CPRE Hertfordshire

Who we are

CPRE Hertfordshire is the countryside charity for Hertfordshire.We campaign to protect, promote and enhance the beautiful countryside across the county for the benefit of everyone.

CPRE Hertfordshire was founded in 1928 and is well respected particularly for our expertise in working within the planning system to help protect Hertfordshire’s countryside from inappropriate development.In recent years our countryside including protected areas such as the Green Belt and the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty have been under unprecedented pressure as successive governments prioritise housebuilding.At the same time the climate emergency has made clear the need for greener approaches for transportation, energy generation and water use.And there is widespread recognition of the health and wellbeing benefits of the countryside and of local green spaces.These factors all play into our desire to connect people with the countryside, and thus drive much of our charity’s work.

Our vision - A beautiful and thriving countryside that enriches all our lives.

Our mission - To protect, promote and enhance the Hertfordshire countryside for everyone to value and enjoy.

Our charity works to

• Support communities to have their say on developments and changes in Hertfordshire.
• Protect Hertfordshire’s Green Belt and the wider countryside from inappropriate development.
• Promote the benefits of the countryside and our natural environment to everyone, wherever they live.
• Work with local government, community groups and other organisations to promote planning policies that make the best use of land.
• Advocate for Hertfordshire’s designated areas including the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve and the Chilterns Beechwoods Special Areas of Conservation.
• Raise awareness of the Hertfordshire countryside as a vital space for health and wellbeing.
• Encourage care of our chalk streams, woodlands, fields and hedgerows to help protect landscapes and wildlife.
• Call for homes that local people can afford to be built in the right places across the county.
• Recognise local groups and individuals that work to improve their environment and their communities.
• Advocate for action to mitigate the climate emergency so as to protect the Hertfordshire countryside and the wider environment both now and in the future.