The countryside is facing its greatest challenge for a generation. There are direct threats to hunting, gun ownership, game shooting and wildlife management. At the same time, the imposition of inheritance tax on family farms and the demand for land for renewable energy and rewilding, herald fundamental social and economic change. That is why today we are launching our Funding the Fight Campaign, raising funds to tackle these issues, and many others, on behalf of rural communities everywhere.

Our way of life is under threat, but the Countryside Alliance has a unique ability to influence politics through fierce campaigning and intelligent intervention. Our work across a range of issues for everyone who loves the countryside has built our reputation, and we remain steadfast in defence of every part of the rural community.

Labour’s commitment to “ban trail hunting” endangers the future of hunts, hounds and the hunting community. That proposal is unnecessary, unjustified and completely out of touch with the priorities of people in the countryside, and in the country as a whole. The last ban on hunting wasted 700 hours of parliamentary time and soured the relationship between Labour and the countryside for a generation. If Ministers choose to allow another ideological attack on the hunting community, we will again expose their prejudice, lack of principles and warped priorities.

Meanwhile, everything that underpins game shooting and wildlife management, from the ownership of guns to the release of gamebirds, to the control of predators, is also under attack. The government’s plans to restrict shotgun ownership would see a long-term decline in the number of people shooting and threaten recruitment into the sport. Decisions to further limit heather burning, restrict the release of pheasants and partridges and end the brood management of hen harriers, signal a challenging short-term outlook for game shooting. In the longer term, a wholesale review of wildlife legislation is being promoted by the RSPCA with the support of Defra Ministers.

The Alliance has the authority, experience and expertise to defend our way of life and we are uniquely focused on delivering for rural communities through promotion, campaigning and politics, but our work relies on your continued support. We are asking all our supporters to help fund the fight for the countryside in whatever way they can.

Every penny raised will go directly towards our campaigns, and by registering for Gift Aid you can boost your contribution even further. Thank you for your support and please give what you can.