COUNTRYSIDE campaigners near Winchester gathered to hear a talk on fracking.

Petroleum geologist and member of Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Caroline Dibden gave a presentation on the facts and impact of fracking on the countryside to an audience in Stockbridge.

CPRE Hampshire is an organisation which works locally and nationally to protect, shape and enhance a beautiful, thriving countryside for everyone.

Caroline covered the shale gas process, risks, how shale gas and oil fit into our energy strategy, and the planning implications. It also looked at what the public might expect in Hampshire and the South East.

Debbie Jones, executive director of Hildon and new sponsor of this year’s CPRE Hampshire’s Countryside Awards said: “The presentation was excellent, impartial and factual, and a great help to me in understanding the process and the pros and cons of fracking.”

The charity also held its Annual General Meeting in Littleton, where the value that volunteers and members play was recognised.

Chairman Dee Haas spoke of CPRE Hampshire’s achievements in defending the countryside and campaigning to influence policy.

She said: “An estimate of volunteers’ time spent on CPRE Hampshire work last year came to a total of 3,924 hours. If each volunteer were to be paid, say £45 per hour this would total a contribution of £176,580. We thank them for all the hard work they do and the impact and value it brings.”

Winchester resident Jo Gordon-Watson was presented with a CPRE Making a Difference award for her invaluable contribution to the Hampshire branch.

Jo provides administrative support, helps at events and assists with selling Christmas cards. She was presented with a framed certificate, book token and flowers.