Hey, Heffalump, these guys don't understand you! They prefer smooth air, smooth runways, enroute traffic alerts, etc etc.
And yet, and yet! The UK is a wonderful place for gliding! Much better than the US. Because of the club ethos, it is low in cost, and we help each other out. As far as emergency landing fields, there are very few places you can't find a decent farmer's field, and even a decent farmer, if you apologise and offer a voucher for a flight in return for his kindness.
And amazingly, there is very good lift, thermals - everywhere on a good day; ridges - spectacular in Wales, the Long Mynd, Camp Hill, and in Scotland, wave to 30,000 and much higher than that!
I would like to try gliding in Germany some day, but don't know how to make contacts....anyone here able to help?