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Guardians of the Green

An exploration of CPRE, The Countryside Charity, detailing its enduring mission to preserve England's natural heritage.

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About CPRE

Mission and Identity

CPRE, The Countryside Charity, is a prominent charitable organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the English countryside. Established in 1926, it has evolved from its original name, the Council for the Preservation of Rural England, to encompass a broader mandate for a sustainable future for rural England. CPRE advocates for the countryside as a vital environmental, economic, and social asset, actively campaigning for positive solutions and highlighting threats to its integrity.

Key Statistics

CPRE operates with a significant network and reach:

  • Members & Supporters: Over 40,000 individuals contribute to its cause.
  • Staff: A dedicated team of 40 professionals manages operations.
  • Volunteers: An extensive network of 1,200 volunteers supports local and national efforts.

Operational Scope

The charity's influence extends across England. Its national office is situated in London, complemented by regional offices in eight other areas. Furthermore, CPRE maintains a robust presence through branches in each of England's counties, alongside over 200 district groups, ensuring localized engagement and advocacy.

Historical Trajectory

Foundational Years (1926-1940s)

Founded in 1926 by Sir Patrick Abercrombie, CPRE emerged from a growing concern over unchecked urban expansion. Abercrombie, serving as Honorary Secretary, spearheaded the organization's initial efforts. The inaugural meeting, addressed by future Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, set a precedent for high-level engagement. Early campaigns focused on advocating for rural planning, the establishment of national parks for urban recreation, the creation of green belts around cities to curb sprawl, and the reservation of farming belts.

Post-War Influence (1941-1960)

During World War II, CPRE became an essential consultative stakeholder for government ministries regarding land use. Its advocacy played a crucial role in shaping post-war legislation, contributing significantly to the Town and Country Planning Act 1947 and the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. This era also saw the initiation of community-focused programs like 'Best Kept Village' and 'Keep Britain Tidy'. CPRE successfully campaigned for the M1 motorway to bypass Charnwood Forest, demonstrating its effectiveness in infrastructure planning.

Expanding Focus (1961-1990)

The period from 1961 to 1980 saw CPRE address issues such as plastic pollution, hedgerow loss, and energy infrastructure. Notable successes included protecting the Berkshire Downs during the M4 motorway construction and advocating for stricter controls on roadside advertising. The subsequent decade (1981-1990) witnessed the establishment of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a long-standing CPRE objective. The organization also championed sustainable energy and the use of brownfield land, influencing agricultural policy to incorporate environmental considerations.

Modern Era (1990 onwards)

Since 1990, CPRE has continued its impactful work. The government's first Environment White Paper acknowledged the case for hedgerow protection, a campaign CPRE had championed for two decades. The introduction of "tranquillity maps" in 1995 highlighted areas free from noise and light pollution, influencing planning strategies. CPRE has actively engaged with issues like deposit return schemes for recycling, the protection of dark skies, and the reform of agricultural policies, demonstrating a consistent commitment to the evolving challenges facing the countryside.

Key Campaigns

Dark Skies

CPRE actively campaigns against light pollution, recognizing its detrimental effects on nocturnal wildlife, human well-being, and the ability to observe the night sky. Initiatives like "Star Count" engage the public in mapping light pollution and raising awareness. CPRE advocates for councils to adopt responsible street lighting practices, which not only reduce light pollution but also conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions.

Hedgerows

Championing the protection of hedgerows, CPRE has long recognized their ecological and landscape value. Their sustained efforts contributed to the eventual implementation of laws protecting these vital features, which serve as crucial habitats for wildlife and contribute to the character of the rural environment.

Development and Planning

CPRE influences development plans at local, regional, and national levels. A core tenet is the prioritization of brownfield land for new developments over greenfield sites, aiming to protect the countryside from unnecessary urban sprawl. They also campaign against excessive "clutter" from signs and billboards in rural areas and advocate for the protection of quiet rural roads.

Climate Emergency

Addressing the climate crisis, CPRE campaigns against destructive practices such as opencast mining. They challenge large infrastructure projects like HS2 and proposed expressways, advocating for modifications that minimize environmental impact. CPRE also supports policies that bolster local food businesses and sustainable farming practices, recognizing their role in both environmental stewardship and community resilience.

