Dear John
It’s been an eventful couple of weeks with the announcement of Boris Johnson’s new energy strategy yesterday following Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement in March.
Both have considerable implications not just for the countryside and rural communities, but the ever-growing climate crisis - the biggest threat the countryside faces.
It’s great to see the government support towards generating more renewable energy, and we want to see that going to the best solutions first - like solar on rooftops and community-generated energy.
But it's concerning to read that the government has once again opened the door to fracking. That's why we're calling for smarter solutions to the energy crisis such as a rooftop-first approach to solar, more offshore wind and home insulation.
In case you missed it, last month we delivered a petition against the proposed new coal mine in Cumbria, which was signed by a total of 285,754. Together, with your help, we sent a clear message to the government: no new coal!
Now we’re calling on the government to urgently fix the planning system and put the climate emergency at the heart of planning decisions. And in a new report, we set out our vision for council farms that recognises their value, rejuvenates their purpose, and puts in place long-term protection, funding and support to make them flourish.
Lastly, did you know that April is Stress Awareness Month? With daylight hours increasing, we’ve got everything you need to experience the sights, sounds and smells of spring - why not take a copy of our new hedgerows guide on your countryside walks?
