Symposium is showcase for Centre research

A Symposium was held on 19 November to showcase the current research by staff and PhD students at Exeter University’s Centre for Rural Policy Research. 

Entitled Food, Farming and Environment, presentations covered some of the major challenges of our generation and the relationship between our modern lifestyle, the economy and the environment.  Topics included climate change, pollution, energy, sustainability, food economy and tourism.

Held at Reed Hall on the University’s Streatham Campus and Chaired by Professor Michael Winter, the Symposium was attended by 50 delegates comprising South West stakeholders from agriculture, public sector organisations, charities as well as farmers and academics.  Delegates commented positively on the enthusiastic, knowledgeable and engaging presenters.  One delegate commented on the friendly, unintimidating atmosphere saying “It is significant that the joking between some of the presenters and chair was well received by the delegates. That kind of conduct can come across as self-indulgent, but it didn't. I felt that it reflected a very good relationship between the Centre and representatives of the outside world it exists to serve”.

Copies of the presentations can be downloaded by clicking on the links below.

Resilient communities: sustainable transitions in an age of climate change : Dr Stewart Barr

The challenges of developing new scales and spaces for energy generation - A UK perspective: Colin Nolden

Problems and prospects for capturing the intangible values of coastal tourist landscapes: Cheryl Willis

Researching new markets for Exmoor National Park: results from a survey of 'non-visitors: Tim Wilkinson

Eating fossil fuels - Peak Oil and the implications for agricultural sustainability: Katie Garvey

Implementing national climate goals in a local context: the responses of local actors in the South West of England: Dr Duncan Russel

Making sense of diffuse pollution:  insights from a study of participants and non-participants in the Catchment Sensitive Farming Initiative: Dr Rob Fish

The food versus fuel debate: a South West context: Dr Allan Butler

The food economy of Devon and Cornwall:  Dr Matt Lobley