What we've achieved
Since 1926, the Campaign to Protect Rural England has fought to protect the beauty, life and uniqueness of our countryside. Eighty years on, is the glass half full or half empty? Considering England’s high population density and the huge growth in population and prosperity since our foundation, you might conclude our campaigning and behind-the-scenes influence have been highly successful. For England still has huge tracts of diverse, very beautiful countryside. The conclusion is strengthened if you look at the urban sprawl spreading rapidly across some European neighbours.
But each year about 21 square miles of English countryside is lost to concrete and asphalt. The countryside, its wildlife and natural resources as well as its sheer beauty and tranquillity, are under threat from sprawl, new road and airport infrastructure, from noise, air and light pollution. Farming, too, is under pressure to become ever more intensive and productive to meet globalised competition, yet we expect farmers to be among the leading custodians of the countryside. And climate change is coming.
Highlights over the last 80 years
Read about our campaigns and success stories over the last 80 years, from 1926 – 2006.
> What we've achieved: 1920s — 2000s
Help us to protect the countryside for future generations
Whilst we have plenty to celebrate in CPRE’s success and influence over our first 80 years, we face enormous challenges. we have plenty to celebrate in CPRE’s success and influence over our first 80 years, we face enormous challenges. We have a tough fight on our hands to ensure England has a real countryside left eight decades from now. And we depend entirely on the support of our members, donors and volunteers – in order to win.
> Support us
