Visitors flock to CPRE Sussex Countryside Day

CPRE Sussex’s 50^th anniversary celebrations culminate in a day of countryside activities for the whole family

Hundreds of visitors flocked to the CPRE Sussex Countryside Day on Saturday (2 September).

The event, hosted by the Knepp Estate, was the culmination of the charity’s 50^th anniversary celebrations.

It also marked the official opening of the new Knepp Wilding Kitchen.

CPRE Sussex director Paul Steedman said: “It was fantastic to see so many people, of all ages, joining us to celebrate all that’s best about the Sussex countryside. There is such passion amongst the public to protect and restore our beautiful landscapes and precious nature from excessive development, wildlife loss, pollution and climate breakdown, so they are there for generations to come. CPRE Sussex is committed to doing just that.”

Activities on the day included tours and talks and craft demonstrations.

There was also the chance to meet volunteers from a host of charities working to protect and enhance the countryside.

Ned Burrell, co-owner of the Knepp Estate, said: “The Knepp Wilding Kitchen was delighted to host the first ever CPRE Sussex Countryside Day. It is vital we protect the wonderful land we all enjoy but also that we celebrate it and encourage everyone to take better care of it, leaving it healthier for future generations than we found it.”

Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Downs, said: “It was great to join CPRE Sussex for their Countryside Day at Knepp and to celebrate their 50th birthday. I’m passionate about England’s nature and our dark skies and CPRE Sussex does some great work to protect both. I’d love to see such a Countryside Day become an annual Sussex fixture.”