Winter 2019 Fieldwork

Fracking ban hailed as a significant Inside this issue step in tackling the climate crisis Support for new ‘national landscapes’ p3 PRE, the countryside charity, new scientific analysis from the Oil has long argued that fracking and Gas Authority which concluded A manifesto for the Ccould industrialise rural that it is not possible, with current next government p4 England and contribute to the technology, to accurately predict the climate crisis, so we were delighted probability of tremors associated The battle over a historic to join our community and NGO with fracking. The government West Yorkshire view p6 partners in celebrating the announcement stated that fracking 2 November announcement of a would be ‘paused’ until ‘compelling Promoting rural moratorium on the practice with new evidence is provided’, and also exception sites p8 immediate effect. The halt to cited the disturbance caused to fracking comes after a two-year residents living near Cuadrilla’s A new approach to CPRE campaign against government Preston New Road site in Lancashire, housing affordability p12 proposals to ‘fast-track’ shale including a 2.9 magnitude earthquake gas development through the that forced a halt to operations A landmark decision on planning system, thereby removing in August. air quality p13 local people from the decision- CPRE North Yorkshire said: making process. ‘Having campaigned hard against the The latest on our Green Ministers decided that fracking KM8 well in Kirby Misperton [cover Belt campaign p14 will not be allowed to proceed in photo] we welcome and support England following the publication of the view taken by government that Continued on p2 CONTACTS COVER STORY

Fieldwork Fracking ban hailed in battle Volume 16, Issue 3 against the climate emergency Editor Continued from p1 Oliver Hilliam [email protected] Contributors fracking is not a suitable method object to the proposals in a joint letter Robert Bamforth, Jo Lavis, for extracting natural gas in the UK.’ published in the Telegraph. We also joined David Johnson, Ketsia Tampo, CPRE South Yorkshire also welcomed forces with Friends of the Earth to poll Amelia Furness. the news but remains vigilant until there Conservative councillors on the proposals, Fieldwork is the newsletter is more clarity on what the moratorium which revealed that 80% of them were of the CPRE The countryside means in reality. They said the decision opposed to the government’s plans. charity, published in April, would not have happened without the An accompanying CPRE campaign action August and November. brave and sustained campaigns led by encouraged 11,000 people to ask their the local communities they worked with council leaders to support the campaign. CPRE is the countryside at Harthill and Woodsetts in Rotherham All of this pressure resulted in two charity that campaigns to and Marsh Lane, near Eckington. CPRE parliamentary debates last year which promote, enhance and protect the countryside for South Yorkshire’s statement continued: saw a packed room of cross-party MPs everyone’s benefit, wherever ‘We are proud to have shared our challenge ministers on the undemocratic they live. planning expertise with them, fought nature of the measures. shoulder to shoulder alongside them ISSN 1744-8905 (Print) ISSN 1744-8913 (Online) at three public inquiries and to have 83% of respondents opposed the worked with Friends of the Earth, move to let fracking applications cut Greenpeace, 38degrees and others out local councils to oppose this insidious new form of fossil fuel. We are clear that, to avert Tackling the climate emergency the worst impacts of climate change on November’s long-awaited announcement our local countryside, fracking has no finally came a week after CPRE welcomed role in our low carbon future.’ a National Audit Office report supporting our warnings that fracking has no CPRE The countryside charity A victory for local communities demonstrable benefit to local people, 5-11 Lavington Street The government also confirmed that it communities and the country at large. London SE1 0NZ would not be taking forward proposed The report also highlighted the lack of T 020 7981 2800 planning reforms for shale gas clarity on who will meet the costs of F 020 7981 2899 [email protected] developments that were consulted on decommissioning wells, and the lack www.cpre.org.uk in 2018. CPRE mobilised thousands of of progress on developing the carbon @CPRE people to respond to the consultations capture and storage technology which as part of our ‘Don’t fast-track fracking’ would be essential for fracking to be Campaign to Protect Rural England is a company limited by campaign, and the results published after compliant with reaching net-zero guarantee, registered in England, the moratorium announcement revealed emissions targets. number 4302973. Registered the extent of our influence, recording charity number 1089685. an unprecedented level of opposition: This is a fantastic win for everyone All the articles and features within this publication are 83% of respondents opposed the move who cares about protecting the copyright of the CPRE and may to make fracking applications go through countryside from climate catastrophe not be reprinted or distributed the Nationally Significant Infrastructure and mass industrialisation without the prior written consent of the publishers. Projects regime, cutting out local councils; while 97.5% opposed permitted Tom Fyans, CPRE’s deputy chief development rights for shale gas executive said: ‘This is a fantastic win exploration which would have removed for local democracy and everyone who the need for planning permission for initial cares about protecting the countryside work. The government’s response to from climate catastrophe and mass the consultations also noted the petition industrialisation. In a state of climate against the plans signed by over 307,000 emergency, the decision to ban new people, with over 200,000 of those names fracking is absolutely essential but CPRE generated by CPRE. urges the next government to go even Our campaign for local democracy further with a range of policies that will saw us team up with 20 organisations to help tackle the climate emergency.

2 Fieldwork Winter 2019 SUCCESSES IN THIS ISSUE

Featured Break through contents How volunteers are making a difference Fracking ban hailed in battle against climate emergency p1 A manifesto for the countryside p4 Link road threat to the Chilterns p4 Green Clean 2019 p5 Challenging airport expansion p5 Dates of note p5 Reviewing polytunnels in Herefordshire p6 The battle of Castle Hill p6 Celebrating Shropshire's landscapes p7 Exploring Manchester's Green Belt p7 A Gold Award for a visionary rural community Saving Staffordshire's hedgehogs p7 Following an initial idea by CPRE members York Moors National Park team invited An exemplar development in Ryedale, the Thornton Le Dale Hub was members of the Hub to act as a ‘model’ in Leicestershire p8 set up in 2018 by residents who were for other villages, while the village recently concerned about a gradual decline in both won the Gold Award in the Yorkshire Supporting rural exception sites p8 community-spirit and village amenities. in Bloom competition. Trustees from In the past year, the Hub’s volunteers CPRE North Yorkshire visited during Affordable homes in have organised litter picks, created a preparations for the contest (above), and the Peak District p9 nature trail and sensory community herb were so impressed they are now thinking A garden village for garden, and turned the village pond area of re-establishing their Best Kept Village East Cambs? p10 into a place where residents can enjoy competition to help other parishes in the Parish planning natural beauty and tranquillity. The project county take on similar environmental in Devon p10 has been so successful that the North projects and restore local pride. Intensive poultry farming in Herefordshire p10 Meeting David Johnson Support for new ‘national landscapes’ of CPRE Sussex p11 Enhancing Brighton's CPRE welcomed September’s publication Dorset’s case for the Dorset AONB to be biodiversity p11 of recommendations from an independent made a National Park. Dorset’s spectacular A national design guide p12 review into the future of our National Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site would A new approach to Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural double the extent of coastline represented housing affordability p12 Beauty. Instigated by the government in English National Parks, while our The impact of developments as part of its 25 year environment plan, campaigners believe a Dorset National on air pollution p13 our lobbying influenced the review’s Park would be central to a positive future Abingdon reservoir proposals for improved protections and for the county’s rural environment, returns p13 funding for AONBs, and for every school communities and economy. Meanwhile, pupil to have the chance to visit these CPRE Gloucestershire was pleased Finding brownfield sites special landscapes. that the review endorsed their strong in the Wirral p14 The review was also tasked with argument, made over many years, that Space to breathe in the exploring potential new ‘national the Forest of Dean should be designated Green Belt p14 landscape’ designations, and its as an AONB, with the Cotswolds AONB Reasons to protect our recommendations supported CPRE considered for National Park status. green spaces p16

