S1E3: A green and not so pleasant land

Available for over a year

The British countryside is known for its rolling hills, idyllic villages and picturesque views - but also for its comparative lack of ethnic diversity, compared to our urban areas. Why is that? Dorset is 97.9% white. By default, that means encounters between people from different ethnicities can be rare and sometimes troubling. In this episode, Ollie Peart discovers what life is like if you are from an ethnically diverse background. Residents, including campaigners, describe the appeal of living in such a stunning landscape but how it’s also led to “covert racism”. Criminologist at the University of Leicester and co-author of “Rural Racism”, Professor Neil Chakraborti has talked to individuals and families across the country and discovered a so-called “invisible” crime where incidents such as verbal abuse, staring, or avoidance tactics like crossing the street, go unreported. This episode contains examples of racist language. A list of organisations that can provide help and support is available under the more support section at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Hosted and produced by Ollie Peart and Ian Ramsdale. Executive Producer Kathryn Morrison.