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How we work

We’re an environmental charity, covering the administrative county of Dorset. Our active volunteers work hard to protect, shape and enhance a beautiful, thriving countryside for everyone to value and enjoy.

We have members who are united in their love for Dorset’s landscapes and rural communities. Together we stand up for the countryside, so it can continue to sustain, enchant and inspire future generations.

Trustees

We have up to seven Trustees dealing with the finances, administration, and our responsibilities to the Charity Commission and National CPRE. The Trustees meet 4 times a year. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held in November. Neil Matthews is Chair of Trustees and Jez Hughes is Vice-Chair. Our Annual Return and Financial Year-end accounts are available to view and download from the Charity Commission Website.

Planning Group

At our monthly Planning Group Meetings we discuss the Dorset Council and BCP Local Plans and planning related matters. The meeting is open to Dorset CPRE members, 10 per year via Zoom. The meetings are chaired by Andrew Procter with assistance from our Planning Advisor. Please contact us for the Zoom link if you would like to join the next meeting.

Countryside Forum

We have 4 local ‘Groups’ forming the backbone of the charity. Dorset CPRE comprising volunteers who have an interest in particular subject(s), which, for want of a better title, we call ‘Focus Topics’.

Some of our dedicated volunteers have developed significant and very useful experience (usually as a result of volunteering for the role) that inform and help our local Groups on particular issues. This section is called the Countryside Forum with countryside specialists and invited experts helping us to focus on detailed problems and priorities. We hold 4 forum meetings per year via Zoom or in person. Sir Christopher Coville chairs the Countryside Forum Meetings.

Dorset CPRE understands the need for economic regeneration. We are not against things because they are new! Only if they are inappropriate. We understand the need for renewable energy, but will oppose proposals to place large turbines or solar farms in inappropriate locations that do serious damage to local communities and to the countryside we enjoy.

Our local knowledge and national profile means CPRE is effective in tackling both the specific issues that really matter to our members and the public, as well as the wider challenges the countryside faces.

Dorset CPRE understands the need for economic regeneration. We are not against things because they are new! Only if they are inappropriate. We understand the need for renewable energy, but will oppose proposals to place large turbines or solar farms in inappropriate locations that do serious damage to local communities and to the countryside we enjoy.

Focus Topic volunteers

The membership and focus of the Countryside Forum can vary according to the issues being considered, but we would very much welcome volunteers with specific interests – either to join the Forum, or to join up with and help one of the existing Focus Topic volunteers.