Countryside Organisations
Information for other organisations dedicated to the countryside.
CABE
Formerly the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment and the government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space. CABE is now part of the Design Council.
Countryside Council for Wales
The Government's statutory adviser on sustaining natural beauty, wildlife and the opportunity for outdoor enjoyment in Wales and its inshore waters.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
This page of the Natural England website offers general information about individual Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales.
Heritage Coasts This page offers links to information on individual Heritage Coast sites.
Countryside Survey 2000
A major audit of the British countryside based on detailed field observations and satellite imagery.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Promotes, through sustainable development, the interests of farmers and the countryside, the environment and the rural economy, as well as safeguarding the quality of food, water and air.
Directgov
An enormous and extremely useful site that summarises and links all the Government’s public services.
English Heritage
Protects and promotes England’s environment and ensures that its past is researched and understood.
Environment Agency
Secures the proper use of water resources in England and Wales.
Forestry Commission
This website helps people to enjoy the country’s forests, with suggestions about where to go and what to do.
Institute of Public Rights of Way Officers
IPROW is a professional body for local authority rights of way officers in England and Wales.
Joint Nature Conservation Committee
The Government's wildlife adviser, undertaking national and international conservation work on behalf of the three country nature conservation agencies English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Countryside Council for Wales.
Local Government Association
Promotes the interests of English and Welsh local authorities and exists to promote better local government.
MAGIC (Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside)
MAGIC is the first web-based interactive map to bring together information on key environmental schemes and designations in one place. Natural England manages this service under the direction of a cross-government Steering Group and on behalf of Defra who is the custodian.
Meteorological Office
The Met Office is one of the world's leading providers of environmental and weather-related services, including local, regional and national forecasts, maps, news and information.
Natural Environment Research Council
Delivers independent research, survey, training and knowledge transfer in the environmental sciences, to advance knowledge of planet Earth as a complex, interacting system.
Association of National Park Authorities
This website contains much information to help you plan, and get the most out of, your visit to these outstandingly beautiful and diverse areas. You can discover lots of information on current events (including guided walks, where to go and what to see), essential information and on-line resources.
The Civic Trust
Britain’s leading charity devoted to enhancing the quality of life in our cities, towns and villages.
Common Ground
Plays a unique role in the arts and environmental fields by linking nature with culture and emphasising local and seasonal distinctiveness in England (visit www.england-in-particular.info to find out more). Through practical projects and projects Common Ground promotes ideas, information and inspiration.
The Conservation Foundation
Encourages people in the public, private and non-profit sectors of society to collaborate on environmental causes.
Country Land & Business Association
The premier organisation safeguarding the interests of those responsible for land, property and business throughout rural England and Wales.
Campaign to Protect Rural England
CPRE champions England’s countryside and promotes all aspects of rural life.
Fieldfare Trust
Works with people with disabilities and countryside managers to improve access to the countryside for everyone. This official website contains information on training and advisory services. In addition, publications produced by the Fieldfare Trust can be ordered online.
The Game Conservancy Trust
Conducts scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife and advises farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitat.
Green Space
A not-for-profit organisation set up to help those committed to the planning, design, management and use of public paths and open spaces.
The National Trust
Owns 17 country parks, over 70 historic parklands and several village greens, as well as countless picnic sites. The National Trust is a significant owner of land within the National Parks, including over 20% of land in the Lake District. The National Trust owns around 600 miles (about 1,000km) of coastline and around 53,000 hectares (about 131,000 acres) of coastal hinterland.
Open Spaces Society
Britain’s oldest conservation society and protects common land and public rights of way.
Soil Association
The UK’s leading environmental charity promoting sustainable, organic farming and championing human health.
This Land Is Ours
Campaigns peacefully for access to the land, its resources and the decision-making processes affecting them, for everyone, irrespective of race, gender or age.
