Renowned Conservationist Merlin Hanbury-Tenison Joins CPRE Cornwall as Patron

In an exciting development for the protection of Cornwall’s countryside, renowned conservationist and author Merlin Hanbury-Tenison has been appointed as the new Patron of CPRE Cornwall. This charity, dedicated to preserving the Cornish countryside and coast, hopes to leverage Merlin’s expertise and prominence to further its mission.

A Welcome Boost for CPRE Cornwall

Chair of CPRE Cornwall, Rowena Swallow, expressed her enthusiasm about Merlin’s appointment, stating, “CPRE Cornwall has always punched above its weight for a small charity. However, to continue supporting and protecting all aspects of rural life as we would wish, we need more publicity, funds, and members. We are very much looking forward to having Merlin’s highly respected and authoritative voice to help us get our message across.”

Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, founder of The Thousand Year Trust and a celebrated figure in conservation, is equally honoured by his new role. “It is a huge honour for me to become the Patron of this brilliant charity. I hope that I can be a suitable standard-bearer as we press for eco-friendly development, sustainable agriculture, better infrastructure for local needs, and genuinely affordable homes.”

Championing Sustainable Development

As a proud Cornishman who has experienced firsthand the challenges facing the region, Merlin is deeply committed to sustainable development. He commented, “I am passionate about the need for sensible, sustainable, and restrained development where it is needed for local people. I hope to advocate for CPRE Cornwall on the vital importance of action to mitigate climate change and the importance of engaging with nature to promote mental health and well-being.”

Merlin’s conservation work, including his efforts with The Thousand Year Trust to triple Britain’s rainforest cover, has been recognised in prestigious publications such as National Geographic, The Guardian, and on the BBC. His presence in CPRE Cornwall is anticipated to bring significant attention and support to the charity’s initiatives.

About CPRE Cornwall

CPRE Cornwall, a branch of The Countryside Charity (formerly the Campaign to Protect Rural England), combines national influence with local knowledge to support and protect rural Cornwall. Led by a committee of volunteers including Chair Rowena Swallow and Vice-Chair Stephen Horscroft, the charity relies on donations and membership fees for its operations. The part-time administrator and volunteers work tirelessly to maintain an updated list of planning cases on their website, alongside a bi-monthly newsletter to keep supporters informed.

Merlin Hanbury-Tenison’s appointment as Patron marks a promising chapter for CPRE Cornwall, as they continue to champion the preservation and sustainable development of the Cornish countryside. For more information about CPRE Cornwall’s activities and to stay updated on their initiatives, visit CPRE Cornwall.