Countryside Alliance

The Countryside Alliance was formed on 10 July 1997 from three organisations: the British Field Sports Society, the Countryside Business Group, and the Countryside Movement. The Alliance was formed to help promote and defend the British countryside and rural life, both in the media and in Parliament. Since then, the Countryside Alliance has campaigned on a number of issues which they believe are important to rural Britain. In 2008 organisation was named the 'most inspiring political personality' of the last ten years by Channel 4 News.{{cite news |url=http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2008/01/25/109149/Countryside-Alliance-wins-Channel-4-award-for-political.htm |title=Countryside Alliance wins Channel 4 award for political campaigning |first=Andrew |last=Watts |newspaper=Farmers Weekly |date=25 January 2008 |access-date=3 February 2015}}

It broadly outlines its major campaigns through a Rural Charter{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/Our-Work/Campaigns/Countryside-Alliance-Rural-Charter-(1)|title=GENERAL ELECTION 2019|website=Countryside Alliance|language=en|access-date=10 January 2020}} which focuses on the following major themes:

• 'Make Brexit work for the countryside'
• 'Buy British by supporting our farmers and producers'
• 'Recognise the importance of wildlife management and the value of hunting, shooting and fishing'
• 'Connect the countryside by delivering first class digital infrastructure'
• 'Tackle crime in rural areas'

• Against the passing of the 2004 Hunting Ban, and lobbying for its repeal{{cite web|url=http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/campaigns-hunting|title=Hunting|publisher=Countryside Alliance|access-date=3 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203124744/http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/campaigns-hunting|archive-date=3 February 2015|url-status=dead}}
• Against the closure of rural post offices{{cite web|url=http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/communities/post-offices-could-close-by-stealth|title=Post Offices "could close by stealth"|publisher=Countryside Alliance|date=3 March 2011|access-date=3 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203125245/http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/communities/post-offices-could-close-by-stealth|archive-date=3 February 2015|url-status=dead}}
• Supporting shooting and deer stalking across the British Isles, by campaigning against additional regulations and negative press coverage{{cite web|url=http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/campaigns-shooting|title=Shooting & conservation|publisher=Countryside Alliance|access-date=3 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203114626/http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/campaigns-shooting|archive-date=3 February 2015|url-status=dead}}
• Encouraging customers and supermarkets to stock food from British farms{{cite web|url=http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/campaigns-food-farming|title=Food & farming|publisher=Countryside Alliance|access-date=3 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203114535/http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/campaigns-food-farming|archive-date=3 February 2015|url-status=dead}}
• Calling for better broadband connections for homes and small businesses in the countryside{{cite web|url=http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/4g-broadband|title=Connecting the countryside |publisher=Countryside Alliance |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326031935/http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/4g-broadband |archive-date=26 March 2014 |access-date=3 February 2015}}
• Organising educational talks and trips to the countryside for schoolchildren{{cite web|url=http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/article/introducing-the-countryside-alliance-foundation|title=Introducing The Countryside Alliance Foundation|publisher=Countryside Alliance|access-date=3 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203125108/http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/article/introducing-the-countryside-alliance-foundation|archive-date=3 February 2015|url-status=dead}}
• A "Game-to-Eat" campaign aiming to popularise game as a meat of choice{{cite web|url=http://www.gametoeat.co.uk/|title=Looking for a recipe? - Game to Eat|work=gametoeat.co.uk}}
• Fishing4Schools, an initiative aimed to help children with special educational needs by taking them angling{{cite web|url=http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/campaigns-fishing|title=Fishing |publisher=Countryside Alliance |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909015327/http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/campaigns-fishing |archive-date=9 September 2014 |access-date=3 February 2015}}
• Falconry for schools{{cite web|url=http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/campaigns-falconry|title=Welcome to Falconry for Schools |publisher=Countryside Alliance |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909022515/http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/campaigns-falconry |archive-date=9 September 2014 |access-date=3 February 2015}}
• Supporting small rural businesses through the Countryside Alliance Awards scheme{{cite web|url=http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/communities|title=Communities|publisher=Countryside Alliance|access-date=3 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203125242/http://www.countryside-alliance.org/ca/communities|archive-date=3 February 2015|url-status=dead}}