Winter 2019 Fieldwork 3 OTHER NEWS CAMPAIGN NEWS

Greener transport in Oxfordshire CPRE Oxfordshire has called for an outline News round-up transport strategy for Keeping you on top of countryside developments England’s Economic Heartland – a strategic partnership looking at development including A manifesto for the countryside the ‘OxCam Arc’ – to provide solutions that he choices made by the next that empowers communities and promotes address the climate government will have big development that responds to their needs. emergency. Campaigners Tconsequences for our countryside, The election gives us all a great chance welcomed the strategy’s so December’s General Election is a time to talk to candidates as they canvas for acknowledgement that to put the countryside at the top of the votes and attend hustings, and we’re ‘economic growth should political agenda. urging Fieldwork readers to ask them how not be at the expense At CPRE, the countryside charity, we they will work to promote, enhance and of the environment’, and believe that everyone has the right to protect our countryside. Will they, for have called for a plan enjoy a countryside that promotes a instance, support the planning system as that: co-ordinates jobs healthier economy and a happier one of local democracy’s most powerful and housing to minimise community, and our ‘Manifesto for the and effective tools, and back our calls for commuting; commits next government’ promotes a bold set of a ‘brownfield first’ policy to help safeguard to integrated public reforms to make this ambition a reality. our Green Belts? Will they work to transport; offers genuine We want to see the next government increase energy efficiency and promote public engagement; and tackle the climate emergency, natural climate solutions, to ensure there rejects the unnecessary implementing measures to reach net-zero will be no further delay in reducing carbon and environmentally emissions by 2045 at the very latest; emissions? And will they work towards damaging OxCam improve access to green spaces for the investment in public transport and Expressway road. everyone, particularly for children and genuinely affordable homes that will allow those from disadvantaged communities our rural communities to thrive? Read our Vearse Farm update who do not currently have access; and manifesto and look out for more ways to CPRE Dorset was pleased support a well-resourced planning system lobby locally at cpre.org.uk to report that a public hearing in October saw a judge give the go-ahead for a judicial review of Link road threat to the Chilterns the biggest development ever proposed for an Area PRE recently issued a national pollution and carbon emissions. of Outstanding Natural response to the government’s However, the communities secretary Beauty (AONB). The Cdecision not to hold a public Robert Jenrick decided not to ‘call in’ the ADVEARSE campaign inquiry on plans for a destructive link decision, as he was ‘satisfied that the group had been part- road between the M1 and A6, through application should be determined at a local funded by CPRE in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding level.’ Our local campaigners called this challenging Dorset Natural Beauty. ‘an appalling abdication of responsibility’, Council’s decision to We expressed disappointment that the arguing that ‘the Chilterns AONB is a grant planning permission government has decided not to intervene landscape of national significance – it is for 760 houses and and carry out a public inquiry on proposed not simply a local matter.’ Lois Wright, industrial units at Vearse plans for the M1-A6 link road, north of Luton, manager of CPRE Bedfordshire, said: ‘The Farm, near Bridport. part of which will build on 170 acres of “Glover Review of Protected Landscapes” Their case argued that the Chilterns, including the ‘green lung’ (which reported to government in AONB land should only of Sundon Wood. CPRE Bedfordshire September 2019) called for AONBs to be built on under had called on the government to halt the be given much stronger protection and exceptional circumstances, application and allow a full public review recommended that the Chilterns be and even then the scale of plans that will also adversely impact on re-designated as a National Park. By of the development two ancient woodlands and an important refusing to hold a public inquiry into this should be limited. SSSI site. The entire development will be completely unjustified and unnecessary Follow the latest at within the Green Belt and constitutes intrusion into the Chilterns the government dorset-cpre.org.uk ‘environmental vandalism’ – increasing air has failed the first real test.’

4 Fieldwork Winter 2019 DIARY DATES

Building Beautiful – How to create well- designed places This CPRE Sussex planning training session will combine expert presentations with participant workshops to show how you can help improve development design. Saturday 30 November 2019; see cpresussex.org. uk/events for details

