For a thriving countryside that benefits everyone

Wildlife under stress as dry spell shrinks rivers

Environmental groups say the prolonged dry spell is having a "serious" impact on wildlife in rivers.

Follow the link to read more . . .

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-62465805

August is a time of transition in our countryside as we start approaching the autumn.

Now's the time to enjoy the long grasses, colourful heather and foraging fruits like blackberries.

Read more on nature to notice this month . . .

https://www.cpre.org.uk/discover/a-countryside-walk-in-august/

Have you got a couple of hours a week to spare? have you thought of volunteering with us?

We are passionate about protecting the countryside, including: Building the right housing in the right place and climate emergency.

https://www.cprewiltshire.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/

#volunteering

Do you like to take your countryside walks solo or as part of a group? 🚶

This is a lovely read on wildlife societies and sharing experiences of nature with others. 💚

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/aug/02/country-diary-the-joy-of-wildlife-walks-is-many-eyes-see-more

Listen to the latest @futureNetZero podcast episode 'Food or green power?' to hear @PipOppen explain why we’re calling for a land strategy and new planning rules to safeguard our food security. #LandForFood

https://www.futurenetzero.com/2022/07/27/net-hero-podcast-food-or-green-power/

Become a member

£3 a month will help us keep pressure on the government. We want to ensure that they protect quality agricultural land, adopt brownfield first policies and draw up a suitable land use strategy.

https://www.cprewiltshire.org.uk/get-involved/become-a-member/

Sometime between 4 and 4.30 pm today (Tuesday), BBC Radio Wiltshire’s Graham Rogers will broadcast a short interview with CPRE Wiltshire’s Mike Manson about this year’s CPRE Wiltshire/CCm Technologies Best Kept Village Competition winners.

@CCmTechUK #whiteparish

A countryside walk in August

With daylight hours slowly dwindling as we inch ever closer to autumn, August is a time of transition in our countryside and green spaces.

Find out more here:
https://www.cpre.org.uk/discover/a-countryside-walk-in-august/

#August #countryside #cprewiltshire

We welcome Mr Sunak’s brownfield-first approach to planning.
Applications to change green belt boundaries in order to release land for housing have soared five-fold since 2013.
We say brownfield is best!

https://www.independent.co.uk/independentpremium/uk-news/sunak-truss-green-belt-conservatives-b2134201.html

Listening to the dawn chorus, is nature’s free concert.
Fortunately most of us can benefit from hearing birdsong, even in urban areas, by just opening a window. Here are just some of the birds you’re likely to hear.

https://www.cpre.org.uk/discover/listening-for-dawn-chorus/

Little moments of joy in nature help to brighten our days.
From slow worms to the common lizard, there's lots of wildlife to look out for this season.
How many of these natural treasures will you spot?

https://www.cpre.org.uk/discover/summer-wildlife-to-look-out-for/?fbclid=IwAR2Kt3EuDf6ggMwKy_gZuaUeY2Q4KBJ5FU3bbzxLLSYr2AYGsJacpdj_O10

As we hit the peak of summer, we’re treated to an abundance of life, and so a countryside walk in July is a great way to surround yourself with the sights and sounds of nature.⁠
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Let's take a closer look at what we might find out and about in July.⁠
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https://www.cpre.org.uk/discover/a-countryside-walk-in-july/

Swimming in open water is a literal immersion in our environment, and many of us find it regenerates us in mind and body. Jane Seymour asks fellow swimmers for their favourite spots to take a dip – and what the experience gives them.
https://www.cpre.org.uk/.../top-open-water-swimming-spots/

BREAKING: Since 2010, farmland that could grow 250,000 tonnes of vegetables a year has been lost to development.
Our new report details how England's food security is at risk and what the gov't needs to do to protect it.
Learn more here . . .
https://www.cpre.org.uk/news/we-call-for-land-strategy-and-new-planning-rules-to-guard-food-security/

The Butterfly Conservation Big Butterfly Count starts today and runs until Sunday 7 August! 🦋
Help assess the health of our environment by counting the number and type of butterflies you spot
Will you be taking part?
#ButterflyCount

It is important to put water out in our gardens for birds

Birds have no sweat glands, so they need less water than mammals. However, they do lose water through respiration and in their droppings. Most small birds need to drink at least twice a day to replace the lost water!

As you are well aware we have had a #heatwave this week! With this weekend forecast to be even hotter.

Where is your favourite place in the countryside to enjoy the sun?

Don't forget to check @metoffice for updates and guidance before heading out.

#cpre #heat #forecast

Plastic pollution spoils our countryside and is harmful to people and surrounding wildlife.

A #DepositReturnScheme can increase recycling rates to more than 90%, which is why we're calling on the government to introduce one without further delay.

https://www.cpre.org.uk/news/drs-is-delayed-again-2021/

Whether it's a meadow, woodland or common, our local green spaces offer huge benefits for both people and wildlife. ⁠
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Meet the campaigners and community groups who have come together to defend their local wild places. ⁠
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https://www.cpre.org.uk/stories/stepping-up-for-green-spaces/

Would you like to Volunteer on a hedgerow project that we are sponsoring.

For more info click on the link below . . .
https://www.dbct.org/activities

#volunteering #cprewiltshire #hedgerows #watermeadows