General
Planning reforms consultation: CPRE ‘deeply concerned’
Friday 23 December 2022
CPRE has given a decidedly cool response to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) prospectus consultation, which was published yesterday (Thursday, December 22). Paul Miner, acting director of campaigns and policy at CPRE, the countryside charity, said: “We are deeply concerned that the government appears to be backsliding on promises it made just a few weeks […] Read more >
Campaign success as planning changes give more power to communities
Thursday 8 December 2022
The government has set out new measures in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill that give communities more say on local housing targets, as well as encouraging brownfield development and controlling short-term lets. Commenting on the government’s vital changes to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, Tom Fyans, interim chief executive of CPRE, the countryside […] Read more >
Farmers want funding to extend hedgerow network and boost nature, shows CPRE survey
Thursday 8 December 2022
There is overwhelming support among farmers for the government to introduce a target to expand the country’s hedgerow network. A nationwide survey showed the vast majority of farmers and land managers responding also wanted the government to properly fund the target, which is 40 per cent more hedgerows by 2050, as recommended by the Climate […] Read more >
Unleash potential of rooftop solar to tackle energy crisis, CPRE urges Chancellor
Thursday 17 November 2022
Changes to planning policy could turbocharge the rollout of solar energy and help reduce reliance on gas at little or no cost to the public purse, analysis by CPRE, the countryside charity, has shown. Ahead of the Autumn Statement, CPRE is urging the government to target rooftops, car parks and brownfield sites for a rapid […] Read more >
It’s been tough for Gordon but he sees new hope through the lens
Friday 11 November 2022
Regular photographic contributor Gordon Ridgewell has enhanced this site tremendously over recent years, but a deep personal loss in the summer knocked him off his stride. Happily, while still coming to terms with that loss, he is starting to “kick-start” his life and so he shares this image of a Robin he took while walking […] Read more >
The Essex Way – there and back!
Tuesday 25 October 2022
One of the delights sparked by our Essex Way competition was the multitude of stories it brought to light. Here we share the words and pictures of Maureen Roberts, who took a host of photos on her phone… “My sister and I completed the Essex Way walk from Epping to Harwich during 2021 lockdown. We […] Read more >
Love is in the Essex Way air
Friday 21 October 2022
The Essex Way is a romantic journey and so it was only natural that Ian and Elaine should choose to spend their wedding anniversary upon it. They were photographed by Vilma Folley, who entered her striking image into our competition. Read more >
Commended… more entries from the Essex Way competition
Thursday 20 October 2022
As detailed previously, we will be posting on this website all the entries to our Essex Way photographic competition. The winning images can be seen here and now it’s time to enjoy the commended entries, contributed by Robert Jezierski, Gavin Monk, Bola Oshisanwo and Simon Polley. More entries will appear in due course. Read more >
Conservation – the second part of Robert Erith’s talk
Wednesday 12 October 2022
A highlight of our AGM was the talk entitled Conservation by Robert Erith. We presented the first part of his talk, in which he offered observations as a North Essex countryman, here. In this this second part he talks about the Dedham Vale Society, of which he is president, and the work he and his […] Read more >
Conservation – a talk by retiring vice-president Robert Erith
Wednesday 12 October 2022
One of the highlights of our AGM was the talk by Robert Erith, who, after 25 years’ stoic service in the role, is standing down as a CPRE Essex vice-president. Also president of the Dedham Vale Society and a committee member of the Colne-Stour Countryside Association, there can be few people better qualified to offer […] Read more >