They argue that while predominantly rural areas in England alone contribute at least £237 billion a year to the UK coffers, policymaking often fails to make the most of their potential and communities risk being left behind, but leaving the EU offers the possibility of a new approach.

Their paper After Brexit 10 key questions for rural policy identifies 10 issues that will need priority attention during and after the Brexit process, including:

• How can national and local government plan support for rural communities to reach their full economic potential?
• How can we maintain the supply of public goods in the countryside?
• How can the housing needs of rural communities be addressed?

Leaving the European Union means withdrawing from the Common Agricultural Policy, with opportunities for reconsidering how best to encourage economic growth and healthy rural communities, and rethinking the most effective means of protecting the whole range of vital services provided by our environment, including food, water, carbon storage and clean air.

Brexit also means the end of schemes like LEADER that supported community development via Local Action Groups and policymakers have to take decisions on whether and how this might be replaced.