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Lunch and Learn
Our Lunch and Learns are a series of presentations and discussions on the key planning issues that matter to you and our county.
Each Lunch and Learn takes place online (we use Zoom) during your lunch hour, so feel free to bring your own lunch and eat during the session. Our Lunch and Learns are suitable for anyone that wants to top up their knowledge on key planning and environmental issues, share their views and discuss with our experts.
Our schedule of Lunch and Learns for January – April 2026.
Book for any or all of them, and please join CPRE Hertfordshire as a member – it’s easy and quick to join online. As a member you will receive a discount on these events and get free advice from our Planning team.
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Topic 1: Helping Hertfordshire’s hedges
Hertfordshire’s countryside, like much of rural England, is criss-crossed by hedgerows. Some are old, some are new, but all of them tell the story of how our countryside has grown and changed. This session will look more in depth at the ecology, history and geography of this remarkable habitat, and give you a thorough understanding of their protection, and a view to how we can learn to value them again.
Date: Wednesday 14 January 2026
Time: 1 – 2pm
Admission: £5 for members; £10 for non-members
This Lunch and Learn will discuss:
- Hedgerows are essential in connecting fragmented populations of different species, making them more resistant to climate change.
- Management of them plays a big part in how effectively they can help nature and people.
- Despite their removal over much of the country in the 20th century, hedgerows can benefit people and farming systems immensely, as well as storing carbon, and providing protection from flooding.
Followed by:
- Questions, knowledge sharing, discussion and debate.
Our Speaker: James Lunt – read more about our speakers below.
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Topic 2: The Year Ahead in Planning: What to expect
This presentation and discussion will provide an update on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and the Land Use Framework, and how each of these impacts development in Hertfordshire as well as the alarming implications for our countryside.
Date: Wednesday 11 February 2025
Time: 1 – 2pm
Admission: £5 for members; £10 for non-members
This Lunch and Learn will discuss:
- How have changes in the new NPPF and the introduction of grey belt impacted development in Hertfordshire?
- What are the major changes in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and how does this impact Hertfordshire’s countryside?
- How can we continue to have our say locally on planning applications under these revised policies?
- How is CPRE Hertfordshire supporting ‘local voices’ in our campaign work against inappropriate development?
Followed by:
- Questions, knowledge sharing, discussion and debate.
Our Speaker: Chris Berry – read more about our speakers below.
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Topic 3: Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation: What does it mean for Hertfordshire’s countryside?
Join us for the latest update on devolution and local government reorganization in Hertfordshire and the implications for the planning process and Hertfordshire’s countryside.
Date: Wednesday 11 March
Time: 1 – 2pm
Admission: £5 for members; £10 for non-members
This Lunch and Learn will discuss:
- What is the current structure of local government in Hertfordshire? How will devolution and local government reorganisation impact that structure?
- What are the implications for the planning process after reorganization?
- How will local voices have their say on future inappropriate planning applications?
Followed by:
- Questions, knowledge sharing, discussion and debate.
Our Speaker: Chris Berry – read more about our speakers below.
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Topic 4: Ask your Planning Expert – Online Event (for CPRE members only)
Book an online slot at our ‘Ask your Planning Expert’ members’ session and gain free advice on your local planning concerns.
Each 1:1 online meeting will last 10 minutes and enable you to gain invaluable support with your local planning queries. Please note that slots will be offered on a first come, first served basis.
Date: Wednesday 15 April 2025
Time: 1 – 2pm
Admission: Free and only available for CPRE members
Our Speaker: Chris Berry – read more about our speakers below.
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Our speakers
Chris Berry
Chris Berry is Planning Manager at CPRE Hertfordshire. Chris is a chartered town planner with over 40 years’ experience. He was Chief Planning Officer for several local planning authorities, including London and Hertfordshire Boroughs and also served as a Borough Councillor in East Sussex. Chris is passionate about protecting the countryside through the planning system and working with local groups and interests.
James Lunt
James Lunt is Hedgerow Heroes Project Officer for CPRE Hertfordshire. James is leading CPRE Hertfordshire’s mission to plant 2 km of new hedgerows by the end of March 2026, joined by several different volunteer groups to help reach this target. With a career in farming advice and ecology, James has worked with hedgerows for a good period of time, even completing his dissertation on the subject.