• Chairman — Nick Herbert, Baron Herbert of South Downs, Conservative Party peer, former Minister of State for Policing and Criminal Justice and former Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs
• President — Ann Mallalieu, Baroness Mallalieu, Labour peer
• Vice President — Llin Golding, Baroness Golding, Labour peer
• Chief Executive and Director of The Countryside Alliance Foundation – Tim Bonner

• Richard Fry{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/About-Us/our-structure|title=Our Structure|website=Countryside Alliance|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}}
• Andrew Ogg
• James Wharton, Baron Wharton of Yarm, Conservative peer, former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development and former Member of Parliament for Stockton South
• Johnnie Arkwright{{cite web|url=http://www.heraclesllp.com/team/johnnie-arkwright.html|title=Heracles LLP - Johnnie Arkwright|publisher=Heracles LLP |access-date=3 February 2015}}
• Caroline Squire
• Karen Silcock

• Tim Bonner
• Bill Tyrwhitt-Drake
• Charlie McVeigh III
• Guy Portwin
• Paul Dunn

• Nick Bannister, Chairman{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/Charity|title=The Foundation|website=Countryside Alliance|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}}
• Charlie Wilson
• Richard Fry
• Andrew Ogg
• Tim Russ
• Tara Douglas-Home

The Countryside Alliance Foundation{{Cite web|url=https://beta.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1121034&subid=0|title=Charity Details|website=beta.charitycommission.gov.uk|access-date=16 December 2019}} is the charitable arm of the organisation. Its mission aim, according to its website, is to "help adults and children alike make the most of the incredible remedial and educational benefits of being involved in the natural environment. By introducing people to the delights of rural Britain we hope to inspire them to become passionate about the countryside, and helping to protect the natural environment."

The Foundation's core projects include the Casting For Recovery (UK and Ireland) programme,{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/Charity/Casting-for-Recovery-UK-Ireland|title=Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland|website=Countryside Alliance|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}} Fishing for Schools{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/Charity/Fishing-for-Schools|title=Fishing for Schools|website=Countryside Alliance|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}} and Falconry for Schools.{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/Charity/Falconry-for-Schools|title=Falconry for Schools|website=Countryside Alliance|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019|archive-date=16 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216163428/https://www.countryside-alliance.org/charity/falconry-for-schools|url-status=dead}}

The Casting for Recovery programme was set up by The Foundation to provide women affected by breast cancer treatment with an opportunity to learn the sport of fly fishing as part of a free weekend retreat. The retreats are run by health care volunteers, qualified fishing instructors and fishing guides. The programme was established by Sue Shaw. In an article for the Yorkshire Post, the aim of the programme is stated to be "to give the women a shared, safe environment in which to discuss their illness and share experiences. They receive all the latest advice from an oncology nurse and an on-staff counsellor is also there to lend expertise on the specific fears and worries associated with breast cancer. Retreats can stir up emotions for many of the women, so the professionalism and expertise of the medics and counsellors is vital."{{Cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/the-hobby-giving-women-a-retreat-from-breast-cancer-1-8512281|title=The hobby giving women a retreat from breast cancer|website=www.yorkshirepost.co.uk|date=26 April 2017 |language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}}

