The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has published its manifesto for the 2017 General Election.
The manifesto calls on all parties to recognise the countryside’s huge contribution to the economy, and to develop policies that will protect and enhance rural areas.
The campaign group says the countryside is at risk of being ignored by political parties while they concentrate on the post-Brexit economic settlement.
CPRE said in a statement: "At a time when our precious landscapes are under increasing threat from development, it is more important than ever that parties commit to ensuring current and future generations can continue to benefit from the nourishment our countryside gives us."
CPRE's manifesto key points
• Stronger protection for Green Belts, National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Further investment in urban regeneration
• Continued public funding for farming focused on the benefits beyond food
• Reset roads policy with a smarter travel investment strategy
• Reduce waste and pollution by committing to resource efficiency schemes, such as deposit return systems
• Transpose all EU environmental protections into domestic law and introduce an ambitious new Environment Act
Numerous other rural organisations have released their manifestos, including the Soil Association and the Tenant Farmers' Association.
