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CAMPAIGNS UPDATE
April 2021
Dear John
April is a month of change in the countryside – flowers are blooming, leaves
reappearing and wildlife awakening.
And you, our supporters, continue to rally together to create change for the
countryside of a different kind.
This month, we bring you news of how people like you are fighting for a better,
brighter future for all of us, from improving the planning system to protecting
the night sky.
And we have the latest notes on nature so you know what to look out for as
spring unfolds.
Read on for all the latest news and updates from all of us at CPRE.
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STELLAR GAINS – STAR COUNT RESULTS
Back in February, we asked you to help us map the nation’s view of the night
sky.
An incredible 7,845 counts were submitted - our biggest year ever!
We’ve done the number crunching, and the results show a drop in severe light
pollution compared to 2020 – with lockdown likely to be the explanation.
Discover what we found on our interactive map, and be sure to zoom in to find
out how your area compares.
Explore the map
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AFFORDABLE HOUSING CAMPAIGN WIN
The government has been forced to backtrack on one of their damaging proposals
to deregulate the planning system.
This change would have led to thousands fewer affordable homes being built in
rural towns and villages across England – places in which young people and
families are already priced out of the place they call home.
But we weren’t going to let that happen. Thanks to the pressure you helped to
build, the government quietly dropped the unpopular plans over the Easter
weekend!
Read the good news
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A MONTH IN THE COUNTRYSIDE: CONNECTING WITH NATURE IN APRIL
April sees the countryside really come alive.
In her latest exclusive monthly column for CPRE, Susie White gives us her tips
on what to look out for this month.
Wild garlic and anemones can be seen in the woods, curlews and plovers in the
skies, and orange-tip butterflies floating on the breeze.
But most peculiar of all, discover the macabre but fascinating habits of the
burying beetle.
Dive right in
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EVERY VILLAGE, EVERY HOUR
Our new research shows that we can fund a bus service for every village, every
hour across England, by scrapping the government’s damaging road-building
agenda.
Our plan is affordable, achievable, and is already happening elsewhere in
Europe.
In the run-up to crucial local elections in May, will you ask your councillors
to sign up to our vision of a bus service for every community?
We’ve written a template letter for you, so it will only take a minute.
Email your councillors
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YOUR GUIDE TO SPRING BLOSSOM
Blossom season is upon us, and isn’t it glorious? The delicate white and pink
flowers blooming across our countryside is a sure sign that spring is well
underway.
Here’s our guide to six common blossoms you can see throughout the season – and
how to identify them.
Dive into the guide
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DRS DELAYED… AGAIN
In 2018, after years of campaigning by CPRE and others, the government committed
to introducing a deposit return system for drinks containers – a huge win for
the countryside.
But three years and two consultations later, they’ve made little progress.
Instead, they have delayed the introduction of a DRS until at least 2024, and
are still considering a watered-down version favoured by a few industry players.
Industry pressure is clearly delaying and diluting this transformative system.
We can’t let that happen.
Stay tuned for ways you can help make sure the government doesn’t bottle it on
deposit return.
Read the story
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PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO PROTEST
We’ve joined almost 250 organisations to raise concerns about the controversial
new Policing Bill.
The Bill includes new trespass and protest offences, which risk putting a ‘do
not enter’ sign across the country and further limiting access to the green
spaces that enrich all of our lives.
Next year will be the 90th anniversary of the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass.
This event saw hundreds of ramblers trespass in the Peak District in an act of
civil disobedience to assert their right to roam. CPRE’s subsequent campaigning
to address the issue helped create the National Parks and Access to the
Countryside Act of 1949.
Without the right to protest, and protests that cause disruption and
trespassing, the countryside would not be the place it is today. That’s why
we’re raising concerns about this bill.
Read the open letter
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As always, thanks for everything you do to support the countryside, and stay
safe.
Best wishes,
Calum
Calum McGregor
Digital Engagement Officer
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CPRE is funded by donations from people like you. Together, we can help our
beautiful countryside thrive, for everyone’s benefit - now and for generations
to come.
Donate now
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CPRE campaigns for a better future for the English countryside. We work locally
and nationally to promote, enhance and protect a beautiful, thriving countryside
for everyone to value and enjoy. Founded in 1926, we’re a grassroots
organisation, with more than 100 local groups, a branch in every county and
80,000 members and supporters. CPRE is a registered charity (1089685) and a
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