Organizational Structure

National and Regional Presence

CPRE's national headquarters is located in London. Beyond the capital, the organization maintains a presence through eight regional offices across England. This structure ensures a coordinated national strategy while allowing for adaptation to regional specificities.

Local Engagement

The strength of CPRE lies in its extensive network of county branches and district groups. With branches in every county and groups in over 200 districts, CPRE ensures grassroots involvement and localized advocacy. Most of these branches operate as independent charities, fostering strong community ties and tailored responses to local countryside issues.

Key Figures

Patronage and Leadership

CPRE benefits from distinguished patronage and leadership:

  • Patron: His Majesty King Charles III
  • President: Mary-Ann Ochota
  • Chair: Simon Murray
  • Chief Executive: Crispin Truman

Notable Past Figures

Throughout its history, CPRE has been guided by influential figures:

  • Founding Secretary: Sir Patrick Abercrombie
  • Early Presidents: Sir Guy Dawber, Lord Henley, Sir Colin Buchanan, David Puttnam, Jonathan Dimbleby, Prunella Scales, Sir Max Hastings, Bill Bryson, Andrew Motion, Emma Bridgewater.
  • Sir Guy Dawber (First President, 1926)
  • Sir Herbert J G Griffin (General Secretary, 1926–1965)
  • Michael Francis Eden, 7th Baron Henley (President, 1973–1977)
  • Sir Colin Buchanan (President, 1980–1985)
  • David Puttnam, Baron Puttnam (President, 1985–1992)
  • Jonathan Dimbleby (President, 1992–1997)
  • Prunella Scales (President, 1997–2002)
  • Sir Max Hastings (President, 2002–2007)
  • Bill Bryson (President, 2007–2012)
  • Andrew Motion (President, 2012–2016)
  • Emma Bridgewater CBE (President, 2016–2023)

References

Source Material

The content presented on this page is derived from the Wikipedia article on CPRE, The Countryside Charity. The citations below correspond to the references provided in the original source material.

