ISSUE 230 • WINTER 2018

www.chilternsociety.org.uk • CHILTERN SOCIETY MAGAZINE

The glory of the garden Isla’s eco mission WIN a luxury Chiltern Hamper

HERITAGE • CONSERVATION • ENVIRONMENT • WILDLIFE • LEISURE ISSUE 230 • WINTER 2018 www.chilternsociety.org.uk • CHILTERN SOCIETY MAGAZINE In this

The glory of the garden Isla’s eco mission WIN a luxury Chiltern Hamper HERITAGE • CONSERVATION • ENVIRONMENT • WILDLIFE • LEISURE Hughenden (Photo: D Lawson) issue

News & views

3 Editor 6 SIMPLY THE BEST Meet the winners of the Society’s Best Brunch Awards

11 LETTERS 18 ANNUAL REVIEW 24 F OR ALL AGES? AGM report 17 32 S OCIETY NEWS Introducing Simon Kearey; Sir John Chiltern Johnson heritage festival Heritage

12 A TUMULTUOUS TINKLE The ups and downs of Chiltern sheep farming, by Tony Marshall

22 HE ritage churches In a new PhotoGroup album

26 dEAD SPACE TO LIVING PLACE The revival of Rectory Lane Cemetery in Berkhamsted

30 SAVING PUBS IN THE CHILTERNS David Cooper explains how the 26 Society hopes to help Rectory lane Conservation Cemetery 16 it’S THE FORT THAT COUNTS The Society’s exciting role at Cholesbury Camp

38 MEM ORABLE DAYS At Ewelme Watercress Beds

28 ENVIRONMENT cholesbury 4 NEW CENTRE AIMS TO IMPROVE HILLfort COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS walk National Land Access Centre opens

14 iSLA’S ECO MISSION A young girl is setting us all a fine example

31 FINDING A BALANCE Control has a role in conservation, writes Special Gill Kent MEMBER offers see page 40

2 Chiltern 230 More like Godfrey From the Editor Richard Bradbury

The ‘Season of Goodwill’ is upon us (or, if you’re Selfridges, it’s already several months WILDLIFE old). Isn’t it rather sad that we feel the need to designate a special period for it? Does this mean we’re accepting that there’s a lack of it for the rest of the year? Have you 10 WHIPSNADE PARK REVISITED noticed the more Scrooge-like members of the community undergoing a miraculous The flora and fauna are still on course, transformation as Christmas approaches? writes John Hockey Believe it or not, I’m posing these questions some occasions this leads to an interesting 34 tHE GLORY OF THE GARDEN George Stebbing-Allen immerses because of my experiences when out conversation and I eventually go on my way himself in nature walking. Most of the time I find this a with an extra spring in my step, but even hugely positive activity which greatly if we only smile and say hello, it adds to enhances my physical and mental wellbeing my enjoyment of the walk. If, on the other Leisure (even in bad weather!). The beauty and hand, I’m ignored or eyes are averted and tranquillity of the Chilterns at their best no response is forthcoming, I can’t help 8 W IN A LUXURY CHRISTMAS HAMPER! is, of course, a major contributory factor. feeling a little affronted. I have to accept Crammed with terrific Chiltern produce I may not always be fully alert to the that it’s possible the other party has a good 17 soMETHING FOR EVERYONE charms of my surroundings – my mind may reason for not wanting to communicate, A look back at the Chiltern Heritage be elsewhere – but they’re always in the but my guess is that such cases are Festival background, providing the conditions that exceptional. 23 PHOTOGROUP COMPETITION allow my thoughts to wander. Then there Over the years I’ve become quite good are the chance encounters with wildlife – at spotting likely non-communicators, and 28 CHOLESBURY HILLFORT WALK deer, foxes, snakes, birds of prey… I’ve even then I have to decide whether to challenge 36 CH ILTERN HISTORY BY BIKE seen badgers in the daytime once or twice; them with a cheery greeting or maintain a Ken Davies suggests some options and the sounds of the countryside – bird stony silence myself. I don’t always make 40 MEMBEr offers song, leaves rustling in the breeze, the the brave choice, and it’s at times like 42 Walks programme drone of a distant tractor. this I remember Godfrey Cornwall. As a You may ask where other people fit into young man during the Depression he had my rural idyll. After all, you can’t venture walked, with many others, from the Welsh very far in the valleys, looking for work in the southeast of Chilterns without England. He found a job in Rickmansworth meeting a fellow working on the dustcart, and soon became human being or known as ‘the singing dustman’. In time, two. This is where he graduated to office-based council work the goodwill comes and immersed himself in the history and in. I like to greet culture of the area, giving talks and playing people, and I like an active role in the local history society. them to greet me: When I was growing up I often saw Godfrey I don’t mind which striding down the road like an irresistible way round we do force, smiling and hailing everyone he met, it – it may in fact be young and old, rich and poor, the epitome simultaneous – as of goodwill. He loved life, he loved people, long as an exchange and he loved his adopted home in the takes place. On Chilterns.

scan here for Painting of Godfrey Cornwall by Kenneth James My resolution for 2019 is to be a bit www.chilternsociety.org.uk Ogborne, reproduced by kind permission of more like him. Three Rivers Museum of Local History

DEADLINES REPRODUCTION OF IMAGES It is not possible to guarantee that items received after The photographs in this magazine must not be the deadline will be included in the next issue, unless a reproduced elsewhere, except with the express prior arrangement has been made with the Editor. permission of the photographer via the Editor. If you do not wish your photographs to be used in other SENDING COPY AND PHOTOGRAPHS Published quarterly by The Chiltern Society Society publications, please make this clear when you Please email text as Word attachments. Pictures should send them. Editor: Richard Bradbury • 01494 793049 be sent as jpg attachments. High resolution images Email: [email protected] are required for publication, although low resolution The Society does not necessarily accept images can be sent as samples in the first instance, if responsibility for the views of contributors or the Advertising: Sophie Elkan claims of the advertisers. Email: [email protected] preferred. Please indicate the quality of images sent, entitle your pictures and delete any numbers. Design & typeset: Clickdraw • 01525 374270 Print: Hartgraph • Amersham on materials Deadline for issue 231 (FEbruary 2019) produced by environmentally friendly processes. Items to the Editor by: Friday 4 January • Published: Saturday 23 February email: [email protected] 3 Chiltern environment New centre aims to improve access to the countryside users, an updated British Standard has been published* which, if followed and implemented by all concerned with the construction of gates and their installation, should radically improve access for everyone. Upwards of 100 people from local government, public bodies, and volunteer and user groups with interests in countryside access were invited by Natural England to celebrate the opening of the Aston Rowant site. Following welcomes and statements of intent to improve access Above: Scooter users test to rights of way given by Andy Smith of the new structures Natural England and Mick Venters, the Reserve Manager, the Centre was declared open by Lord Blencathra, Deputy Chair of Left: Lord Blencathra Natural England. Lord Blencathra, himself opens the centre disabled, cut a red ribbon and drove his all- terrain mobility scooter slowly and perhaps symbolically through a gap in a fence. The Howard Dell attends the opening guests, variously on wheels or on two or ceremony four feet, then spent some time trying the gates, taking particular interest in the easier On a fine, sunny day in mid-September, Natural England opened the country’s first opening and self-closing gates for horses specialist centre for the improvement of access to public rights of way, the National Land and off-road mobility scooters, some of Access Centre (NLAC), at Aston Rowant Nature Reserve in Oxfordshire. It has a large which are experimental designs inviting demonstration area of 20 installed gates of all types that meet a new British Standard for comments from users. Natural England say better access to footpaths and bridleways. they intend to run training courses at the Centre to help understanding of the finer For many years the Chiltern Society’s path increasingly popular all-terrain mobility points of the new British Standard and its maintenance groups have been working scooters, will probably be stranded at the application. to improve access for all walkers in the first gate because, more than likely, the Visitors are welcome at NLAC. Being on countryside by replacing stiles with gates, gate will be too small to pass through. In a large, grassy area near the edge of the and to date they’ve installed over 800 in addition, on bridleways, horse riders and escarpment, it’s always open and is easily the Chilterns. These gates, overwhelmingly cyclists are poorly served by gates which accessible to all, including off-road scooters. kissing gates, have been received with great are almost universally awkward to open Park in the large woodland Cowleaze public acclaim particularly by blind and partially and close. cark park at OX49 5HX. Drive to the end sighted groups, and by people who have Natural England has been looking at furthest from the main entrance. The Centre slight to medium difficulties with walking, these problems and estimates that 20% can then be reached in a few minutes by for whom a stile can be a major obstacle. of England’s population can’t use public crossing the road and turning right along a It has to be recognised, however, that rights of way due to stiles or gates being track into the demonstration area. over the same period access to public unsuitable for either their needs or those of footpaths for seriously disabled folk has the person they’re accompanying. Following *The British Standard 5709:2018 for Gaps, Gates and Stiles. Natural England: www.gov.uk/ hardly improved at all. Any wheeled aid, a long study and having taken evidence government/organisations/natural-england

ranging from a standard wheelchair to the from groups of concerned countryside Photos: Howard Dell

PATRON: Rt Hon The Earl Howe Head of conservation & development: Gavin Johnson PRESIDENT: Michael Rush head of marketing & Membership: Victoria Askew VICE PRESIDENTS: Chiltern Society Office: Tracey Read Michael Colston Esq White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham, John Taylor Bucks HP5 1AG CHAIRMAN: David Harris Tel: 01494 771250 Email: [email protected]

Please re-cycle this magazine Registered Charity number: 1085163 Company limited by guarantor number: 4138448 Sonning Green Gym workingShare at the itBeds with (Photo: family, Tom friends Stevenson) and work colleagues - before recycling!

4 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 5 New centre aims to improve access to the countryside Yoga Retreat Chenies Manor Saturday 19th & Saturday 26th January 2019

Retreat to the stunning setting of Chenies Manor, in the heart of the Chilterns countryside, for a day of yoga, guided meditation and relaxation that will set you up for a great 2019.

