A fond farewell after six incredible years

CPRE Bedfordshire’s Director, Lois Wright, reflects on her time here.

As my time at CPRE Bedfordshire draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the past six years with a mix of pride and satisfaction.

There have certainly been challenges – Covid being one of the biggest, alongside continued threats to our countryside including East West Rail, the Ox-Cam Arc, and the M1-A6 Link Road, all of which remain ongoing.

There have also been many positives. We’ve developed our support for Local Action Groups, empowering communities to take a stand for their local area. Our workshops have helped parish and town councils develop their understanding of planning. Less exciting, but equally important, is the transition to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which has strengthened our foundations and will ensure greater sustainability. Hedgerow Heroes has been a great project to end on, and a fantastic achievement by our volunteers who planted and restored 1,500m of hedgerow.

As I step away, I genuinely believe CPRE Bedfordshire is in a stronger position than when I arrived. While I’m proud of the role I’ve played, this has only been possible thanks to the incredible people I have worked with – our dedicated Trustees and volunteers, and my brilliant colleague, Shelly. As Jane Lee, the new Manager, takes the reins I know that they will support her and I wish them all well.

I have also had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people in our Local Action Groups, through our Living Countryside Awards, our members, and staff at National CPRE who all share a passion for the protecting our countryside.

Now more than ever we need to work together as the government push to build more housing, and major projects like East West Rail, Universal Studios and the expansion of London Luton Airport threaten to dramatically reshape our landscape. It feels like our small county is being swallowed up and much could be lost.

We cannot do this alone so I urge you, now more than ever, to support the work of CPRE Bedfordshire through membership, donations or giving your time.

I will remain as a member and will support CPRE Bedfordshire’s campaigns but also hope to be spending more time out in the countryside and practising what I have been preaching for the last six years!

We’ll keep standing up for the Bedfordshire countryside. Want to stand with us? Sign up now for monthly news on our work or join us as a member from just £5 a month.