The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has identified three main areas that should be addressed by the next government over the next five years to boost the English countryside.

Launching its 'manifesto' for the 2010 General Election, the charity called on a future government to recognise the potential of the planning system to help enhance the countryside and promote urban renewal. CPRE has also urged the next administration to champion National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, protect green belt land and take more action against litter and fly-tipping.

Ben Stafford, CPRE head of campaigns, said: "Too often, the environment and the countryside seem to disappear off the political radar in the heat of a General Election campaign. "We can't afford the countryside to go missing in this election. If it does, the chances are it won't be a priority for whichever party forms the next government. We all need to vote for the countryside in 2010, before it's too late."