Natural England

What are the characteristics of the South East region in a rural context? The South East is a region of contrasts and complexities. The region is...

Busy but relaxed - the highest number of rural businesses relative to the size of its population and with a strong environmental economy, whilst one third of the countryside is protected for its landscape quality.

Individualistic and co-operative - showing a massive variety in neighbourhoods, designs and features, alongside highly developed networks of partnerships working together to benefit a diverse range of communities.

A Super Region and a gateway - England's principle corridor linking London with Europe, large and distinctive, a region of great potential for sustainable development, particularly in the Thames Gateway area.

Pressured but beautiful - huge pressures from transport, commuting and housing, yet with the highest proportion of its land designated for its natural beauty compared with any other region, offering massive opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.

Progressive but historic - a showcase; a dynamic region providing immense opportunities for new enterprise as well as leading the field in ideas and technology, whilst maintaining and valuing its heritage and its rural population of 3.75 million.

Wealthy yet showing poverty - encompassing the highest proportion of affluent households but still having significant points of social and economic deprivation.

Active and healthy communities - containing one fifth of England's market towns; the South East is an active rural community with the highest levels of health and the lowest mortality rates in the country.