Lockdown prompts stronger sense of community

Communities are seeing stronger social bonds and cleaner air as the lockdown continues, according to a new survey. 

The YouGov survey, which was commissioned by the RSA’s Food, Farming and Countryside Commission (FFCC), together with food charity The Food Foundation, found that 40% of people said they felt a stronger sense of local community.

More than half (51%) of those surveyed said they had noticed cleaner air since the lockdown started last month, and a quarter (27%) had seen more wildlife where they live. 

A clear majority (85%) wanted to see at least some of the personal or social changes they have experienced continue when restrictions are lifted, while just 9% said they wanted a complete to return to normal.

More than a third (42%) say the outbreak has made them value food more, and one in 10 have shared something like food or shopping with a neighbour for the first time

The RSA’s FFCC commissioned the poll as part of its work to shape a new vision and an action plan for more sustainable food and farming, land use and the rural economy. 

It follows on from research funded by FFCC and the Food Foundation released over Easter, which shows a sharp rise in food insecurity during lockdown.

‘This data shows there is a real appetite for change, and for the nation to learn from this crisis,’ said Professor Tom MacMillan from the Royal Agricultural University, and research lead for the RSA’s Commission.

‘People are trying new things and noticing differences, at home, in their work and in communities. This is really apparent when it comes to food, farming and the countryside, the issues the Commission is focused on, but clear in other areas too.

‘Alongside the emergency response, it is important keep track of these changes in what we’re doing and our collective mood, to help shape the kind of country we want to be, including the way want to feed ourselves, when we recover from this pandemic.’

Photo Credit – Free-Photos (Pixabay)