of Culture would give our rural economy a huge boost just when it needs it most," said Mr Warren.