Campaigns Update

More than 3,000 of you wrote to your election candidates to ask them to back our manifesto for a thriving countryside. You contacted candidates in almost every constituency in England, sending over 12,000 letters - a huge achievement. Thank you.

With the election result now in, we’ll be working to make the countryside a priority for the new government in their first 100 days in office.

Firstly, we’ll be lobbying for the government to put into law a strong Environment Bill to protect our environment and reduce waste, and an Agriculture Bill that rewards nature-friendly and low-carbon farming.

We’ll also be urging the government to address urgent challenges such as providing genuinely affordable homes in rural areas, and making sure they take a bold approach to tackling the climate emergency.

We’ll be in close contact with the government in its first 100 days and beyond, and we’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Can you remember your first experience of the beauty of nature? The first time you stomped through a muddy puddle, or climbed a tree?

Early contact with nature can have a hugely positive effect on the wellbeing of children and how they view the countryside.

The public agrees. We’ve just found that 96% of parents think it’s important for children to experience green spaces and spend time in the natural world.

One of our priorities for the new government is improving access to green spaces for everyone, and we’ll be campaigning for every schoolchild to be able to experience the countryside first-hand as part of the national curriculum.

Tune in to BBC One at 6pm, grab a tea, and settle in. We’re going to be on Countryfile!

We’re about to launch a brand new report on the future of county farms – farms owned by local authorities let out to young and first-time farmers.

They’re an important way for young people to get into farming, and are often vital community hubs. But their numbers are in decline, and many are in danger of being sold off.

Watch the programme at 6pm this Sunday to find out more, and hear the stories of the campaigners making county farms work for a new generation of farmers.

Want a sneak preview? Read our guide to county farms to find out what it's all about.

One of our favourite things to do over Christmas is to get outside and make the most of our beautiful English countryside.

If you’re out in the countryside over the festive period, head over to Twitter or Instagram to share your photos of your favourite landscape or festive walk using the hashtag #CountrysideAtChristmas.

Whether it’s a frosty scene or a family walk, we’ll share all the best snaps to celebrate the beauty and wonder of our winter landscapes.  

Thanks for supporting our work and helping to make the countryside even better, and have a wonderful and relaxing festive break.

Best wishes,

Calum McGregor

Digital Engagement Officer