Latest News from CPRE Hampshire

November 2011

Transport Toolkit Update

CPRE Hampshire has been busy piloting aspects of the evolving Transport Toolkit. A three month trial of electric bikes was carried out during the summer in Medstead and Four Marks, some of the highest settlements in Hampshire. The aim was to see if ebikes could be used as an alternative method of transport in rural communities, and if so, how. A report of the findings of the trial has been produced.

2-page summary :: More details at Toolkit pages

October 2011

Silence of the Plans

New research published on 1st October by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) suggests that several districts in Hampshire do not yet have in place approved core strategies. They will therefore be vulnerable to a planning free-for-all under the new national planning regime the government intends to introduce in April 2012. The following press releases outline the threats in specific districts:

See Havant :: Test Valley :: Winchester

September 2011

Countryside award winners announced

The winners of this year's CPRE Hampshire Countryside Awards were announced at a ceremony on Friday 30th September. Sponsored by Steve's Leaves, the awards recognise significant achievements across the county which support its goal of "a beautiful, diverse and living countryside that everyone can value and enjoy." Three schools, a conservation charity, and a cheese-making company were the winners.

See Press release :: Awards page

August 2011

Countryside faces biggest threat in 60 years

The Campaign to Protect Rural Englands Hampshire chairman has reacted with despair yet determination this week following the Government's publication on 25th July of a draft National Planning Policy Framework that would throw out sixty years of environmental protection. The consultation is open until October 17th and the charity is asking people to write to MPs and sign an online petition to persuade the Government of the folly of the proposed changes.

See Press release :: Planning pages

June 2011

Still time to nominate for awards

There have been some innovative entries for this year's Countryside Awards scheme, sponsored by Steve's Leaves. One is Bicycle Recycling from Winchester who repair and restore old bicycles for others to use. However, we would like to see more entries in the School's category. The awards are in three categories: rural enterprise, voluntary / community, schools. Nominations are open until 15th July 2011.

Go to the awards page for further details

April 2011

Our Spring/Summer newsletter has recently been posted to members. Featured articles include a report from the Director, the launch of a sustainable transport toolkit, how CPRE is working with parishes on 'localism' and Hampshire's waste. Several articles talk about threats to the countryside and how you can participate in helping us protect it. There are also updates on the activities of our local and county-wide groups.

Download Hampshire Views No. 3 (Spring/Summer 2011) - PDF (2.4Mb)

February 2011

Speaker service

We are expanding our speaker service to community groups and local organisations. Some of our many subjects include: Our 2026 vision - the future of the countryside, the South Downs National Park, the work of CPRE. We can also tailor our talks to fit with the local area and our work relevant to this.

We would be happy to talk to any local group depending on volunteer availability. A contribution towards our travelling costs would be appreciated. If you belong to a group who would like CPRE to visit, please do get in touch with Becky French at branch office.

February 2011

Steve's Leave's Sponsors 2011 Countryside Awards

Launched in 2007, the CPRE Hampshire Countryside Award is one of the best established Awards schemes in the county and over 20 projects have been recognised by an award to date. For 2011 CPRE Hampshire is proud to have the Awards sponsored by Steve's Leaves, pioneering farmers who grow tasty, nutritious baby leaves with nature friendly farming, building special habitats to encourage wildlife. The programme is being run in conjunction with Hampshire Fare & Hampshire Ambassadors.

Go to the awards page for full details and how to submit a scheme for one of this year's awards.

January 2011

"Stop Fareham New Town"

This is the 2011 name of the campaign to stop the development of North Fareham Strategic Development Area. CPRE Hampshire issued a press release in late December, saying how it was shocked by the decision of Fareham council to withdraw the online consultation and disregard comments received to date. A new consultation has been launched on 4th January.

See Press Release :: North Fareham SDA page

For earlier news please go to our news archive.

This page last updated 28th November 2011.