A new future for the Chilterns AONB
|
|
|
|
Credit Hedley Thorne - Turville Heath May 2021
|
|
We are delighted to announce that Natural England will be exploring extending the Chilterns AONB boundary.
Natural England has published its ambitious new Landscape Designation Programme, forming part of broader Government plans aimed at delivering better outcomes for nature, landscapes and people.
As part of its Programme, Natural England has announced that it will explore a ‘boundary extension’ to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), taking into account an application made by the Chilterns Conservation Board in 2013 and proposals set out in the Landscapes Review (the “Glover Review”) - an independent review commissioned by the Government.
Natural England has also announced plans to work with the Chilterns Conservation Board, local authorities and other stakeholders to jointly consider new management and governance arrangements to support the improved conservation, understanding and enjoyment of the Chilterns landscape.
|
|
Introducing the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme
|
|
Chilterns Summer Festival: 1 - 8 August
|
|
|
The Chalk Cherries and Chairs Team have been extremely busy organising their eagerly awaited summer celebration.
Running from 1st - 8th August, the celebration is jam-packed with activities and events including amazing walks, family friendly crafts and volunteering opportunities in the AONB.
As part of the celebration, the team are running a Family Fun Day on Wycombe Rye on 8th August from 11am - 4pm. With face painting, food vans, free children's activities, falconry, ferret racing (yes, it's a real thing!) and much more for you to try and enjoy. All FREE and open to children of any age.
You can read more about the celebration and some of the great conservation work the Chalk, Cherries and Chairs team have been doing in their latest newsletter.
|
|
Celebrating the work of the Central Chilterns Farmer Cluster
|
|
Two years ago this spring, we set up the first Central Chilterns Farmer Cluster. Chaired by dedicated Chilterns farmer, Ian Waller, and joined by a group of 18 fantastic local farmers, the cluster has gone from strength to strength. We are now excited to share a case study of its work, which both recognises and says thank you to the wide range of partners, funders, consultants, contractors, suppliers and volunteers that have helped set the cluster up and deliver such a wide range of successful projects so far.
|
|
|
|
|
Chalfont St Peter vent shaft looking west, March 2021 Credit: Chiltern Society
|
|
As activity by HS2 Ltd and its contractors in the Chilterns AONB increases, we continue to work closely with key partners including Buckinghamshire Council, Natural England and the Chiltern Society to monitor, question and hold HS2 Ltd and its contractors to account.
Click the link below for information and updates on our efforts during the period May to the end of June 2021. Earlier updates can be found here.
|
|
Buckinghamshire Culture Open Weekend
|
|
|
The first ever Bucks Open Weekend includes over 70 events and activities!
Open Weekend is a new co-ordinated event taking place 22-25 July and organised by Buckinghamshire Culture in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council.
|
|
|
|
This celebration of creativity, culture and stories includes activities being run by Waddesdon Manor, Buckingham Town Council, High Wycombe Bid Co and many others. And events are taking place across the county, from Stowe to Marlow. There are lots of opportunities to get involved and do something fun or creative!
Take a look at the Open Weekend What’s On webpage to find out what’s happening – and try something new this July. It could be a literary walk, a textiles workshop, a dyeing workshop, or a story telling event.
|
|
Out and about: our amazing volunteers show you the best of the Chilterns
|
|
|
We're extremely fortunate (and grateful) to have a fantastic team of volunteer bloggers getting out and about in the Chilterns. Here's just some of their latest explorations:
|
|
Youth volunteer Amy Shayler investigates one of our 23 social distance friendly walks, a 4-mile circular route from Cadsden to Fingest, taking along her camera and her brother. Amy is volunteering with us for her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
>> Read the blog
|
|
Acclaimed photographer and author, Matt Writtle, has been taking on the Chiltern Way in his blog series "A Constant Ramble". Matt has been photo-documenting his journey and speaking to the people he meets along the way, discovering how the landscape is central to so many of our lives.
>> Read the latest excerpt
|
|
|
Finally, volunteer and keen walker and cyclist, Robert Hunter, has produced a fantastic video of his walk from Chesham to Rickmansworth following the River Chess.
>> Watch the video
|
|
|
|
If you enjoy exploring the countryside and would like to have a go at creative writing, photography, or videography please get in touch with Vicki Pearce at vpearce@chilternsaonb.org to find out more about how you can get involved.
|
|
Exclusive reader competition!
|
|
This month we are very lucky to have a copy of "Chiltern Trails and Tales" and "The Little Tree Book", written by Dr Jill Eyers (during lockdown, no less).
To enter, click the button below or email hvalvona@chilternsaonb.org, let us know which book you'd prefer to win. Winners will be announced in the next newsletter and will be contacted via email to arrange delivery.
|
|
|
Chiltern Trails and Tales
For those wanting to get away from the roads and the bustle of modern life there are numerous green lanes, bridleways and footpaths that cross the hills and valleys of the Chilterns. Or perhaps a gentle stroll along the meandering Thames, a saunter through a woodland, or a more bracing route along the scarp of the Ridgeway path. This book indicates some of the best places to visit.
|
|
The Little Tree Book
A useful guide to show you what to look for to identify 19 of our common British trees. Helpful flow charts take you through the basic observations needed – and lots of photographs and sketches will help you name that tree!
|
|
|
The lucky winners of our last competition are: Karen Kay, Linda Seward and Ed Kendrick. Congratulations, your copy of "The River Meadow at the Pile of Stones" by Matt Writtle will be winging its way to you shortly!
|
|
|
We have a number of new opportunities available to join our team at a very exciting time, as we support nature's recovery and connect people with nature. Read on to find out more and apply.
|
|
|
Farming Engagement Officer
Are you an excellent communicator, able to engage with, inspire, and build relationships with farmers and other land managers across the Chilterns? We are looking for a new member of our team to shape and lead the delivery of the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme for the Chilterns.
This is an exciting time to join the team as we scale up our support for farming, nature’s recovery, and nature-based solutions across the AONB.
This is a varied role, working with farmers and land managers, providing advice and support to encourage and support delivery of high-quality grant applications.
Deadline for applications: noon on 26th July
>> View Job Pack and Apply
Chalkscapes Development Manager (Community)
We are looking for a capable and experienced Development Manager to lead and coordinate the development of a Stage 2 National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) bid for ‘Chalkscapes’, a £2.8m, 5-year partnership project designed to inspire people to appreciate, enjoy and take action for the countryside on their doorstep.
Deadline for applications: 11th August
>> View Job Pack and Apply
Rivers Officer and Education & Engagement Officer
Our colleagues at The Chiltern Society have two new part-time jobs to share with you. These are exciting opportunities to join a great partnership and make a real difference to the Chilterns chalk stream environment and connect people with nature.
Deadline for applications (both): 9am on 23 July
>> Rivers Officer
>> Education & Engagement Officer
|
|
|
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. You can also keep up to date with the latest news and information on our website or by following us on social media.
|
|
|
|
|
support nature recovery
mitigate impacts of climate change
support people to discover, enjoy and understand landscape and cultural heritage
