BBC presenter John Craven, 83, claims there is 'disturbing' evidence of racism ... trends now
Veteran BBC Countryfile presenter John Craven claims there is disturbing evidence of racism in the countryside.
Mr Craven, 83, said while many white people would insist there is 'no racial prejudice' in rural areas, academics looking into the issue point out bigotry can come across in 'mundane' ways.
They cite staring, silence, laughter, or 'mutterings' as instances where people of colour are made to feel unwelcome when they visit the countryside.
Writing in BBC Countryfile magazine, the BBC broadcaster said: 'According to official figures, 16 per cent of the UK population is from ethnic minority backgrounds. So what is it about rural Britain that puts so many of them off?
John Craven (pictured) claimed there is disturbing evidence of racism in the countryside
A stock image of the village of Corton, Denham, Somerset
'Do they find it unwelcoming?
'Is racism any worse in rural areas than in our towns and cities?'
The claims come after a controversial report in February by the Wildlife and Countryside Link, a group with 80 members, claiming the countryside is a 'racist, colonial' white space.
Its report is a response to a call for evidence on the links between racism and climate change.
Meanwhile, a research team from Leicester University are aiming to find the 'true extent of rural racism' by carrying out a two-year survey.
Researchers will question people from all races who live or spend time in rural spaces about their experiences.
Having spoken to academic Dr Viji Kuppan, a member of the team, Mr Craven said: 'Some of the results so far are disturbing.
'He tells me about two women who live in rural areas, one brown and one black.
'Both were subjected to racist taunts, spat on in one instance and weapons with intent to harm produced in another - very stark incidents of racial and engendered hostility.'
'Dr Kuppan adds: "There are also subtler moments of 'unconscious racism' in the countryside that aren't wilful but are still difficult to be on the receiving end of.
'''On a field trip to a National Trust property with a white colleague, it was striking how many of the white people we encountered would acknowledge her but not me".
'Of course, many white voices would insist there is no racial
