Bill Bryson, President of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), today (Tuesday) sparks a national debate on the publication of a provocative paper and online forum on England’s countryside: Towards a vision for the countryside. Commenting on the launch of the online forum Mr Bryson said: ‘Last year I was challenged to lead a debate with our members on the future of the countryside in 2026, CPRE’s centenary year. But we want a wider, national debate. After all, if we can explore and understand what people want from our countryside in 20 years time, then we will be in a much better position to plan the steps to get there. We’ll campaign on the results and seek to influence Government. But this isn’t an issue that should be left to politicians. It should be debated by everyone, from farmers to business people, planners to village shop owners. We believe we can all take action to protect the countryside, enhance it, and promote its importance, that’s why we’ve outlined one possible, positive vision, and set up a debates page for all views on the future of our countryside.’

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26 February 2008
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