For 100 years, CPRE has stood up for the countryside

In 2026, CPRE celebrates an extraordinary milestone: 100 years of standing up for the countryside.

Throughout the year, we’ll be celebrating a century of achievements, impact and dedication – and we’d love you to be part of it.

Since 1926, CPRE has championed the countryside and protected it from harm, ensuring that nature, landscapes and rural communities are valued in national decision‑making. From challenging unplanned development to tackling pollution and safeguarding peaceful places, CPRE has been a constant voice for the countryside.

Following the Second World War, CPRE played a pivotal role in shaping the laws that still protect our green spaces today. Its advocacy helped establish Green Belts, National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now National Landscapes), securing some of the most treasured parts of England for future generations.

Across the decades, CPRE has continued to lead the way — speaking up for clean air, quiet places and affordable rural homes; raising early alarms about plastic waste and coastal erosion; and helping to stop harmful power stations, save wetlands and end straw burning in fields.

Today, CPRE continues to champion the issues that matter: protecting dark skies, supporting local food, restoring hedgerows, improving recycling, safeguarding public forests and pushing for brownfield‑first development to protect our green fields.

Throughout 2026, we invite you to join us in celebrating this landmark year, whether by taking part in national centenary activities, supporting local events or getting involved in the work that will shape the next 100 years of countryside protection.

Together, we can honour a century of impact and help secure a thriving countryside for generations to come.

Throughout 2026, our national team will lead a year of celebrations marking a century of countryside advocacy.

• Historian Matthew Kelly will create a unique chronicle from CPRE’s archives, showcased in an exclusive exhibition at the Museum of English Rural Life.
• CPRE will be sparking the biggest countryside conversation in decades through national polling to find out what people feel about the countryside today and their priorities for the future.
• Our On the Edge garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show will showcase nature’s resilience in the overlooked ‘edgelands’ where towns and countryside meet.

Find out how CPRE are celebrating the centenary nationally. 

How we are celebrating CPRE’s Centenary in Hampshire

• Project partners, funders, landowners and key collaborators are invited to join us at Hedgefest to celebrate the successful completion of the Hampshire Hedge project.
• We’re launching a new fundraising campaign in partnership with the Big Give.
• Our Centenary Member Lunch & AGM at Itchen Abbas Village Hall is a chance to reflect on our achievements and look ahead, while enjoying a celebratory lunch with fellow members.
• Experience the beauty of our local landscapes through the eyes of local artists at our Hampshire Countryside Art Exhibition.
• Join us on Countryside Day to celebrate everything that makes our countryside special. 
• Following the completion of the Hampshire Hedge, we’ll be announcing a new hedgerow project in the autumn.

Visit our events page or sign up to our e-newsletter to receive information about our centenary events.