English Rural held the first of a series of planned, regional webinars which focused on how affordable rural housing changes lives and communities. The first session had a particular focus on the New Forest. Please do watch the video below and find out how small-scale, affordable rural homes really do change lives:

Why are we running these sessions?

We are in the midst of a housing crisis that is particularly acute in rural areas. Many local shops, pubs, schools and businesses are being forced to close simply because people cannot afford to live in their local rural community. We need these communities to thrive again for generations to come. By building small-scale developments of affordable homes, we give people the opportunity to remain in the communities they were brought up in and to live close to their jobs, families and support networks. In short, we need to build more homes in communities who need them.  We also need to nurture positive relationships with those who can make it happen.

The sessions will feature a range of speakers who will talk about the benefits of affordable rural housing from their own perspective. Proposed speakers will include: Local Authorities, Parish Councils, landowners and residents. The sessions will use a mix of live presentations, video and Q&As.  Click here to find out more.