For a thriving local countryside which benefits everyone

Today, we and 17 other organisations launch our #VisionforPlanning - a vision for a gold-standard planning system.

We all agree that communities must be at the heart of decision-making. But the government’s proposals will cut local participation by half. https://www.cpre.org.uk/news/a-joint-vision-we-share-a-toolbox-of-principles-for-better-planning/

Beautiful frosty weather in Somerset today
Hardest frost of the winter so far, down to -8C (18F) last night @StormHour

'We all need to take care of ourselves during this new lockdown, and I've found that engaging in the nature that surrounds us certainly helps.

'All you have to do is get outside, take a deep breath and look up!'

Sage words from @urbanbirder 💚 https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jan/07/amid-the-gloom-of-lockdown-i-have-taken-solace-in-nature?CMP=twt_a-environment_b-gdneco

'Volunteering with CPRE is a great opportunity to gain experience in whatever you wish – my confidence has grown so much' - Amelia, CPRE volunteer.

Our Chair, Simon Murray, takes you on a tour of our volunteer network, who achieved so much in 2020 🙏 https://www.cpre.org.uk/stories/saluting-our-volunteers/

Even in dark times such as these, the countryside can lift our spirits with a display of natural beauty.

This beautiful shot of winter sunshine filtering through the trees has certainly lifted our spirits today 😊

Stay safe everyone.

📸 Julie Parry
📍 Derbyshire

#HappyNewYear2021 From all at @BathPresTrust . What do you most want to see for the City of Bath and its environs for the year ahead? @Bathscape @bathnes @bathlive @NTPriorPark @CPREAvonBristol (Photo @richardbullard2 )

Have you noticed more litter during the pandemic? 🥤

Over 1/3 of people in our survey had seen an increase since March.

The government must recommit to tackling litter & plastic pollution, starting with a full Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers https://www.cpre.org.uk/news/pandemic-ppe-waste-shows-waste-and-recycling-systems-weak/

The unmistakable and irresistible Little Owl. Lockdown 1 and 2 meant I caught up with my more local Little Owls. Interesting changes since the 1970s. #nature #wildlife #conservation #Owl @camelbirder @tern09 @Birder_Griffon @CPREAvonBristol @Hawkandowluk

But the problems with these planning proposals run much deeper than the housing algorithm.

We need a complete reboot to put people and nature at the heart of a new planning system. https://www.cpre.org.uk/news/the-government-rethink-unpopular-planning-changes/

BREAKING – CAMPAIGN WIN

The government’s housing algorithm that could have caused needless loss of green space has been revised to focus building in cities & previously used land

This is a win for the countryside and we couldn’t have done it without you!
http://bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55322993

It’s 5 years since this milestone in our efforts to tackle the climate emergency, the biggest threat facing our countryside and planet.

Nature-based solutions, like planting more hedgerows and restoring peatlands, have a huge part to play #ClimateAction

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/08/the-paris-agreement-five-years-on-is-it-strong-enough-to-avert-climate-catastrophe

The name Wistman’s Wood means ‘Wise man’s Wood’. The trees show us the resilience of life at high altitude, 600m above sea level on the windy moors.

Explore the magical mystery of Wistman’s Wood with environmental activist Satish Kumar #NationalTreeWeek

https://www.cpre.org.uk/discover/earth-pilgrim-satish-kumar-on-dartmoors-natural-mystery/

We believe the countryside is for everyone.

Meet three inspiring women making the outdoors more inclusive 👏👏

Zahrah Mahmood, (Insta @the_hillwalking_hijabi) Rhiane Fatinikun @UkBgh and Omie Dale @BlackSwimAssoc
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/dec/02/the-bame-women-making-the-british-outdoors-more-inclusive

‘I absolutely love the opportunities for adventure it provides me with’

Sandra is a wheelchair user. Support from charity @Open_Country_20 means she’s able to get out in the countryside – with her dog Millie by her side 😍

This is her story 👇 #IDPWD2020 https://www.cpre.org.uk/stories/no-no-entry-sign-on-the-countryside-for-wheelchair-users/