Charlie, from Montrose, Scotland has sent in this listener question - “Who owns land is at the heart of the housing crisis in the UK. It's not because bricks and mortar have suddenly become incredibly expensive. It's because the value of land has gone through the roof. Is it possible to own land though when we as humans came from it, are part of it, and ultimately, will go back to it?”

Stuart feels that land ownership is all an illusion and the concept of land ownership has been going on for centuries. Indigenous cultures ask the question, how can you own yourself? Stuart contests Charlie’s question, exploring that isn’t the way that we disperse our population, and how we use and repurpose the buildings we already have, really at the heart of this matter?

Stuart’s action is for you to stand back and look at your life, and ask yourself do you really own anything?

William sees land ownership, in the UK, as a form of control. You get to dictate who is allowed on your land. He contrasts this with what happens in Finland which has the right to roam. He believes that land ownership is just a piece of paper that states you do. He further explores how there can often be issues with legacy that leaves housing empty.

William’s action is to put some pressure on politicians for how we use existing buildings that can be easily utilised as housing, but currently aren’t. He goes on to want people not to get onto the property ladder just because you feel you should, just to keep up.

Gary, from Stirling, Scotland asks the second question - “Can you guys recommend any books that are worth reading?”

Stuart recommends

• The Bible,

• The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben.

• • https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Hidden-Life-of-Trees-by-Peter-Wohlleben-author-Jane-Billinghurst-translator/9780008218430

William recommends

• Notes On A Nervous Planet by Matt Haig.

• • https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Notes-on-a-Nervous-Planet-by-Matt-Haig/9781786892690

• Bulletproof by Chantal by Chantal Burns.

• • https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Bulletproof-by-Chantal-Burns/9781292330020

William’s action is to become a member of your local library as it is an amazing resource. It’s good for you, and it is good for the library, as they often offer lots of other really useful services.

The fundraiser to get Stuart back out into nature with an all-terrain chair is also mentioned again today, and you can donate here https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wildmanonwheels?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20240518_

What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com

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