CPRE Hampshire is inviting locals to delve deeper and appreciate the county's countryside with a newly devised event. 

Countryside Day, which will take place on Saturday, September 7, aims to celebrate Hampshire's beauty.

In an initiative to raise awareness about the necessity of hedgerow management, the conservation charity has planned two free events for the day.

The first event includes a foraging walk, spearheaded by Jen Williams, offering insights into nature's late summer bounty.

The second is a textile hedge workshop, guided by Caroline Bell, aimed at teaching the art of natural dying and leaf printing.

The events are designed to help participants understand the significance of hedgerows in the local ecosystem and encourage their active participation in preservation efforts

Booking is crucial for participating in the Countryside Day workshops.

CPRE Hampshire is urging attendees to take inspiration from the day and participate in their longstanding 'Hampshire Countryside Awards'.

This annual event recognises crucial contributions towards the preservation and promotion of Hampshire's countryside.

This year, the award is divided into four categories including the Hampshire Grassroots Action, Climate Action, Projects in Protected Landscapes and Health and Wellbeing in Nature Awards.

Entries are open until September 30.

Alison Talbot, operations manager at CPRE Hampshire said: "Hampshire is the only county in England with two National Parks as well as three Areas of Outstanding National Beauty, and that’s something we really want to celebrate.

"Thanks to generous donations and support, we’re incredibly proud of the work our volunteers, partner organisations, trustees and staff do to protect these unique landscapes, so that they can be enjoyed by everyone. This awareness day is an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate everything that makes the Hampshire countryside special."

For more information, go to cprehampshire.org.uk.