Countryside campaigners have marked 100 years of rural protection.
The Berkshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) gathered at Englefield House near Theale for its annual meeting and to celebrate the charity’s centenary.
The event was hosted in the Long Gallery, with the kind permission of The Rt Hon Lord Benyon.
Roger Mortlock, chief executive of CPRE, delivered the keynote speech and reflected on the charity’s legacy and future plans, including a major exhibition at the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) in Reading, scheduled to run from February to May 2026.
He said: "Our countryside is a priceless national resource.
"But we must challenge the idea that you are either a builder or a blocker."
Mr Mortlock also addressed the ongoing debate around housing development.
He said: "We agree that we need more affordable homes to keep our villages alive, and to meet housing waiting lists, but this doesn’t mean we have to concrete over our countryside."
He emphasised the importance of thoughtful planning.
He said: "CPRE research shows that there are enough brownfield sites in England to meet nearly all of the government’s housebuilding targets."
During the meeting, branch members welcomed their new president, Willie Hartley Russell MVO DL, and vice-president, Clive Williams OBE.
They also elected a new Branch Chairman, Henry Oliver, Director of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape.
Rosie Street, manager of the Berkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, gave a presentation on the upcoming strategy publication.
Among the attendees was Cllr Tony Vickers, chairman of West Berkshire Council.
CPRE was founded in 1926 and has played a key role in championing our countryside and securing political changes to protect rural England.
This has included the creation of green belts, national parks, and areas of outstanding natural beauty.
