CPRE Lancashire (covering Lancashire, the Liverpool City Region, and Greater Manchester) is a dedicated branch of the national countryside charity. Its mission is to ensure that the beautiful landscapes of the North West remain a "thriving, beautiful, and accessible" asset for everyone, regardless of where they live.
As we approach the organization's centenary in 2026, CPRE Lancashire is more active than ever, serving as a vital watchdog for the green spaces that provide the "lungs" for the region's densely populated urban centers.
The CPRE charity operates on the belief that a healthy countryside is essential for human wellbeing, food security, and climate resilience. Their work is categorized into four strategic pillars:
One of CPRE Lancashire's most significant contributions is its advocacy for Brownfield redevelopment. They maintain that there is enough previously developed land in the North West to meet housing needs without ever touching the Green Belt.
The Goal: To revitalize urban centers by transforming derelict industrial sites into vibrant, well-designed neighborhoods, thereby preserving the "openness" of the surrounding countryside.
From the rugged beauty of the Forest of Bowland to the vital agricultural land in the West Lancashire plains, the charity monitors thousands of planning applications. They provide professional advice to local communities fighting "predatory" developments that threaten the integrity of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or Green Belt boundaries.
CPRE Lancashire views the countryside as a primary tool for fighting environmental issues.
Hedgerows: The organization has pioneered projects to restore and plant kilometers of new hedgerows across the region. These "nature highways" are essential for carbon sequestration, flood prevention, and supporting wildlife like pollinators and birds.
Rooftop Solar: They campaign for "space-efficient" renewable energy, advocating for solar panels on commercial rooftops and brownfield sites rather than converting high-quality "Grade 1" agricultural land into solar farms.
Recognizing that people will only protect what they love, CPRE Lancashire works to make the countryside more accessible.
The GM Ringway: A flagship project involving CPRE is the creation of a 300km walking trail circling Greater Manchester. This trail is designed to be accessible by public transport, ensuring that the 2.8 million people in the city-region can easily reach green spaces for their mental and physical health.
CPRE Lancashire acts as a bridge between local residents and the complex planning system. They empower parish councils and community groups with the technical expertise needed to influence Local Plans. Whether it’s opposing unsustainable road links (like the A57) or pushing for truly affordable rural housing that allows local young people to stay in their villages, the charity is a constant advocate for "planning for people, not just profit."
Become a Member: Membership fees directly fund the legal and planning expertise needed to challenge inappropriate developments.
Volunteer as a Planning Watcher: Local volunteers help monitor planning portals to ensure no threat to the Green Belt goes unnoticed.
Citizen Science: Participate in national initiatives like the Star Count to help map and reduce light pollution, ensuring Lancashire's skies stay dark for both people and wildlife.
CPRE Lancashire reminds us that the countryside is not just a "nice-to-have" view; it is a working landscape that feeds us, protects us from floods, and restores our spirits. By advocating for a "smarter" approach to development—one that prioritizes urban regeneration and rural preservation—CPRE Lancashire is ensuring that the county's natural beauty survives for another hundred years.
