Overview

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is a national charity which campaigns for a sustainable future for the English countryside, a vital but undervalued environmental, economic and social asset to the nation.  Its work is delivered from its national office in London and regionally through 40 branches throughout the country including CPRE North Yorkshire.

With the backing of its President, acclaimed author Bill Bryson, CPRE launched ‘Stop the Drop’ – a campaign to solve litter and fly-tipping problems blighting the countryside, cities, towns and villages.

Also in 2008 the previous CPRE North Yorkshire Scarborough branch was disbanded and reformed as CPRE Coastal branch with a formal launch at the beginning of 2009.

Brief

Working for CPRE North Yorkshire, Plug and Tap’s objectives included:

  • Highlighting the campaign to reduce take-away packaging litter in North Yorkshire by making food retailers aware of a new type of take-away packaging which biodegrades after just 90 days.
  • Educate people as to the negative effects of litter especially polystyrene.
  • Promotion of the new Campaign to Protect Rural England Coastal Branch, which represents communities on the East Coat of Yorkshire.
  • Raise awareness of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and its work in North Yorkshire.

Project Delivery

Working with the manufacturers of the revolutionary Bio-Box, a form of biodegradable take-away packaging, and a large fish and chip restaurant and takeaway in Whitby, Plug and Tap invited guests to this invitation only event. The guest list comprised take away retailers, business and community influencers and members and potential members of CPRE. Speakers for both the Bio-Box company and North York Moors National Park gave an entertaining, but informative, account of the litter problem both  the region and nationally and explained how the use of biodegradable packaging could reduce the problem in North Yorkshire. 
Plug and Tap built a close working relationship with key media who ran stories about the event before it happened and attended on the day to interview guests and trustees of CPRE North Yorkshire.

Outcomes

  • All places were taken – 73 people attended the lunch.
  • Guests included the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of the Borough of Scarborough Cllr Peter Booth and his wife, Mr John Marsden Chief Executive, North Yorkshire County Council and Terence Jennison the Deputy Town Mayor of Whitby.
  • One of the guests who attended on behalf of the Rotary Club has gone on to become the new Chairman of CPRE Coastal Branch.
  • The lunch generated extensive media coverage in local newspapers, magazines and on local BBC and Commercial radio, drawing attention to the proactive work of CPRE.

Testimonials

  • “So pleased that we have been the instigators of what may become quite a big publicity vehicle for CPRE nationally.”
  • “Congratulations go to you all for arranging and executing such a splendid occasion.  From all at York and Selby many thanks for a job well done.” CPRE York & Selby Branch Chairman
  • “Very well done to you all.” Chairman of CPRE North Yorkshire

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