Carols from St Mary’s, Easton Neston Green Clean 2019 CPRE Northamptonshire hosts an inspirational PRE’s Green Clean returned for a an event clearing 15 bags of litter from evening of carols with second year during September, Throckley on the 22nd. Elaine Brown, Musica in this charming Cremoving over 10,000 bottles and deputy town clerk of Newbiggin Council, church, followed by mulled cans from our green spaces. Volunteers helped organise the first event (above) wine and mince pies. across England got outside for litter and said ‘it was wonderful to see so many Saturday 14 December; picking sessions as part of an effort to bottles and cans cleared from our green cprenorthants.org.uk/ clean up the countryside and highlight spaces’, while Throckley councillor Linda whats_going_on the need for a comprehensive deposit Wright said: ‘This is a great initiative and return system for drinks containers. we noticed that there was less rubbish Friends of the Peak CPRE Northumberland led the way on than last year. We think that because last District’s Magnificent the first on the month, holding a Green year’s Green Clean raised the profile of Walk 2020 Clean retrieving 21 bags of rubbish and recycling, people are a bit more aware of 10 and 20 mile routes with recyclables in Newbiggin, followed by the need not to drop litter.’ friendly marshals and homemade flapjack along the way. Start and finish at The Three Merry Lads pub Challenging airport expansion near Sheffield and explore the fantastic scenery on new study carried out for CPRE pollution – when the benefits are simply the eastern edge of the Avonside by the New Economics not there would be highly irresponsible.’ Peak District. A Foundation has cast major doubt Meanwhile, CPRE London has called Saturday 16 May 2020; on the potential economic benefits for an independent review of aviation, friendsofthepeak.org.uk/ claimed for the proposed expansion with a view to using the site of London events of Bristol Airport. City Airport to unlock the development The study concludes that the potential of the city's former Docklands. Order your CPRE development of the airport is incompatible Their director Neil Sinden said: ‘In the Christmas cards and with inevitable and essential future longer term, we believe a phased closure help raise funds for constraints on air travel because of programme would be justified in the face our work climate change and claimed benefits for of the major and growing impacts that With seasonal images of the West of England region have been the airport has on communities across Salisbury Cathedral from overstated by almost 50%. The study east London in terms of damage to human CPRE Wiltshire, Birling Gap also found that standard methodologies health and in contributing to climate from CPRE Sussex, and indicate passenger numbers in 2030 are change and air pollution.’ He concluded a selection of designs likely to be only 8.5 million a year, not the that the land could be better used from CPRE Hampshire. In 12 million suggested by the airport. David ‘for the creation of new sustainable need of a 2020 calendar? Worskett, chair of CPRE Avonside, said: communities, with affordable homes, CPRE Hertfordshire’s ‘To incur all the damage involved – to the green spaces and new jobs, well ‘Countryside Under Threat’ Green Belt, to the tranquillity of the whole connected to central London by improved calendar is back! See region, to the levels of congestion and sustainable transport infrastructure.’ county websites for details.

Winter 2019 Fieldwork 5 CURRENT ISSUES REPORTAGE

Reviewing polytunnels in Herefordshire When plans for a 91 acre polytunnel development letterfrom in Ocle Pychard were submitted in 2018, CPRE Herefordshire was asked by villagers thefield to lodge an objection Words from local campaigners to this inappropriate application. The proposal would damage the neighbourhood’s wildlife, heritage sites and quality of life, with even the developer’s The story of Castle Hill landscape and visual impact assessment PRE West Yorkshire’s Robert conceding ‘a high and Bamforth writes on the battle for long term adverse scale of Cone of West Yorshire’s most effect on the character of historic landscapes. the application site itself’. Castle Hill stands like a proud sentinel, Indeed, the polytunnels towering almost 800 feet above will be visible from many Huddersfield town centre. It is an open, footpaths, including the windy, wild, yet amazingly quiet place nationally important Three that is much valued by local people. It is Choirs Way. topped with a simple stone tower, built The proposed site to celebrate Queen Victoria’s diamond was a ‘county farm’ jubilee. Tower and hill complement need for intrusive visitor facilities on the (a publicly-owned tenant each other perfectly, as a key feature summit of the hill. Public and politicians are farm) recently sold off by in the wider Pennine landscape. To the split between the two opposing arguments. Herefordshire Council, surprise of no one it has become an CPRE, along with many other local where sustainable iconic symbol of the whole area and groups, including Huddersfield Civic Society livestock farming had the identity of Kirklees. and English Heritage, is totally opposed helped restore this grade Features on the ground surface show to any development on the summit of the 2 agricultural land. Despite that it is also a very well-preserved hill, as it would do irreparable damage massive local opposition example of a bronze-age hillfort, then an to the wider landscape and the open, the council’s planning iron-age hillfort and then a Norman motte immediately recognisable layout of the committee granted the and bailey castle. Many of the historic ancient hill forts and castle. CPRE’s view application, but CPRE features of Castle Hill are of outstanding is that much more can and should be Herefordshire agreed to national importance. They are unique on done to make the site accessible to pursue a judicial review, one site. visitors and articulate the history of the funded by generous We are not aware of any physical site, the geology, the environment and donations from a small battles on Castle Hill but the modern day the surrounding landscape. group of local residents. ‘battle of Castle Hill’ has been raging for Castle Hill is an outstanding place Their case that the council over ten years now and is still unresolved. with an outstanding story to tell. Given failed to follow their Developers want to build a ‘restaurant the historical, landscape and access own polytunnel guidance, with rooms and a visitor centre’ on the constraints, our view is that the only comply with habitats summit of the hill, within the defensive way to do this is to reinstate the original regulations or allow earthworks of the hill forts and castle. historic access to the hill, from the north adequate public They argue that visitor facilities are sorely east side and create a visitor centre consultation was found needed and the new building would sit on and car parks at a much lower level, just to be arguable at a the site of the old Castle Hill hotel which outside the boundaries of the historical judicial review set for was demolished circa 2005. Planners sites. ‘Castle Hill Country Park’ has a really 4 December. Follow the argue that the site of the old hotel has nice ring to it but it must be done in case by searching for now reverted to Green Belt and the need the right way; one which protects the Ocle Pychard at to protect the ancient monument and outstanding historical site and the cpreherefordshire.org.uk Green Belt landscape outweighs the precious landscape.

