Protecting our countryside

Britain’s countryside is ever-changing - but that means new roads, housing and retail outlets placing its beauty and tranquility under threat.

While many people feel powerless to stop the development of multi-storey supermarkets and high-rise housing, there are steps we can take in everyday life to help protect the countryside.

The following advice comes from CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England). You can find out more about the organisation and their current campaigns by visiting www.cpre.org.uk.

Buy local

Buying local produce helps support the local farmers that are fundamentally involved in conserving the character of our countryside. Where possible, use in-town shops instead of retail outlets that are built on greenfields.

Drive less, walk more

Try cutting the number of miles you drive by walking or cycling short journeys. If enough people adopted this approach, the demand for new roads would diminish. Flying and driving are also big contributors to emissions of carbon dioxide – itself a looming threat to the countryside in the form of climate change.

Use less energy

Reduce your use of fossil fuels and energy in general, by having a well insulated home with an efficient heating system like a condensing boiler.

Also remember to switch off lights and electrical appliances when they are not needed, and you may even wish to consider getting solar water heating panels.

If we all used less energy, we wouldn't need more power stations to be built.

Use less water

Try to use less water - if demand keeps growing we'll need huge new reservoirs.

There are a number of ways in which you can save water, such as collecting rainwater for the garden, growing drought-tolerant plants and placing a water-saving device in your lavatory cistern. Other water-saving hints and tips can be found on the Environment Agency web site.

Throw out less rubbish

Re-use, recycle and compost as much waste as possible and you’ll help negate the need for more landfill sites and incinerators.

Consider holidaying in England

Rather than flying overseas on a package holiday, why not consider taking a break in the British countryside.

By doing so, you would be boosting the rural and national economy, not to mention significantly reducing your own carbon footprint.

Get involved in planning

Good land-use planning has always been one of CPRE’s top campaigning priorities. The planning process allows decisions about the future of the countryside to be democratic and accountable – get involved to make sure your voice is heard.

You can also show your support for the countryside by becoming a member of CPRE. Visit the CPRE web site for further details.

www.cpre.org.uk
www.environment-agency.gov.uk