  1. ^ "Simon Murray elected as new Chair of CPRE". CPRE.
  2. ^ "Campaign to Protect Rural England announces new name and strategy".
  3. ^ CPRE. "CPRE History".
  4. ^ "Rural England". The Times. 8 December 1926. p. 13. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
  5. ^ Adsley, Colin. "Molly Trevelyan and her part in CPRE - CPRE Northumberland". northumberland.cprelocalgroups.org.uk. Archived from the original on 4 May 2021. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  6. ^ "The early years". CPRE. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  7. ^ Willis, Gary (10 September 2018). 'An Arena of Glorious Work': The Protection of the Rural Landscape Against the Demands of Britain's Second World War Effort. Rural History. 29 (2): 259–280. doi:10.1017/S0956793318000134. hdl:1983/38495884-cd4c-4a98-8d73-faa1f1bf787e. ISSN 0956-7933. S2CID 165684914.
  8. ^ "1941 – 1960: from National Parks to Green Belts". CPRE. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  9. ^ "1961 – 1980: from plastics to power". CPRE. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  10. ^ "1981 – 1990: from energy to brownfield". CPRE. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  11. ^ ^ "Developing an Intrusion Map of England". CPRE. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  12. ^ "Mary-Ann Ochota: 'Time spent in green space is a wonder drug'". CPRE. Archived from the original on 9 December 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  13. ^ ^ ^ ^ Waine, Peter (2016). 22 ideas that saved the English countryside. Oliver Hilliam. London. ISBN 978-0-7112-3689-9. OCLC 953028602.
  14. ^ "Deposit return scheme in fight against plastic". GOV.UK. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  15. ^ "Current campaigns". CPRE. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  16. ^ "Star Count 2013: preserving the UK's dark skies | BBC Sky at Night Magazine". www.skyatnightmagazine.com. Archived from the original on 9 January 2019. Retrieved 9 January 2019.
  17. ^ "Reduce light pollution, campaign argues | The Planner". www.theplanner.co.uk. 6 May 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2019.
  18. ^ Climate change and natural resources: Minerals. [1] Archived 19 August 2010 at the Wayback Machine.
  19. ^ In depth: High Speed 2, CPRE.
  20. ^ "New £3.5bn Oxford-Cambridge Expressway route could pass through protected Green Belt". Oxford Mail. 18 February 2017.
  21. ^ PoliticsHome.com (11 June 2012). "CPRE: Focus should be on local food". PoliticsHome.com. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  22. ^ PoliticsHome.com (9 August 2017). "Smaller farms heading towards a cliff edge, warns CPRE". PoliticsHome.com. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
  23. ^ Taylor, Matthew (22 August 2018). "UK fracking push could fuel global plastics crisis, say campaigners". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
  24. ^ "Calling all photographers! New competition celebrating best of Dorset is launched". Bournemouth Echo. 4 April 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
  25. ^ "In your area". CPRE. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  26. ^ "Members Guide 2021" (PDF). cpre.org.uk.
  27. ^ Members Guide 2012, published by CPRE, 2012.
  28. ^ Manager, Digital Communications. "Warm and Green - Campaign to Protect Rural England". www.cpre.org.uk. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  29. ^ "Campaign to Protect Rural England | Better Bankside". www.betterbankside.co.uk. Archived from the original on 15 January 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  30. ^ Making our mark - 80 years of campaigning for the countryside by Tristram Hunt.
  31. ^ Living Landscapes: Hidden Costs of Managing the Countryside, available from the CPRE website. Archived 28 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine.
  32. ^ "House of Commons - Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - Minutes of Evidence". Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  33. ^ "10:10 stories". Google My Maps.
  34. ^ "Land as a scarce resource | Croner-i". app.croneri.co.uk. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  35. ^ CPRE? “Ok, but don’t turn Cornwall into replica of England”, Andrew George MP, 16 December 2013.
  36. ^ Halfpenny, Benjamin. "Starter homes policy will not help those who need rural affordable housing - CPRE, the countryside charity". www.oldsite.cpre.org.uk. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  37. ^ Andrew Motion: 'Once you develop land, it is gone forever as countryside', Tim Adams, The Observer, 1 December 2012.
  38. ^ "The CPRE keeps lying about its support for affordable housing | CityMetric". Archived from the original on 9 September 2019.
  39. ^ "George Monbiot meets ... Shaun Spiers". The Guardian. London. 18 December 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  40. ^ "Take Action". cpre.org.uk. Archived from the original on 15 November 2010. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  41. ^ "HS2: Charities urge high-speed rail rethink". BBC News. 7 April 2011.
  42. ^ "High speed rail: investing in Britain's future". GOV.UK. 10 January 2012. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  43. ^ Kirkup, James (7 May 2008). "City-sized swathe of green belt 'concreted over'". Telegraph.co.uk. Archived from the original on 15 October 2009. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  44. ^ "Abundance of land, shortage of housing". iea.org.uk. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  45. ^ Barton, Cassie; Rankl, Felicia; Carthew, Helena. "House of Commons Library".
  46. ^ "CPRE cannot go on denying the scale of the housing crisis - CapX". 26 March 2019.
  47. ^ "Podcast: The Power of Yes | CityMetric". Archived from the original on 28 September 2019.
  48. ^ CPRE (2019). Set up to fail: why housing targets based on flawed numbers threaten our countryside (PDF). CPRE.
  49. ^ "Why did we stop building at density? On planning, and why the CPRE is still wrong about brownfield | CityMetric". Archived from the original on 27 March 2019.
  50. ^ "Enough brownfield land for 1.3 million new homes, CPRE report reveals". CPRE. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  51. ^ "Hertsmere Borough Council latest news". Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  52. ^ "CPRE is delighted to have patronage of His Majesty, The King". CPRE. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
  53. ^ "Simon Murray elected as new Chair of CPRE".

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References

References

  1.  In depth: High Speed 2, CPRE
  2.  Making our mark - 80 years of campaigning for the countryside by Tristram Hunt
A full list of references for this article are available at the CPRE Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding environmental policy, conservation, or planning matters. Always refer to official CPRE documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific advice.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.