Volunteer Green Defender

What will you be doing?

CPRE is England’s leading countryside charity. We fight for a better future for the English Countryside. We work both locally and nationally to protect, shape and enhance our beautiful, thriving countryside for everyone to value and enjoy. CPRE Oxfordshire is setting up a new ‘Green Defenders Network’,  establishing a team of volunteers across Oxfordshire who can champion the countryside in local planning decisions. As a volunteer you will be given the training and support needed to enable you to respond constructively to local planning applications and to engage in Local Plan consultations. By being part of a team, you will be able to share information and experience and form a strong, practical advocacy network for the countryside. Key tasks which we hope you will be able to help with include:

Investigating planning applications with an impact on Oxfordshire’s green spaces. Preparing and submitting responses to influence the outcome of planning applications and appeals. Visiting proposed development sites to look at plans and record details. Liaising with parish and district councils and other conservation bodies. Seeking to influence local and neighbourhood plans to ensure development avoids, reduces or mitigates harm to the countryside, and preferably enhances it.

What are we looking for?

We are particulary looking for people who have built up professional skills in research and/or campaigning.  You will need to be able to analyse and process sometimes long or detailed documents and present clear written responses. You should be able to demonstrate good organisational and people skills and ideally have an interest in / knowledge of environmental, countryside and/or planning issues.  We are very happy to provide training and info on the specific subject areas, but need someone with an eye for detail and an interest in investigative work. A good knowledge of your local area would also be useful, but not essential. You will need to be computer literate.   

What difference will you make?

You will have the opportunity to play an important role in a respected local environmental organisation, applying your skills and experience to make a real difference and becoming part of a friendly and passionate group. Not all environmental activitists are out on the streets!  This is a key way you can make an impact through careful research, analysis and presentation of information.