Celebrating 100 years of CPRE protecting the countryside

2026 is a momentous year for Devon CPRE because it marks 100 years since the foundation of our national organisation, CPRE. It was the brainchild of two leading architects and town planners, Patrick Abercrombie and Guy Dawber, who realised that the rapid increase in motor transport, with all its knock-on effects, posed a major threat to the unprotected countryside. As we mark this milestone anniversary, we’ll go back to calling ourselves CPRE, The Campaign to Protect Rural England. We believe this designation makes it easier for people to understand the important work we do. We’re proud of what we stand for, and we hope that in our centenary year, more people will see the value of joining us as members to celebrate 100 years of standing up for the countryside. Here in Devon, we are blessed to have some of the most beautiful landscapes anywhere in the world, including two stunning coastlines and two National Parks. Will you help us protect them?