This new charter for the countryside describes the England CPRE wants to see in 2026, our centenary year. The Vision, produced after wide consultation, pictures a countryside in 2026 that is used and valued by all as a national asset, helping create a healthier, less stressed nation where people are in tune with the environment and aware of their impact on it.

13 case studies show how CPRE's aims for the countryside of 2026 could be achieved if we adopt these pioneering schemes as 'the norm', and take inspiration from individuals making a stand now.

This booklet looks to the future and sets out some of the challenges facing our countryside. At the same time, it is inspired by the consensus in support of National Parks, Green Belts and the land use planning system that CPRE has helped to forge over the past eighty years.

This booklet contains the speech given by the Rt Hon David Cameron MP to CPRE’s 2008 Annual Lecture and explores the relationship between social value – the theme of his speech – and CPRE’s traditional focus on landscape.

Articles in this issue of Fieldwork: influencing the future of planning, how to collaborate to succeed, the impact of light pollution, successful campaign saves ancient wood, getting freight on canals: one branch's story.

Articles in this issue of Fieldwork: the vital role of hedgerows, how to gain town green status, inspiring project improves access, taking local campaigns online, turning litter into a resource.

In this issue:

• Star count results
• Collaboration on new coastal policy
• Good ideas for ‘greener’ village
• Gen up on renewable energy
• Food – from field to fork
• Refuse to accept refuse