CPRE Sussex has fought for the countryside for over 50 years

CPRE Sussex Director’s column written for West Sussex Gazette, February 2026.

At CPRE Sussex we have fought to protect, enhance and celebrate the countryside for more than 50 years.

Now, new research by the national CPRE charity has confirmed what we already know – people love our countryside and want to see it protected for future generations.

The Countryside Poll, carried out by More in Common, found 9 in 10 people believe the countryside is what makes Britain special.

The poll also uncovered near-universal support for protecting the countryside and revealed countryside proximity beats good schools and low council tax when people are choosing where to live.

But there is a lack of trust that national political leaders will act in the best interests of our precious landscapes and habitats.

The poll revealed a negative net trust rating for the leader of every major political party when it comes to safeguarding the countryside.

This is hardly surprising given recent decision making.

Last year’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill weakened environmental safeguards and reduced local democracy.

A second runway at Gatwick Airport was approved despite the damage it will cause to the environment, habitats and local communities.

But there is hope.

The Countryside Poll reveals 9 in 10 people in the South East support the Green Belt – a vital way to stop urban sprawl that has kept our towns and cities vibrant while safeguarding the countryside.

Seven in 10 believe the amount of land protected for nature and wellbeing should be increased, with support particularly strong among young people.

The public are also not buying that the Government needs to make a choice between tackling the housing crisis and our precious green spaces.

More than 8 in 10 people believe it is possible to build the homes the UK needs while safeguarding the countryside for future generations.

This includes adopting a “brownfield first” approach.

In Sussex alone, there are brownfield sites with space for more 26,000 new homes.

While trust in national government leaders is low, there are opportunities for communities and local leaders to work together to protect our countryside.

At CPRE Sussex, we have successfully worked alongside community campaigners and parish councils to fight inappropriate development and improve Local Plans.

We have seen tree cover increased and nature corridors restored by projects like Plant Your Postcode and Hedgerow Heroes.

Further opportunities to make Sussex a shining example of countryside protection and celebration are on the horizon.

A new mayor for Sussex can reject the national rhetoric of “nature versus growth”.

Unitary authorities, if implemented in a way which retains local expertise, could offer a more strategic approach to planning and transport.

The Countryside Poll reveals an overwhelming rejection of false choices between housing and the countryside and between growth and environmental protections.

What we need now is political leadership – both locally and nationally – which matches public ambition and safeguards the countryside for everyone.

Do you want to help us protect, enhance and celebrate the countryside? Find out more about our work at cpresussex.org.uk/get-involved.