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Hollywood hardman Vinnie Jones has taken a swipe at people who impede and hinder the tireless work of farming communities in protecting the British countryside.

Having documented his love of the countryside and farming on Discovery+'s Vinnie Jones in the Country series, the Sussex farmer has spoken of his frustration at those who needlessly 'stick their noses in' and undermine the work of rural communities in managing the UK's stunning landscapes and scenery.

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Often known for his portrayal of gangsters and 'tough guys' in films alongside Rocky's Sylvester Stallone and The Terminator's Arnold Schwarzenegger, the countryside champion has offered a glimpse of his softer side by raising awareness of mental health in agriculture alongside fundraising for the rural charity Farming Community Network.  

Although he may be better known for his acting and footballing career, where he won the FA Cup with Wimbledon in 1988, his passion for rural life is evident.

"My father brought me up in the countryside," Mr Jones added.

"He was a gamekeeper and I followed in his footsteps when I left school.

"I am passionate about the British countryside and was encouraged to respect all wildlife and game that is found on our shoots.  

"Gamekeepers are our eyes and ears in the British countryside and their knowledgeable and voices must be heard.

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"I regard myself as a British conservationist and wish to protect our way of life for future generations, not least of all for my two grandsons.

"The gamekeepers of this country are an integral part of rural land management, they understand practical wildlife management and many endangered species would suffer without them and the shooting estates upon which they work."

He is a patron of the National Gamekeepers' Association and his passion for rural life has been transposed from real life to the big screen in Guy Ritchie's Netflix series, The Gentlemen, as gamekeeper Geoff Seacombe, which has been renewed for a second season.

Mr Jones had attended the Game Fair at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire last month to champion the people that make the countryside great and the importance of preserving the rural way of life.

However, it is those that impede on rural life that particularly irked Mr Jones.

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"I think [those who work in the] countryside stick together and get on with it," he added.

"It is when other people stick their noses in and try to destroy it [where problems start].

"They chip away at it. 

"We have to trust the people that know what they are talking about in the countryside.

"We do not need one or two people letting us down.

"That is very important."

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