r u r a l r e c r e a t i o n

access: environment: inclusion

 

“Take then, smooth Path, this tribute of my love, Thou emblem pure of legal liberty!” 
William Mason, Sonnet XII, to a Gravel Walk

Welcome to our website.

r u r a l r e c r e a t i o n  is a grassroots campaigning body set up to put forward new social visions of the rural, exploring what the rural means to people in the countryside, to people in the cities, suburbs and subrurs. 

We’re particularly interested in expanding the borders of accessibility, environmentalism & inclusivity and do so through action research projects, both without and with authority, community and agency.

Follow the links on this page to find out what we're up to and if you'd like to get involved please drop us a line.


news



fossil bank

Do you have any old and unwanted fossils  ?  Got too many brachiopods to look after or is every surface covered in coprolites ? Found some on the beach you can't carry home ?

New fossil banks for key sites on the Jurassic coast are the answer. Simply bring your unwanted fossils along and place in the correct receptacle for the genus or species. Important specimens will be recycled at scientific institutions, others will be given to those who want them for free and the remainder will be repatriated to the beach they came from - fossil are coming home. Part swap shop, part open source museum, the fossil bank could be coming to a beach near your Site of Special Scientific Interest in the near future.


fossil recycling bank


organically raised pony skin rucksack 

Practical, stylish, comfortable pony skin rucksack - raised organically on Devons wild moorland. 

An ideal accessory for the environmentally conscious walker, this bag is handcrafted by Dartmoor based fine leather worker Tony Piper. Pony skin is a waste product as every year many ponies are culled as part of moorland land management practices. More details here

organic rucksack


new sections

text / link - writing, articles and links to things and people we like

paths  - some experimental works, photography and video


immersion

a strategic framework for eco-recreation in British Waters
   
Immersion: A strategic framework for eco-recreation in British waters launches new vision of sustainable water cultures in the 21st century - 80 page full report available.
  • Sustainable fish protein - aquaculture meets lido 
  • Invasive species  - voluntary public biosecurity
  • Regenerating seaside towns  - urban scuba
Following on from this work we will be working  with Aune Head Arts, the National Marine Aquarium, the Marine Institute Plymouth, Childs Sulzmann architects and Ginkgo Projects on three action research projects in 2010, Immersible, Submersion, and Immersed. Partners, funders and volunteers are being sought to assist with this project - contact us now to find out more

loading facility

digital navigation to the golf of Ilfracombe

seaside sports for the extremist
   
The regeneration of Ilfracombe seafront has presented some unique opportunities to support the creation of a new type of seaside playground. Collaborating with North Devon District Council, Perfect Moment, Gillespies landscape architects and Workhouse Design architects we have put forward new ideas for this landscape of leisure, a virtual and physical playing of the coast.
 victorians

lime light

sustainable coastal tourism: oxymoron or acheivable aspiration ?
   
r u r a l r e c r e a t i o n will be working with eco-campaigners Turn Lyme Green to see whether Lyme Regis in Dorset can lead the way in becoming less dependent on fossil fuels..


Lyme Regis

the Jaywick Tourist Board

the seaside shanty town in Essex that's got the lot

We have recently launched the Jaywick Tourist Board - a DIY tourism intiative for the village of Jaywick on the Essex coast. Take an internet, or audio, guided tour at www.jaywicked.org. Take an audio tour of Jaywick's Flood Risk Assesmment or a google maps internet of points of interest.

Part of Arcadia Revisited, this project which will support residents and vistors in looking again at regeneration, tourism and marshes. A new type of tourism of the community, for the community.
take off

inclusive path

eco-tourism comes to Cumbria
    
For any who missed it our project the Inclusive Path called on walkers in the Cumbrian fells to reduce their footprint. Part of the FRED festival in Cumbria, the project attracted hundreds of visitors. Have a look at their pictures -  more details on Inclusive Path here...
participant