From the editor: Post-lockdown offers chance for rural Britain to shine

And, as Dominic Cummings’ sojourn to County Durham hit the headlines, so scores of people in England flocked to the countryside clutching disposable barbecues and summer wear.

In a precursor to what could potentially happen across the rest of the UK as the different lockdowns start to be relaxed, the ignorance of a minority was on show as their barbecues sparked moorland blazes, and their litter was left strewn on beaches and beauty spots.

But what did we expect to happen? For all the talk from more liberal commentators about lockdown leading to a reappraisal of the way people lived their lives, two months cooped up in urban homes was bound to lead to a release of tension in one form or another.

For farming communities enjoying an unexpectedly quiet spring, the return of day trippers has, in certain places, been a shock to the system and led some to vent their frustration on social media.

Yet despite the stupid actions of the few, the majority of people head for open spaces in search of relaxation and to enjoy the beautiful landscapes farming shapes.