THE Somerset Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) invited its members to share a special 90th birthday cake as part of their AGM, which was held at Curry Rivel Old School Room.

After the formal AGM proceedings, Oliver Hilliam, CPRE’s Senior Communications and Information Officer, explained the history and main achievements of CPRE nationally – along with some fascinating local stories from the archives.

Following the meeting, members were treated to a guided tour of Somerset Cider Brandy to learn about how it makes and promotes its distinctive Somerset products nationally and internationally.

Oliver Hilliam, who is co-author of CPRE’s new book '22 Ideas That Saved the English Countryside', said: “It is no exaggeration to say that CPRE has been the most influential campaigner for the English countryside over the past 90 years, especially in building support for the idea that growth and development should be balanced with the needs of society and the environment.

"Our early successes included the prevention of ribbon development in the 1930s and the designation of new Green Belts from the 1950s – along with the establishment of a democratic planning system and the creation of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the 1940s.

"Somerset is lucky to have Exmoor National Park and four AONBs (Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills, Blackdown Hills and Cranborne Chase) - these designations ensure that the county’s most special landscapes are protected for generations to come.

"Since the 1980s, CPRE has led the movement towards urban regeneration, which has helped save green fields by prioritising development on previously developed sites.

"Our more recent successes include leading the 'Break The Bag Habit' campaign for the 5p plastic bag charge and helping to win extensions to the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks.

"We continue to defend the ideas that have saved so much of our countryside, while our current campaigns – for a greener and more diverse farming sector, stronger Neighbourhood Planning and genuinely affordable rural housing – will help protect local character and keep our villages alive.”

CPRE Somerset Chairman, Chris Lewis, said: “CPRE has a branch in every county, run by local people who care deeply about their landscapes, villages and rural communities.

"We rely hugely on our members and volunteers in order to carry out our vital work. In the last year alone we have dealt with over 70 planning applications potentially affecting our countryside across Somerset and we work alongside community groups who are desperate for help in the face of overwhelming pressure from developers." For more information go to www.cpresomerset.org.uk.