The countryside...open spaces, fresh air, trees everywhere, birds singing, wildlife all around and stunning beauty. There's a lot to be said for it.

I've traveled a lot in town and country, and lived in both city and countryside. Clearly both have their pros and cons. One of the wonderful things about living in the countryside is that people have more time for each other. Visit the local post office or village store, and people will be having more time to find out how each other are, to gossip idly and to chat. Our local village post office even has treats for dogs who pop in to visit. Most have got wise to that fact, and sit down stubbornly when their owners reach the post office. They won't go any further until they've had their treat. Fantastic. Where would you get such a welcome in the towns?

The countryside teaches people the art of patience. It takes time for nature to blossom and change and in the countryside, if you watch and listen closely and carefully, you can enjoy it all. Life is slower paced and people have more time to be aware of the beauty this earth has to offer and to appreciate the others who share this planet with us - the animals, flowers and fauna.

And of course, you can see the fruits of the farmer in the countryside. In the UK, farmers have taken on far more responsibility for the care and conservation of the environment, for example, the hedgerows in which so many animals have their home; the meadows and ponds where wildlife and flowers and fauna bloom. The countryside has enjoyed centuries of crafts and tradition which have enabled countries such as the UK to enjoy wonderful tourism opportunities and a quality of living.

In the countryside, you can enjoy long winter and autumn walks before having tea and cake over a log fire; delicious, tummy-lining casseroles in country inns and pubs; the joys of farm shops with their fantastic fresh produce, locally provided, which gives you the feeling that you've arrived at a health spa to look at it in all its color and glory; the exploration of small villages bursting with antique shops and craft fairs; country shows, with displays of traditional farming pursuits such as ploughing; the gentle hum of the evensong as the birds get ready for bed; the glorious colors over the fields as the sunsets; the rare sight of red post boxes in green lanes; the passing of time at such a rate that you stop and appreciate it.

Yes, there are downsides in living in the countryside, such as occasionally getting cut off from electricity - that's when a log fire comes into its own; there are fewer shops, which is fantastic because it's helpful for your credit card; you probably need a car to get somewhere. You have to go into town and back out home again to go to the cinema - but then who needs a film when you have a clear stunning sky at night and the glories of nature unwinding before you?

Learn more about this author, Sally Longson.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about The pros and cons of living in the countryside?
We want to hear your view. Write now!