Divide cover art

Divide

The Relationship Crisis Between Town and Country

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About this listen

This book is a call to action. It warns that unless we learn to accept and respect our social, cultural and political differences as town and country people, we are never going to solve the chronic problems in our food system and environment.

As we stare down the barrel of climate change, only farmers - who manage two thirds of the UK's landscape - working together with conservation groups can create a healthier food system and bring back nature in diverse abundance. But this fledgling progress is hindered and hamstrung by simplistic debates that still stoke conflict between conservative rural communities and the liberal green movement.

Each chapter, from family and politics to animal welfare and the environment, explores a different aspect of the urban/rural disconnect, weaving case studies and research with Anna's personal stories of growing up on a small upland farm. There is a simple theme and a strong message running throughout the book - a plea to respect our differences, recognise each other's strengths and work together to heal the land.

©2022 Anna Jones (P)2022 Octopus Publishing Group Agricultural & Food Sciences Science Sustainable Agriculture Village Sustainability
All stars
Most relevant
Brilliantly summarises some of the most important issues around food, farming and the environment in an entertaining and personal way. Thoroughly recommended.

Facinating and entertaining book

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Brilliant book, wish everyone would find it and give it a listen or read, it might just narrow that divide, brilliantly written, well done.

Very real and poignant view of life now, a hard listen in places,only because the truth hurts.

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Absolutely loved it. got me hooked straight away with the area and people mentioned that I have also been to and met. The famous Dicko the hill farmer and shearer. such a great insite of 'the divide' from both sides.

hard to stop listening

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A refreshing and I found addictive look at issues that so easily descend into binary toxic debates. Jones brings compassion and humanity combined with the knowledge that clearly comes from a lifetime of listening to people from a wide range of backgrounds and ideologies. Covering topics from fox hunting, farting cows, gay farmers, race, farming subsidies and Brexit the human stories behind the headlines are lovingly and considerately told. A must read for anyone who lives in a city, town, village, hamlet or farm, eats food or drinks water.

A loving and painstakingly balanced look at many divisive issues

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The book focuses on farming, food, diversity, countryside and changing attitudes and perspectives worldwide.

Explores conflicts between rural and urban life

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