For a thriving local countryside which benefits everyone

"The planning system is one of the most powerful we have for environmental protection. In the face of climate, nature & health crises we must move forward not backwards"
@CPRE on the need for a planning system that benefits people, the countryside & nature
http://bit.ly/3gOX1Xh

How can we make sure young people from all backgrounds get the opportunity to access the benefits of the countryside?

That's the question we answer in our latest podcast episode, with Mya-Rose Craig, aka @BirdgirlUK, & @ieshasmall! #YouthDay

Listen here: https://www.cpre.org.uk/about-us/what-we-say-and-do/countryside-voices-podcast/

We think all young people should have the opportunity to experience the joy of the countryside.

This #YouthDay, we're celebrating three inspirational projects making this happen - @ydmt, Black2Nature and @farmersforaweek.

Find out more 👇 https://www.cpre.org.uk/stories/children-and-young-people-in-the-countryside-making-a-connection/

A strong planning system is vital for environmental protection and creating quality places to live.

In the face of climate, nature and health crises we must move forward, not backwards.

Here's why good planning systems are essential for the countryside.
https://www.cpre.org.uk/opinions/why-good-planning-systems-are-essential-for-the-countryside/

Our countryside has never mattered more. Will you help make sure it’s there for every one of us, and for generations to come?

#JoinTheRegeneration

Remember to spare some time if you can, for the BIG Butterfly count, which ends this Sunday, 9th August. We spotted this beautiful Peacock Butterfly on creeping thistle! https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/

Dividing up England into areas for ‘protection, renewal & growth’ would be a gross over-simplification of the planning system.

This would only serve to undermine local democracy and hand yet more power to developers.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/councils-lose-power-to-thwart-housebuilders-9blc5pghs

Allowing developers to side-step the planning system with automatic permission would be bad for the countryside & communities

Quality development and protecting green spaces needs a quality planning system with communities at its heart – not deregulation.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53625960

One quarter of the UK's mammals are at imminent risk of extinction - including hedgehogs. Just let that sink in...

This is why it's more important than ever to restore and protect the countryside and wild places on which these animals depend. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/30/quarter-of-native-uk-mammals-at-imminent-risk-of-extinction

Hedgerows are the vital stitching in the patchwork of our countryside.

Not only are they beautiful, with shifting seasonal colours, they store carbon and help slow #ClimateChange.

We want to see our hedgerows restored, and 40% more planted by 2050. https://bit.ly/2DicpMY

While calls for a green and fair recovery rise up the headlines, the government is giving us no reason to believe it wants to build back to a better society.

Stand with us for a just and sustainable future for the countryside. Sign the petition. https://takeaction.cpre.org.uk/page/64246/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=twitter

Let's harness the power of nature and the countryside to fight climate change.

From planting more hedgerows, restoring peatlands and moving to more sustainable farming, here are five ways the countryside can help us tackle the #ClimateEmergency. https://www.cpre.org.uk/discover/five-ways-the-countryside-tackles-climate-change/

Not only will the government's £27bn road-building plan be disastrous for our countryside, it will wipe out the majority of emissions cuts from transitioning to electric cars.

Let's invest the money in public transport, cycling and active travel instead.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-53353258

BIG thanks to @BBCSouthNews & @Abby_Newbery for filming this piece on #rural #racism, which includes part of my new #poem Dear White West Country People: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-dorset-53184523/dorset-writer-trying-to-raise-awareness-of-rural-racism?fbclid=IwAR1P_kCjn_1S9EspQOvQnQS_EQLQchmjoCwWUu0RdDH25VF5flN0Q9idiKY #Dorset #BlackLivesMatter #blackinnature

In the UK, it’s estimated that there are over 3 bn tonnes of carbon stored in the peatlands – equivalent to all carbon stored in the forests of the UK, Germany and France put together.

Here's everything you need to know about peat & why it's so important.
https://www.cpre.org.uk/discover/everything-you-need-to-know-about-peat/

Let's harness the power of nature and the countryside to fight climate change.

From planting more hedgerows, restoring peatlands and moving to more sustainable farming, here are five ways the countryside can help us tackle the #ClimateEmergency.
https://www.cpre.org.uk/discover/five-ways-the-countryside-tackles-climate-change/