## Who Really Cares for the Countryside? `Author:` Guy Shrubsole `Availability:` > [!info] > ## Key Takeaways Guy Shrubsole’s The Lie of the Land: Who Really Cares for the Countryside? explores the profound inequities and ecological challenges tied to land ownership in England. Key statistics and findings from the book include: ### 1. Land Ownership Concentration: Just 1% of the population owns half of England’s land, highlighting extreme inequality in land distribution. Shrubsole argues this landowning elite often fails as stewards of the environment, despite receiving billions in public subsidies to maintain the countryside [– HarperCollins Publishers UK](https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-lie-of-the-land-who-really-cares-for-the-countryside-guy-shrubsole) . ### 2. Environmental Damage: The book documents the detrimental impacts of land management practices by some landowners, including: • Deforestation of cherished landscapes. • Pollution of rivers and waterways. • The burning of moorlands. • Draining of wetlands and fenlands . ### 3. Community and Activism: Shrubsole counters this bleak picture by showcasing grassroots efforts, including: • Activists like river guardians and small-scale farmers. • Groups advocating for wildlife restoration and public access to land through campaigns such as Right to Roam [– HarperCollins Publishers UK](https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-lie-of-the-land-who-really-cares-for-the-countryside-guy-shrubsole) . ### 4. Public Money Mismanagement: Billions in subsidies paid to landowners often fail to deliver the promised environmental benefits, raising questions about the justification of such payments . This book underscores the need for systemic change in how land is owned and managed, advocating for a more inclusive and ecologically sound approach. Shrubsole proposes that anyone, regardless of ownership, can contribute to the care of the countryside, promoting broader stewardship and access to natural spaces . ## Summary ## Quotes - ## Notes `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:` [[Books index]]