I want a life of splendid isolation in a dying rural England – so here’s how to help villages thrive, not just survive

Over the last 20 years the life has gone out of many of our areas in the countryside: pubs close; families move out; holiday lets move in. I’ve seen the process firsthand

The key to rural life is a balance between isolation and communication (Shutterstock)

My life is about to change dramatically. After 40 years, I’m leaving a remote Yorkshire valley and moving to Norfolk, to a ramshackle house miles from a road, surrounded by water, hares, marsh deer and free roaming cattle.

It might seem a drastic step to take at an age when most people would be opting to live in a town or something that’s a lot less effort, but I’m not bothered, in fact, I’m exhilarated. From now on, I will make sure I am part of a community in spite of living in isolation. A good life in the countryside means knowing your neighbours and patronising local businesses. I know that only too well, after 30 years in one valley – Upper Nidderdale.

The first thing I did on arrival in Norfolk last week was to find the nearest village shop in Thurlton. I bought newspapers, and a very nice marrow for 50p. Excess produce donated by locals from their veg plots is a big feature and this enterprise is staffed in rotation by chatty and enthusiastic people.