Chiltern Society Members: £89 • Non-members: £99 Price includes PLANT BASED BRunch, refreshments & juices

Limited places available For full details and to book your space, please visit chilternsociety.org.uk/events or call 01494 771250

Hosted by:

kimteachesyoga.com

Kit kindly provided by Healthy Yogi in Maidenhead Fresh, locally produced juices will be provided by The Yummy Juice Company

4 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 5 SOCIETY best brunch AWARDs

The winners with their certificates Simply the best! These eateries have the winning formula, writes Elaine Mason Above: Overall winner, I Love Food Kitchen

The number of Chiltern cafés serving brunch has been increasing for some time, so the aim welcoming ambiance. of this year’s awards was to discover those that are truly exceptional. The judges chose Pierreponts of Goring as the best brunch spot in the South Once nominations from the public had study the extensive brunch menu – a nice Chilterns. The picturesque setting beside the flowed in, the judging panel visited the mix of English and Sicilian dishes. Alongside Thames tempts many customers to sit at businesses that had received the most. By the porridge, boiled eggs or bacon the pleasant outside tables. On entering the scoring them on criteria such as quality sandwich, there’s also an Italian sausage café you’re struck by the pretty décor and and presentation of the food, an appealing sandwich. The Sicilian breakfast consists friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Customers and varied menu, local food sourcing, of chickpea fritters, with home-made salsa are also mesmerised by the opulent display good service and pleasant ambiance, the and avocado, while the Superfood Frittata of gorgeous cakes running the length of judges reduced the selection to the top is made with eggs, avocado, spinach, chilli, the counter. The buzz in the room soon three outstanding brunch spots. Eventually double cream and parmesan. The only convinces you that it’s a popular village hub, they selected I Love Food Kitchen in difficulty is choosing what to order! A further with locals popping in and out. There’s an Berkhamsted as the North Chilterns winner bonus is the excellent range of hot and cold excellent choice on the menu and the judges and, as the café with the highest score, drinks, including smoothies, cocktails and loved the full English breakfast, especially it’s also our overall winner. The South wine. the generously sized portions! Although they Chilterns prime brunch spot is Pierreponts When the food arrives, not only is it couldn’t quite manage cake as well as brunch, of Goring and for Central Chilterns the Wild beautifully presented, but the portions are we hear that the cream tea is to die for! Strawberry Café in Prestwood. Each has its substantial and the service impeccable. The A further aspect of Pierreponts’ own special ethos and individual identity. waiter, Salvatore, was perfectly polite and ‘localness’ is the owners’ determination to I Love Food Kitchen is a spacious professional, yet he had time to chat and seek out quality artisan ingredients. Not only independent Sicilian eatery serving food to make customers feel special. You could do Phil and Steph grow their own herbs, throughout the day from breakfast to dinner. almost believe you’d been transported to their cakes and other dishes are all made Their pasta, bread and cakes are hand-made Palermo! As supporters of environmentally in-house. Fresh fruit and vegetables are on the premises, with other items brought friendly businesses, we were pleased to supplied by Farm To Table of Goring Heath over from Sicily. Walking in from the busy learn that the watchwords are ‘Less plastic and the meat comes from Vicars Game of street, you’re met by the cool minimalist is fantastic’, so you’ll find no plastic straws, Ashampstead. Of course, sourcing locally interior, with tables nicely spread out – no only biodegradable paper ones. The recipe and using seasonally available produce crowding here! Next you’re drawn, as if by for I Love Food Kitchen’s success is its means reduced food miles, but Pierreponts a magnet, to the small but beautiful display sophistication – perfectly suited to its are also strong on other green initiatives. For of cakes on the counter, before being Berkhamsted location – delicious well- example, they’ve replaced plastic straws with welcomed by the staff. Once seated, you can presented food, professional service and paper ones, while encouraging customers

6 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 7 to bring along their own reusable cups to pleasant and friendly, and the coffee just Left: Pierreponts and their counter display Above: The Wild Strawberry Café reduce plastic waste further. Such dedication perfect – what’s more there’s plenty of it, if to quality, local roots and eco-friendly ways you order a cafetiere for two. The menu has is definitely a winning formula in our book. a very good choice of brunch dishes, from of the food presentation, helped by quirky As for the Central Chilterns winner, who classic bacon sandwich on sourdough with effects such as the non-matching china, the wouldn’t be charmed by the Wild Strawberry Oxford Sauce to some more innovative items miniature milk churns and the straw bales Café in Prestwood, where the owners, the such as the smashed avocado and chilli with used for seating in the capacious outdoor Brill family, serve seasonal, home grown, sourdough toast, poached eggs and toasted area. rustic food, as well as world-class loose-leaf seeds. The layering of flavours in this dish Congratulations to I Love Food Kitchen teas and freshly ground artisan coffee? with the perfectly balanced chilli, lemon and and our other two highly impressive Chiltern Set in a yurt in the middle of a field nuts, together with the creaminess of the cafés, three worthy winners of our Best at Peterley Manor Farm, and festooned avocado and hollandaise sauce, was really Brunch Awards. with fairy lights and greenery, this café is special. Most of the fresh produce comes refreshingly different. The long counter from the Brills’ own land or from other local The Awards are kindly sponsored by bears an attractive array of cakes, and the producers. NFU Mutual. chalk board listing the day’s specials tempts The secret of the café’s popularity is customers to stay for lunch. When your serving wholesome, rustic dishes in a lovely coffee and cakes arrive, the service is simple, setting while paying attention to the details Above: Overall winner, I Love Food Kitchen

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6 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 7 FOOD AND DRINK HOW TO ENTER Visit chilternsociety.org.uk or call the office on Win a luxury Chilterns 01494 771250 hamper for Christmas £5 per entry Following the huge success of last year’s Christmas Hamper competition which raised over 6 Chiltern Candle Company £2,000, we’re offering you the chance to win this year’s even more extravagant hamper in Winter Spice scented candle another prize draw. Inspired by the Chiltern countryside, Once again, we’ve been thrilled by the generosity of local Chiltern food and drink producers each candle is individually made using who have donated items for this year’s hamper. We’d like to thank them for their continued premium soy wax, 100% cotton wicks and support. The lucky winner of the hamper will undoubtedly be thrilled with the wonderful a combination of all-natural essential oils variety of goodies and decadent treats that it contains. Please see below the list of delicacies that are carefully combined with cosmetic- donated this year and a little background information about each of the local producers who grade fine fragrance oils. Stylishly presented have contributed. in locally sourced packaging, each candle For your chance to win, please visit www.chilternsociety.org.uk or call the Chiltern Society is truly unique and will cast an atmospheric office on 01494 771250 to buy your tickets. Each entry costs £5. All funds raised will help light on dark December evenings. our ongoing work to protect and preserve the Chilterns landscape. 7 Chiltern Charcuterie 1 Auberge du Chocolat 4 Chess Valley Lamb A selection of cured meats 3 bars of chocolate £50 voucher From their curing kitchen on a small farm in A unique artisan family business with a Chess Valley Lamb is part of Chess Valley North Dean, Chiltern Charcuterie produces passion for chocolate, ice cream and fudge. Livestock, which was set up by Scott Horton award-winning salamis and air-dried meat Anne and Ian Scott have been making and Paul Jennings in 2012, moving to Raans products. Made from free-range pork, chocolate in the Chilterns since 2005. Now Farm in Amersham in 2013. They sell their grass-fed beef and lamb, as well as ethically based in Chesham and firmly established delicious fresh lamb directly to the public sourced venison, all their meat is sourced as a maker of premium luxury chocolate, and to many local high-end restaurants. Their from local independent farms. An award awards have come flooding in. They also run £50 gift voucher means that the lucky winner winner at the 2016 Great Taste awards, their workshops, parties and corporate events. of our hamper will have the chance to enjoy charcuterie brings a taste of the continent to some of the best lamb available in our region. the Chilterns. 2 Beechwood Fine Foods 8 A jar of jam 5 Chiltern Brewery Chiltern Coffee Company Beechwood is a farm shop and café in Lord Lieutenant’s Christmas Pudding and 3 packets of organic ground coffee Frogmore Street, Tring. One of the star 2 bottles of Cream Porter Based in Great Kimble, Chiltern Coffee Co. products in their excellent range is their Wild Another local business with an enviable produce their organic ground coffee from Bramble and Bramley Apple jam, homemade nationwide reputation, Chiltern is the oldest 100% fair-trade Arabica beans roasted to by the shop’s owner Sarah. Their other independent brewery in the region. A family- achieve optimum flavour. You can buy their locally-sourced produce includes fresh bread, run business located on an old working farm products at Peterley Manor, PE Mead & cakes, hand-raised pork pies and a nice range at Terrick, the emphasis has always been on Sons, Jordans village shop and Jolly Brew in of cheeses. producing natural, wholesome beers using Thame. the best British malt and hops. Their excellent 3 Burgers Artisan Bakery 8 farm shop features many 7 A beautiful Christmas cake products made Burgers is a craft bakery and tearoom in the using Chiltern 11 heart of Marlow. The Burger family have been beer. baking their artisan breads fresh every day and creating their fabulous chocolates since 21 13 1942. They have a wide range of delicious loaves which helped them win a Chiltern 18 Society Award for real bread 23 5 in 2016. 15 20

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14 12 16 10 22 9 8 Chiltern 230 email: [email protected] 9 are their flagship products, all made using 9 Chiltern Cold Pressed 13 Dizzy Bee Kitchen delicious whole milk from Laceys Dairy. Now 7 bottles of cold pressed flavoured 2 packets of granola on sale at many leading farm shops including rapeseed oil Set up four years ago by Nicky Halloran, Peterley Manor, and at Rebellion Brewery, The Mead family has been farming in Dizzy Bee Kitchen produces healthy, Marlow Cheese has even been spotted on the the Chilterns since 1860. They first made additive-free granolas packed with nutritious menu at Michelin-starred local restaurant, The Chiltern Cold Pressed Rapeseed oil at ingredients such as lucuma, pumpkin, Hand and Flowers. Wilstone Great Farm in 2009 and have sunflower, chia, hemp, seeds, flax seeds, since extended the collection to include nuts, quinoa, oats and bran. A winner of five 20 Nettlebed Creamery a range of infused oils, salad dressings, Great Taste awards, Nicky still makes all her 1 bottle of Kefir organic milk and barbecue sauces and mayonnaises. Their granola by hand. 1 organic soft cheese oils have won many national food awards Nettlebed Creamery makes Bix and St 14 Griffiths Gin Distillery and have even featured in an episode of the Bartholomew cheeses using milk from A bottle of cold distilled gin BBC’s Escape to the Country. Merrimoles Farm. A fully organic operation A new distillery set up by the two Griffiths since 2001, the farm’s fortunate cows graze 10 Chiltern Natural Foods brothers in Penn Street. Their aim is to blend on grass and clover leys enhanced with herbs Two packs of mixed flavoured nuts modern distilling methods with the craft of such as chicory, plantain and yarrow. The end Based in High Wycombe, Chiltern Natural producing small batch spirits, using only product is so good that in 2016 specialist Foods manufactures hand-roasted, healthy, the highest quality botanicals. They plan to cheese website www.cheesechap.com named flavoured nuts and seeds and a range of gradually extend the range of different gins Bix cheese as one of the best five new whole grain, no salt, no wheat, low sugar on offer. cheeses in the UK. granolas. Their mission is to make premium 15 Gruntled/Darling Spuds/ foods – including many gluten-free products 21 Pendley Manor Hotel Salty Dog – which are all natural but still taste great. An afternoon tea voucher A selection of crisps, crackling & popcorn This lovely country hotel is set in wooded 11 Chiltern Ridge Based at their Salty Towers HQ in Chesham, parkland near Tring. Their traditional 2 bottles of apple juice and the Salty Dog company produces afternoon tea is served in the Peacock a bottle of apple cider exceptionally crunchy hand-cooked crisps. Lounge or the Verney Room, where you can ‘Pure 100% apple juice with nothing added’ They also make delicious popcorn and enjoy views over the landscaped lawns while is the credo behind this Chartridge-based, flavoured nuts. Gruntled is a sister company. partaking of dainty sandwiches and cakes, family-run business. Their juice is available in Their pork crackling is cooked twice to make washed down with a pot of quality tea. many local farm shops, as well as Budgens it lighter than traditional scratchings. It’s also supermarkets. In addition to producing their seasoned with completely natural flavours. 22 Rebellion Brewery own juice, they will press your apples into a 5 bottles of ale and a Rebellion beer glass 16 delicious pasteurised juice. Their farm shop Jim and Jules Big Adventure This highly successful brewery was also sells pork and lamb, and they even have 3 jars of chutney established in 1993 to ensure the continuation This husband and wife team have been on-site B&B accommodation. of traditional brewing in Marlow after the making chutney since 2008. Their ‘big closure of Wethereds. Since then, Rebellion 12 Daws Hill Vineyard adventure’ began when they needed to has gone from strength to strength. Their ales Sparkling Apple Cider and a vineyard raise money to fund their wedding and are widely available in many local pubs and in tour voucher chose chutney-making because Jim’s their own brewery shop. They won a Chiltern Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without parents had a massive apple tree on their Society Award for Best Craft Beer in 2017. a drop of something fizzy, and at Daws farm! Jim and Jules now make a range of Hill Vineyard in Radnage they specialise chutneys and piccalilli. Their apple chutney 23 Rumsey’s Chocolaterie in making it! Founded in 2004, it now makes a great glaze for pork. An assortment of 4 different packs of produces a range of brut and rosé sparkling chocolate 17 wine, and an excellent bottle-fermented Laceys Farm Shop Master chocolatier Nigel Rumsey has been sparkling cider. International awards 1 bottle of cream making delicious artisan chocolate since 1991. Based in Lane End, this farm shop has a great have included a bronze medal won at He owns two delightful chocolaterie/cafés in range of meat, dairy products and deli items, the prestigious Effervescents du Monde Wendover and Thame. In the Wendover café many of which come from the family farm. competition in France. you can see the expert chocolatiers hand- 18 Malt The Brewery creating the chocolates! Worth 6 assorted bottles of ale 24 Tring Brewery Brewing since 2012, this brewery is set in the 3 bottles of assorted ales over heart of the Chilterns in Great Missenden. Tring Brewery has been making beer for 25 £400! They pride themselves on their use of quality years. Now established at Dunsley Farm, natural ingredients and traditional brewing they’re well known for their unusually-named methods. beers which all have strong connections with 19 Marlow Cheese Company Chiltern events, myths and legends. Their 1 Bucks Blue, 1 Cygnet cheese and a beers are available from the brewery shop and many good local pubs. Their quality was 24 packet of Cygnet Bites cheese biscuits Reputed to be Buckinghamshire’s first ever recognised by the Chiltern Society when they 17 cheese maker, Marlow Cheese was launched were crowned the overall winners of our Craft in 2016. Cygnet, Bucks Blue and Regatta Beer Award in 2017.