6 Fieldwork Winter 2019 PROJECTS

Saving Staffordshire’s hedgehogs Kingsmead School in Good ideas Hednesford has been Learning from each other awarded the 2019 CPRE Staffordshire Schools’ Trophy in recognition of its work in protecting and enhancing wildlife. Kingsmead must be one of the few schools with two pet sheep and a number of chickens in its yard – in addition to Mr Prickles, the resident hedgehog. The school works with the west midlands hedgehog rescue group, which has © Tom Blockley been teaching students about about responsibly Celebrating Shropshire’s landscapes releasing hedgehogs back to the wild. The pupils recently took part in a The winners of CPRE Shropshire’s 70th Morning on the Severn’ were named community day where anniversary photo competition were joint runners up. CPRE Shropshire’s staff and members of the unveiled in October at the launch of a chair, Sarah Bury, said: ‘We’re delighted public helped them build special exhibition at the National Trust’s that these beautiful images will now be feeding stations and Attingham Park. The group received over showcased at Attingham Park and around houses for rescue 400 entries from the county’s amateur the county over the coming months. We hedgehogs. photographers for their ‘My Shropshire’ hope local people will get a chance to Volunteers from the landscape contest. The judges were visit and see these carefully crafted shots community and the unanimous over the winning entry, a of Shropshire’s varied and stunning school’s ‘eco group’ of dramatic image of a ‘Storm on the landscapes.’ Enjoy Tom Blockley’s highly students have also been Shropshire Hills’ by photographer Richard commended ‘Looking towards Hope involved in creating a Greswell. Janet Lewis’s ‘Offa’s Dyke on Bowdler’ (above) and view all the highlights wildflower meadow Llanfair Hill’ and Olwyn Wall’s ‘Misty at: cpreshropshire.org.uk/winning-entries and repairing the school pond, which houses a population of more than 30 newts. Mary Booth, Exploring Manchester’s Green Belt chairman of CPRE Staffordshire, presented October saw 35 people of all ages be an important way to reach people the school with an gather at Sale Water Park to walk stage with a shared passion for protecting engraved trophy and £50 two of the Greater Manchester Ringway and improving our countryside. Look out prize money – which will with CPRE Lancashire. The purpose of for details of future walks and join up at be put towards looking the walk was to highlight the beauty www.meetup.com/CPRE-Lancashire after injured or rescued and accessibility of Green Belt locations hedgehogs that cannot including Chorlton Water Park and be released. All schools Kenworthy Woods. CPRE volunteers and in the county were invited staff were on hand to talk about their to enter the competition, work to protect and enhance these which is run annually to landscapes, and welcomed several people find inspiring projects that who had booked through their group help protect or enhance on the Meetup website, which now has the local environment. 37 members. With a Wigan Green Belt See all the latest news walk scheduled for late November, CPRE from the county at Lancashire hopes its Meetup group will cprestaffordshire.org.uk

Winter 2019 Fieldwork 7 TOP TIPS AND ADVICE

An exemplar development in Leicestershire Guide to good campaigning This autumn saw CPRE step by step Leicestershire celebrate the launch of the county’s latest Rural Exception Site. This fantastic development Supporting rural exception sites of 32 new homes at Prior William Close and Croft ural exception sites are small sites acting, when necessary as a broker Road, Cosby, will create (typically 5-20 dwellings) within or between the different agencies who will a strong and sustainable Radjoining a village. They are not be involved. community for many local allocated for development and are only Make formal contact with the parish families and individuals. considered for planning permission if they council – you could ask to speak at one The scheme is another provide affordable homes to meet a local of their meetings, perhaps accompanied example of great housing need. by your sympathetic local leader. Again, partnerships, with In some cases, they will include an you could do this with the RHE who will Midlands Rural Housing element of market housing, but usually be able to provide more of the technical identifying the local only to provide cross-subsidy to make it details and set out how they can support housing need and viable to deliver the affordable housing. the parish council bring a scheme working with the The homes will be developed, managed forward. Speak informally to others in the community along with and owned by either a housing community to explore the idea – perhaps Blaby District Council, association or community led housing parents at the local school or play group, GEDA Construction and organisation, sometimes with the two the WI, older residents, the vicar, people Nottingham Community working in partnership. Occasionally, who run local businesses. Housing Association landowners may choose to deliver and – which own and manage manage a scheme themselves. Keep championing the scheme the homes. Of the 32 new The rural exception site approach has 2 Once the scheme moves into the homes, 22 will be allocated been around since 1989 and, whilst each more formal stages it will still need your on an affordable rent scheme is small, evidence shows that they support. Keeping people informed of basis through Blaby have made a significant contribution to progress, dispelling myths early on, District Council’s choice their host communities. The existing body opening up opportunities for others based lettings scheme. of evidence has established a number of to become involved – all will help keep Seven will be offered common stages for developing a rural the scheme on track and ensure it is a on a shared ownership exception site. These are not necessarily success. Not everyone is going to be basis (part rent, part buy), sequential, particularly during the early supportive and sometimes people and the remaining three pre-development phases. have legitimate concerns that need to properties have been be addressed. taken through Rent to Make the initial case and You could set up a Facebook page, Buy, a low cost home 1 build support Instagram or blog on the village website ownership option. Find and go and speak informally to a local – but remember not everyone is online. Midlands Rural Housing ‘leader’ who you think may or could be Write articles for the village newsletter, joined campaigners from sympathetic to what you want to achieve. or flyers that update people on progress around the East Midlands This might be a particularly influential and next steps, and run regular ‘briefing’ at CPRE’s affordable individual, a parish councilor or the ward sessions – maybe at the local pub where housing conference in councilor. Take some photos of completed you can explain what is happening and Nottingham in November. schemes and perhaps some case studies. invite people to ask questions. Local decision-makers You could do this alone, or with the and housing providers local rural housing enabler (RHE) – these Get involved in the came together to consider are people who are independent of a 3 pre-development process how to implement solutions developer or local authority. Their role is to The pre-development phase has a that will contribute support communities through the process number of stages that include community towards the sustainability, of gaining affordable housing to meet their engagement where you could take part. longevity and vibrancy needs from start to completion. They will You could join or offer to set up a working of rural communities, help with evidencing the local housing group – sometimes the parish council will while supporting the need; finding a suitable site; facilitating form a working group to support them in delivery of homes that positive community engagement – promoting and securing a scheme that meet local need. including in the design of the homes; meets the community’s needs. Or, assist