Fishing for Schools was set up in 2007 by award-winning angler Charles Jardine.{{Cite web|url=http://www.charlesjardine.co.uk/fishingforschools.html|title=Fishing for Schools|website=www.charlesjardine.co.uk|access-date=16 December 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.totalflyfisher.com/news/item/8941-charles-jardine-to-run-london-marathon|title=Charles Jardine to run London Marathon|website=www.totalflyfisher.com|language=en-gb|access-date=16 December 2019|archive-date=16 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216163841/https://www.totalflyfisher.com/news/item/8941-charles-jardine-to-run-london-marathon|url-status=dead}} In a profile piece written by David Profumo for The Daily Telegraph, the programme is described as being "aimed at students in secondary education, especially those with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and a spectrum of special needs. Working alongside teachers in and out of the classroom, it explores core curricular subjects (maths, natural science, English) through the medium of angling and its range of associated skills – social, practical and interactive. It fills the gap between fun and academia."{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationopinion/10320635/Fishing-for-Schools-how-to-get-kids-hooked-on-learning.html|title=Fishing for Schools: how to get kids hooked on learning|last=Profumo|first=David|date=21 September 2013|access-date=16 December 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}} According to its webpage, the programme offers participants between the ages of 10-16 the opportunity to gain qualifications through accredited schemes run by ASDAN, COPE, BTEC and NOCN.

The Falconry for Schools project sees birds of prey taken into primary and secondary schools, with an aim of teaching knowledge and understanding of the natural world to pupils as part of general subjects relating to history, science and technology.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bude-today.co.uk/article.cfm?id=109175&headline=Pupils%20get%20up%20close%20to%20birds%20of%20prey§ionIs=news&searchyear=2017|title=Pupils get up close to birds of prey|website=Bude & Stratton Post|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}}

The Countryside Alliance Awards is a national awards scheme set up in 2006, also known as The Rural Oscars.{{Cite web|title=Countryside Alliance Awards open for nominations|url=https://www.southwestfarmer.co.uk/news/17898724.countryside-alliance-awards-open-nominations/|access-date=2021-03-09|website=South West Farmer|date=15 September 2019 |language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2019-06-19|title=All the winners from the 2019 Countryside Alliance Awards|url=https://www.sporting-rifle.com/news/all-the-winners-from-the-2019-countryside-alliance-awards/|access-date=2021-03-09|website=Sporting Rifle magazine|language=en-US}} Its aim is to "award rural businesses that go the extra mile, who support their local economy and are unsung heroes in every community".{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/Rural-Awards/caawards|title=The 15th Annual Countryside Alliance Awards|website=Countryside Alliance|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2019/06/20/countryside-perseveres-uncertainty-political-neglect/|title=The countryside perseveres through uncertainty and political neglect|date=20 June 2019|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=16 December 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}} The awards are led by public nominations, covering seven categories: village shop/post office, local food and drink, rural enterprise, pub, butcher, game and the Clarissa Dickson Wright award, which was instituted in 2013.{{Cite web|url=http://www.agriland.co.uk/farming-news/meet-the-regional-finalists-in-the-2019-countryside-alliance-awards/|title=Meet the regional finalists in the 2019 Countryside Alliance Awards|last=Martin|first=Rachel|date=15 January 2019|website=Agriland.co.uk|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}}

In 2019, the Countryside Alliance stated that it had received over 17,000 nominations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/17403147.llangurig-post-office-in-the-running-for-a-rural-oscar/|title=Llangurig post office in the running for a 'Rural Oscar'|website=County Times|date=February 2019 |language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}} The awards ceremony is usually held in the month of June at the House of Lords. Previous judges have included Michael Gove,{{Cite web|url=https://www.midweekherald.co.uk/news/award-winning-honiton-butcher-looks-to-add-rural-oscar-to-his-collection-1-5875250|title=Award-winning Honiton butcher looks to add 'rural Oscar' to his collection|last=Catling|first=Lydia|website=Midweek Herald|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}} Andrea Leadsom,{{Cite web|url=https://www.farminguk.com/news/andrea-leadsom-hands-out-2016-rural-oscars-at-a-parliamentary-reception_45982.html|title=Andrea Leadsom hands out 2016 'Rural Oscars' at a Parliamentary reception|website=www.farminguk.com|language=en-gb|access-date=16 December 2019}} Liz Truss,{{Cite web|url=https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/harveys-brewery-crowned-champion-at-rural-oscars-1-7356473|title=Harveys Brewery crowned champion at 'Rural Oscars'|website=www.sussexexpress.co.uk|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019|archive-date=16 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216163628/https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/harveys-brewery-crowned-champion-at-rural-oscars-1-7356473|url-status=dead}} William Sitwell and the late Clarissa Dickson Wright.

