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CAMPAIGNS UPDATE
July 2021
Dear John
The birdsong may be quietening, but our campaigns definitely aren’t. From
cleaning up the litter crisis to defending local democracy in the planning
system, it’s been another busy month – and we couldn’t have done it without you.
But it's not all about signing petitions or tweeting the Prime Minister in this
month’s Campaigns Update. If you’re looking for a quiet moment with nature this July , why not check out Susie White’s suggestions on how you can connect to the
countryside in midsummer? Or check out our piece on rural Somerset’s first Pride - complete with drag artists and bake-off.
Do read on for another jam-packed edition of all the latest updates, and a huge
thanks for being a part of CPRE.
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32,908 SAY: DON’T DILUTE OR DELAY A DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME
Last month we went to Downing Street to give the Prime Minister a birthday
present – a message in a bottle, signed by 32,908 people, with one clear demand:
don't dilute or delay a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
This message is part of the growing calls for the government to implement an
all-in DRS as soon as possible – one that includes cans and bottles (glass and
plastic) of all sizes. Just this week, peers joined the call in a House of Lords debate
[[link removed]] and in June, along with 27 other organisations, we were part of a full-page advert in the Telegraph
[[link removed]] telling Boris not to bottle it.
We were promised a DRS three years ago, and we're not going to let the goverment
hit the snooze button anymore. Thanks for all you’ve done to support the
campaign so far!
Image credit: Jess Hurd
Read more
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KEY COMMITTEE AGREES WITH US ON THE GOVERNMENT'S PLANNING OVERHAUL, AS WE
PUBLISH OUR SIX TESTS
It’s all been heating up in the world of planning this month, with the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee joining the rising chorus
of opposition
[[link removed]] to the government's damaging proposals to overhaul the planning system.
Ministers have been under fire from all angles in the last month, with the
Secretary of State now delaying the government’s response to the proposals to
Autumn. It'd be hard to say that's not a direct result of all the campaigning
noise!
As we prepare for the government's response, we joined other leading charities
including RSPB and the Wildlife Trusts in releasing six tests that new planning
rules must pass to put people and nature first.
Image credit: Belinda Fewings
Read our six tests for planning
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RURAL SOMERSET'S FIRST PRIDE FESTIVAL
With Pride month at an end, we were excited to share a story in June about the
first Pride festival in rural Somerset.
Written by Joe Jukes, who researches LGBTQ+ experiences in the countryside, it
explores how a rural Pride can empower country-dwelling people to celebrate
their sexuality and gender identity, and to encourage their friends and
neighbours to become LGBTQ+ allies.
As well as having a lot of fun together, events included a performance from drag
artist Dr Cheddar Gorgeous
[[link removed]] , a bake-off competition and the Midsomer Norton Pride’s Pits and Pervert’s
Ball.
Image credit: Duncan Everson
Check out the story
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A MONTH IN THE COUNTRYSIDE: CONNECTING WITH NATURE IN JULY
As Susie White says in this month’s observations, midsummer is when the sounds
of nature change.
Insects get louder as the birds quieten down. Lizards bask in the sun, while
meadows in the North Pennines ripen. And - as usual - there's plenty to spot,
even from your back garden!
Check out five ways you can connect with nature in July in Susie’s exclusive
monthly column.
Image credit: Izel Photography
Connect with nature this month
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A YEAR IN REVIEW...
It’s here – our annual review for the last year!
Dive in with a cup of tea to find out all we’ve been up to, with your help, to
build a thriving countryside for all. From keeping coal in the hole to standing
against rural racism, the last twelve months have been far from quiet.
It’s been an extraordinary year for all of us, but as Crispin Truman, Chief
Executive at CPRE, points out in his opening foreword, it has given a glimpse of
a greener, fairer future for our country.
As we appreciate the crucial role that access to green space and nature has
played during lockdown, the review also looks to the year ahead for future
campaigning efforts - so do read on for a sneak peek!
Image credit: Ruth Davey
Dive into our annual review
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WE REACT TO THE LONG-AWAITED GLOVER REVIEW RESPONSE
On Thursday 24 June, the government made a long-awaited announcement on the
Glover Review about the future of England’s National Parks and AONBs.
As you may know, we’ve been involved in the Glover Review since it began in
2018, and we were thrilled when many of our recommendations were included in the final report
[[link removed]] published in late 2019, including one for every child to have a night under the
stars in a National Park or AONB.
Now a statement has finally been published and, although it lacked detail, it
means Defra can begin work at last. A consultation is expected in the summer to
explore how the report recommendations are best pursued, so we’ll be sure to
keep you updated!
Image credit: Shutterstock
Read our reaction
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Hopefully there’s been an interesting read or two for you in this month’s
edition, and thanks again for all you do in building a thriving countryside that
everyone can enjoy.
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
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