CPRE National Office publishes '20:26 - A Vision for the Countryside'

11th May 2009

CPRE National Office has set out an inspiring and optimistic vision for the future of the English countryside, our greatest national asset in 2026 – A Vision for the Countryside, describing the countryside CPRE wants to see in 2026, the charity's centenary year.

To mark the launch of the publication, Shaun Spiers, Chief Executive of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: "The Vision – produced after wide consultation – pictures a countryside in 2026 that is used and valued by everyone, helping create a healthier, less stressed nation where people are in tune with the environment and aware of their impact on it. A beautiful and living countryside, accessible to all, has always been valuable; in tough economic times, and with people facing growing stresses in their lives, it should be priceless.

The British countryside is a great resource for the whole country, essential to our wellbeing and our sense of identity. Looking ahead to our centenary year, we want the countryside to be protected – and we want to improve it! CPRE doesn't often admit it, but, although most of the countryside is lovely, and often breathtakingly so, parts of it are not as beautiful or useful or accessible as they should be. We want to make it better – and with your help we think we can."

On 16 May 2008 CPRE Oxfordshire held a half-day discussion in Oxford on the subject of 'The Future of Oxfordshire's Countryside?', as part of the CPRE's consultation on the publication. The summary of the discussion is available here (PDF).


See: CPRE National Office Press Release (11 May)

See: '2026 - A Vision for the Countryside'

CPRE requests feedback on second draft of Vision 20:26

September 2008

The second draft of the Vision has been issued by CPRE National Office and branches and regional groups are invited to attend a special meeting to discuss the vision at the St. Bride Institute, Fleet Street, London (near Blackfriars tube and railway station) on Thursday 6 November, 11.00am – 4.00pm.

Please contact Julia Lafferty for further information. You can also send comments on the 20:26 Vision to Dustin Benton.


See: CPRE's Vision 20:26 Second Draft (PDF)
See: CPRE's Vision 20:26 The Process (PDF)

What Future for Oxfordshire's Countryside?

16th May 2008

On May 16 2008, almost 50 people, including politicians, farmers, conservationists, CPRE members, representatives from county AONBs, the Environment Agency and Natural England, met for a half-day discussion at Oxford Castle on the subject of 'The Future of Oxfordshire's Countryside?', to inform CPRE's Vision 20:26 – CPRE's vision for the countryside in 2026, its centenary year.

A summary of the discussion was sent to CPRE National Office to inform the final publication, due to be published in 2009.


See: CPRE Oxon Vision 20:26 presentation (PDF)
See: CPRE Oxon Vision 20:26 programme (PDF)
See: Summary of the CPRE Oxfordshire Vision 20:26 discussion (PDF)

20:26 Vision - What future for the countryside?

A discussion pamphlet, 'Vision 20:26 – What future for our countryside?' has been produced by CPRE following a debate on land use CPRE held at its 80th anniversary conference in 2007. It sets out some provocative proposals about a possible future vision for the countryside.

The pamphlet is intended to provoke debate and doesn't represent current CPRE policy. But it does point to crucial questions facing the countryside over the next twenty years, namely: the future of food and farming, life in our cities, towns and villages, planning, lifestyle and leisure and climate change and the countryside.

To get a copy of '20:26 Vision - What future for the countryside' or to join the debate visit the National CPRE website.

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