CPRE is an organisation that campaigns to protect and enhance the countryside for the benefit of everyone. As well as highlighting problems and threats to the countryside, it carries out research, canvasses opinion and advocates solutions. CPRE seeks to influence policy makers and opinion formers at every level and often work in partnership with other local and national bodies. A number of publications are available to order or you can join in one of the campaigns.

For more information visit www.cpre.org.uk or telephone 020 7981 2800

A guide to the law regarding noise, current issues, how to complain, awards and initiatives. The Noise Abatement Society is a registered charity dependent on support from the public, and plays a vital role in raising the profile of communities that are blighted by neighbourhood or transport noise.

For more information visit www.noiseabatementsociety.com or telephone their helpline between 10am and 4pm on 0800 3891380

Basic clear information regarding "liveability" (greener, safer, cleaner), which allows you to discuss the issues online. It defines liveability and identifies the key issues and obstacles that need to be tackled if we are to improve the quality of people's everyday lives. This is an interactive site from the IDeA and BBC Worldwide learning, providing an e-learning module, and demonstrates how councils and others have tackled some of the liveability issues. Visit www.idea-knowledge.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=77793 for more information. The site has a useful search facility to find the contact details of each council.

For assistance telephone 020 7296 6880

Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) publishes a number of general guidance leaflets on litter and dog fouling (they can also be ordered through Keep Britain Tidy, see below). They include LITTER AND THE LAW, DOG FOULING AND THE LAW and the CODE OF PRACTICE ON LITTER AND REFUSE, which give an outline of the legal aspects of litter and dog fouling, and the issuing of fixed penalty notices. To order or view these publications visit www.defra.gov.uk/environment/localenv/index.htm or telephone 08459 33 55 77

The Local Heritage Initiative helps communities bring their local heritage alive, by giving funds, advice and support. It is also collecting records and stories from the projects to create a national archive of England's local heritage. If you wish to investigate, explain or care for your local landscape, landmarks, traditions and culture you can apply for a grant of between £3,000 and £25,000. The scheme is administered by the Countryside Agency with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Nationwide Building Society. The £10m initiative currently covers England but similar schemes will soon be developed for communities in Scotland, Wales and possibly Northern Ireland.

Visit www.lhi.org.uk/index.html for more information on grants or support, or telephone 01242 521381