The Countryside Alliance provides a number of guides for its members and the wider public that relate to crimes often associated as common rural crimes. These include dog theft, fly-tipping, sheep rustling, hare poaching, fuel theft as well as the impact of hunt saboteurs and online bullying.{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/Our-Work/Campaigns/Rural-Crime/National-Rural-Crime-Week-2019-(1)|title=Spotlight on Rural Crime|website=Countryside Alliance|date=January 2000 |language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}}

In November 2019, the Countryside Alliance produced a report which detailed the number of crimes recorded by police forces at churches and other religious buildings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland using powers under Freedom of Information laws. Police Scotland did not comply with the request. The final report found that between January 2017 and July 2019 over 20,000 crimes had been recorded, which included lead and metal theft, general theft, violent assault and vandalism.{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/News/2019/11/CA-Special-report-into-crimes-against-churches|title=Countryside Alliance Special report into crimes against churches and religious buildings in the UK|website=Countryside Alliance|date=4 November 2019 |language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}} Following the publication of the report, The Countryside Alliance issued the following public statement: "As a society, irrespective of faith or none, we need to be much more vigilant when it comes to watching over churches and places of worship by reporting suspicious activity. These figures serve as a reminder of the importance of funding and pushing for visible policing, particularly in rural areas where churches are more remote."{{Cite web|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2019/8-november/news/uk/police-survey-reveals-crime-wave-in-and-around-churches|title=Police survey reveals crime wave in and around churches|website=www.churchtimes.co.uk|access-date=16 December 2019}}

The Countryside Alliance describes the food and farming industry as "nationally important" arguing it is responsible for "generating over £108 billion a year for the UK economy and employing one in eight people. It is particularly important for our most rural areas where farming is often central to the economic and social life of the community as well as playing a vital role in conservation".{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/Our-Work/Campaigns/Food-and-Farming|title=Food and Farming|website=Countryside Alliance|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}}

During the UK General Election of 2019, the organisation called for the next government to ensure food labelling showed where an animal was reared and slaughtered for all meat – including that where meat is an ingredient and part of an overall product. It argued "Country of origin food labelling must be mandatory for all processed meat to ensure a level playing field for hard-working British farmers after the United Kingdom leaves the European Union."{{Cite web|url=http://www.agriland.co.uk/farming-news/calls-for-government-to-enforce-proper-british-labelling/|title=Calls for Government to enforce 'proper' British labelling|last=Martin|first=Rachel|date=26 November 2019|website=Agriland.co.uk|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}}

Following a planned occupation of Smithfield Meat Market in the City of London in opposition to the meat industry by animal rights group Animal Rebellion, the Countryside Alliance publicly stated that the group's activities would put the livelihoods of farmers and traders at risk. Speaking to The Telegraph newspaper, The CA's Chief Executive Tim Bonner said: "Their idea of a day out is to cause misery to others. They (Animal Rebellion) mask their political driven agenda by pretending to care about animals. They are fuelled by hatred of people and those that opt for an alternative lifestyle to them."{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/08/31/farmers-could-lose-tens-thousands-vegan-activists-plan-fortnight/|title=Farmers could lose tens of thousands as vegan activists plan fortnight-long blockade of UK's largest meat market|last=Wilford|first=Greg|date=31 August 2019|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=16 December 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}} A spokesman for the Countryside Alliance attended the occupation on 7 October 2019 to record a public video, opposing Animal Rebellion and calling on consumers to back UK farmers and sustainable meat production.{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/News/2019/10/Countryside-Alliance-defend-Smithfield-meat-trader|title=Countryside Alliance defend Smithfield meat traders and livestock farmers|website=Countryside Alliance|date=7 October 2019 |language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}}

The Campaign for Shooting "gives a clear political and public voice to the shooting community".{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/Our-Work/Campaigns/campaignforshooting|title=Campaign for Shooting|website=Countryside Alliance|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}} It lists its objectives as: to secure and enhance the long-term sustainability of the sport, and its associated land management practices, and to manage and reduce political risk at local, national and devolved levels.

