Bill Bryson collects litter in Durham, March 2008. © Chris Leslie/Campaign To Protect Rural England.
The beautiful Green Belt around Stevenage, under threat from development plans. © Campaign Against Stevenage Expansion.
The Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation provided a grant of £80,300 towards the costs of two projects in 2007/08.
Regreening the Green Belt
Green Belts, possibly England's best-known planning tool, were created to prevent sprawl and protect the countryside. They are, however, under increasing threat from developers. Significant areas have already been lost.
Consequently, CPRE is undertaking research to raise awareness of the importance of protecting Green Belt land and of improving its quality.
They aim to provide evidence of numerous benefits. Clearly, Green Belts play a key role in controlling development, thereby improving the environment around our cities. But they also provide a sustainable source of food. Moreover, they enable people, especially those from marginalised communities on city fringes, to access the countryside.
The report, due in October 2008, will make recommendations on future land use and seek to influence policy and debate on Green Belt issues.
Stop the Drop
CPRE's campaign against litter and fly-tipping in the countryside began in April 2008. Led by CPRE President Bill Bryson, it focuses on lobbying, advocacy, education and changing behaviour.
Through their website, CPRE encourages people to take action by, for example, lobbying local authorities, government and other bodies responsible for keeping land litter-free.
The joint resource with Clean Up UK (www.litteraction.org.uk) which helps individuals and groups to organise clean-up drives and educational activities in their local areas, is drawing an excellent response.
In May, an Early Day Motion tabled by Martin Horwood MP, Stop the Drop Campaign against litter and fly-tipping, attracted cross-party support.
A Panorama documentary on the campaign is in the pipeline.
Visit the Campaign to Protect Rural England website.