The Countryside Agency

The Countryside Agency, established in England in 1999, was a government body focused on promoting rural interests and improving the quality of life in the countryside. It aimed to enhance rural communities, protect landscapes, and encourage sustainable development. The agency worked on issues like access to the countryside, conservation of natural and cultural heritage, and supporting rural economies. In 2006, it merged with the Rural Development Service to form Natural England, which continues to advocate for environmental conservation and rural development in England, blending natural heritage with community needs.