Campaigns Update

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 and in June, along with 27 other organisations, we were part of a full-page advert in the Telegraph 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

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 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

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, a bake-off competition and the Midsomer Norton Pride’s Pits and Pervert’s Ball.

Image credit: Duncan Everson

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

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

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 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