Passionate about the Gloucestershire countryside

South Gloucestershire council reminds us that "The Cotswolds AONB was designated in 1966 and is the largest AONB in England, with an area of 790 sq. miles. It stretches from Chipping Camden in the north to Bath in the south – a distance of 78 miles." Photo: Hywel Jenkins

There is enough brownfield land for 1.3 million new homes and over half a million already have planning permission, a new report from national @CPRE reveals. More here:
https://www.cpreglos.org.uk/news/enough-brownfield-land-for-1-3-million-new-homes-cpre-report-reveals/
Covered in the Telegraph yesterday: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/10/20/ministers-can-build-300000-homes-year-without-touching-greenfield/
#brownfieldfirst

Day 2 of @CPRE national conference, and 3 of our fantastic volunteers are being presented with a national Volunteer Award for their hard work and dedication to CPRE Gloucestershire. Congratulations to all! Find out more about volunteering with us here: https://www.cpreglos.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/

It is the time of year where there are lots of beautiful things to spot whilst out on your family walks. We have put together a few ideas for things to look out for, and this week's theme is "Winter Nuts And Berries". Can you spot these whilst you are out and about?

"Lockdown got very exciting when my partner with the help of my daughter asked me to marry him. The proposal spot at the top of Leckhampton Hill soon became my space in nature and a favourite lockdown walk in Cheltenham."
#leckhamptonhill #lockdownwalks #myspaceinnature

We're attending the national @CPRE conference online today. Just watched a fantastic talk by @alex_staniforth from @MO_Mountains about restoring resilience through the outdoors and the importance of the countryside for our mental health. Really inspiring stuff!
#mentalhealth

This is the season where we start thinking about warming soups and stews, and this is not just down to the cold weather! British produce in season at the moment includes various root vegetables such as beetroots, carrots and leeks. #seasonal #organic #local #Food

The Countryside Code is a set of guidelines that help us enjoy the countryside responsibly. The government published a short version of it during Covid-19 as we all get used to more time outside. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code
#countrysidecode #jointheregeneration

An article by the Runnymede Trust stated "there are 2.6 million Britons without access to a green space within a ten-minute walk. A higher percentage of BAME people live in areas of greatest deficiency of access to open green spaces." CPRE are calling for 'accessibility for all'.

By joining CPRE Gloucestershire you can help be part of the conversation and help to support our campaigns relating to the building of new roads that dissect the countryside.
https://www.cpreglos.org.uk/get-involved/become-a-member/
#environment #nature #conservation #jointheregeneration

We will be sending out weekly newsletters giving you information about the countryside in your area, and what you can do to help in its regeneration. https://cpre.pinkskydesign.com/Gloucestershire
#jointheregeneration

The government is urging developers to "Build, Build, Build!" as part of a post-Covid recovery scheme. Sites are in the approval stages for nearly 2000 new homes across Gloucestershire, many of which are on greenfield sites. #housingdevelopment #housingnews

A growing number of health professionals, community workers, naturalists and academics are advocating the use of ‘green therapy’ – time spent immersed in nature – to help those living with mental health difficulties. Photo by Hywel Jenkins

The Sculpture Trail in the Forest of Dean (@FODSculpture) makes for a beautiful family walk with lots of fun sculptures to look out for along the way. #forestofdean #naturewalks

Keep track of the phases of the moon this month with our handy downloadable calendar graphic:
https://www.cpreglos.org.uk/news/phases-of-the-moon-october-and-november/

#stargazing #astrophotography #nightsky #astronomy #stars #milkyway #nightphotography #moon #jointheregeneration

If you love bird spotting, why not visit Coombe Hill Canal and Meadows between Gloucester and Tewkesbury? #birdwatching #coombehill

If you look up at the moon tonight you will see an illumination of 25%. Light pollution severely restricts our ability to view the night skies, but you can track the moon phases this month with this graphic #stargazing