CPRE Hampshire will host its first Countryside Day this September.

The charity is inviting people to join them on Saturday, September 7, to celebrate the beauty of the Hampshire countryside.

It aims to highlight the importance of a thriving countryside for people and the planet.

The conservation charity also wants to raise awareness of the importance of hedgerow management and strengthen people's connection with the land.

Two free events will be held on the day.

The first is a foraging walk led by Jen Williams, which will explore nature's late summer bounty in the Hampshire countryside.

The second is a textile hedge workshop led by Caroline Bell, where people can learn about natural dyeing and leaf printing.

The two activities will allow participants to immerse themselves in the beauty of Hampshire's countryside, especially its hedgerows, and learn about their importance in the local ecosystem.

They will also discover ways to actively contribute to the preservation of the hedgerows.

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 natural 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."

The charity also hopes to inspire people to enter the Hampshire Countryside Awards, which CPRE Hampshire has been running for over 17 years.

This year, there are four categories, which are as follows: Hampshire Grassroots Action Award sponsored by Vitacress Hampshire Climate Action Award sponsored by Hascoe Housing Hampshire Projects in Protected Landscapes sponsored by Terrafirma Hampshire Health & Wellbeing in Nature Award

To enter, fill in the online form on the CPRE Hampshire website by September 30.

For more information about the Countryside Day and the Hampshire Countryside Awards, visit the CPRE Hampshire website.

Booking is essential for the Countryside Day workshops.