8 Fieldwork Winter 2019 OTHER NEWS

Affordable housing in the Peak District Friends of the Peak District have welcomed the development of the Bakewell neighbourhood plan, which is nearing completion following a sustained effort by all concerned. As the plan sits within the context of the National Park’s local plan it has strong policies to conserve the landscape, and the built and green infrastructure of the town. It also Rural exception sites like Little Stocks Close in Kinlet, Shropshire can help keep villages alive recognises the need for more affordable housing the RHE with advertising and the village design statement can set out the and, working with the encouraging people to complete the key design features that characterise National Park authority, local housing need survey. your village and that you would like to has identified land near Take part in the call for sites – as rural see reflected in the scheme design. Lady Manner’s School. exception sites are not allocated they have Organising a ‘concept statement’ event This is in addition to an to be identified. It is usual for this to be can help members of the community, adjacent site, which done with members of the community. the developer and the local authority already has permission You could contribute by speaking to identify the assets and aspects of the for 30 affordable homes. landowners who you think may be willing site which they value and wish to ensure Meanwhile, in nearby to release a rural exception site. You will are retained or replaced. A day is spent Buxton, the Friends have need to explain this will be an affordable considering what layout might work best, raised concerns over housing scheme, why it is needed and that and the shape, form and materials that the overall sustainability the homes will be retained as affordable characterise the village to be reflected in of a development they housing for local people in perpetuity. the scheme design. support in principle. It might be worth taking along some case While 73 affordable studies and photos with you to show Encourage potential tenants houses, as a mix of the high quality of these developments. 5 to register shared ownership and There will often be an organised The homes will be allocated first to those rent, on the east side of ‘walkabout’ around the village to identify who have a housing need and have a the town is good news, possible sites. This will include parish connection with the local community. it would involve the loss councillors, community members and the Having a formal record of those looking of part of a greenfield site RHE, often the development manager from for an affordable home also helps enjoyed by local people. the housing association, local authority supplement the evidence base that They argue the value of planner or housing enabler. supports the scheme. You could this important space has encourage people to register by providing not been recognised and Take part in the design process information on how to register in any requires compensation, 4 One way in which local objections briefings or updates about the scheme suggesting that the are avoided or overcome is by ensuring and at any public events, such as remainder of the allocated the scheme is in keeping with the village exhibitions on the design. Putting articles site be retained for local and designed to a high standard. Equally, in village newsletters and websites can amenity. They propose there has to be pragmatism so, whilst the help make sure people are aware of this could be achieved aesthetic reflects local form and materials, when the homes will be advertised and if the density of the it does not result in costs that would make how to bid. planned development it unviable to deliver the affordable homes. was increased to 35-50 Check for any existing design guidance dwellings per hectare, – there may be guidance produced Taken from ‘How to improve the supply of and car parking provision by your local planning authority or a rural affordable housing: A Guide for CPRE reduced in view of the character assessment in support of your members’ prepared by Jo Lavis of Rural proximity of buses, neighbourhood plan. Undertaking a quick Housing Solutions shops and services.

Winter 2019 Fieldwork 9 SUPPORTING RURAL COMMUNITIES

A ‘garden village’ for Effective East Cambs? solutions for A residents' group in your parish Kennett is raising money Parishbeat to start a judicial review of a proposed 500-house ‘garden village’ extension of their 152-house Parish planning in Devon village – to be built by a developer effectively PRE Devon is delighted at the plans to shape sustainable development. owned by East positive response from town CPRE Devon president Rebecca Bartleet Cambridgeshire District Cand parish councils to its first said that bringing together interested Council. With the planning workshop, held at Hatherleigh parties in the planning process gave communities secretary Community Centre this week. There was them a united voice. She told the meeting: refusing to ‘call in’ the an impressive turnout at the event on ‘Let’s start putting pressure on the planning application, Tuesday 15 October, attended by 80 powers-that-be to tie up loose ends Kennett Action Group is representatives from Devon’s town and and come down hard on developers relying on a judicial review parish authorities. who don’t deliver on conditions or fulfil to reverse the district Led by experienced, independent agreements that were part of their council’s decision for this planning consultant Jo Widdecombe, the planning permission.’ David Ball from development to go ahead. morning workshop aimed to empower Chittlehamholt said, ‘parish councils are Kennett Parish Council local councillors and clerks to engage by their nature small and the more you objected to the original fully with the planning process and to gain get them together, the more you discover planning application, confidence in commenting on applications. that everyone’s got the same problems. calling the growth of the Attendees tackled practical case studies You can pass information across and have village ‘disproportionate’ as well as receiving up-to-date information good discussions so it’s very valuable.’ and objecting to the about planning regulations, their powers CPRE Devon plans to hold further practical permanent loss of as consultees and the importance of workshops and hopes even more local open countryside. creating comprehensive neighbourhood councils will take part. In August 2018, CPRE Cambridgeshire objected to this planning application citing a Intensive poultry farming in Herefordshire number of sustainability issues, including the loss planning application for intensive poultry farms, and CPRE Herefordshire of grade 2 agricultural poultry developments in Lyonshall has been campaigning to highlight their land. With infrequent train A Parish has caused concerns for cumulative impact around the county. and bus services the new CPRE Herefordshire. The applicant – In May, CPRE Shropshire won a Court community would also who already has large poultry units in of Appeal ruling that may be helpful in be highly car-dependent the village as well as in Worcestershire this case, in making planning authorities for work and leisure. and Gloucestershire – now wants to erect responsible for identifying fields used In terms of the landscape six broiler houses, nine biomass boilers, for the storage and/or spreading of setting of the village, a manager’s house and a number of poultry manure and assessing the the development would associated buildings, with an access road cumulative effects on the environment remove countryside that to the site through an ancient woodland. and nearby residents. is currently providing a If allowed, about 2,880,000 birds will Meanwhile, CPRE Herefordshire protective buffer to the be raised a year, in seven-week cycles, celebrated August’s confirmation of village from the A14 and placing a major impact on local roads and a Tree Preservation Order for the A11, at the cost of local water supplies. Large quantities of manure magnificent avenue of lime trees along character and quality will result, all of which will be transported Kings Acre Road, leading into Hereford. of life. off the site since the applicant has no It is three years since Breinton Parish Find out more and nearby land. Inevitably large quantities of Council formally made the proposal to donate to Kennett Action vehicles, including tractors and HGVs, will Herefordshire Council, who recently Group’s judicial review be using the site, while the high volumes concluded that ‘the trees within the crowdfunding appeal at: of water needed by the sheds could order have significant landscape, www.justgiving.com/ deplete the boreholes and spring-fed heritage, biodiversity and public crowdfunding/sherine- wells supplying nearby households. amenity value’ but ‘are under potential awadallah-1 Lyonshall is already surrounded by threat from development’.