Competition terms and conditions Entrants must be over the age of 18. Entrants may purchase as many tickets as they like. Entries must be purchased by midnight on Sunday 16 December. The hamper will be delivered to the winner’s address week commencing 17 December. The winner will be chosen at random.

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8 Chiltern 230 email: [email protected] 9 Whipsnade Park revisited chiltern nature The pond on the 1st hole The flora and fauna are still on course, writes John Hockey

I wrote my very first piece for what was then Chiltern News in December 2010, the subject being the flora and fauna to be found on Whipsnade Park Golf Course. All landscapes mature, so I thought it was time to revisit this patch of land high up in the Chilterns to see what changes had taken place. Although I regularly play golf at Whipsnade, I rarely have the time to study properly how the course has matured in the intervening years.

It seems that some vistas are timeless. The has laid her eggs in a cup-shaped nest Hare spectacular view of Ivinghoe Beacon from the between the upright reeds that fringe this 1st fairway is liable to make you temporarily impressive example of a large pool, buzzed even before the leaves properly appear. lose concentration, especially if a small herd by dragonflies in high summer. This pond There’s a great variety of trees at of deer peers through the zoo fence as you isn’t the only water on the course, because Whipsnade and the footpath that lies line up your second shot. The two resident just in front of you as you tee off on the 1st between the 9th and 10th fairways is a good on-course wallabies now have a new-born hole is a small water hazard which happily place to look at the main species. This path is joey to occupy their time – the many copses accepts topped balls from nervous golfers, actually the border between Buckinghamshire hereabouts obviously provided sufficient as well as being host to irises, bulrushes and, and Bedfordshire, though the trees are no cover for them all to survive last year’s harsh this year, the unusual flowering rush Butomus respecter of boundaries, their roots often winter. umbellatus, a distinctive marginal plant. crossing from one county to another. Starting Moving down the scale of fauna it’s not The major change over the years is the nearest the 9th green and walking towards unusual to see a hare standing stock-still at trees that have filled out and helped to the 10th, either side of the footpath you first the side of the fairway, ready to dart into the define this patch of the Chilterns. Some are encounter an ash tree, followed by an oak, undergrowth if a golfer gets within 50 yards non-native, such as the magnificent lime then copper beech, rowan, hazel, silver birch, or so. As the hare scampers away it may green Indian bean tree, rejoicing under the copper sycamore, more oak, more rowan, easily disturb a colony of pheasants, which name of Catalpa bignonioides, which stands more birch and so on. There’s an occasional are also plentiful on the course. Together guard just behind the 14th tee. Nearby are conifer for variety and finally alder, where with the swallows that frequently nest under two whitebeams whose leaves turn to show the ground is a little more prone to moisture the eaves of the entrance porch, and the red silver as the wind blows in this exposed spot. retention. Whipsnade is on clay over a subsoil kites and buzzards that glide overhead, they They’re shadowed by a couple of claret ashes, of chalk, so it’s ideal for the health of many constitute the more frequently seen avian whose autumn tints brighten up many a tree species. There are larger trees such as creatures at Whipsnade Park. disappointing medal round. Then there are sweet chestnut and horse chestnut, plus Not all wildlife is above ground and the walnut trees, which now regularly fruit, and a examples of Amelanchier lamarkii dotted large pond at the 13th hole now teems with wonderful Judas tree Cercis siliquastrum to about providing blossom, leaf colour and fish, including beautiful orange and black greet you as you finish your round, the pink berries at different times of year. koi carp. For the past two years a moorhen flowers coming straight off the bark in May – Autumn brings its own rewards, and

10 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 11 LETTERS Sunflowers George Stebbing-Allen, by email

I make no apology for extending the sunflower correspondence. In the area near my house around the Heath End crossroads above Chesham, the acreage planted with sunflowers in 2018 appears Whitebeams to have quadrupled compared to 2017. This begs a number of questions. How much more do sunflowers yield in cash terms than more conventional crops like oilseed rape or even wheat and barley? Does this proliferation of sunflowers indicate a warming climate? And finally, and possibly controversially, if say 400 acres are planted to sunflowers, how much does it matter that those 400 acres are not planted to wheat for bread or barley for beer? Hatchments Koi carp Howard Dell, by email

among the plethora of different maturing John Hockey, in his enlightening article on heraldry in the trees are a couple of species rowans, the last issue of Chiltern, said that funerary hatchments are a pink berries of one particular member of the particular interest of his and he mentioned several churches Sorbus family almost glowing in the autumn where some may be seen. They are indeed fascinating devices with light. Many other more common plants adorn the designs frequently revealing details of a family history and are worth the hedges at the edge of Whipsnade Park. more than a passing glance if you happen to see one. White dog roses are plentiful in early summer It’s worth noting that St Giles Parish Church appears to be that of Anthony Radcliffe who alongside the 12th hole, as are groups of self- in Chalfont St Giles will reward a visit as it died in 1718. It’s certainly worth paying a visit seeded foxgloves beside the 6th tee. It’s not has nine hatchments mounted on its walls. to the church, not just to see the hatchments, unusual while searching for the odd stray ball So many must be a reflection on the class as it abounds with history in its fabric and in the long grass that edges the fairways to and social status of the village residents in ornamentation – all well described in John disturb various species of small butterfly, such times past – heraldry is not in the purview Davidge’s colour illustrated guide available as meadow brown, ringlet and what a friend of most ordinary parishioners! just inside the door. St Giles is open to visitors of mine just calls LBJs – little brown jobs – The lozenge (diamond) shaped every day from 1 April to 30 September, 11am- when he’s not quite sure what they are! hatchments were latecomers to heraldry, 1pm and 2-4pm. Reflecting on the changes that have taken initially appearing in the first half of the The hatchment above is of the Palliser place, I refer back to my original article. Kites 17th century. Painted on wood, they were family. From 1777 to 1826 they lived in The still glide and hover above the course at all a complex graphic combination of both Vache, Chalfont St Giles, a large manorial times of year, bluebells still flower where husband’s and wife’s coat of arms with estate dating from the 14th century. The remnants of old hedges are intercepted crests and heraldic supporters, neatly split subject of the hatchment is probably Admiral by fairways, and now and then parts of down the centre, the husband’s arms on the Sir Hugh Palliser who died in 1796. He had mature trees fall due to wind damage or rare left and the wife’s on the right. When one a naval and political career far too long to lightning strikes and are left as a refuge for all of them died, the background to their side summarise here. Later in life he supported manner of insects and even fungi. It occurs to of the hatchment was painted black and Captain Cook in his voyages of exploration. me that if all this wildlife is thriving and most it was displayed outside the family house. Note that the left-hand side of the hatchment of the different species are flourishing, this It’s also been recorded that occasionally background is black, signifying that it was little patch of the Chilterns is doing alright – the hatchment was carried at the head of for Sir Hugh, and it has a couple of personal more than alright in my opinion. ‘Change is the funeral procession to the church. The naval details of a ship’s spars and sails on the only constant’ they say, but although each hatchment generally remained outside the the left-hand side, and the Union Flag on the year everything is subtly different, in fact it’s house for three or more months and was right – too early to include the red saltire of all somehow gratifyingly the same. In the then frequently placed in the church. St Patrick, of course. The inscription means view of this golf-playing author I trust it may The oldest hatchment in St Giles Church ‘In heaven there is peace/rest’. always be so.

Photos: John Hockey Food town – Marlow (Chiltern 229) More photographs of Whipsnade Several readers emailed me pointing out that Rebellion Brewery and Italian restaurant can be found on our PhotoGroup’s Da Luca are in Marlow Bottom, not Little Marlow. My thanks to them for drawing this to my website: www.chilternphoto.org.uk attention, and sincere apologies for the error! (Editor)

10 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 11 A tumultuous tinkle chiltern HERITAGE Herdwick ram and ewes, Prestwood Nature Reserve Photos: Tony Marshall The ups and downs of sheep farming in the Chilterns, by Tony Marshall

‘... the uninterrupted carol of larks, innumerable overhead, and, from a field where the shepherd was marshalling his flock, a sweet tumultuous tinkle of sheep-bells.’ These were the sounds of the Chilterns experienced by RL Stevenson in 1875 (An Autumn Effect).

