Dear John,

The seasons are shifting, and with the crisp air turning colder, it’s clear autumn is on its way, even if we’re still holding out hope for a few more sunny days.

As summer holidays wind down, MPs are heading back to Westminster, and party conference season is kicking off. We’re attending all major party conferences with Reform's last week and Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrats and Green conferences still to come. We’ll be sharing updates over the coming weeks on our website, in your inbox, and across our social channels. So, stay tuned.

Last weekend we celebrated Countryside Day! Whether it was a walk in your local green space or a trip to one of our beautiful National Parks, we hope you managed to soak up and enjoy nature and our landscapes. Talking of which, we’re also proud to be supporting CPRE Hertfordshire in their push for a clearer definition of the ‘grey belt’—a vital step in protecting our countryside. You can support them too, by signing their petition, the link is below.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for a major milestone: our 100th birthday in 2026! We’re also continuing our campaigning on rooftop solar and planning reform. We’re working hard to shape a greener future—and we can’t wait to share what’s coming next in the next few months.

Celebrate our countryside with us!

Last week, we celebrated Countryside Day! If you missed it, now is still the perfect time to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with the natural world around you. Across the country, local CPREs hosted walks, talks, and hands-on activities to celebrate the landscapes, wildlife, and communities that make the countryside so special. There are still a couple of sessions coming up, find out what’s happening near you and join the celebration!

Local voices matter

Over 1,000 Neighbourhood Plans already help communities shape what development happens near them. But without continued funding and support, this vital grassroots planning is at risk.

Call on the Government to protect Neighbourhood Plans and ensure every community can have a say in their future.

Let’s rethink the ‘grey belt’ and save our Green Belt

CPRE Hertfordshire have launched a petition to change the definition of 'grey belt' in the National Planning Policy Framework.  
  
The current definition is vague and risks opening up Green Belt land to development. We think it's vital to protect and improve the Green Belt for food-growing, climate mitigation and nature restoration - as well as its landscape value. Please show your support and sign the petition below. 

Next week is Lobby Week

We’re now only a few days away from Lobby Week (13-20 September), which CPRE will be participating in along with other members of The Climate Coalition. This campaign builds on July’s Mass Lobby event and calls people to meet with their MP locally, in any format that they can, to build further momentum and take the ‘Act Now Change Forever’ campaign to local communities. You can find out more in the Climate Coalition’s campaign pack for the event. 

We encourage you to meet with your MP locally during this week to talk about talk about why climate and nature matters to you and to call for bold, practical action. Once confirmed, you can log MP meetings on their website and find others in your constituency taking part. Please let us know if you get involved by emailing [email protected]! 

Best wishes,