Brits love our Countryside ! (that's Official )
The British Countryside is consistently rated at the top, or very near the top of all surveys in what people most cherish about living in the UK
The proposed 70 acre large scale industrial Lorry park at Courtwood in the protected Kent Downs National Landscape (AONB) near Dover is not what the british public value or want . This is supported by a number of recent large scale surveys around what Brits like best about living in the UK.
England has only 34 protected National Landscapes (AONB) that have the highest level of protection from harm and damage. These National landscape sites make up only 15% of the total land mass in England and according to Brits should be preserved .
The More in Common for CPRE Survey Feb 2026 surveyed 2067 people. They said-
75% of Britons want existing countryside protections strengthened
86% support Green Belt protections.
68% want more land protected for nature and wellbeing.
76% of 18-24 year olds support increased protections, the strongest support of any age group.
91% say the countryside is part of what makes Britain special. [cpre.org.uk]
The Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment survey condiucted by the UK Govt from 2009-2019 , 45,000 interviews concluded-
The Natural England MENE survey shows that the countryside is highly valued for recreation, health, wellbeing and quality of life, with outdoor visits associated with increased life satisfaction and overwhelmingly positive experiences such as relaxation and revitalisation
The People and Nature Survey for England (PaNS) is Natural England's successor to the MENE survey and is now the main source of Govt evidence on public attitudes to nature and the countryside.It involved 25,000 respondents since 2020. It states -
Around 85-90% of adults agree that spending time outdoors in nature is important for their wellbeing.
A substantial majority report that access to nature and green spaces makes their lives better.
Most adults visit a natural space at least once a month, although participation varies by age, income, disability and location.
Health, relaxation, exercise and enjoyment of scenery remain the main motivations for visiting natural environments.
The Wilderness Foundation research commissioned by A Hume in 2016 and surveyed 10,000 people about their favourite aspects of the British countryside. The survey stated their favourite features of the British Countryside -
Feature | % of respondents |
Peace and quiet | 51.5% |
Views / scenery | 45.0% |
Wildlife | 33.8% |
The Kent Downs National Landscape (AONB) is a key part of protecting the British Countryside and National polling demonstrates overwhelming public support for the countryside and protected landscapes.
Why let greedy developers trash our most treasured possessions with scant regard for what the people want?
This lorry park development clearly doesnt reflect what the public want , is contaray to all planning legislation and has never been allowed to happen anywhere in the UK on such a vast industrialised scale, in any National Landscape (AONB)
Dont let this happen to our beautiful and cherised heritage coastline in Dover!
Politicians are duty bound to reflect and act upon the people's wishes, opinions and feelings. The people are overwhelmingly against such an out place and out of keeping large scale industrialisation of protected green belt land (sign our petition)! Make your views known about this to your elected politicians.
Once it's gone, it really is gone... for you, your children and grandchildren........forever!
Save our AONB- Stop Courtwood Lorry Park!
Comments