In Great Hampden churchyard there’s a small medieval age is over. From largely small-scale Hampden 82% of farmland was enclosed for gravestone with a carving that’s hard to mixed subsistence farming the focus swerves crops, leaving just 18% common land (mostly make out now due to the inevitable effects of to industrial-scale sheep farming, producing at Hampden Bottom and Hampden Common). time and acid rain, but you can still just see wool for the burgeoning clothing industry. In Great and Little Missenden around this time, the features of a shepherd holding a young This is where the profits lie. For 200 years only 14% of farmland wasn’t enclosed. An lamb close to his bosom. No name, no dates, large flocks are nurtured in the Chilterns; important feature of arable at this time were but surely this must mark the grave of one churches are enlarged and enriched by the ‘balks’, pieces of uncultivated land forming who devoted his life to the care of sheep. the wealth of wool merchants who, having boundaries between cultivated strips, access Perhaps the last of his kind. secured their positions in this life, now seek ways across the fields, and supplementary The carol of larks is much thinner these to secure them in the next. pasturage on permanent grass (sometimes days and the sound of sheep-bells has been Then the bottom falls out of the wool mown in late summer for hay). These balks, replaced by the drone of combine harvesters, market, replaced by a great demand for along with the marginal unfenced ‘wastes’, but those open downlands where sheep wheat. Through the following centuries, from were where flocks could be grazed when not once roamed are still a major feature of the the 16th to late 19th, farming turns again to needed on the croplands. Permanent pasture Chiltern scenery, prized for their abundant crops. Pasture is ploughed wherever feasible. was rare (Roden 1969)2. rare flowers abuzz with butterflies and bees. Sheep numbers fall to low levels. Most farms In my own study of farms in the Conservationists bemoan the ‘decline in sheep have a flock, but only as an essential adjunct Prestwood Ecclesiastical Parish (west of farming’ that kept these lands open, and in to the crop rotation system, brought in to Great Missenden) in the 19th century, there many places are introducing periods of sheep graze the stubble after harvest or the fallow were three with larger flocks of sheep – at grazing to maintain their nature reserves. in resting years, thereby increasing fertility Denner Hill, Hotley Bottom and Stony Green. What was the nature of this decline, how for future crops through their droppings. These were the only farms that employed real was it, and how did this rich ecology The median flock size in the 16th and 17th shepherds and kept sheep on the steep chalk survive over the centuries? centuries was just 16. Stocking rates were also slopes, although the main business of all Rewind 700 years. The Black Death low, varying from less than one sheep per three was still growing crops, mainly oats, has decimated the population. Many fields acre to ten per acre. ‘There was little meadow some wheat and smaller quantities of barley and whole villages are derelict. Small or grassland pasture, apart from that in and pulses. In 1850 Denner Hill Farm had 65 peasant holdings that lie abandoned are parks, but woods and wastes were important sheep, kept for their wool. William Bignell amalgamated by large landowners. The elements ...’ (Roden 1965)1. In 1653 in Great was their shepherd from the 1870s to beyond

12 Chiltern 230 email: [email protected] 13 1900. They maintained a three-year rotation, encountered them) that always maintained a resting year of grass and vetches, a year of some grazing until the 20th century. Most winter root crops (swedes and turnips), then are recovering from periods of cultivation a year of the main crops. The sheep at Hotley or neglect. That some of these now contain Bottom Farm were mainly tended by raw admirable constellations of diverse specialist teenagers until the 1870s, when the shepherd flowers and their associated wildlife is only William Taylor arrived, to be followed by because there was marginal land, awkward Fred and William Essex. At Stony Green the corners, field balks, slopes too difficult to shepherd was Job Harding, followed by the plough, small pieces of surviving common land Mason brothers, Thomas and William. The – and here small numbers of such plants found above-named were the only ‘professional’ a way of surviving, ready to recolonise open shepherds employed in the parish from 1850 spaces when the chance presented itself. to 1900. With relatively small flocks and Now that the aim for many of these pieces fields, their lives wouldn’t have compared to of land, too unproductive for profitable WH Hudson’s classic account of shepherds farming, is to maximise biodiversity and on the wide Wiltshire downs, characterised conserve the lucky survivors, the difficult by isolation and self-sufficiency. They may Shepherd’s grave, Great Hampden churchyard question is how best to manage them. have developed special skills, but they were but surely regaining their original chalk Sheep are useful for controlling scrub, but just one of many specialists employed on grassland flora. they still eat many plants we wish to keep, each farm, along with ploughmen, cowherds, According to DEFRA, in 2003 there were so they need to be moved off these lands in carters and hay binders, and they continued 40,000 sheep across the Chilterns AONB, the spring and summer. Their numbers also to live and work among them. rising to 54,000 in 2009 – more than cattle or need to be carefully controlled – too many A tumultuous tinkle Even this small sheep industry declined in pigs. These numbers are probably comparable and their droppings increase fertility and the 20th century, the final death knell being with those for most of the time since the 15th encourage the wrong vegetation. Rabbits WWII, when the need to be self-sufficient century (with a dip for a short time around are also useful but eat indiscriminately, and in wheat led to the ploughing up of most the middle of the 20th century). Several their numbers can get out of control because of the remaining pastures – 80% of all chalk things have changed, however. Now the sheep of the lack of predators (the return of the grasslands were lost across the UK at this are used to graze permanent grassland, not buzzard to the Chilterns has helped here). stage. Both Denner Hill and Hotley Bottom stubble and temporary fallow, just as they Cattle are good at creating an uneven texture farms lost virtually all their pasture. What did did in late medieval times when large flocks that enables seeding, but can also trample remain from the 1960s onwards was fertilised were kept for the wool trade. Also, many excessively and over-fertilise the land, and and sown to more productive mono-cultures present-day flocks are managed by ‘hobby they avoid scrub. In the absence of grazing, of rye-grass, the chalk flora unable to survive, farmers’ and conservation groups, not just annual scrub clearance and late summer as happened at Stony Green, where the fields commercial farmers. The breeds of sheep are grass cutting may help to compensate, but were turned to pasture for dairy cows. Small also different. Traditionally they were Oxford are labour intensive and difficult to sustain. patches of old chalk pasture survived in Down, Hampshire Down and Berkshire Nott; None of these methods is perfect, because awkward corners which were kept cropped now they’re more likely to be hardier breeds we’re trying to maintain a specific rich chalk and free of scrub by rabbits until myxomatosis like Hebridean, Manx Loaghton, Soay and grassland ecology that has never really existed radically reduced their numbers. Herdwick. The older breeds mainly grazed in the past, involving a delicate balancing act, One such corner is the reserve now grass close to the ground, creating lawn-like needing constant retuning according to local managed by the Chiltern Society, rescued turf and eating many flowering plants. The exigencies, and having recourse to a mixture from use as a car dump just after the war – hardier breeds eat woodier stems of incipient of counteracting measures. Prestwood Picnic Site. Other pasture fields scrub as well as grass. Just like farming really! overseen by Wren Davis Ltd (formerly a Our chalk grasslands aren’t as ancient as 1 Roden, D (1965) Studies in Chiltern Field Systems. dairy farm) are now under Environmental they may appear, with the exception of some PhD Thesis, University of London. 2 Roden, D (1969) Desmesne farming in the Chiltern Stewardship and organically farmed, slowly along the escarpment (where Stevenson Hills, Agricultural History Review 9-23.

12 Chiltern 230 email: [email protected] 13 Isla’s eco mission

CHILTERN environment Isla with one term’s worth of litter

Kirsty Wood’s young daughter is setting a fine example for the rest of us

Isla started her campaign after learning about different ways to be eco-friendly in her lessons at school. She wanted to help the environment, so she started collecting litter on her way to and from school in Studley Green and found there was a lot of rubbish along the main road. ‘I feel really angry about litter, because it’s not nice for the environment,’ she told us. ‘There’s lots of plastic that we have collected and it doesn’t rot for a long time. Plastic is dangerous to animals too, it can get stuck in animals’ throats, they might eat it and they could stop breathing.’

For several terms she picked up the litter cans, sweet wrappers, sandwich boxes and Litter picking and recycled what she could when she over 40 plastic gloves from the nearby arrived at school. She decided to keep all petrol station. she’s visited the beach in the UK, and the rubbish she collected during a term to Isla also initiated a family litter-pick most recently on her summer holiday in show everyone how much this small and from Studley Green to Piddington after Lanzarote, saving lots of plastic bottles, reasonably rural area really has. Many of being upset at the state of the path. Her glass, cans, plastic netting, straws and even her friends were inspired to help her along school kindly lent Isla high-vis jackets and snorkels from polluting the sea. According the route to school and in the end she had litter pickers for the task. We weren’t able to Isla ‘My perfect world would be a non- 16 bags full of discarded rubbish, which was to carry away all the rubbish we found, littered world without plastic everywhere.’ laid out in the school hall in the hope that it but felt that five big bin bags of mostly She tried to encourage her friends at Mary would encourage other people to use fewer recyclable waste was quite an achievement Towerton School to think about clearing up throw-away items, and tidy up rubbish that on a stretch of just over a mile. litter in the summer holidays, whether on they see. Isla said ‘After it was laid out at Helping keep the environment tidy the beach or elsewhere. She’s since made school, we put it all in the right bins and hasn’t just been reserved for home territory. a poster asking people to take a photo to will never forget that we did it.’ Isla has also Isla’s been collecting and tidying rubbish show what a difference we can all make by joined in with both Stokenchurch Parish in her daily life – on walks in the woods acting together. Council’s litter-picks to help clean the area she’s found balloons, bottles and string. On Isla’s been rewarded for her efforts by where she lives. She was the youngest a beach trip she saw first-hand a seagull being named the Chilterns Conservation volunteer and was saddened by how much eating plastic and decided action should Board’s first ‘Chilterns Champion’. She also litter was found on a short stretch of road, be taken there too, so she’s taken the time had the opportunity to meet some of the including many cigarettes, boxes, bottles, to do a #2minutebeachclean whenever Blue Planet II producers, researchers and

14 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 15 Isla’s family are trying to become more eco-friendly, and have made several simple changes to their everyday lives:

l Isla asked to stop using plastic milk bottles, so a local milkman now delivers their milk in reusable glass bottles. Since starting this in April they’ve saved over 40 four pint plastic bottles

l They take a reusable metal water bottle on days out, and say ‘no’ to plastic straws ‘because they take years to rot and break down into micro plastics that can be eaten by sea animals. Instead we just use a cup, or paper straws’

Isla with her Chilterns Champion certificate l Isla’s daddy has bought a metal water bottle which he takes to work and when they go out. He has also stopped chewing gum because that’s made of marine biologists at the recent Countryfile plastic, so he eats mints instead Live show, and received a message from the Chiltern Society’s ranger, Fiona Bennett-Meere: l They try to buy fruit and vegetables that aren’t wrapped in plastic, and don’t ‘I just wanted to say a massive thank you from use the small plastic bags; they also take reusable shopping bags

us at the Chiltern Society and for the wildlife l Isla chooses water or squash in restaurants or cafés instead of bottled juices and environment that you are helping to l protect. Bottom Wood is one of the sites that I They reuse tubs from packaged foods for snacks, instead of zip-lock bags, look after as you know. I was really impressed, and when these can’t be reused anymore they’re recycled Isla, by your amazing achievements; I spend a l They use old glass pots that contained food to make candles as gifts large amount of time during my job picking up l  people’s litter and I hate it too!’ They use a flannel instead of wet wipes I found Isla’s story truly inspiring, and I’m l Their next challenge is to use less (or ideally no) cling film by trying to make sure that Chiltern readers will all want to join their own beeswax food wraps instead. me in wishing her well with her eco mission in the years ahead! (Editor)

Photos courtesy of the Woods family TringMarket Chesham Bois Auctions BURIAL GROUND

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14 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 15 CHILTERN society sites It’s the fort that counts Jenny Reynolds outlines an exciting new development in Society activities

The Chiltern Society is delighted to be involved with important conservation work at Cholesbury Camp, an Iron Age earthwork in need of protection. The CS took over management of part of the site from Bucks County Council in early 2015.