10 Fieldwork Winter 2019 PROFILE

Enhancing Brighton’s biodiversity CPRE Sussex’s Brighton Campaigner and Hove district group continues to monitor development plans for Toads Hole Valley – the 98 David Johnson of CPRE Sussex acre greenfield site next to the South Downs Our first national apprentice, Ketsia National Park. The site’s Tampo, recently met up with David mixture of dense and Johnson to get his reflections on his six scattered scrub, rough years as CPRE Sussex chair, and his grassland and mature hopes for the future of the countryside. woodland supports habitats for dormice, slow Ketsia: David, what were your proudest worm and common lizard, achievements as Chair? and is a breeding ground David: CPRE Sussex is full of hugely for linnet, white throat, positive people, and I’m proud that our song thrush, dunnock members and volunteers have helped and yellowhammer. us inspire community action and media However, the vegetation coverage on important issues around on the main site has been land use, the environment and wellbeing. assessed to be of 'low The challenge has been to recognise botanical value' meaning successes – whether it is a landscape the entire area can be we’ve saved or affordable housing we David and Ketsia at the CPRE Sussex office grubbed out if permission support – and spread the word about is granted. Consent those positive stories. We certainly seem on new roads and airport expansion is would then exist for 880 to have gained a good reputation: when completely wrongheaded. If Gatwick dwellings served by three our previous director left we only had gets another runway, that will be used by new roads, threatening eight candidates, but when we advertised people in Eastbourne to lobby for a new the valley’s Local Wildlife the role a few years later we had 42 really duel carriageway. We often seem to be Site – which CPRE good applications. I’m proud that we fighting a cabal of ‘sub-regional’ politicians members want to see chose Kia Trainor, who has been excellent who think everyone wants expensive left untouched by the on all the planning and environmental new roads that will save delivery lorries development. They are issues and has given us a really dynamic five minutes – at a huge cost to the also calling for an image in the media. environment and wellbeing. emphasis on walking and cycling infrastructure Ketsia: CPRE Sussex works on so many Ketsia: What do you love about to ensure most journeys topical issues, which do you think are the countryside? generated by the the most important? David: The mixture of continuity and development can be David: The future of the countryside is change. We still have farming methods made by walking or decided in towns, by people who live in that the Romans would recognise, but cycling, compared to the towns. So we need everyone to develop the landscape has also been constantly proposed target of 40%. deeper connections – so that they can evolving over thousands of years. We Meanwhile, our district understand its true value and weigh up forget that in the near past the countryside volunteers have joined those planning choices better. Because was pretty messy and industrial, with lots the Ovingdean Residents the countryside is essential for the long- of smoke, noises and smells, while the Preservation Society in term wellbeing of everyone, we need to Downs were covered in scrub and not all engaging with a local fight for everything – from roadside verges the beautiful green places we know today. farmer to plant a native to farmland – as part of a continuous At the same time, if you’re unfamiliar with species hedge along landscape and habitat. it, the countryside can seem a genuinely Greenways. Nine trees We supported a climate change summit daunting place – governed by secret have already been planted in October, where we heard positive understandings and ways of doing things. along the road this year, examples of how communities can So we need to be better at maintaining to benefit wildlife by become more sustainable and self- young people’s connections with the linking the allotments and sufficient in energy. In the context of countryside, and create a feeling that it woods with the gardens the climate emergency, the emphasis is a place for everyone to enjoy. and nature reserve.

Winter 2019 Fieldwork 11 CURRENT ISSUES ANALYSIS

A national design guide CPRE welcomed housing secretary Robert Jenrick’s In review new building design guide Our perspective on countryside issues launched in September – a new standard to measure the quality of new homes that are built. A new approach to housing affordability Too often, the new housing estates that he definition of ‘affordable housing’ local authority area in the south east we've seen go up in the in the 2018 National Planning Policy region (the sole exception is Dover). countryside have been TFramework (NPPF) comprises a In some rural authorities like Waverley poor quality, both in wide variety of tenures, some of which in Surrey, savings could be as high as terms of design and finish. are much more expensive than others. £6,760 per year. This reflects very high However, future design In particular, ‘affordable rent’ – which cost of housing in this desirable local guides need to go further. can be up to 80% of market value – authority area, which includes much of We need to know that is not affordable for many low-income the western portion of the Surrey Hills help will be given to local households in high demand areas. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and authorities to consistently can be a real problem in desirable villages is driven in large part by proximity to achieve higher standards. in rural areas, where housing costs are Greater London. The promised new future high and work is often insecure and However, a definition based solely on homes standard for seasonal. As highlighted by an interim incomes would not automatically lead to energy efficiency must be report of the Affordable Housing savings in lower demand areas. In mainly introduced much earlier Commission, affordability should be rural Copeland, on the west coast of than the proposal of 2025; defined in terms of what people can Cumbria, high full-time salaries at Sellafield the skills and technology afford to pay, rather than in relation to nuclear power station, the borough’s exist to implement this market values. major employer, mean income linked rent now and the planet Rural communities would stand to would be a striking £80.54 per week more cannot afford any benefit as much as cities from a revised expensive than current average affordable further delay. definition of affordability, linked to incomes rent levels. In only two authorities in the The national design rather than market rents and house prices. north west region (and none in the north guide addresses the One of the key barriers to persuading east) would an income-linked rent be question of how we Government to adopt a new approach is cheaper than current affordable rent recognise development a lack of consensus over how an income- levels – Trafford and South Lakeland. that works, by outlining linked definition would work and what and illustrating the last data it would rely on. CPRE is urging the next government government’s priorities to set affordable rents at no more than for well-designed Helping struggling families 35% of net lower quartile income, unless places in the form of CPRE analysed the impact of a new 80% of market rate is cheaper. ten characteristics: definition of affordability proposed by Context – enhances the Helen Hayes MP in her 2019 Affordable Consequently, the proposed new surroundings; Identity Housing and Land Compensation Bill. definition would need to be introduced – attractive and distinctive; The proposed new approach would with guidance specifying that rents would Built form – a coherent define homes as affordable in the NPPF not increase in areas where an income- pattern of development; if they consumed ‘no more than 35% linked figure would be greater than Movement – accessible of net household income for lowest current affordable rent levels. CPRE is and easy to move around; quartile income groups in each local urging the next government to set Nature – enhanced and authority area’. affordable rents at 35% of net lower optimised; Public spaces Provided it is introduced alongside quartile income, unless 80% of market rate – safe, social and guidance to ensure tenants in lower- is cheaper. Using the lower of these two inclusive; Uses – mixed demand areas do not face rent increases, indicators, the average household would and integrated; Homes tenants stand to save almost £200m per stand to save £18 per week on their rent. and buildings – functional, year on rent under a new definition. In That’s £936 per year. This will provide a healthy and sustainable; particular, the proposed new definition major boost to struggling rural families Resources – efficient and would lead to significant savings in high and help to even out the huge discrepancy resilient; and Lifespan demand areas. It would be cheaper than in ‘affordable’ rent prices in different parts – made to last. current market-linked rents in all but one of the country.

