CPRE Centenary Day: Celebrate 100 Years at Queenswood on Sunday 21 June

CPRE was founded nationally in 1926, which makes 2026 a 100-year milestone for the movement. Across England, CPRE’s network now spans 40 county branches and more than 40,000 members and supporters, all working to keep the countryside thriving, beautiful and accessible.

CPRE Herefordshire was established a few years after the national charity, joining the network to represent this county’s rural landscapes, market towns and hedgerow-lined lanes. While the 100-year milestone belongs to CPRE nationally, it’s a moment the whole CPRE family is marking together, county by county.

Why CPRE Herefordshire Is Hosting the Centenary Day at Queenswood

There is nowhere more fitting for Herefordshire’s contribution to the CPRE centenary than Queenswood. The 170-acre site was purchased by CPRE Herefordshire in 1934 and gifted to the council for the benefit of local communities. Nine decades on, it remains one of the county’s most-visited free green spaces, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors every year.

Hosting the CPRE Centenary Day here is a deliberate nod to that legacy, and to the idea that protecting the countryside is a 100+ year project, not a 10-year one!

What’s Happening on CPRE Centenary Day?

The day is designed to be a relaxed, family-friendly celebration. Every activity is included in your free booking.

Expect a guided arboretum walk, live music, children’s activities, a display charting CPRE’s work from 1926 to today (including CPRE Herefordshire’s current Hedgerow Heroes and Citizen Science projects), and refreshments included with both sessions.

Morning Session (10am to 1pm) — includes breakfast

Best for early risers, dog-walkers and families with younger children.

Book here

Afternoon Session (1pm to 4pm) — includes high tea

Best for a leisurely afternoon and a classic English high tea.

Book here

From 1926 to 2026: How CPRE’s Work Has Evolved

CPRE’s work has evolved considerably over 100 years, but the mission has not: to protect, promote and enhance the English countryside. In 2026, CPRE Herefordshire is focused on two flagship projects that reflect that national mission locally.

Hedgerow Heroes is restoring and planting hedgerows across the county. CPRE nationally aims to increase England’s hedgerow network by 40% by 2050 to support biodiversity and net-zero targets, and our Herefordshire branch is contributing directly to that goal.

Citizen Science is training local volunteers to monitor water quality, wildlife and landscape change across Herefordshire, producing evidence that informs planning and policy decisions.

The CPRE Centenary Day is a chance to meet the people behind this work, learn how to get involved, and see how a 1926 charity is tackling 2026 challenges.

CPRE Centenary Day FAQs

Whose centenary is it — CPRE nationally or CPRE Herefordshire?

It is the centenary of CPRE, the countryside charity, which was founded nationally in 1926. CPRE Herefordshire, the county branch, was formed a few years later and is hosting the Herefordshire celebration of the national milestone.

Is the CPRE Centenary Day really free?

Yes. Entry, parking at Queenswood Country Park and all refreshments are free of charge. You simply need to book your session in advance because spaces are limited.

Where exactly is the event?

Queenswood Country Park, Dinmore Hill, Herefordshire, HR6 0PY — on the A49 between Hereford and Leominster. Postcode and signage make it straightforward to find by car, and the site has an on-site café and accessible toilets.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes. Spaces are capped for both the morning and afternoon sessions so that we can manage catering and guided activities. Booking closes when sessions reach capacity.

Is the event suitable for children?

Yes. Children’s activities, the woodland playground and the arboretum walk are all designed to be family-friendly. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult, and all children need a booked place (all free of charge).

Is Queenswood Country Park accessible?

The main paths through the arboretum are surfaced and suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, though some of the wider park has steeper, unsurfaced trails. If you have specific access requirements, please contact us before booking and we’ll make sure the day works for you.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome across Queenswood Country Park, including at the CPRE Centenary Day activities.

How to Book Your Place at the CPRE Centenary Day

Choose the session that suits you and reserve your free place.

Morning Session, 10am to 1pm with breakfast, book here

Afternoon Session, 1pm to 4pm with high tea, book here

Spaces are limited and released on a first-come, first-served basis.