Check out our opening conference! Delivered by Professor Jennifer Clapp, the lecture is titled “Uncertainties Everywhere: What Future for Food Systems” 📍 The opening lecture will take place at the Salão de Atos, UFRGS. 🗓️ July 19–23 | UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil

Earlier this month, we showcased research from our School of Natural & Environmental Sciences at the House of Lords, led by @sally_shortall. From food systems to climate & rural economy, our work is shaping policy & sustainable futures. Find out more: ncl.ac.uk/cre/

Bookshop for Sale #Hexham #Northumberland Big news from Claire @CogitoBooks #Hexham I feel incredibly privileged that independent bookselling is such a central part of my life, and to spend my time surrounded by books in a welcoming space for discovery. However, for me, it is time for a new chapter and so I am beginning the process of looking for a new owner for our wonderful bookshop. I have been involved with Cogito since my dad opened our doors in 2001, working during university holidays and then working full-time after graduating in 2005. When my dad retired in 2012, I bought the business. Throughout these 25 years, we have worked hard to form and maintain Cogito’s excellent reputation. Cogito is a thriving business, and Hexham is a bustling hub of activity, ideal for somebody new to explore the joy of independent bookselling with confidence. It is a strong business that demonstrates that it is possible to consistently earn a good family income in a way that is fulfilling, stimulating and human. I’m immensely proud of Cogito, what it stands for, and the service we offer; it is truly an honour to serve and be part of a vibrant, reading community. To run a successful business with social values at its core, that brings people together through books and reading is very special. I have had an amazing time, making friendships, finding and connecting great books with readers, and of course having countless enlightening and inspiring conversations. However, with Mary Oliver’s words at the forefront of my mind “what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”, it is now time for some new adventures – for starters, most certainly some travel and trekking, a major house renovation and developing a woodland! I would love to see the bookshop continue to succeed long into the future and until a new owner begins their own bookselling journey with Cogito, I’ll be continuing to run this fantastic bookshop with love and commitment. So, it’s business as usual, our opening hours will remain the same, we’ll be taking customer orders, sourcing exciting new publications, our book groups will continue to meet, and we’ll be hosting personal book consultations. We’re here to give you a warm Cogito welcome. If you think Cogito’s new owner may be you, then please just get in contact with me to receive the sale details, I’d love to discuss Cogito’s future! Claire cogitobooks.com #independentbookshop

Cocteau Twins 20 greatest songs @Guardian theguardian.com/music/2026/a…

Discussing rural fuel poverty this morning on ⁦@BBCFarmingToday⁩ Listen from 09:30… bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002tb…

📢 Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review Reports out now! Evidence from SRN, SRA & CLLD: bit.ly/4sswQdZ Six rural & island case studies: bit.ly/482umut Recommendations to come, June 2026

Also very timely in relation to the launch of the Labour Rural Research Group of MPs’ new report on rural poverty supported by @CAupdates which will be launched in parliament later today.

Rural Britain faces a growing “rural penalty.” ⚠️ A new Labour Rural Research Group report supported by the Countryside Alliance warns that poverty, rising costs and urban-focused policy are leaving countryside communities behind. Action is needed now: countryside-alliance.org/new…

Really important set of facts here from @shivmalik England has not been concreted over. And much farmland is seriously nature depleted.

The @EU_CoR is calling for post-2027 rural development policy to be ambitious, place-based and long term, enhancing rural areas’ attractiveness, sustainability and competitiveness. Discover insights from a stakeholders consultation on future policies: bit.ly/4l2kwhz #RuralPact #RuralVisionEU

What support is foreseen for rural areas under the @EU_Commission post-2027 EU budget and policies proposals? Explore the key takeaways from a dedicated presentation at the latest #RuralPact Policy Lab: bit.ly/4qvPlMQ Discover more insights from the Highlights Report: bit.ly/4ckVYxU #RuralVisionEU

Discover insights from a new @Europarl_EN report on the problems facing rural housing: bit.ly/3Mym6Lj The study looks at housing needs in the EU, the impacts of housing scarcity & how the EU can help tackle this crisis. #RuralPact #RuralVisionEU

Plans by @scotgov to open a Rural & Island Housing Grant Scheme have been announced by First Minister @JohnSwinney MSP at the @NFUStweets Conference The scheme will help people, including first-time buyers & families, to own affordable homes. Details at⬇️ tinyurl.com/ynk3w3sy

A new podcast featuring Northumberland hill farmers builds on research by @cmgerrard1 of @ArcDurham. The eight-part series ‘Hefted! Upland Farming Heritage in the Cheviots’ is available now 🐏 🎧👉 Read more and follow the link to listen: brnw.ch/21wZwsX #DUresearch

It's extraordinary that benefits like Universal Credit aren't set with any reference to what people actually need to afford essentials. Social security decisions have to remain with the government of the day, but we need an independent process to advise them, using evidence. 1/2

In Memoriam: Ralph Towner, 1940–2026. His music lives on. downbeat.com/news/detail/in-…

Trump (and right wingers in Britain & EU) often claim that the USA economy outperforms “sclerotic” Europe. A more comprehensive comparison gives a different perspective about the quality of life in each:

Charities have been described as “holding Britain’s social fabric together.” theguardian.com/commentisfre… Today, that feels painfully true. 👇 #PowerOfPeople #PeopleAndPractice

Durham’s other cathedral: Redhills miners’ union hall reopens after restoration with new mission. theguardian.com/politics/202…

Buy our book Rural Poverty Today for half price in @policypress winter sale - ends 2nd January. @MarkShucksmith @DrJayneGlass @PollyCHAPMAN #JaneAtterton