Campaigns Update

This week the government published their Agriculture Bill, which sets out a radical rethink of how we farm. The big change is that farmers will be rewarded for nature-friendly farming and providing habitats for wildlife.

We're pleased that the government has listened to our calls to recognise that healthy soils are vital for our future, and that they need to be regenerated.

Lots of people are already pioneering exciting farming approaches that are good for our food and planet. We want to see them spread to every corner of our countryside.

We're calling on the government to support county farms and provide training and advice to farmers, and we’ll be working to hold the government to account as the Bill becomes law.

When was the last time you experienced the wonder of a star-filled sky?

Our annual Star Count is back, and we’d like you to help us create a map of the nation’s view of the night sky.

Counting the stars you can see will help us to find out where light pollution is a problem and where the darkest skies are, so we can help protect them.

It’s easy to take part - just look to the heavens between 21-28 February and count the number of stars you see in the constellation of Orion.

It’s family-friendly and anyone can take part – sign up below to register your interest.

The places we live should provide us with access to everything we need for a good quality of life and be designed with people in mind. It’s just common sense. But we know that’s often not the case for new housing developments.

So, a heads up for you: next week we’ll be launching a joint report with UCL (University College London), looking at the quality of housing built since 2007.

We’re hoping for a big splash – so look out for our name in the press next week.

As always, thanks for supporting our work and helping to make the countryside even better.

Best wishes,

Calum McGregor

Digital Engagement Officer