Landscape

Gumping Common, Bromley, London, autumn 2006. Photo: Tim Jones/CPRE

We all value the English countryside for

• Its beauty – from the grandest landscapes down to a tiny patch of roadside wildflowers
• Its tranquillity – from the remotest, highest hilltop to a woodland walk next to a big town
• Its diversity – from rugged, open fells to patchworks of copses and meadows

All of our campaigning is based on these values, but some of our major campaigns – those in this section of our website – have an especially close link to them.

Debating the future of land use
In March 2007, David Miliband gave a speech on his vision for land use in England. We had a good response from our members and the public, who joined the debate, posting comments on the CPRE Debates blog. The debate has now closed and David Miliband and Shaun Spiers have written their final thoughts.
> CPRE debates website

Tranquillity under threat
Tranquillity is important for everyone – for our hearts, minds and bodies. Tranquil areas in the countryside allow us to escape the noise and stress of cities, towns and suburbs, to be inspired and to get refreshed. But these tranquil areas are under threat from increasing development from the spread of towns, more roads and traffic, and air traffic growth.
> Our tranquillity campaign

Light pollution is diminishing our view of the stars
Light pollution is increasing across this country, leaving less and less countryside where we can enjoy dark, starry nights. Thanks to our campaign work intrusive lighting will now be treated as a Statutory Nuisance but there is more to be done.
> Our light pollution campaign

Roadside advertising is blighting the countryside
Since our formation in 1926, CPRE has fought to prevent large advertising displays blighting the countryside. This achievement is now in serious danger. We've found hoardings spreading rapidly besides motorways and major roads across England. They spoil the countryside and there's a real risk they can distract motorists.
> Our roadside advertising campaign

Countryside character
The diversity of our landscape is being steadily eroded. There is a spreading blandness and loss of character afflicting England's small towns and the countryside in which they are set. We want to arrest that spreading blandness.
> Our countryside character campaign

Hedgerows
We are committed to protecting hedgerows and dry stone walls – features which give beauty and character to rural landscapes and are valuable habitats for wildlife.
> Our hedgerows campaign

The future of the countryside
The countryside is under threat as never before; our report Your countryside, your choice identifies alarming trends which will lead to a rural England changed beyond recognition within a generation.
> Our countryside futures campaign