A fun new project in the Countryside

Eight students from Winchester University are taking part in organising an exciting new event on behalf of the Hampshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England. CPRE Hampshire's first 'Countryside Day' will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park from 11.30am to 4.00pm on Sunday, 11th May 2008.

The students are all from the University's 'Leisure, Event and Management' Degree course. On Monday 18th February, some of the group travelled to the country park to carry out their first 'recce' of the site. During the project they are reporting to Becky French, CPRE Hampshire's admin and media assistant, who is based at the charity's Winchester headquarters. The students have been tasked with making contact with different organisations to arrange a number of interesting stands and rural activities that would be attractive to other young people and teenagers. They will be assisting to organise the event, as well as chatting to visitors and helping in any way needed on the day. The rural activities on offer will include wilderness skills, rambling and orienteering, with many more to be confirmed.

One of the students, Mike Anthony, 23, said:

"When I was a kid in Pompey I used to go up to the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, and I think people will really enjoy this day out. I'm hoping to expand my knowledge of organising events and plan to take a post-graduate certificate in education after the course, so that I can become a teacher."

Becky French, of CPRE Hampshire, said:

"It is important to us to work with the students as they can bring a youthful perspective to all the arrangements for the Countryside Day. We want to make it as fun and interactive as possible, allowing young people and teenagers to take part in rural activities, whilst learning about how the countryside is looked after by different organisations."

For more details, telephone Becky French on 01962 843655.

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Notes to editors

The Campaign to Protect Rural England, Hampshire Branch (CPRE Hampshire) is a registered charity and a branch of the national CPRE charity.

CPRE Hampshire strives to promote the beauty, tranquility and diversity of the countryside of Hampshire by the sustainable use of land and other resources in town and country, and encouraging the biodiversity and well-being of rural communities.

For membership information on CPRE, please contact:
Pam Mason, administrator, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01962 843655
Email:admin@cprehampshire.org.uk

For event media enquiries, please contact:
Becky French, Media and Admin Assistant
Tel: 01962 843655
Email: info@cprehampshire.or.uk

For all media enquiries, please contact:
Keren Burney, media & communications officer, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01730 894123   Mobile: 07876 780065
Email: kburney000@aol.com

© Copyright. CPRE Hampshire, 2008. All Rights Reserved.