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20/09/24 - English devolution, funding for rural communities, farm homeless hostel and storks

The English countryside has the potential to generate billions, chronic underinvestment is costing jobs and money - according to rural bodies.

A new report is calling for more investment in rural areas. The Rural Coalition says the English countryside has the potential to generate billions, but chronic underinvestment is costing jobs and money. Meanwhile, the Government is promising a "devolution revolution", with new mayors soon to be elected in Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire. So will that help when it comes to rural investment?

Rural homelessness is often a hidden problem and it can be hard to find help and support. We visit a working farm in Somerset where the dairy house has been converted into a hostel for homeless people, who are also given the chance to learn rural skills.

And storks died out in the UK 600 years ago. But after a re-introduction project on the Knepp Estate in Sussex in 2016, migrating birds are now returning to the country to breed.

Presented by Charlotte Smith
Produced by Heather Simons

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14 minutes

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  • Today 05:45

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