The Campaign to Protect
Rural England

Established for over 80 years, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is a countrywide charity with some 60,000 members. Its mission statement sets out that “The Campaign to Protect Rural England exists to promote the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England by encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country.”

CPRE seeks to protect and enhance the quality of life of those that live and work in rural England. It recognises that the landscape that we see around us is the result of mankind’s labours over the centuries. The countryside is constantly changing and evolving; CPRE supports development within the countryside, but only where such development is appropriate and beneficial to countryside and the rural economy.

CPRE lobbies central government on many issues, such as the lack of affordable housing, the dearth of rural transport and the closure of our post offices, amongst many others. It also studies all new laws and regulations and lobbies central government where appropriate to ensure maximum benefit and minimum harm to our rural way of life.

CPRE believes that climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions is a major threat to the global environment and to the character and quality of England’s countryside, however the visual impact of large wind turbines can be a form of pollution which damages the landscape. Decisions on the scale and location of wind power development and other forms of energy generation should therefore avoid damaging valued rural landscapes – not only those that are designated as National Parks or AONBs.

Each county in England has its own branch of CPRE which are independent charities in their own right. Each county branch has local groups which normally work within the boundaries of their local planning authorities. CPRE works closely with each local planning authority and is normally consulted on any major planning application within the rural areas. The input from CPRE is often highly valued by the local authorities.

CPRE has a national website at www.cpre.org.uk where information on its many campaigns can be accessed, along with many of its publications, most of which can be downloaded free of charge.

The Devon branch of CPRE has its own website at www.cpredevon.org. New members are always welcome – the more members that we have, the stronger our voice will be.

Town and parish councils are always welcome to join CPRE. One of the benefits for councils, as well as for individuals, is access to free advice on planning matters.

Anyone living in North Devon is welcome to contact Bob Barfoot, the Chairman of CPRE North Devon:

Tel: 01398 341623