On 12 August 2019, the Labour Party claimed that the financial benefits of shooting grouse were outweighed by the environmental cost and subsequently called for its review. The Countryside Alliance's Director of Shooting Adrian Blackmore stated "those with any knowledge of grouse shooting and its associated management will know that some of the claims being made by Labour are complete nonsense, and if an independent review into grouse shooting would help increase Labour's understanding of its considerable environmental, economic and social benefits, then it should be welcomed."{{Cite web|url=https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/glorious-12th-grouse-shooting-season-labour-496051|title=Glorious 12th dawns with Labour calling for 'simulated shooting'|website=inews.co.uk|date=11 August 2019 |language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}}

The inception of the Hunting Act 2004 on 18 February 2005 saw traditional foxhunting and other forms of hunting with hounds become restricted. According to its website, The Countryside Alliance supports all forms of legal hunting, but continues to make clear that it will oppose what they believe is ultimately a bad piece of legislation. The group has stated that the ban, brought forward by the then Labour administration under Tony Blair, is "the worst possible example of a law that was passed as an attack on a minority in society".{{Cite web|url=https://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2016/12/tim-bonner-the-hunting-act-has-to-go.html|title=Tim Bonner: The Hunting Act has to go|website=Conservative Home|date=27 December 2016 |language=en-US|access-date=16 December 2019}}

A proposed ban on trail-hunting and hound exercise on public land submitted by a Labour Councillor in Essex saw the Countryside Alliance campaign against the motion brought forward to Essex County Council on 14 May 2019. The motion was defeated at a meeting of the Full Council at County Hall.{{Cite web|url=https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/entirely-illogical-plan-ban-trail-hunting-voted-687362|title='Entirely illogical' plan to ban trail-hunting voted down|last=Jones|first=Eleanor|date=15 May 2019|website=Horse & Hound|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}}

Following an announcement by the Labour Party in August 2019 that it would strengthen the Hunting Act, the Countryside Alliance accused them of "reverting to class war" and said "We can't get any straight answers on what the problem (with foxhunting) is or what solutions Labour have, other than they seem to desperately want people who wear red coats and ride horses in court".{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/08/12/labour-accused-class-war-plans-end-badger-culling-crack-fox/|title=Labour accused of 'class war' over plans to end badger culling and crack down on fox hunting|last=Yorke|first=Harry|date=12 August 2019|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=16 December 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}

The Countryside Alliance promotes the annual Boxing Day Meet of registered hunts throughout the United Kingdom, using an online mapping tool. It reports that around 300 hunts meet annually, with 25 in Yorkshire alone.{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/support-us/Events-(2)/Boxing-Day-Hunt-Meets-2019|title=Boxing Day Meets 2019|website=Countryside Alliance|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216163833/https://www.countryside-alliance.org/support-us/events-(2)/boxing-day-hunt-meets-2019|archive-date=16 December 2019|url-status=dead}}

The Countryside Alliance campaigns for better broadband and mobile connectivity in rural areas.{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/Our-Work/Campaigns/digital-communications|title=Digital Communications|website=Countryside Alliance|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}}

During the UK General Election of 2019 the group welcomed an announcement by the Conservative Party, which pledged to fast-track a plan for a 'Shared Rural Network', which the Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed would see new masts built and existing infrastructure shared between the four mobile phone providers – 02, Three, Vodafone and EE. A CA spokesman said at the time "For far too long the countryside has been left behind when it comes to mobile connectivity."{{Cite web|url=https://www.farminguk.com/news/pm-pledges-to-fast-track-plans-to-boost-signals-in-rural-areas_54480.html|title=PM pledges to fast-track plans to boost signals in rural areas|website=www.farminguk.com|language=en-gb|access-date=16 December 2019}}