‘The most important thing that is ramparts, as were several other residences. happening with Cholesbury Camp is that During excavation in the 1930s, well- it’s going to be one of a handful of key preserved remains of prehistoric hearths sites to be investigated and promoted were found, three of them apparently used in the Chilterns Conservation Board’s to smelt iron. The Camp was thought to (CCB) “Beacons of the Past” project,’ have been mainly occupied around the says Linda Walton, Chiltern Society Site middle of the 1st century BC, sometimes Co-ordinator for Cholesbury Camp. ‘This intermittently, perhaps as a place of refuge four-year project, funded by the Heritage for tribes at war. Lottery Fund, is led by the CCB, and the ‘The site is a Scheduled Ancient Chiltern Society is a key partner, providing Monument,’ says Gavin Johnson, CS Head a financial contribution and offering the of Conservation and Development. ‘We support of our volunteers. The project will work closely with Historic England to help to promote known Iron Age sites in agree a long-term plan for the bit we do the Chilterns and the Chiltern Society’s role manage, which is only a small part of the within it, and discover unknown ancient Camp as a whole. The rest of it is owned by sites for exploration.’ various private individuals, and we hope to Cholesbury is one of several hilltop work with them in the future to promote Orders. ‘We monitor these trees closely, villages ranged along a ridge of the Chiltern and facilitate positive management of the as they have the potential to damage the Hills on the borders of Buckinghamshire monument where possible. Some do this earthworks if they fall over. It’s a high point and Hertfordshire. The Camp, known already to a greater or lesser degree.’ here, over 600 feet, so the trees are exposed locally but wrongly as the Danish Camp, Much of the work undertaken by CS to strong winds,’ says Gavin. Work has also is one of the most visually impressive Iron volunteer work parties has been focused on started on reinstating a short section of Age (800BC-43AD) settlements in the controlling the vegetation growing on the boundary hedge near the entrance. Chilterns, and is mentioned in 8th century site, particularly holly which can become A walk around the area was led by records. Most of the ramparts are still well rampant if not kept in check. This helps to Andrew Clark, with input from the village’s preserved. Where the banks are complete maintain the stunning visual impact of the local historical society, as part of the CS they rise 13 feet above the bottom of the earthworks. A new interpretation board Heritage Festival in September. The walk ditch in a ‘V’ shape, with the opposite telling the story of the monument and its featured on p 28 of this magazine also visits bank of almost equal height. Inside is a significance has also been installed, and the the fort.

10 acre level plateau with two aquifer- plan is to promote better access to the site. Photos: Colin Drake fed ponds, reliable sources of water over Tall beech trees, planted in Victorian More photographs of Cholesbury many hundreds of years. The tiny village times to stabilise the ramparts throughout can be found on our PhotoGroup’s church of St Lawrence was built inside the the site, are still subject to Tree Preservation website: www.chilternphoto.org.uk cholesbury tree fellers local family business established 30 years chesham based • all aspects of tree surgery undertaken • • woodchips supplied • • contractor to local authority • mulch supplied, ideal for water retention and weed suppressor 27 High Street Chesham HP5 1BG tel: 01494 771180 Tel: 01494 771267 www.healthright.co.uk mob: 07939 135056

16 Chiltern 230 email: [email protected] 17 chiltern society heritage festival Something for everyone TRAIL RUN Launched in September, the Festival attracted over 1,000 people to its 26 events, designed to celebrate the diverse heritage of the Chilterns. A team of volunteers and staff put in many hours of work to ensure its success, supported by 22 local businesses and organisations who helped to deliver the programme. In future we hope it will be even bigger and better, so here are some photos and comments to whet your appetite for next year!

Amersham Museum Private Tour ‘The curator’s talk was excellent and the museum a delight to explore.’

Carriage to cars

Iron Age Weekend in Wendover Woods Iron Age Weekend in Wendover Woods ‘Brilliant. Kids loved it.’

Pop-Up Cinema: Tring Natural History Museum – James and the Giant Peach ‘Great film in brilliant venue. Chiltern representative was very friendly and informative. Loved the bean bags and popcorn.’ STONOR PRIVATE TOUR

Cholesbury Hillfort Heritage Walk ‘The guide was very knowledgeable about Cholesbury, and we were very pleased to have attended. Shame about the weather!’

An Afternoon on the Wormsley Estate ‘This was an exceptional tour of a magnificent country estate. A wonderful opportunity to see and learn about Garsington Opera, cricket An Afternoon on the Wormsley Estate at Wormsley and the estate itself. Very enjoyable.’

16 Chiltern 230 email: [email protected] 17 AGM 2017/18 Chairman’s report 2018

Following on from the bumper year of 2016/17, last year was rather disappointing, an annual basis. We hope to get some with most income streams performing below expectations. Work has progressed on external funding, so that the event can be expanded throughout the Chilterns. developing long-term management plans for our sites and on running our 15 or so The response to this first event was very conservation groups and other volunteers. encouraging. Our thanks to Steve Edgar For this reason, last year we recruited and Geoff Wiggett for helping to develop a part-time Ranger to help provide more this exciting new idea. resilience to our volunteer effort and Fiona We’re also reviewing our marketing/ Bennett-Meere has been very well received membership strategy to try to broaden our by our volunteers. base and increase membership numbers. We ran several fundraising initiatives In the past we haven’t followed through in the course of the year and managed sufficiently and capitalised on gains that to raise over £20,000 for the Chilterns we have made in, for example, the north Woodland Project, the Chilterns Chalk Chilterns and the south Chilterns, where Streams Project and the CCB’s Hillforts membership remains low compared to With so many conservation and other project. our Bucks heartland. We may be asking volunteer groups, we from time to time Unfortunately Bob Cartwright, who was existing members to lend a hand with this! have an issue with leadership eg. when Vice Chair and lined up to succeed me as We’re also looking at what we can do a leader leaves and doesn’t have an Chairman had to resign from the Board, to encourage members to join our Bluebell immediate successor or is ill. It’s a constant but I’m pleased to welcome Simon Kearey Guild membership group – those who battle to find willing and able volunteers to as a new Trustee and Vice Chair. You can have left a legacy to us in their wills. We take on these leadership roles – our very read more about Simon in Chiltern. He’s held our first event focused on promoting grateful thanks to those who have stepped already taken on chairmanship of the legacy giving at Penn House in the forward this past year. And of course to Heritage Group from Jeffrey Newman – summer, which was very well received by those who have, over the years, led various our thanks to both. those attending. groups but have decided to call it a day... One new development we’ve been Lastly, thanks for your continued in particular Stephen Fox and Howard working on this last year is a Chilterns support and donations. We’ll do our Dell who were stalwarts of our Southern Heritage Festival, which we plan to be a utmost to use them wisely for the benefit Chilterns group for many years. flagship event for the Society and run on of the Chilterns. Financial facts & stats for 2017/18 Where does our income come from? How is your membership 50% subscriptions £1 spent?

11% legacies 62p conservation 2% grants

donations & fundraising 24p 25% membership recruitment, marketing and income conservation generation 8% activity

investments and other income 14p 4% running and management

18 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 19 FACTS & STATS 2017/18 A total of 6,796 members Over the last 12 months… 445 1,393 60,000 new members people have attended volunteer hours have joined us our events, workshops have been accumulated and activities

Walking l 45 volunteer walk leaders have led over 100 walks which have been attended by a total of 1,980 walkers, covering a total of 620 miles of footpaths in the Chilterns Rights of Way Group And not forgetting… Our path maintenance teams have clocked up l 1 new ranger employed 10,834 volunteer hours improving your local l  interpretation boards installed footpaths. 6 new l 69 volunteers attended our They have... ‘thank you’ BBQ l fitted 54 new gates l 80 members attended our legacy l repaired 38 stiles giving event at Penn House l installed 145 new l 1 new tools trailer waymark posts l 20+ cafés nominated for our l cleared 53,711 metres Best Brunch awards of pathways l 137 birds ringed at our sites l 293 tickets purchased to win our PhotoGroup local Christmas hamper l 81,000 visitors to our website This year the PhotoGroup has collected… l l 292 images 26 events formed our first from 28 authors ever Chilterns l 4 brand new albums Heritage Festival and updated 7 more l 1,001 guests l the archive now contains attended our 7,100 images from 250 locations Heritage Festival

18 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 19 Annual site summary Conservation and site update

