How Your Vote for CPRE Somerset can Help our Countryside

Posted on 30 Aug 2024 by Emily Atkinson-Dalton
CPRE Somerset is one of our wonderful charities taking part in the Discount Promo Codes charity poll this September. If you have yet to vote in the poll, can't decide who to vote for or just want to find out more, then read on to find out all about this small, Somerset charity speaking up for our countryside. Find out what they do, why they need the donation and how you can support them below.

cpre somerset charity logo

 

What Does CPRE Somerset Do?


CPRE Somerset is the charity that speaks up for Somerset’s countryside – not just the specially protected areas – but all of it. They want a beautiful, thriving Somerset countryside that everyone can enjoy and is accessible to all. They are part of the national CPRE family - the Campaign to Protect Rural England – but they are an independent charity covering the county of Somerset.

CPRE Somerset stands for a countryside that enriches all of our lives, nourishing our wellbeing, and that we in turn nourish, protect and celebrate. They are working for a countryside that’s rich in nature, accessible to everyone and playing a crucial role in responding to the climate emergency.
CPRE has worked for almost a century to support and promote the countryside, and they will be doing this for generations to come. That’s why they are ‘the countryside charity’.

CPRE Somerset shouts loud when our countryside is threatened by inappropriate development and they work with local people to protect precious green spaces and farmland.

They also shout loud about what makes our countryside special. They celebrate the unique qualities of our landscape and culture through competitions and events, open to all.

They don’t just talk (or shout!) though: CPRE Somerset volunteers roll their sleeves up to actively make the Somerset countryside a better place to be. There are hundreds of CPRE Somerset volunteers doing regular litter picks to keep their area clean and tidy. The charity also helps Parish Councils to restore their historic fingerpost road signs, which are very special landmarks in this part of the country.

CPRE Somerset’s staff team is made up of a part-time Manager and a part-time Planner. They are governed by a dedicated board of Trustees. They work hard to keep costs down by not having an office: all staff and volunteers work from home.

 

What Does CPRE Somerset Do? 


Somerset’s beautiful and varied countryside is increasingly under threat from development, whether that is housing, roads or solar farms. CPRE Somerset works hard with local communities to try to ensure that they get some benefits from this development, and it is in the right place.
New housing needs to be affordable for local people, either to buy or to rent. No more “anywhere estates”: CPRE demands well-designed places that include green spaces, room for nature and don’t just cater for people with cars. CPRE Somerset has a qualified Planner who is able to advise local people how to stand up to big developers and demand better. They can offer support and expertise to local community groups who are often overwhelmed when faced with a threat to their village or nearby countryside. This is often a David and Goliath situation but CPRE Somerset punches above its weight and has had some great successes in recent years.

CPRE Somerset also runs an annual photography competition and organises talks and walks to celebrate what everyone loves about Somerset’s countryside.

CPRE Somerset’s litter project is a great example of power to the people! The charity offers free litterpicking equipment to anyone who pledges to do a regular tidy up of their local area. So far, almost 300 volunteers of all ages are involved, across the whole county and they are making Somerset a cleaner and greener place to be.

CPRE Somerset also offers small grants to help Parish Councils to restore their black and white traditional historic fingerpost road signs. These iconic features are much beloved by locals and visitors but are falling into disrepair and can be very expensive to restore, with a need for welding and replacement parts. Every year, CPRE Somerset provides funding to help restore eight more fingerposts across the county.

 

How Can I Contact CPRE Somerset?


You can email [email protected] or phone 07553 501437 or send a DM on social media.

 

How Can I Support CPRE Somerset?


CPRE Somerset is an independent charity and receives no core funding from the government or the local council. Their work is supported by subscriptions from a small number of CPRE members and by one off donations. They occasionally receive grants or sponsorship for their project work, but it is hard to get funding for core costs of running the charity and offering the planning advice service to local communities.

You can support CPRE Somerset by voting for them in the charity poll this September. You can also donate directly to CPRE Somerset through JustGiving or you can become a CPRE Somerset member . You could join CPRE Somerset’s lottery club or you could save your ink cartridges and recycle them to raise funds for CPRE Somerset.

If you live in Somerset, maybe you could volunteer with CPRE Somerset?

 

How Can I Find Out More about CPRE Somerset?


You can read more about CPRE Somerset on their website www.cpresomerset.org.uk and you can also sign up for occasional update e-newsletters.

You can follow CPRE Somerset on X and Facebook and Instagram. They even have a YouTube channel.

If you love your countryside, then make sure to give CPRE Somerset a vote on our Homepage. You will find the poll on the right hand side, or at the bottom of the page on mobile devices. Although you don't need to use vouchers in order to vote, don't forget that any vouchers you do use will add to the donation made to the winning charity!

Vote, share, save money and raise money this September and help Somerset’s wonderful countryside.

You can vote for CPRE Somerset between 1st September 2024 and 30th September 2024.

Discount Promo Codes Blog

Sign up and join us Sign up