The Countryside Alliance publicly opposed a policy announcement by the Labour Party in November 2019, which pledged to nationalise broadband and provide free full-fibre broadband by 2030. The group stated on its website that "The Countryside Alliance is concerned that Labour's proposals to renationalise BT risks delaying broadband delivery in rural areas. By removing private investment and stifling competition, especially in the most remote areas of the countryside, they will disincentivise other tech businesses from delivering innovative solutions which are so important in closing the digital divide."{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/News/2019/11/CA-respond-to-the-Labour-Party-broadband-pledge|title=The Countryside Alliance respond to the Labour Party's broadband pledge|website=Countryside Alliance|date=15 November 2019 |language=en|access-date=16 December 2019}}

The Alliance has long defended hunting and shooting, especially hunting with hounds, opposing the legislation (the Hunting Act 2004) which came into effect in England and Wales in February 2005. Amongst other causes, the Scottish Countryside Alliance campaigns against the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002, which prohibited hunting north of the border. In 2002, the Alliance organised the Liberty & Livelihood March, one of the largest demonstrations in British history{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}} with almost half a million people marching through London to demonstrate against the proposed ban.{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200102/cmhansrd/vo021016/debtext/21016-32.htm|title=House of Commons Hansard Debates for 16 Oct 2002 (pt 32)|work=parliament.uk}} The Countryside Alliance mounted a series of legal challenges to the Hunting Act 2004 which were unsuccessful.

Following the first conviction under the act, on 4 August 2006, the Alliance reaffirmed its belief that legislation was "illogical and unclear"{{cite web|url=http://www.countryside-alliance.org/our_news_and_comment/hunting_news/Huntsman_will_appeal_court_decision |title=Huntsman will appeal court decision |date=3 August 2006|publisher=Countryside Alliance

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061113134024/http://www.countryside-alliance.org/our_news_and_comment/hunting_news/Huntsman_will_appeal_court_decision/ |archive-date=13 November 2006 |access-date=3 February 2015}} and vowed to support the appeal against the conviction, which was later successful.

Critics of the Alliance claim that this is the sole focus of the organisation, a claim it denies, saying that this campaigning is a response to the (previous) government's "preoccupation with the issue". On BBC Newsnight on 18 November 2014, Ann Mallalieu stated "What's actually happened to the foxes...because of the growth of commercial shooting...foxes are being shot at night by lampers...people with bright lights shooting them with guns..."{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b04pvjw9/newsnight-18112014|title=BBC Two - Newsnight, 18/11/2014|work=BBC}}

In September 2002, the Countryside Alliance organised a march in central London to promote the interests of rural Britain. It was dubbed one of the largest marches of its type in history, with the BBC reporting around 400,000 in attendance.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2274129.stm |title=Huge turnout for countryside march |date=22 September 2002 |work=BBC News |access-date=3 February 2015}} The Countryside Alliance hailed the march as a huge success and it called on the government to make a "considered response". While a central focus of the march was to show opposition to a ban on hunting with hounds in England and Wales, a wide range of other grievances from rural communities were also being linked with the demonstration around farming. Over 300,000 people were in attendance, including Iain Duncan Smith, Vinnie Jones, Edward Fox, Clarissa Dickson-Wright, Earl Spencer, and Michael Marsham, 7th Earl of Romney.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1407980/Thousands-march-for-countryside.html|title=Thousands march for countryside|date=22 September 2002|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=3 February 2015}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1464065/The-Earl-of-Romney.html|title=The Earl of Romney|date=10 June 2004|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=3 February 2015}} Richard Burge, the then Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance, said of the march "This is a march for the people and by the people and not simply rural people.The strength of support, not just from the countryside, but from towns and cities across the UK makes us feel both humble and proud." The British National Party had called for its members to join the march and support the countryside; however, the Countryside Alliance issued the following statement: "Everything we stand for is the opposite of what they believe in."{{cite news |first=Jane |last=Perrone |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2002/sep/20/ruralaffairs.thefarright |title=BNP urges members to attend countryside march |newspaper=The Guardian |date=20 September 2002 |access-date=3 February 2015}}

