CPRE Hampshire Celebrates Countryside Day Success

CPRE Hampshire proudly hosted its inaugural Countryside Day, bringing together over 40 enthusiastic participants to celebrate the beauty and importance of the Hampshire countryside.

This new awareness day, held on the first weekend of September, featured a variety of activities designed to connect people with nature and promote the importance of a thriving countryside, for both people and planet.

Foraging Walks

On 7^th September 2024, people enjoyed exploring the local hedgerows and learning about edible plants on the Foraging Walks at Cox Croft Farm. Led by expert foraging guide Jen Williams, people were given an insight into the world of foraging beyond the blackberries and sloes that we are all familiar with. Highlights included spring salads with daisies and dandelions, teas made from yarrow and clover flowers, and the use of nettles in autumn dishes. The walk also showed people how to make hedgerow jams using sloes, blackberries, and crab apples.

Peter, a Duke of Edinburgh Volunteer was surprised to learn how much food could be found in the local hedgerows: “Our short walk around Cox Croft Farm in Hampshire, with the countryside charity, opened my eyes to the wide variety of foods and flavours available just steps away from our doorstep.”

Peter tells us more about the Foraging Walk

Leaf-printing Workshops

Meanwhile other people enjoyed exploring their creative side during the textile workshops, inspired by the Hampshire Hedge. These natural print and leaf dyeing sessions celebrated CPRE Hampshire’s dedication to restoring local hedgerows and creating a nature corridor connecting the South Downs and New Forest National Park. Participants learned to use leaves found in hedgerows to create unique fabric patterns through heat and moisture with the support of artist Caroline Bell.

“We are thrilled with the turnout and positive response from the community,” said Alison Talbot, Operations Manager at CPRE Hampshire. “Our goal was to create an awareness day that celebrates the beauty of the countryside. These hands-on experiences highlighted the rich natural resources of the region and I hope people will feel inspired to take action and help us preserve the Hampshire countryside for the enjoyment of everyone, for generations to come.”

The Countryside Day is part of CPRE Hampshire’s ongoing efforts to promote, enhance and protect the countryside, creating a better place for everyone to live, work and enjoy.

For more information about CPRE Hampshire and upcoming events, please visit Get involved – CPRE Hampshire