National Countryside Week

This week, people up and down the country have been taking part in events to mark National Countryside Week. Running from Monday July 14th to Sunday, July 20th this awareness week is organised by The Prince's Countryside Fund and this year has encouraged people to 'Walk A Country Mile' either alone or as part of a group and tweet their pictures, selfies (or 'walkies) and videos to raise awareness of the fragile beauty of our countryside and the hard work of the dedicated people who preserve it for future generations. The scheme already has celebrity backing, from Alex James who has posted this video explaining the importance of appreciation for our countryside and rural workers.

Donations given as part of National Countryside Week (and to The Prince's Countryside Fund at any time) will go towards countryside projects such as apprenticeships for budding hill farmers, training for young people to work in the rural economy, community transport schemes in isolated areas and educating school children about food production and the importance of the countryside.

If you would like to walk your own country mile you can find some great walking route ideas on The Prince's Country Fund website. Please don't forget about the countryside code! You can help to preserve our natural beauty by observing the code's simple points. Also, remember to tweet your pictures using hashtag #walkies to raise awareness amongst others and, if you wish, text PCF to 70300 to make a £3 donation to the fund.

Below are some of our favourite pics of rural Britain to inspire you....