Love your countryside

CPRE Sussex column written for West Sussex Gazette, August 2026

At CPRE Sussex we know every green space and every winding lane has a story to tell.

Your favourite countryside isn’t always the most well-known landmark.

Sometimes it is the place where you walk your dog after work.

Sometimes it is a familiar view that tell you you’re nearly home.

These are the everyday landscapes where community and countryside meet.

They help us feel connected to nature and each other.

And it is these landscapes that we are celebrating throughout Love Your Countryside month.

Throughout September, events up and down the country will encourage people to explore the countryside and share what it means to them.

In Sussex, the highlight will be the return of the CPRE Sussex Countryside Day.

This year, our annual celebration of the countryside will be held at the stunning Seven Sisters Country Park on Sunday, 6 September.

Entry is free and we have a great programme of events lined up.

There will be nature-themed crafts, interactive sessions focused on protecting the countryside and a special talk and film screening in the Pump Barn to celebrate the national charity’s 100th birthday.

There will also be guided walks exploring the nature and history of the Seven Sisters.

Walks are £2 for CPRE Sussex members, £4 for non-members.

Book your walk place or let us know you are coming to the event here: cpresussex.org.uk/news/6-september-countryside-day-2026.

We are also looking for volunteers to help on the day.

If you could help with setting up, the raffle, or supporting walks and talks please email info@cpresussex.org.uk.

Throughout Love Your Countryside month the national CPRE charity will also be sharing a series of content designed to inspire your love of the countryside.

Each week has a different theme, and emails will be delivered straight to your inbox.

Week one is Explore, with author Alastair Humphreys. It focuses on getting outside and finding adventure in everyday places.

Week two is Notice, with writer Sally Coulthard, focusing on slowing down and seeing the countryside differently.

In week three the theme is Be Inspired. We will be sharing books, podcasts and programmes that have inspired people from across the CPRE network and beyond.

Finally, week four is Discover, focusing on hidden gems shared by CPRE branches across the country.

It is completely free to take part in Love Your Countryside.

The first 1,000 people to sign up will receive a Love Your Countryside badge as well as the email series.

We will also ask you to share what the countryside means to you in one sentence: “I love the countryside because…”.

Find out more and sign up for the email updates here: cpre.org.uk/love-your-countryside.

Love Your Countryside month reflects a simple belief: when people value the countryside, they’re more likely to care about its future.

If you want to help us protect the Sussex countryside for future generations, you can find out more about our work at cpresussex.org.uk.