In the early 1960s Michael Dower, who has died aged 88, was an early proponent of a “joined-up” countryside. As a town planner at the Civic Trust he grew to realise what a contested space it is, with many interests fighting their corners, whether for farming, access, nature, beauty or community.
Legislation and organisational structures encouraged separation and disharmony between the various sectors. He sought to dispel this by connecting people and ideas, believing that a successful, sustainable future for the countryside could be achieved only by all the various interests working together.
