Countryside Agency facts for kids
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| Predecessor | Countryside Commission Rural Development Commission |
|---|---|
| Successor | Natural England Commission for Rural Communities |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Defunct | 2006 |
The Countryside Agency was a special group set up by the government in England in 1999. Its main job was to make the countryside a better place and to help people who lived there. This included improving the environment and creating more opportunities for rural communities.
The Agency was formed when two older groups, the Countryside Commission and the Rural Development Commission, joined together. It took over their responsibilities and powers.
The Countryside Agency had three main goals. First, it wanted to protect and improve England's beautiful countryside. Second, it aimed to create more social and economic chances for people living in rural areas. Third, it helped everyone, no matter where they lived, enjoy the countryside. They saw the countryside as a "priceless asset" for everyone to share.
The Agency received about £100 million each year from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Its main office was in Cheltenham, with smaller offices in London and other regions. Around 600 people worked for the Countryside Agency.
Why the Countryside Agency Closed
In 2006, the Countryside Agency was closed down. This happened after a review by Christopher Haskins, who looked at several government groups dealing with rural areas. The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 officially ended the Agency.
What Happened to Its Work?
The different parts of the Countryside Agency's work were taken over by new or existing groups:
- Environmental work: The parts of the Countryside Agency that focused on the environment joined with English Nature and some parts of the Rural Development Service. Together, they formed a new organization called Natural England. Natural England continues to protect and improve England's natural environment.
- Social and economic work: The tasks related to helping rural communities with social and economic opportunities had already moved to the Regional Development Agencies in 1999. These agencies were later replaced by local enterprise partnerships in 2012.
- Research and policy: The remaining parts of the Countryside Agency, which mainly did research and helped create new rules, became the Commission for Rural Communities. This group also closed down in 2013.
See also
- Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Heritage Coast
- Doorstep Green
- Country Park
- Community forests in England
- Rural community vibrancy index