12 Fieldwork Winter 2019 RESPONSE OTHER NEWS

Abingdon reservoir The answers returns you need CPRE Oxfordshire’s Q&A campaigning allies at the Group Against Reservoir Development (GARD) are warning that the previously-defeated plans The impact of developments on air pollution for a ‘mega reservoir’ at Abingdon are back As I understand it, local councils Appeal concluded that the inspector had on the table. They report Q must take air quality into made it ‘obvious’ that the proposals were that Ofwat and the consideration when deciding on housing in conflict with local air quality action plans Environment Agency have development. My rapidly growing market and paragraphs 120 and 124 of the NPPF. asked for a strategic town already suffers from pollution from Furthermore, he agreed that the air quality study into water supply increasing traffic congestion, and I fear action plan for Newington made it clear for the whole of the South that proposals for a new development that it might require planning permission East, with completion for on the edge of town will only exacerbate to be refused where effective mitigation decision by 2022. GARD this. Are there any useful precedents – that would improve air quality – could are highlighting that the that could force my council to take not be secured. revised plans are for a this seriously? Hilary Newport, director at CPRE Kent, reservoir covering more said: ‘This important decision serves to than four square miles The Court of Appeal recently ruled on underline that government simply must with walls 30 metres high, A air quality in rejecting an attempt by commit to its obligations on air quality. We on good agricultural land Gladman Developments Ltd to overturn simply cannot continue to allow “business with important wildlife; the the refusal of permission to build up to as usual” planning decisions that ignore 2010 public inquiry found 330 homes and a care facility at Pond the impact of unsustainable transport on that a far smaller proposal Farm, Newington, near Sittingbourne. The the health and well-being of communities. was not fit for purpose. proposals were refused by a planning We must act quickly to bring about The proposed site is inspector and again by a High Court judge significant changes in the way we plan for also the flood plain for in 2017. Gladman took that decision to the future homes, employment and travel needs.’ Abingdon and surrounding Court of Appeal, where the decisions of Richard Knox-Johnston, vice-president villages, which should not the inspector and the High Court were of CPRE Kent, said: ‘We believe that be developed according upheld in a judgment handed down winning this planning appeal represents to Environment Agency in September. the first time air quality mitigation leading guidance. CPRE Kent challenged the proposals to health concerns has been given as a GARD argue that if as it was clear homes built in this location reason. CPRE Kent used air quality in this water companies achieved would be heavily dependent on car-based case even though the local planning leakage targets set by transport, and that building in this area authority did not object. In having this Ofwat, water supplies would only worsen already unacceptable precedent tested in the High Court and would be sufficient to the levels of air pollution along the A2 at subsequently in the Court of Appeal it end of the century without Newington and Rainham. has been shown that air quality mitigation the need for any reservoir. At the planning inquiry, Gladman argued must now be taken into consideration in They also have proposals that it had offered a financial contribution any planning application. My thanks go to on how reducing to undertake measures that would limit Professor Stephen Peckham for his expert abstraction from chalk the effects of its development on air advice without which we would not have streams could be achieved quality. However, CPRE Kent’s air quality been able to put our case.’ sooner and more cheaply witness, Professor Stephen Peckham, CPRE Kent also wishes to thank the without the scheme. argued there was no indication of how legal teams at Cornerstone Barristers and GARD have suggested a that contribution would be spent, nor any Richard Buxton Solicitors for their hard range of alternatives to evidence provided that those measures work and expertise. the reservoir, including would actually limit the use of petrol or water transfer from the diesel vehicles and in doing so reduce River Severn and further

NO2 emissions. In refusing permission, Find out more: Read the history of consideration of water the inspector agreed that air quality the case and the full Court of Appeal re-use and desalinisation and human health would suffer if this judgement at: https://cprekent.org.uk/ schemes. Find out more at development were to go ahead. news/important-new-judgment-on- www.abingdonreservoir. Lord Justice Lindblom at the Court of air-quality org.uk

Winter 2019 Fieldwork 13 OTHER NEWS OUR LATEST RESEARCH

Finding brownfield sites in the Wirral CPRE Lancashire planning officer Jackie Copley Campaign has conducted research alongside the Wirral Green Space Alliance (WGSA), finding that the number of brownfield sites available spotlight on the Wirral has been under-recorded; land that could potentially site 14,960 dwellings currently Space to breathe in the Green Belt awaits development, which could drastically he Green Belt gives our cities and Belt just 14 dwellings per hectare (dph), reduce the pressure on towns space to breathe, and enables compared with an average of 31 dph sites in open countryside. Twildlife to thrive. Escaping from outside the Green Belt. Since 2013/14, of CPRE Cheshire also urban life into the tranquil countryside Green Belt land that has been changed to responded to the Wirral improves our health, boosts our mood, residential land uses, 66% was previously local plan open space and gives us pause to reflect on the world greenfield, most of it used for farming. assessment consultation around us. Revitalising and protecting our Last year was the second highest loss of to appeal to the council to living green spaces has never been more greenfield land in the Green Belt on record. protect as much greenfield important, and habitats in the countryside land as possible, and to on our doorstep will play a vital role in lower density developments in the provide green spaces sequestering carbon and mitigating the Green Belt could lead to upwards of in urban areas where worst impacts of climate change. five million car journeys deficits are identified. Autumn’s party conferences saw a The WGSA is an number of MPs reiterate their support for Where there are exceptional or very umbrella group of over protecting the Green Belt as a resource special circumstances for releasing Green twenty local residents’ for the wellbeing of our towns and cities; Belt land or building on it, as well as for groups, many with an CPRE’s ‘manifesto for the next government’ house building more widely, development interest in conserving calls on all politicians to recognise this and needs to occur at much higher densities and enhancing the commit to its future enhancement. CPRE’s than at present. Research by CPRE London environment and wildlife ‘Space to Breathe’ report on the state of has found that lower density developments in the future. Members the Green Belt in 2019 shows that building in the Green Belt could lead to upwards value their natural on this land is not the answer to the of five million car journeys, which is environment for its housing crisis, and instead recommends unacceptable in the face of a climate intrinsic character and for investment in the Green Belt for the emergency. In contrast, high-density the health and wellbeing enjoyment of communities today and development can support the use of public of all who benefit from it; for generations to come. transport and encourage more active they share the ambition modes of travel, thereby reducing reliance of a sound local plan Unaffordable and inefficient on private cars. Active travel and reduced for Wirral that enables Our research shows that, while small in car use can improve the health and the area to prosper number, developments on both greenfield wellbeing of local communities by economically, socially land where Green Belt designation has and environmentally. been removed, and greenfield land still The group is working in the Green Belt, are not providing alongside CPRE to homes that people can afford. Green Belt highlight where new developments are providing executive brownfield land housing, with ‘affordable’ housing is becoming available, comprising just 13% of the homes and ensure that the completed (since 2015/16) on greenfield Brownfield Register is land that has been removed from Green kept up-to-date. Belt designation over the past 10 years. © Alamy Housing development on the Green Find out more about Belt is also inefficient and land hungry, A clear brownfield first policy can reduce the CPRE’s work in the Wirral with the average density of newly created need to build on the Green Belt and regenerate at: wirralsociety.net residential addresses within the Green our cities