than in previous years. This is certainly the Bottom Wood case for our bird boxes: 100 blue tits, 38 Maintenance and planting are the principal great tits and 13 nuthatches were fledged. themes covering activities in Bottom Wood The efforts put into cleaning and maintaining over the past year. Last November, volunteers the boxes has certainly proved worthwhile. reinstalled the second of the original carved Most current visitors to the Common are visitors, the site was the centre of a narrated and oak-framed noticeboards and also dog walkers, but we’re on The Chiltern Way, walk as part of the Chiltern Society’s Heritage repaired large parts of the bridleway fencing so walking parties are not an uncommon Festival. Cholesbury Camp is also one of six that helps reduce erosion in the woodland. sight. We’ve also hosted cub groups, fungal key sites to figure in the ‘Beacons of the Past’ Several large dead pines located next and wild food forays, and even served as a project led by the Chilterns Conservation to the circular path were taken out by the venue for a children’s party. Board, in which the Chiltern Society is a lead January storms, snapped off at high level, We continue to monitor tree safety to partner. blocking the route and in one case left make sure that there’s safe access for all hanging in the adjacent canopy. Volunteers those visiting the site. Lacey Green Windmill did the initial clearance. The final safety work Marlow Common North is without doubt After extensive restoration work that was was a task for Gavin and Fiona with their a truly beautiful and tranquil place to wander, chainsaws. carried out in May and June 2017, the last and we’d like to welcome more visitors. Last October, the annual cutting of the 12 months at the Windmill have been a little Toothill grassland was carried out with Brush Hill & quieter. In our 2017 season we had a total help of a team from BBOWT. Following of 1,185 visitors. The figure will be lower for the January storms, the volunteers and CS Whiteleaf Hill 2018, as we tend not to get so many visitors Rangers teamed up to undertake some tree New volunteers continue to join the group, when the weather is very hot. The extremes of work to ensure all the paths were safe and which now has about 38 active volunteers. weather in 2018 also meant that the decision clear from fallen trees and branches. Overall 230 volunteers attended 13 work was made not to open the Windmill on three Elsewhere on the site, we planted a row parties and contributed 690 hours work. The days. One day was due to the forecast of of native whips (hazel, hawthorn, field maple increased size of the group enabled us to hold strong winds. The other two were the Bank and spindle) to restore a section of boundary two work parties a month during January, Holiday weekend at the end of May, when hedge. Also planted were two Dutch elm February and March (though one work party the area experienced intense thunderstorms. disease-resistant English elms and two wych fell victim to the ‘beast from the east’!). These decisions were taken with health and elms donated by Butterfly Conservation. Our volunteers have also attended safety in mind, as it wouldn’t have been wise The site continues to be host to Mary monthly work parties on the BBOWT site at for volunteers or visitors to be at the Windmill Towerton forest school, and this year they Grangelands and the spring work parties on in such conditions, especially considering its set up an obstacle course in the wood as the Wormsley Estate. position at 750 feet above sea level on the part of the school ‘fayre’ and raised over We hosted attendees from the Chilterns Chiltern escarpment. £800. They’ve generously agreed to split the Woodland Conference, including the proceeds with the Chiltern Society. Chilterns Conservation Board, Forestry Cobblers’ Pits Commission, RSPB and National Trust. They The volunteers have been working on a variety Marlow Common enjoyed a tour of both sites and gave us their of woodland management tasks this year, Marlow Common has continued to thrive views on a range of conservation issues. including coppicing hazel along the boundary this year. We’ve held regular work parties Having cleared the conservation area to help vary the structure and enhance the to maintain the area and have enrolled a on Brush Hill, we’ve been able to reinstate diversity of the woodland. The young yew number of new volunteers. a butterfly transect, which our volunteers trees were pruned and thinned out to help With a great deal of hard work, we’ve have been surveying regularly since April. A them develop into the fine specimens that the managed to clear brambles and bracken from second transect has been introduced on the site is known for. We’ve also begun work on a number of new areas, with a consequent Whiteleaf site. installing a new entry point at the bottom of increase in biodiversity. We were grateful for Three successful mist netting sessions the woodland to allow better vehicle access to extra assistance from corporate volunteers were held, netting a total of 71 birds from facilitate better woodland management work from Dun and Bradstreet. over 12 different species. in the future. One of the spots which has now been To enable us to start tackling the cleared for three years and which previously remaining scrub on Whiteleaf Hill, BBOWT Prestwood Nature just supported brambles, was this year home have agreed to run a session there with their Reserve to 30 wild flower species and was covered in Alpine tractor. The Duke of Burgundy Project, in partnership foxgloves in late spring. A grant from the Kop Hill Climb, which with Butterfly Conservation, got under way at At present, the heather which we’ve runs up the side of Brush Hill, has enabled the the end of last year, with a series of joint work carefully nurtured is in flower and patches Society to purchase both new information parties that resulted in a significant amount of of it are starting to spread. We’re very lucky boards for the site and a lawnmower. habitat improvement and creative work being to have a small region of heathland in the carried out. The new glades, rides and scrubby predominantly chalky Chilterns. The dry Cholesbury Camp edges to the woodland will all help make the weather has made our job a little bit easier We continue to work closely with local site more attractive to any passing Dukes of this year, as we’ve had rather less clearing to residents and interest groups in the careful Burgundy. Over the spring we’ve monitored do as a result of less prolific plant growth. maintenance of this important heritage the species of flora and fauna colonising, and Our butterfly survey is not yet complete site. In our continuing quest to bring this have already seen cowslip appearing, which is for the year, but numbers seem to be higher impressive earthwork to the attention of new an important food plant for the Dukes.

20 Chiltern 230 email: [email protected] 21 We’ve also continued our work with the increase and a fantastic range of bird species nearby Pipers Corner School, supporting a including water rail, yellow wagtail, kingfisher Kingwood Common day of field work with pupils, followed by and little egret. It looks like being another It’s now a year since we began working a litter pick, bird survey and picnic at the record year for the number of butterflies with the Nettlebed & District Commons reserve in the spring with pupils and their recorded during the transect surveys. The Conservators and the Nettlebed Estate on families. new pond (installed in 2016) has been a great Kingwood Common. Supported by a grant success too, with frogs, toads and newts from the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment, Penn Jubilee Wood breeding, plus several species of dragonfly our main focus over the year has been setting There have been several work parties this and damselfly. up a new conservation volunteer group as a year at the site, paying particular attention to Another important part of the volunteers’ sustainable long-term method of maintaining removing old tree guards which have started work at the Watercress Beds is welcoming and enhancing the important acid grassland to inhibit the growth of some young trees. visitors to the popular monthly open and lowland heath habitats that are found at The plantations are developing well, with afternoons during the spring and summer, Kingwood. a mixture of beech, hazel, oak, silver birch and the guided walks in the winter months. The volunteers have established a regular and hornbeam looking very healthy. There This year we’ve entertained several WI work party twice a month, with the main job were three sessions at the site which focused groups, a ramblers group and visitors from being the control of the dominant bracken and on pulling up ragwort, in order to prevent the U3A. Perhaps more importantly, as they bramble. To help with this laborious task, the the spread of the seed onto neighbouring are our future, we’ve catered for a younger volunteers had a day’s scythe training in May, farmland. The meadow and neighbouring crowd, hosting activity evenings for 6-10 and now use this efficient and low impact tool plants contained a good variety of wild year-olds, as well as local Rainbow and to make their way through the bracken with flowers and insect species, and there’s a Brownie units. ease! very active badger sett that was monitored this year. Paths within the woodland were Hampden Monument Central Chilterns Group surveyed and fallen trees were cleared to A new interpretation board was installed We’ve focused some of our time on pond allow better access for the public. earlier in the year which will help visitors work, in partnership with Penn Parish Council, Two interpretation boards have also been learn about the story of John Hampden, the helping maintain the network of ponds in Penn installed to help visitors navigate this big site, ship money trial and the national significance including Widmer Pond, Sheep-Dip Pond and as well as to raise awareness of the variety of of his struggle. Gawde Water Pond. Tasks included general habitats and interesting wildlife such as the clearance round the edges, and pulling out skylarks that nest here. Wendover Woods reedmace and excess weeds to allow for a more Group diverse and natural pond. In addition, the group Captain’s Wood The Wendover Woods group has had have been working at Penn Jubilee Wood, The volunteer team worked through the another varied and successful year, visiting concentrating on the large and painstaking task autumn and winter, with the focus on about a dozen sites in and around the AONB of tree guard removal. From this autumn, the thinning out the holly that’s so dominant to carry on our conservation work. Average group will be led by a new volunteer Benjamin throughout this woodland. New glades and attendance at work parties was 24, and over Sharpe, who will take on the role of group co- rides have been created that weave through 1,600 hours were contributed by over 50 ordinator. the woods, providing new vistas across the volunteers. We’ve had a steady trickle of new valley and also opportunities for the ground volunteers, who are always very welcome. Herts Group flora to establish. Generally we’ve been fortunate with the The Herts Conservation Volunteers continue We’ve hosted a number of popular events weather, but had to cancel one session early to support the conservation effort in the at the wood, including whittling, campfire in the year because of snow. Hertfordshire Chilterns, and have carried out cookery and family bushcraft, plus a fungus For those familiar with the group’s work, an extensive and varied work programme in foray that found a wide range of interesting the year has very much followed the pattern partnership with the Wildlife Trusts, Dacorum species. We also hosted an orienteering of past years’ efforts. We’ve continued Borough Council and parish councils – from event during the summer in support of the with the project to control ragwort at Penn clearing laurel from Potten End Village local orienteering club. Jubilee Wood (in conjunction with the Green to coppicing hazel and thinning ash 1,014 volunteer hours were invested by the Captain’s Wood group), and there certainly at Chipperfield Common. Work has included Captain’s Wood group, who also worked on seems to have been less this year, although helping to maintain and enhance Salisbury Chesham Bois Common for three sessions, the unusual conditions may have been a Meadow in Latimer and Whipsnade Downs, and at Yoesden and Grangelands (both factor. Another Chiltern Society site we’ve both of which are important SSSI nature BBOWT Reserves), as well as Penn Jubilee worked on is Cholesbury Hillfort. Its contours reserves. We’ve also installed and painted a Wood. For these sessions, over 90 volunteers are now clearly visible, and we expect to go bench at Halsey Field, near Hemel Hempstead. attended, amassing another 270 volunteer on working on the site in coming years to hours. keep it in good condition. We’ve continued Hockeridge & In addition, smaller teams have been periodic visits to Studham Common, followed involved in installing and monitoring bird by the legendary lunch laid on by the Friends Pancake Woods nesting boxes. of Studham Common. The group’s ongoing Our partnership with the Royal Forestry Society work at the well-preserved Boddington continued with another productive year. This Ewelme Watercress Hillfort in Wendover Woods, in partnership is commercial woodland, so it’s not as rich Beds with the Forestry Commission, remains one in wildlife as other more natural woodlands There’s been the usual enormous effort from of its most significant successes, as the fort in the Chilterns. One of our key aims is to the regular volunteer team, with about 2,700 has remained off the English Heritage ‘at risk’ manage the woodland habitats to give wildlife volunteer hours over the year, including list since our initial clearing of it several years the best opportunity to thrive and enhance support from Sonning Common and ago. BBOWT are also significant partners the ecological diversity as a whole. This has Wallingford Green Gyms, Wallingford-based for us, with work at College Lake and included coppicing hazel, clearing holly and Environment Agency, RAF Halton and our Dancersend. rhododendron, and planting broadleaf trees. near neighbours RAF Benson. Meetings are as always, the first and The team have also been working hard to The stunning array of wildlife is testament third Tuesdays of the month, and details are improve and enhance public access through to all this hard work, with over 120 orchids emailed to all members of the group the the woodland by clearing and re-establishing recorded, the devil’s-bit scabious on the week before. footpaths.

20 Chiltern 230 email: [email protected] 21 photogroup news Heritage churches From Barry Hunt Besides picturesque villages, ancient woodlands and rolling chalk hills, the Chilterns has many fine, centuries-old churches. Individually all have played a key role in the local community’s spiritual and social life, while some are especially rich in historic Top: Part of the Heritage Festival photography architectural interest. Together they’re emblematic of Chiltern heritage. exhibition at All Saints, High Wycombe (B Hunt) Above: 12th century ‘Aylesbury’ font, Holy Trinity in Bledlow (M Bowker) To help celebrate the recent Chilterns some stunning photos of the Chilterns, as Right from top to bottom: Heritage Festival, we selected some of well as other parts of the UK. Terry Coffey, All Saints Church, St Paul’s Walden (C Howe) St Lawrence, West Wycombe (D Jeffrey) the outstanding heritage features in and an experienced photo club judge, has 17th century Quaker Meeting House around our local churches to create a new again provided informed comments about at Jordans (S Tripp) St Mary the Virgin Church and almshouses archive album, from which these images many of the images submitted by Chiltern in Ewelme (R Gillott) are chosen. They can be found at www. Society members. chilternphoto.org.uk/index/category/286. As part of its contribution to the Heritage Festival, the PhotoGroup held Diary dates an exhibition of 14 Chilterns-related Our speaker on Saturday 19 January is for both events, so be sure to arrive photographs at All Saints Parish Church in Derek Forss, a prolific author and lecturer early. An on-the-door charge of £3 High Wycombe. on photography. His presentation, will be made at both events to cover Landscape – Searching for Infinity, fees. Indoor meetings are held from combines both instructional and visual 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Lounge, Online Exhibition interest. On Saturday 16 March we Amersham Community Centre. Check the The 2019 edition of the Online welcome back Chris Palmer, whose information pages on our website Photographic Exhibition goes live at the display of prints is entitled People and www.chilternphoto.org.uk for details of end of December. Once again it features Places. We expect a good attendance all group events.

