Campaigners stage a nationwide day of action to stop construction destroying the environment
They're calling on the government to consider the consequences of building new homes and infrastructure on greenfield sites.
Campaigners across the UK are staging what organisers describe as the largest coordinated day of environmental action of its kind, raising concerns about the impact of development on the countryside and green spaces.
The National Day of Action, organised by the Community Planning Alliance (CPA), is taking place at around 180 locations, including events in Suffolk and across East Anglia.
Activities include nature walks, peaceful demonstrations, litter picks and community gatherings, with organisers encouraging people to “celebrate” local green spaces while highlighting sites they say are at risk.
Here is an interactive map showing where action is taking place across the country.
‘People have been clamouring to do something’
Rosie Pearson, co-founder of the CPA, said the campaign brings together groups opposing a range of developments, from housing and solar projects to large-scale infrastructure.
“The group that I run is national, and it’s all about any campaigner anywhere in the country who’s fighting inappropriate development of any kind,” she said.
She said the idea for the day came from growing frustration among communities and a desire to create something more inclusive than a single protest.
“People have been clamouring to do something… so we said to groups all over the country, do whatever you want to celebrate your local green space or park or nature,” she said.
Local events planned, including in Suffolk
Events have been organised locally, with some communities forming human chains around land earmarked for development, while others are hosting talks, walks and creative activities.
In Suffolk, one event includes a countryside talk by a local author, while elsewhere organisers have planned more unusual activities, including themed silent discos.
Ms Pearson said more than 200 groups were expected to take part nationwide.
“I think it’s going to be a really, really big day… it’s literally ticking up now,” she said.
Members taking part have already begun uploading photos of greenspaces they adore and that are at risk, to this website here.
The group has also been sending emails and letters to the Prime Minister to voice their concerns.
Development debate ahead of local elections
The campaign comes as the Government continues to push its target of building 1.5 million homes by 2029, alongside wider infrastructure development plans.
Organisers claim new data suggests around 14,700 acres of Green Belt land is currently at risk of development, though these figures have not been independently verified.
The CPA is calling on political parties and candidates ahead of local elections to commit to stronger protections for green spaces, changes to planning classifications, and a greater focus on brownfield development.
Supporters of the campaign include wildlife broadcaster Chris Packham and environmental groups such as the Woodland Trust.
‘A positive side of campaigning’
Ms Pearson said beyond the political message, the day was also about bringing communities together.
“It does bring communities together and you see the amazing creativity and talent people have got… it’s a really positive side of it,” she said.
Government response
An MHCLG spokesperson said:
“All areas must play their part to build the homes this country needs and restore the dream of home ownership.
“We’ve overhauled the planning system so we can make homes affordable and have been clear this will not come at the expense of the environment.”
Background
"The government is committed to preserving Green Belts, which have served England's towns and cities well over many decades.
"Our revised National Planning Policy Framework (published in December 2024) makes clear that where authorities cannot otherwise meet their housing and development needs, they should review their Green Belt to identify opportunities to deliver infrastructure and affordable housing which communities need.
"Our reforms maintain strong protections for the Green Belt, preserve the long-standing Green Belt purposes and do not weaken existing protections for the natural environment.
"We have set out a clear commitment that development on grey belt must adhere to our ‘Golden Rules’ which require developments to provide the necessary infrastructure such as nurseries, GP surgeries and transport, a premium level of social and affordable housing and deliver new or improved accessible green space.
"We expect local authorities to explore all options to deliver the homes their communities need – maximising brownfield land, working with neighbouring authorities, and, where necessary, reviewing Green Belt.
"Each authority is expected to assess and plan how to meet its local housing needs over the plan period."