Perceptions of Rural Places

Geography: Edexcel A Level, topic 6.3.2

The Rural Idyll

Rural places are perceived differently by contrasting groups of people because of their lived experiences and their perceptions.

Rural areas are often perceived as ‘ideal’ places to live – the ‘rural idyll’.
Rural areas are often portrayed as having picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and woodlands.
Many have historic buildings such as castles, old halls and village churches.
Many have old, cottage-style housing with flower gardens.
There is a relaxed pace of life (tranquillity), free from stress and worries, and a lack of crime.
There is a strong sense of community, with activities like village cricket and socialising in a village pub.

Portrayals of rural places in the media often reinforce the rural idyll.
TV series (e.g. Emmerdale, Midsomer Murders) are set in attractive countryside, even if the ‘goings on’ there are frequently less idyllic.
Rural places often brand themselves using literature to attract visitors
E.g. (Thomas) Hardy Country in Dorchester (Dorset) and Bronte Country (West Yorkshire).
E.g. Cornwall (Poldark), Highclere Castle, Hampshire and Bampton, Oxfordshire (Downton Abbey) and Alnwick Castle (Harry Potter).

For some people, rural areas are not idyllic.

Many homes are not connected to gas pipelines. They have expensive oil-fired boilers and central heating.
Post offices, shops, petrol stations and banks are limited and more expensive to use in rural areas.
Secondary schools and hospitals can be many miles away.
Many houses are old, with high maintenance costs and high heating costs.
In National Parks, conservation rules can restrict improvements such as double glazing.
There are infrequent bus services making transport for the elderly more difficult.

Populations are ageing, which means there are limited social opportunities for children and young people and a feeling of isolation.
Popular places can be swamped by summer tourists (honey-pot sites), but are deserted in winter with services closed for months. This means employment is highly seasonal.

Rural places are all different.
Some are more remote and very few people move there to live or retire.
Some are more accessible. These are popular retirement locations as they are peaceful but near enough to services.
Some coastal places are very popular with retirees.
Many are commuter villages that are within one hour’s drive of a major city. These are popular locations for young families who commute daily to work or work from home.

Rural areas are often perceived as ideal places to live. What phrase describes this?
Which of these are characteristics that rural places are perceived to have?
Why are there limited social opportunities for children and young people and a feeling of isolation in rural areas?