22 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 23 Photogroup competition Puzzle picture: 91

The subject of the picture stands in the High Street of a Chiltern village. Which one? Send your entry to Ian Bullock, 11 The Willows, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5NT or to [email protected]. If using email, please include your postal address so that, if you win, your prize can be sent to you. The draw will take place on 15 December. The winner will receive £10. Photo: M Parry Puzzle picture: 90 The answer

The Maidenhead Boy is located the top of the High Street in Maidenhead. It was created in 1986 and restored in 2005. The model was Christian Parker, son of Lydia, his sculptor mother. The winner was Alison Woodhams of Bovingdon. Photo: J Harrison

22 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 23 annual general meeting

Photos: Colin Drake For all ages? Richard Bradbury reports

There was a new venue for this year’s meeting – Chartridge Conference Centre, just outside Chesham. In the unfortunate absence of our Chairman, David Harris – called away to deal are continuing, for example at Kingwood with an emergency – the morning session was conducted by CS Secretary, David Abbis, and Common, Wormsley, Brush Hill and the afternoon discussion by trustee, John Gladwin. Whiteleaf Hill, Prestwood Nature Reserve and Wendover Woods. Finally, Gavin referred The Chairman’s report (see Annual Review Over 1,000 people attended, including more to the monitoring work carried out by CS on p18) contained the usual – but absolutely than 200 non-members. As well as a healthy path representatives, which helps to make essential – references to the invaluable level of collaboration with other organisations, the Chiltern Rights of Way network one of efforts of our volunteers and staff, as well as there was considerable local business the most accessible in the country. drawing attention to particular individuals involvement. Looking ahead, it’s hoped that John Gladwin reported on the Society’s who had retired after years of service, money can be obtained from the Heritage continuing efforts to protect the Chilterns welcoming new recruits and remembering Lottery Fund. Other events held during 2017- from the worst effects of HS2, the main those who had sadly died in the past year. 18 attracted 392 attendees, of whom 134 were concerns being operational safety and A holy grail for many charities is the non-members. Vicky concluded by identifying ground conditions. The start of construction recruitment of younger supporters. Our her priorities as recruitment, fundraising, has been delayed until July 2019. There are Head of Marketing and Membership, Vicky targeted projects, the next Heritage Festival persistent fears about what will happen Askew, reported that some of the recent and business sponsorship. to the aquifer in the Misbourne Valley: the initiatives are generating interest among Head of Conservation and Development, British Geological Survey had published younger age groups. The website was visited Gavin Johnson, welcomed our new Ranger, findings showing the chalk to be severely by 81,000 people in 2017-18, averaging 350 Fiona Bennett-Meere. He then outlined the fractured. Archaeological sites had hits per day, with the walk leaflets page activities of our volunteers, on our own sites been discovered near Great Missenden. easily the most popular. Visits from 25-44 and elsewhere, stressing the positive effects Preparation work was, however, still going year-olds have increased substantially, as of volunteering on individual wellbeing. ahead. Contractors had been appointed has the number of social media users via Although the ‘beast from the east’ and the to develop the detailed design, and CS Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, all of exceptionally hot summer had made it tough representatives were meeting with HS2 Ltd which are immediate, visual, demonstrate for the conservation groups, they’d carried and its ‘joint ventures’ (groups of companies diversity, drive traffic to the website and on regardless. Some wildlife seemed to have involved in delivering different parts of the reach different audiences. This translates prospered in the prevailing conditions. It had project). John urged us to look online at the into more online sales – 1,195 in the last 12 been a good year for butterflies and birds proposals for Small Dean viaduct, which he months. Our social media presence also on our sites, and the bat boxes at Cobblers’ described as ‘a monstrosity’, and register softened the impact of the recent data Pits were occupied. The invasions of edible our objections. On a more positive note, protection legislation (GDPR), which resulted dormice into some of our bird boxes were the CS was hoping to develop a ‘Misbourne in a 50% drop in email subscribers. being curtailed by reinforcing the holes so Greenway’, together with the cycling and The first CS Chilterns Heritage Festival the intruders couldn’t enlarge them to gain walking charity Sustrans. attracted a wide age range to its 26 events. entry. Partnerships with other organisations The Planning Group’s input from Colin

24 Chiltern 230 email: [email protected] 25 The afternoon panel share a lighter moment Blundel began with a reiteration of the perhaps by participating in an event or and recreation. In response to a question housing pressures the region faces. Against visiting the website, into paying members. about the pressure of extra tourism, Ian said this backdrop the Group aims both to Simple engagement with new people is a he didn’t think that would cause problems oppose unsuitable proposals and raise the step forward, however, and we need to keep in the Chilterns, and Ruth told us that most standards of appropriate developments. doing it. She agreed with one speaker that NP have policies specifying the scale of They’re involved in reviewing documents like the organisation should be trying to strike a acceptable tourism development. Neil the National Planning Policy Framework, the balance between the generations, but added was concerned that a Chilterns NP would White Paper Right Homes in Right Places, that it was important not to be left behind. reduce local planning authorities in the the Major Road Network consultation and After lunch, representatives from four region to a rump, and it was pointed out the Local Plans being produced by different relevant bodies assembled to debate the that NP designation wouldn’t produce the Chiltern authorities, as well as the Chilterns idea of the Chilterns becoming a National local accountability in planning and related AONB Management Plan. Another major Park: Ruth Bradshaw (Campaign for National issues that some people craved. There was concern is airport expansion. Colin appealed Parks); Ian Reay (Chilterns Conservation a danger that there would be an attempt to for more volunteers to help with this vital Board and Herts County Council); Neil water down the powers of any new NP. Ruth work. Salisbury (CPRE Bucks) and Ian Manktelow Bradshaw stressed the need to oppose this. Treasurer Richard Chantler told us the (Wycombe District Council). Each gave an It was noted that the results of the ongoing figures on the balance sheet demonstrated introduction to their organisation before Glover Review into NP and AONB could be that the CS has the financial strength to sharing their views in a short presentation. crucial. support its future plans. He reminded us that Neil also read out a letter of support from We were warned that achieving NP as a charity we’re non-profit making. Income Chesham and Amersham MP, Cheryl Gillan. designation can be a long and costly exercise and costs tend to be quite stable, but the There were many questions and comments – the South Downs campaign had taken level of legacies and donations from appeals from the floor, and lively and thought- 79 years! It was hoped that in future the can cause noticeable fluctuations. He provoking exchanges took place, some of process would be considerably faster, and explained that the increased management which are outlined below. in the case of the Chilterns the existence and administration costs were largely We learned that Areas of Outstanding of the AONB and the Conservation Board, attributable to GDPR. Natural Beauty (AONB) and National Parks as well as the areas of Green Belt, might be After the election of officers, Michael (NP) have the same status under the National advantageous. In the end, the key question Rush expressed his pride at the Society’s Planning Policy Framework, but NP have full seemed to be whether attaining NP status achievements, especially the Heritage planning powers within their boundaries, would be worth the time and effort involved. Festival, and congratulated all who had unlike AONB and local authorities, and aren’t The CCB and CPRE representatives felt that contributed to our success. He emphasised bound by the requirements of the National it would, but Ruth Bradshaw explained that the importance of looking ahead, and Housing Delivery Programme. This enables her organisation was focused on enhancing hoped to see more volunteers and younger them to achieve greater consistency and existing Parks, not endorsing additional members becoming involved. Since he was cohesion in planning. They also tend to applications – a statement that raised a few approaching his 86th birthday, he suggested have a higher profile, carry more ‘clout’ and eyebrows in the conference room. Just before that before too long it would be time for attract more funding. On the other hand, it the meeting closed, those present were asked the organisation to find a new President, was pointed out that NP status would not to express their preference with a show of but reassured us that he had no intention of be a ‘silver bullet’: housing and infrastructure hands, which came down clearly on the side giving up just yet! needs would still have to be addressed. of pursuing NP status – a response that the In the open forum Vicky admitted that it There can also be tensions arising from the Chiltern Society’s officers and trustees will was often hard to convert non-members who NP obligation to balance the demands of no doubt take into account in their forward had shown an interest in the organisation, their two main priority areas – conservation planning.

24 Chiltern 230 email: [email protected] 25 Dead space to living place

CHILTERN HERITAGE ‘Sister Cottingham’ shows visitors round the cemetery Berkhamsted is making the most of a forgotten asset, writes Elaine Mercer

‘St Peter’s Detached’, or Rectory Lane Cemetery as it’s now more often known, had become a problem and something of an embarrassment for the town. Originally opened in 1842, by the 1950s it was considered full – apart from interments in family plots. Despite the efforts of many local people who helped over the years by cutting grass and providing some maintenance, by 2013 it was obvious that ‘something would have to be done’. The recently formed Friends of St Peter’s joined with other stakeholders as the Cemetery became one of its first projects. Conservation work in progress

An early survey produced some bemused and discover exactly what treasures element back to neglected plots and reactions – what could a cemetery be used were lying hidden – for example a former continuing to care for them. Some have for, other than its original purpose? One commemorative seat placed there by the researched the people buried there – one man whose own grandparents rested there wife of one of the town’s benefactors. lady was delighted to discover that she was had a vision of how to change the ‘Dead Brigadier General Richard Mildmay Foot working on the grave of Henry Stainsby who Space to a Living Place’ and that’s been the was a key part of the Coopers business, worked tirelessly for blind people, inventing group’s mantra ever since. It was fortunate but also secured for the town a vital piece many useful appliances such as a shorthand for Berkhamsted that his experience and of land that meant that its castle cannot machine, a Braille typewriter and an eye-less interests meant that he was the right be overlooked by building. With the aid of needle for sewing with coir yarn. man for the job. Dr James Moir, a former a Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ grant the seat was What also became obvious was that a manager of Chiltern Open Air Museum and restored and also served as a launch pad for great deal of additional work was required a buildings conservation specialist, knew the Friends to invite people to enter ‘A Seat for the place to become used and valued. that precious green spaces such as this are to Remember’ competition which secured The whole boundary wall needed extensive invaluable in bringing heritage and history 52 entries from around the world. Judging repairs and other structures, such as a to light, to say nothing of the chance to involved professional architects, the public memorial arch and many of the monuments, nurture and study the local wildlife. He saw and the stakeholders. demanded painstaking conservation. the three acres nestling in the middle of the The work parties continue and have Dacorum Borough Council and the Parochial town just off the High Street as a massive been augmented by the establishment of Church Council, although key stakeholders, opportunity not to be missed. a group of people who have ‘adopted’ a had limited means. In 2015 the Friends Starting in 2014, a spearhead group grave to care for. The volunteers, among applied for and were successful in getting began to look at how the ‘problem’ could them professional gardeners, other local a ‘Parks for People’ grant from the National be turned into an asset. The Friends set up flat-dwellers and people who just love Lottery Fund. regular work parties to clear the growth gardening, enjoy bringing the garden The first tranche of money funded a