The organisation held fundraising rock concerts in 2006 and 2007 under the banner "Countryside Rocks" which have attracted support from stars including Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, The Who's Roger Daltrey, Procol Harum's Keith Reid, Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry, Eric Clapton and Genesis' Mike Rutherford.{{cite web |title=Rock's aristocrats show their class |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandjazzmusic/3665294/Rocks-aristocrats-show-their-class.html |website=Telegraph |date=22 May 2007 |access-date=21 August 2020}}

The Countryside Alliance has previously expressed repeated concern over the governance of the RSPCA, which it argues has resulted in the charity pursuing "extremely questionable activities".{{Cite web|url=https://www.countryside-alliance.org/News/2018/5/Bringing-the-RSPCA-to-heel|title=Bringing the RSPCA to heel|website=Countryside Alliance|date=17 May 2018 |language=en|access-date=10 January 2020}} In 2017 the Charity Commission announced it would be intervening, complaining that the RSPCA's standards of governance were 'unacceptably low'.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/charity-watchdog-steps-in-after-rspca-chief-jeremy-cooper-quits-082jc20nt|title=Charity watchdog steps in after RSPCA chief Jeremy Cooper quits|last=Kennedy |first=Dominic |date=14 June 2017|work=The Times|access-date=10 January 2020|language=en|issn=0140-0460}} In 2018, the Countryside Alliance's Chief Executive, Tim Bonner, argued that despite the intervention and recommendations by the Charity Commission, the RSPCA had not changed. In a 2013 interview with The Daily Telegraph, the Alliance's executive chairman, Lieutenant General Sir Barney White-Spunner, called the RSPCA a "sinister and nasty" organisation and urged Alliance members to stop donating to it. The RSPCA responded by saying: "Sir Barney White-Spunner's interview shows once again how far out of touch he and his colleagues at the pro-bloodsports Countryside Alliance are with the reality of public opinion in this country."{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/countryside/10540076/RSPCA-has-become-sinister-and-nasty-warns-head-of-the-Countryside-Alliance.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228004457/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/countryside/10540076/RSPCA-has-become-sinister-and-nasty-warns-head-of-the-Countryside-Alliance.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 December 2013|title=RSPCA has become 'sinister and nasty', warns head of the Countryside Alliance |first=Matthew |last=Holehouse |date=27 December 2013|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=3 February 2015}} The Alliance has also criticised the RSPB{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/earthnews/10119155/RSPB-accused-of-hypocrisy.html |title=RSPB accused of hypocrisy |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |first=Louise |last=Gray |date=13 June 2013 |access-date=2 September 2016}} and called for the sacking of TV presenter Chris Packham.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/chris-packham-thanks-fans-after-70000-people-sign-petition-urging-bbc-not-to-sack-him-following-10501470.html |title=Chris Packham thanks fans after 70,000 people sign petition asking BBC not to sack him following calls from The Countryside Alliance |newspaper=The Independent |first=Daisy |last=Wyatt |date=15 September 2015 |access-date=2 September 2016}}

• Pressure groups in the United Kingdom
• Vote-OK

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.countryside-alliance.org Countryside Alliance official site]
• [http://www.scottishcountrysidealliance.org Scottish Countryside Alliance]
• [http://www.countrysideallianceireland.org Countryside Alliance Ireland]

{{Hunting topics}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Political advocacy groups in the United Kingdom

Category:Politics and sports

Category:Organizations established in 1997

Category:Environmental organisations based in the United Kingdom

Category:1997 establishments in the United Kingdom

Category:Rural society in the United Kingdom

Category:Hunting and shooting in the United Kingdom