Standing Up for Yorkshire’s Countryside
We’re an independent charity working to protect, promote and enhance the countryside across North and East Yorkshire.
The countryside is more than a beautiful backdrop, It’s somewhere we can escape the noise of everyday life, walk, explore and where we can breathe a little more deeply. It’s a place to connect with nature, discover new landscapes and simply enjoy being in the great outdoors.
From the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds to ancient woodland, open moorland and our dramatic coastline, North and East Yorkshire is blessed with beautiful landscapes that enrich all our lives. Sadly, these special places can’t be taken as a given, they’re under threat from a variety of development – new homes, solar farms, industrial development and more. Now, more than ever, they need our help.
Just one example of the threat our countryside is facing are proposals for industrial development in the Yorkshire Wolds, potentially significantly altering the character of this special landscape, despite it being in an area that is designated to become a National Landscape (AONB) due to its “nationally significant natural beauty, unique chalk geography, and rich cultural heritage”.
Once a landscape is lost or damaged, it can be incredibly difficult, sometimes impossible, to get it back. That’s why we’re here – to make sure the countryside we love today is protected and enjoyed by generations to come.
Our Recent Work
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We’ve campaigned with a local action group for over 15 years to protect a 100 acre nature reserve against development. Hellifield Flashes, in North Yorkshire, is a prime example of valuable on-the-edge green space vulnerable to development.
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A campaign championed by CPRE since the 1970's, the Yorkshire Wolds is closer than ever for National Landscape (or AONB) status, which will strengthen protection from development.
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We've just recently sent a strong objection to gas exploration in a village deep within the Yorkshire Wolds that would impact on local infrastructure as well as disturb the tranquillity of the area.
Meet the people behind CPRE North & East Yorkshire
We’re a small team of people who care deeply about Yorkshire’s countryside – we all share the belief that our special region is worth protecting.
“I champion the things that make our countryside special, with a particular interest in the greenbelt, dark skies and tranquillity. With many years of experience across CPRE at a local, regional and national level, I bring a deep understanding of the challenges facing both rural and urban communities.”
Jan Arger, Chair
“I’m a passionate advocate for climate action and want to see the beautiful landscapes of East Yorkshire where I grew up and North Yorkshire where I now live, protected from the threat of climate change and being a part of the solution. I help the charity campaign for policies that do just that!”
Sally Learoyd, Vice-Chair & Climate Change Lead
“My love of the Yorkshire countryside stems from an early age. Now working as Chief Finance Officer for a locally owned co-operative supplying animal feed and fuels, I’m passionate about protecting our precious agricultural land for our farmers.”
Henry Breese, Trustee – Finance
“Living in a village on the outskirts of York, I’m passionate about protecting the countryside that lives on-the-edge of our towns and cities, which is so often under threat . With over 25 years of communications experience, I’m keen to help spread the word of our charity to new supporters.”
Sara Venables, Trustee – Communications
“I work to help rural communities thrive, bringing extensive experience in community development to the charity. Living in the Yorkshire Wolds, I draw inspiration from the countryside every day and enjoy exploring Yorkshire’s precious landscapes.”
Victoria Russell, Trustee – Fundraising
“I bring governance and stakeholder-engagement experience to the charity, helping ensure that we remain a well-run organisation with a strong sense of purpose. Being born and raised in Yorkshire, I enjoy exploring the Wolds, coast and wider Yorkshire countryside and want to protect it for my children.”
Richard Johnston, Trustee – Governance
Defending Local Farmland
Standing up for Green Spaces
Championing a Green Future for Yorkshire
Working With Local Communities
Help us protect the countryside you love
As an independent local charity, we rely entirely on the generosity of our members and supporters to keep standing up for our region’s landscapes. We receive no government funding, meaning every planning objection, community campaign, and habitat restoration project is made possible by people who love the countryside.
Membership
When you join us, you aren’t just supporting a charity, you are giving local communities across North & East Yorkshire a stronger voice and helping ensure our region remains vibrant, resilient, and green for generations to come.
As well as helping us to protect more of North and East Yorkshire countryside, you’ll unlock a series of other benefits, including:
- A copy of our wonderful magazine Countryside Voices delivered to your door three times a year, with inspirational stories, in-depth features and updates on our campaign work
- Access to a series of exclusive discounts at attractions across the UK, including Helmsley Walled Garden in the North York Moors and Shandy Hall in Coxwold, York.
Join us from as little as £5 a month – cancel anytime.
Donations
Every donation we receive helps us to continue our work in protecting the places that matter to communities across North and East Yorkshire. We work with parish councils, local communities and members of the public to consult on a variety of planning and developing applications, helping to give our precious countryside a voice.
- £5 could help us deliver free planning response guides to communities
- £15 could help support our planning lead in reviewing complex consultation documents
- £30 could help fund campaign flyers and outreach materials for local events
Donate via our portal below or click here.
Gift in Will
By leaving a gift in your will you can ensure that the rugged North York Moors, the serene Howardian Hills, the ancient woodlands of Dalby Forest, and the breathtaking Yorkshire coastline are protected, enhanced, and enjoyed for generations to come.
Stay connected to Yorkshire’s countryside
If you’ve not done so already, we’d encourage you to sign up to our email database where we’ll send you a couple of bonus walks valued by some of our Trustees. You’ll also receive the latest news, countryside stories and updates from us delivered straight to your inbox.
