2023 AGM Minutes

Thank you for everyone who attended our AGM, this year held in Engine Shed. We had a very successful event, with lots of positive feedback coming in from our attending members.

It was interesting to hear from CPRE CEO Roger Mortlock on the future of CPRE and our director Mary Jane on the focus of CPRE Avon and Bristol. There are exciting plans involving the adoption of Rooftop Solar generation nationwide to alleviate the pressure on landowners to adopt ground mounted solar on viable greenspace land. This goes hand in hand with our rooftop solar workshop and our plans to work with local councils to role out this programme in Avon and Bristol.

It is encouraging to know that CPRE National is in constant conversation with members of parliament and is a consistent voice regarding proper planning regulation for the protection of the countryside. As Bristol and Bath are surrounded by green belt land we are very concerned about the planning legislation changing so that green belt land is no longer protected. As we have seen on Yew Tree farm ‘the last farm in Bristol’ developmental changes can happen swiftly and suddenly leading to unnecessary habitat destruction.

National is also focused on better integration of BAME voices and younger voices within the charity, something at CPRE Avon and Bristol we are conscious of and actively trying to change by working with Babbassa to create projects which encourage BAME youth groups to acquire new practical skills whilst learning about nature recovery.

The AGM itself went smoothly with the adoption of Danica Priest and Sophie Spencer as new trustees. Sarah Pitt was elected as chair and Charlee Bennet elected as vice chair to fill the current role of chair whilst Sarah is recovering from major surgery.

The full AGM minutes can be accessed below