Lunch and Learn

Each Lunch and Learn will take place online during your lunch hour and is suitable for anyone that wants to top up their knowledge on key environmental issues, share their views and discuss with our experts.

Our Lunch and Learn’s will be updated throughout the year with a different topic each month.

To book on a Lunch and Learn, simply click on the Book Now link below and purchase your ticket on Eventbrite.

Topic 1: What is the NPPF, and what do the recent changes to it mean for Hertfordshire?

With the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published in December 2024, including major planning changes for housing and the Green Belt, this presentation will share how those changes impact development in Hertfordshire and the alarming implications for our countryside.

Date: 5th March 2025

Time: 1-2pm

Admission: £5 for members; £10 for non-members

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This Lunch and Learn will discuss:

• What are the main changes between the previous NPPF and the revised NPPF?
• What are the implications of the revised NPPF for Hertfordshire’s countryside?
• How might the revised NPPF affect planning applications locally and the way we respond?

Followed by:

• Questions, knowledge sharing, discussion and debate.

Our Speakers: Chris Berry and Alison Young – read more about all our speakers below.

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Topic 2: Green Belt vs Grey Belt: What does this mean for housing development?

Under the new planning framework, grey belt land is land that makes little or no contribution to the aim of the Green Belt. This presentation will shed a light on how ‘grey belt’ fits with the Government’s housing strategy and discusses the impact of the introduction of grey belt to the future of the Green Belt in Hertfordshire.

Date: 2nd April 2025

Time: 1pm-2pm

Admission: £5 for members; £10 for non-members

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This Lunch and Learn will discuss:

• What is the definition of ‘grey belt’?
• What are the Government’s ‘golden rules’ for development?
• How does the introduction of grey belt by the Government impact the future of the Green Belt in Hertfordshire?

Followed by:

• Questions, knowledge sharing, discussion and debate.

Our Speakers: Chris Berry and Alison Young – read more about all our speakers below.

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Topic 3: Solar energy: Creating a greener future without inappropriate development

Solar power is a key source of renewable energy that can bring us closer to net zero carbon. However, building solar plants across our countryside comes with a host of disadvantages – loss of productive farmland, loss of green spaces, noise disturbance and unsightly visual impact. This presentation will discuss the current state of play of solar farm proposals in Hertfordshire and the importance of prioritising rooftop solar for a greener future.

Date: 7^th May 2025

Time: 1pm-2pm

Admission: £5 for members; £10 for non-members

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This Lunch and Learn will discuss:

• What is solar energy and why is it relevant for the countryside?
• The local threat of mega solar plants
• The importance of rooftop solar for a greener future

Followed by:

• Questions, knowledge sharing, discussion and debate.

Our Speaker: Chris Berry – read more about all our speakers below.

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Topic 4: Protecting Hertfordshire’s chalk streams

Hertfordshire is home to a significant number of chalk streams, a rare and precious habitat and an intrinsic part of the county’s landscape. This presentation will explain more about their geography, history and wildlife value, and which organisations are tasked with their care.

Date: 4th June 2025

Time: 1pm-2pm

Admission: £5 for members; £10 for non-members

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This Lunch and Learn will discuss:

• Our chalk streams are under threat due to over-abstraction, pollution and the legacy of historical damage to their natural state. Discover more about what progress is being made to alleviate these problems, and what still needs to be done.
• Despite being described as England’s equivalent of rain forests, chalk streams have little protection. Find out more about those protections which are available within the planning system.
• Find out how you can become involved in chalk stream protection, by participating in citizen science and helping with vital management.

Followed by:

• Questions, knowledge sharing, discussion and debate.

Our Speaker: Elizabeth Hamilton – read more about all our speakers below.

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.

Alison Young

Alison Young is Vice Chair at CPRE Hertfordshire. Alison has over 30 years’ experience in Local Government Planning departments including 10 years leading Development Management for East Hertfordshire District Council. More recently, her work in Planning has been in the private sector.

Elizabeth Hamilton

Elizabeth Hamilton is a Trustee with CPRE Hertfordshire and has been fascinated by chalk streams for most of her life. Studying geography at university enabled her to understand how rivers developed their distinctive features. While completing an ecology degree she became familiar with chalk stream flora. Since volunteering with CPRE Hertfordshire she has developed a greater interest in Hertfordshire’s precious chalk streams and is an active member of the Upper Gade Valley Conservation Society.