14 Fieldwork Winter 2019 Sustainable Green Belt development CPRE West Yorkshire campaigners are monitoring plans to redevelop large parts of the Esholt Water Treatment Works (where the River Aire runs to the north-east of Shipley) for 150 homes. In this Green Belt location, the group has warned against the urbanisation of this wonderful area of countryside, while supporting the appropriate ‘low-car’ redevelopment of the brownfield elements of the site – with a more compact layout, allowing We must restore and enhance the Green Belt to provide the space to breathe and engage with nature more room for communal green space and reducing air pollution, encouraging more permanence is one of the essential tree planting. active lifestyles, and leaving more space characteristics of Green Belts, but The existing uses for for green infrastructure in lieu of car redefining Green Belts in every local the site generate very parking spaces. plan review is not consistent with the low volumes of traffic, are concepts of either permanence or quiet and dark at night, Analysis of planned development exceptional circumstances. and are well screened by Our research shows that there is a huge mature woodland. The site pipeline of development proposed on the Investing in our Green Belts also offers opportunities Green Belt: on land to be removed from We have a huge opportunity to restore to enhance a wealth of Green Belt designation in local plans; and enhance the Green Belt to provide heritage features – subsequent planning applications on this a space for nature and a place to relax, including a historic village, land; and through planning applications on play and grow our food. But in order to ancient woodland, and a Green Belt land. We found that a minimum deliver a positive future for our Green country house and estate of 266,000 homes are planned on land Belt, and build the homes we need, – and improve access for that has been removed from Green Belt the next government must introduce a walkers and cyclists via designation in adopted plans or will be clear brownfield first policy to ensure the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. removed in emerging plans in the near suitable derelict urban land is prioritised CPRE West Yorkshire future across 81 local authorities. for redevelopment. has concluded that We must also require stronger evidence the scheme should be redefining Green Belts in every local to justify ‘exceptional’ or ‘very special considered as two rural plan review is not consistent with the circumstances’ to remove or build on developments within concept of permanence land in the Green Belt. Where evidenced a wider countryside and justified, new development in the setting, informing a We expect the number to continue to Green Belt, or on land removed from it, more comprehensive rise for the foreseeable future as further must itself be of exceptional quality. masterplan of the wider plans that are at an earlier stage of the Development must showcase best area integrated with the local plan allocate land in the Green Belt practice in using land efficiently, encourage West Yorkshire Green for development. Several local authorities sustainable transport, and deliver more Infrastructure Strategy. (for example Bath and North East affordable and social homes. It must also Our campaigners will be Somerset, Rotherham and Vale of White enhance the environment, including encouraging Bradford Horse) that have recently removed land through biodiversity net gain, and maintain Metropolitan District from the Green Belt for housing are and improve footpaths near Green Belt Council to work with the planning to remove more. The National train stations to enhance access to ‘the developer to produce Planning Policy Framework is clear that countryside next door’. such a plan.

Winter 2019 Fieldwork 15 THE LAST WORD Matter of fact Support for your case

Amelia Furness Brain, Body & Biodiversity: reasons to protect our green spaces

PRE Lancashire volunteer life (leave your phone and worries whom, we share the Earth with. Amelia Furness, a student at at home) and embracing the However, it is reported that every Cthe University of Liverpool, rejuvenating and restorative benefits year, we lose 1% of our biodiversity writes on the importance of the of the woodland. Exposure to here in the UK, with hedgehogs and countryside, urban green spaces forest environments actively lowers natterjack toads seeing significant and the Green Belt for the health cortisol, a stress-causing hormone. population falls in recent times. In and wellbeing of people and wildlife. Lancashire, Manchester and North Here in Lancashire, Greater Body Merseyside, there are thousands of Manchester and Merseyside, we With city living associated with higher acres of precious habitats, and over are blessed with picturesque obesity and inactivity, and levels of 35 nature reserves that our local countryside, thriving nature reserves pollution that can harm our heart and wildlife call home. One very important and beautiful public parks, all waiting lungs, the countryside can be the area in our region is Formby – one of for us to explore and embrace them. pollution respite and workout the few remaining places in England Here at CPRE, we are passionate motivation we need. The Land Trust that our native squirrels can still be about enhancing and protecting the have found that 50% of people use seen, given that they and their habitat English countryside; but what does our green spaces for exercise or are being protected. it do for us? leisure, and 90% believe that green However, it is not just animals spaces encourage themselves or that populate the countryside, Brain others to keep fit and healthy. but plants too. Essential for our Glaring lights, unsparing deadlines Despite this, here in the north west ecosystem and helping us breathe, and blaring sirens; studies have we are still the third least active trees and plants must also be shown that busy urban life is linked region in the UK, with 1,560,000 protected. Moston Fairway, close to poorer mental health, through inactive people, meaning our green to Manchester, is a great example increased risk of anxiety and mood spaces may be being under- of how a small urban space can disorders. In the UK, 85% of adults appreciated! With such charming be transformed into a natural experience stress regularly, and the parkland and scenery around us, why and accessible green oasis, north west comes second in the not ditch the dull and dingy gym and demonstrating how mossland, country for common mental health step outside for a walk or cycle, or grassland and woodland can all disorders. So how can the even try climbing, fishing or rowing? flourish together in any unexpected countryside help? One study revealed Another way to get fit and appreciate location. For all these reasons, that going for a walk is the most our beautiful green spaces is Park here at CPRE, we believe we owe popular way to relieve stress in the Run – free timed runs around 600 of it to the Earth to look after its north west, and a 90-minute walk the country’s fantastic public parks. beautiful countryside. Considering with Mother Nature has shown to all that it offers us, we believe we lower negative brain activity, reduce studies have shown that busy should protect our green spaces, overthinking and improve happiness. urban life is linked to poorer mental and all they encompass, from ‘Shinrin-Yoku’- the art of forest health, through increased risk of threats such as climate change bathing – is a popular method of anxiety and mood disorders and overdevelopment. relaxation in Japan, and can be experienced in the region at places Biodiversity Find out more about CPRE including the Mersey Forest and The countryside and urban parkland Lancashire’s campaigns and read the Forest of Bowland. It involves offer us the chance to interact with the full, referenced version of this disconnecting from modern, urban and learn more about what, and article at www.cprelancashire.org.uk

16 Fieldwork Winter 2019