Campaigns Update

Last month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves backed a third runway at Heathrow, alongside plans for infrastructure and planning reform. While we welcome investment in truly affordable homes near transport hubs, provided they are built on brownfield land, expanding airports like Heathrow, Luton, City, and Gatwick threatens our countryside, green spaces, and climate commitments.

Land provides us with food, homes, energy, and countless other things our society depends on. If done well, the new framework could help us build new homes and infrastructure in the most suitable and strategic locations, support nature’s recovery, and help tackle the climate crisis. How it operates is critical. That’s why we’re embarked on a project that helps us identify what are the tools that help people make better choices about land. 

This year's RACE report was released last week, and we are proud to have taken steps to improve equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in several areas since last year’s report. While progress is happening, there’s still much more to do, only 6% of people in the sector identify as people of colour or other racially or ethnically minoritised groups, compared with 15% of the total UK workforce. 

We want to share the incredible news that plans for the £274m Norwich Western Link road have been withdrawn, protecting one of Europe’s most significant Barbastelle bat colonies in the Wensum Valley. This is a huge victory for wildlife and the natural landscape, thanks to the collective efforts of CPRE Norfolk, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, and other environmental groups. 

Throughout 2024, CPRE groups have had a huge impact on their local green spaces! From celebrating our countryside with awards and community projects to protecting landscapes and promoting sustainability, local groups have been driving real change.

Joining CPRE not only helps to support our countryside, but it connects you with a community dedicated to preserving our green spaces for future generations.  

As a member, you’ll help us advocate for sustainable rural communities while enjoying exclusive discounts on visits to hundreds of stunning homes and gardens across the country.  

Join today and be part of something special. 

Best wishes,

Lewis

Lewis Townsend

Communications Manager