The Battle for the British Countryside

Who gets to decide what the countryside is for?

This Cirencester History Festival panel puts a practical question on the table: is the countryside for food, housing, nature or leisure? Fiona Reynolds, Guy Shrubsole and Cotswold farmer Andrew Bullock will debate how land is owned, used and opened to the public, with broadcaster and CPRE president Mary-Ann Ochota chairing.

The discussion covers the right to roam and the race for renewable energy while asking who gets to decide the future of rural space. The panel brings together a former National Trust director general, an author whose work examines land ownership and a farmer working with organic and regenerative methods.

Doors open at 3.40pm for the 4pm start, and the event runs until 5.15pm. Bingham Hall's main hall is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, with an accessible toilet nearby, but on-street parking is limited, so allow time to walk from a nearby car park.

Ticketed. Book through Cirencester History Festival.

Sunday 1 November 2026 · Bingham Hall, King Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1JT · Doors 3.40pm, starts 4pm