This book draws upon selected, revised and edited papers from a conference of rural geographers from the UK, USA and Canada, held at the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter. It focuses on rural regions, which are facing conflicting demands, pressures and challenges, which themselves have far-reaching implications for rural space and society. Throughout the book the reader will gain a better understanding of key themes, including, agricultural change, environmental issues, rural communities, governance and globalization, and rural responses to these.