I'm speaking generally here, and I accept I cannot readily offer source reports, but in one I read shortly after the foot and mouth disaster which offered discussion on ways to help the countryside recover, one of the things that came up in during immigrant interviews was that many listed 'the beautiful countryside' as being something that attracted them to the UK. I think the very idea of it as much as hills, fields and rivers per se. But what they find in reality is it is very much the domain of that class (I hate to use that word) of people mentioned in the article (i.e. white, middle class, over 50). I'm not suggesting it has in any way been kept deliberately from any other group, just this is the way it is. People from outside one group very often feel discouraged from trying something where they may not 'fit in.'
I mention immigrants because the discussion I read was focussed on them; however, the target group mentioned in the Guardian article includes people of colour, inner city kids and those with disabilities. I don't know if any has 'asked to join the club.' I would hardly expect them to--anyone who belongs to any minority knows the difficulties of addressing such issues. This is where a positive move on the part of those on the inside is helpful. Hold out a hand and offer a welcome to folks who would enjoy being part of the countryside scene.
And if the government is spending money on such a project, and those goals are not met, why the surprise when the funding is pulled? I have every sympathy with the guides who offer their time gratis, but they represent the tip of an expensive iceberg.
I read today that there may be a reprieve anyway. I hope those in a position to make a difference view this as an extended opportunity to include those target groups--and all Britons-- in the pleasures of enjoying the countryside rather than a victory of overly-PC bureuacrats.