About CCRI

Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) 

The Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) is one of the largest specialist rural research centres in the UK, working at the interface of agriculture, society and the environment on issues relevant to rural and urban development, in the UK, Europe and further afield. Working with colleagues and partners in the physical as well as social sciences the CCRI has placed itself at the centre of a nexus of mutual exchange. These exchanges range from soil science, sustainable agriculture, to the culture of food, and the limits of the food system.

Our principal research interests are manifested in a rigorous, dynamic and inclusive approach to deepening our shared understanding of rural life. As we prepare for the policy, technological and environmental challenges before us, we look to work with those engaged in agriculture, food and environmental management as well as rural communities.

In addition to extensive research in the agricultural sector, our recent research has also considered the role of cities in the future of agricultural food production and has highlighted changes in the conceptualisation of the rural-urban continuum. Emerging technologies such as renewable energies and ubiquitous broadband access are reshaping rural areas; our research is at the forefront of these topics.

We have woven novel approaches to management, notably through the commons and participatory approaches, into our ongoing commitment to investigating our shared resources.

The CCRI has benefited from considerable research investments from the EU through the H2020 programme, UK national agencies and departments, as well as third sector bodies and other change agents. Through our dedicated team of researchers and professionals, we are always looking to further our insights into rural life and the changes these are bringing to all of us.

Matt Reed

Mission Statement

“The CCRI will conduct and publish world-class, agenda-setting research to influence policy actors, practitioners and decision-makers at all levels, from local to global, and provide a strong evidence base to enable sustainability and resilience.”

Countryside and Community Research Institute

Client focus

The Countryside and Community Research Institute aims to treat all those it is in contact with professionally and courteously, and to carry out its research diligently and effectively.

We will always strive to ensure that effective means of communication are open to our customers, and that customer requests and enquiries are dealt with in a speedy and efficient manner. Where we are unable to provide a full response straight away, we will always acknowledge your enquiry.

We welcome your feedback, whether as a complaint or as a commendation, to find out how you feel about the work we do and will use this information to improve how the Institute works. This helps us to understand your needs and cater for your requirements in the best way possible.

All comments or complaints should be directed to the Institute’s Business Manager at the details given in the contacts section and in the case of complaints, an initial response will be provided within 10 working days.

Institute information

The Institute uses corporate service functions (e.g. financial, legal, etc.) of the collaborating institutions as applicable to the employment of staff and the institution of the lead researcher for projects.

The University of Gloucestershire is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales, and an exempt charity by statute.

Registered number 06023243.

Registered office:

The Park
Cheltenham
GL50 2RH
VAT number: GB 393 9083 56.

All copyright relating to the CCRI name, logo and other identifying features is owned by the University of Gloucestershire.