We remember our Queen with gratitude

All of us at CPRE Herefordshire, trustees, staff, volunteers and members, are deeply sad to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We were honoured to have her as CPRE patron throughout her long reign and today marks the end of an era for us all.

As our patron, she showed her love for the countryside for many years, helping CPRE celebrate its 80th birthday and other significant occasions and providing hugely valued support.

As part of her first visit to Herefordshire in 1957, she and Prince Philip visited Queenswood and planted 2 oak trees. This means a lot to us as part of the wood had been bought and saved by a Herefordshire CPRE fundraiser more than 20 years earlier in 1934.

Since she became our national patron 70 years ago, the Queen took a keen interest in CPRE’s work, sending regular messages of encouragement. Most memorably, Her Majesty hosted CPRE anniversary events at Windsor Great Park in 2001, and St James’s Palace, in 1976 and 2006. On each occasion, she was keen to spend as much time as possible chatting to our volunteers about their local countryside.

CPRE chief executive Crispin Truman has sent CPRE’s condolences to the Royal Family and our support to our new King. He said: ‘Today we are mourning someone who has been so much part of the life of the nation that it is hard to imagine public life without her steadying hand and reassuring voice. We should all pause to remember the huge contribution the Queen has made to the nation, to our countryside and to all the important causes she has supported over her many decades as monarch.

‘It is the end of an era for the country and for CPRE – and one we are truly grateful to have been a part of.’