CPRE Countryside regeneration campaign launches in Avon and Bristol

Covid-19 has renewed our appreciation of, and enthusiasm for, the countryside and green spaces around us, which have been a lifeline to regenerate families and individuals during lockdown. The need for green spaces within walking distance of homes has become increasingly vital for wellbeing, as well as the realisation of our need to make space for nature in order to increase the health of the world we live in. The countryside gives us life both in terms of the oxygen we breathe and our physical and mental wellbeing. We need to make sure we, in turn, regenerate and care for our countryside and green spaces so that they can be sustained, prioritised, and used well. 

According to a recent survey by the Office for National Statistics, one in eight people in the UK have had no access to a private or public garden space during Covid-19. With further plans to “build, build, build” we need to prioritise ‘brownfield first’ and ensure that all housing has sufficient access to green spaces.  It is vital that we support and value a healthy, living countryside, particularly in light of the environmental and social challenges that we are all facing such as lack of affordable housing, poor public transport, isolation and habitat loss.

CPRE is “the countryside charity”, that works for a beautiful and thriving countryside that enriches all of our lives. Since 1926, CPRE has worked hard to enhance, promote and protect the countryside including the communities within it.  They recognise that they can’t do it alone. CPRE believes that everyone can help to ensure that our countryside continues to provide us with the landscapes, wildlife, ways of life and emotional and physical wellbeing needed in the 21st century.  Their ambitious mission for their centenary in 2026 is to bring together a million people to strengthen the voice of the countryside.

In its new five week ‘Regeneration’ campaign which begins on 9th October, CPRE in the South-West seeks to build stronger connections with the countryside on our doorstep as we enter a ‘new normal’, whilst also highlighting the vital work of CPRE and the challenges it faces. 

Sophie Spencer, CPRE Avon and Bristol’s Director said, “Now more than ever we value every chance to spend time in nature and feel the benefits to our health and mental wellbeing. We’re offering everyone, no matter where they live, the opportunity to #jointheregeneration, a movement that values the restorative power of the countryside, making sure it is looked after and protected for now and forever.”  

The campaign will be offering advice for enjoying the countryside well, alongside highlighting some of the important issues affecting our area.

The campaign is running primarily on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – search for CPRE Avon and Bristol”) and you can also sign up for updates on the CPRE Avon and Bristol website (https://www.cpreavonandbristol.org.uk/). If you would like to make a real difference to the Avon and Bristol countryside you can also join as a member of CPRE Avon and Bristol or sign up as a volunteer to help to tackle important issues such as countryside accessibility for all, inappropriate planning applications in relation to the climate crisis and the preservation of dark sky reserves. 

We would love for as many people as possible to get involved with the Regeneration campaign in order to start a meaningful movement that lasts long into the future.