The Theft of the Countryside - Marion Shoard

Hardback, 1980. Marion Shoard sounded the alarm about the damaging effects of modern farming techniques more than 40 years ago.

"Much of what I wrote about in The Theft of the Countryside remains pertinent. I examined the reasons why modern farming was transforming the countryside and the subsidy machine which was fuelling not only damaging landscape change but also the over-production of food. I looked at the value of the English countryside to children, poets and ordinary people out seeking recreation, as well as to industries which rely on the countryside remaining beautiful, such as tourism. I explored the impact of agricultural change on the wildlife, landscape and archaeological remains of the countryside. I urged the introduction of controls to prevent further destruction, the designation of a string of new national parks to protect the most attractive landscapes which remain, and measures to reconstitute damaged landscapes. The Theft of the Countryside sparked off a debate which is still continuing."

If you would like more detailed information about any of the second hand books for sale here, including more photos, I'd be happy to provide it. Please use the contact link at the top of the page.