26 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 27 Project Manager to help the team assess Cemetery’s Heritage Open Day on Sunday 9 in the Cemetery! in detail what needed to be done, and in September put this work centre stage in an Many smaller gatherings have been July 2017 the Friends were granted the interesting programme looking at all aspects held. We started the year by joining in the remainder of the £981,200 requested to of memorialisation, from stone carving to Big Bird Watch organised by the RSPB, complete the work in a three-year timescale. making floral decorations. Visitors were and also had a bird nest box workshop. In Two part-time staff were appointed – a asked what they’d like to be remembered August Bonkers about Bees was a lunchtime Project Manager (PM) to oversee the for and encouraged to write their own gathering at which people could learn about structural works and the overall delivery of epitaph in a cathedral constructed for this bees and beekeeping. Honey from Rectory the Project, and a Community Engagement purpose under the yew trees. This was the Lane’s own bees sold out quickly. Officer to communicate with all the possible climax to an interactive storytelling piece What of year two? During 2019 many of stakeholders and organise a programme of delivered by Eleanor Buchan and Lizzie the heavyweight tasks are scheduled for outreach and events. The former convenor Crarer of The Heroine Project Presents. The completion: new paths making the grass of the Project, James Moir, changed hats, tales featured figures from Remarkable surfaces easier to traverse, landscaping successfully applying for the post of PM. Women, one of the many project booklets for the new Garden of Remembrance He’s been joined by Kate Campbell, formerly produced in collaboration with Berkhamsted and work to the Sexton’s Hut, as well as with Ashridge Management College. Local History and Museum Society. the building of a volunteer facility. These Kate is the person in charge of fostering Volunteers donned costumes to become improvements are all designed to enhance interest among a wide range of audiences local figures from the past, including William the site further. In the meantime, please and managing the people side of the Claridge the town’s first photographer, Mr visit to see the progress. There will be programme. Ghost the gravedigger and the Countess of many other new activities on offer, as Now at the end of the first year, all the Bridgewater, who took visitors round the well as the traditional self-guided tours walls are stabilised, the memorial arch and Cemetery to tell them how she’d donated downloadable from the website https:// gate piers are underpinned rather than just the land and had cajoled many of the local www.stpetersberkhamstedfriends.org.uk. being held up by the gates – and 19 of the wealthy persons to match her generosity in To find out about access and possible most at risk and valuable monuments have establishing this much-needed community activities contact Kate Campbell on been expertly conserved. A water supply space. Berkhamsted Youth Theatre [email protected] or check what’s has been re-installed and for the first time in performed a play written by local author happening via https://www.facebook.com/ its 176-year history there’s electricity on the Kate Perera which imagined a conversation stpetersberkhamstedfriends. site, facilitating a wider variety of activities. between three of the town’s former movers

To celebrate this milestone, the and shakers discussing the current changes Photos: Colin Drake

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26 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 27 CHILTERN WALK • BUCKs

Cholesbury Hastoe

7 Hillfort walk 6 The Crong Kiln Farm

Oakengrove Longcroft High Scrubs

Chivery Hall Halton Farm Wood C D

8 5 Leylands Farm

Chivery Shirelane Farm B Buckland Milesfield Lanes End Wood Purple Heather Parrott’s Farm Farm Bucklandwood Cholesbury 4 Farm Bottom

The Hale Fort 3 Start/Finish Chambers Green 1 Farm North Bus stops 0 0.5 1km St Leonards Cholesbury 2 Greens 0 ½ mile Farm Buckland Braziers End Common House Ray’s Hill Dundridge A With Andrew Clark & John Gover Manor Little Braziers End

The aim of this walk is to discover some of the prehistoric and historic features visible Map: Glyn Kuhn in the area. These include Cholesbury Camp, Grims Ditch and The Ridgeway. There’s also an opportunity Photos: Colin Drake to look at some of the woodland archaeology of more modern times. This walk could be combined with the Cholesbury Camp walk published in the Society’s book, 50 Great Walks in the Chilterns.

Start: The hardstanding area by Hawridge & Cholesbury Cricket Maps: OS Explorer 181 and Chiltern Society 8 Club, The Common, Cholesbury HP23 6ND. Grid ref: SP 932 071 Refreshments: None on the walk, but The Full Moon pub is near Distance: 6.8 miles (11km) with 460ft (140m) of ascent the start Terrain: An easy walk on country paths and wide tracks. Public transport: Buses 149/194 provide an occasional service Numerous gates and nine stiles between Chesham and Cholesbury/St Leonards on Tue, Wed and Sat. Route From the parking area, turn right along the road and cross over the a kissing gate to the left of the farm buildings. Go through it and turning to Wigginton and Tring. Continue past the village hall and the one opposite. Follow the path between fence and hedgerow turn left on a path just before The Old Rectory. to a stile. Cross it, and after a few metres meet The Ridgeway. Turn 1. Walk between the houses, go through the gate and follow the fence right along it. After 150m, where The Ridgeway descends to the down to go through the gate at the bottom. Turn right, go through left, continue ahead on a path through the trees. the next gate, and continue ahead along the valley for 700m, 5. Where the path rejoins The Ridgeway at a deep hollow way, turn ignoring paths to the left and right. Cross a stile into a field, bear left right uphill and stay on this path to a lane. Cross it, go through across the middle, go over three further stiles and through a gate to the gate opposite and continue ahead, keeping to the left of the the next field. Bear left over this field and through a gate. Turn right hedgerow. After the next gate, bear left across the field heading along the lane, walk past the first entrance into Dundridge Manor for a further gate between the mast and the farm buildings, Go and turn left into the second one. Walk along the drive for 170m, and through it to a road junction, turn left past the mast and right into at the drawbridge on the left, take the path directly opposite. Pavis, Black and Northill Woods. Follow The Ridgeway for 500m to 2. Go through the gate, follow the path across two fields and past a major path junction. two further gates to a concrete access road. Go through the gate 6. Turn right into a field and walk straight over the field to drop down directly opposite and stay in the same general direction across the bank of Grims Ditch onto a rough lane. Turn left along the lane three fields and one playing field, over two stiles and through two and past a row of houses to a road junction. Turn left and, after a few gates to arrive at the main entrance to St Leonard’s Church. metres, turn right past a barrier into a field. Follow the hedgerow on 3. Continue to the road junction and go directly over the stile in the the right and where it ends turn right along the edge of a wood into hedgerow ahead. Cross the field, pass under the overhead cables a field. Turn left along its edge to meet a wide, rough track. and through a gate in the hedgerow. Bear right across the field 7. Turn right along the track for 600m to enter a wood (a wildlife for 70m to an unmarked path junction. Turn left to leave through conservation area). Ignore the first major path junction, continue a gate. Stay in the same direction across the next field and go for a further 700m to the next junction and turn right. through a gate into the grounds of Coppice Farm Park. Cross the 8. Go through the gate into a field and stay on the left-hand edge past car park and follow the access road to a lane. Cross straight over the next gate into a lane. Turn left and, after a few paces, right onto along Taylors Lane towards The Hale and, after 200m, take the a narrow path. Walk along the path for 250m, turn left through a path on the right just after Rowan House. gate and keep along the field edge through two more gates into 4. Follow the path through a wood, go over a stile and diagonally another wood. Continue straight ahead for 270m, passing through left across the field. Stay in this direction for 300m and look for a gate, to arrive at the earthwork banks of Cholesbury Hillfort.

28 Chiltern 230 email: [email protected] 29 Path through High Scrubs South of Cholesbury

St Leonard’s Church Brown’s Lane before entering Shrubb’s Wood

After exploring the fort, return to the same point and go over the church). Go through a gate to the left of the pond and then straight opposite bank to an information board and gate. Go through into a ahead through two more gates to a road by the village hall. Turn left field and straight across to Holy (Holly) Pond. (Turn right to visit the along the road to return to the start. Points of Interest Cholesbury & Hawridge are two of four villages that make up for animals grazing in summer pastures. With an inner ditch and the parish of Cholesbury-cum-St Leonards. The villages were outer bank, it was unlikely to have had any defensive purpose. established through gradual separation from Drayton Beauchamp D. High Scrubs. Walking through these woods provides a and Marsworth-cum-Hawridge. Cholesbury was associated with the wonderful opportunity to appreciate the relatively new science former and Hawridge with Marsworth. The origin of the Cholesbury of Woodland Archaeology. The most obvious features are the name is Anglo-Saxon and was mentioned in the Domesday Book. banks which were constructed to mark boundaries and create A. dundridge Manor is a Grade II listed house. The earliest records enclosures. Others could include saw pits, charcoal hearths or are from a charter c1187 granting the manor to Missenden Abbey. chalk pits, where the mineral was extracted for building materials At the time of the Dissolution, the manor passed to the Baldwin or as fertiliser. family until the house and lands had to be sold in lots. It was E. Cholesbury Camp and the church. The Camp is believed to date recorded as being in disrepair in 1769, but was later rebuilt. from the mid Iron Age and is some 2,500 years old. One of the The original farmhouse has a number of 16th and 17th century most visually impressive prehistoric settlements of the Chilterns, alterations, and in the late 18th or early 19th century was encased it’s oval-shaped with a high surrounding bank and ditches, and in brickwork. One obvious feature is the ditch surrounding the covers c10 acres. The first excavation in 1932 found evidence house, which is believed to date from the 12th century. of a kiln and iron smelting. A geophysical survey carried out in B. the Ridgeway National Trail starts in the World Heritage Site 2001 revealed evidence of other possible smelting sites. There’s of Avebury and crosses the chalk ridges of the North Wessex also evidence to suggest that the fort’s interior contains a small, Downs and Chilterns AONBs – a total of 87 miles. The Chilterns deserted medieval settlement close to the church. Also within section goes through woodlands, nature reserves and quiet the Camp is Holy or Holly Pond, reputed to have supplied good, valleys, also passing several magnificent viewpoints along the clean water even in the most severe droughts. The church of St ridge. Some people argue that this is Britain’s oldest routeway, Lawrence was built in the 12th century and has an 18th century but this idea is generally out of favour today. bell turret and roof. In the graveyard is a stone commemorating C. Grims Ditch. The walk crosses the Ditch in at least two places. David Newton, a marine who fought at the Battle of Trafalgar. He This major earthwork runs discontinuously from Bradenham to died in 1878, having lived well into his 90s. Berkhamsted/Potten End. It’s believed to be late Iron Age, c100 John Gover is an active member of The Chess Valley Archaeological BC. The purpose of this feature is uncertain. It possibly had two and Historical Society and is a keen walker. In 2001 he carried out a main functions, as a boundary delineation of the Catuvellauni geophysical survey of Cholesbury Hillfort which confirmed that the tribal lands in the upper Chilterns, and as a containment barrier site had seen multiple occupations.

28 Chiltern 230 email: [email protected] 29 CHILTERN HERITAGE Saving pubs in the Chilterns

Enjoying a drink outside a typical Chiltern pub (Guy Patterson) The other side of the coin! (Richard Bradbury) The Society’s guidelines for supporting threatened pubs, introduced by David Cooper

All over the country pubs are closing at an alarming rate – about 26 per week. Rural pubs is important, because a local group is are among those most at risk. There are many reasons for this, including drink-driving laws, likely to have greater credibility with lifestyle changes and increasing competition for people’s leisure time and money, not to a Planning Committee than one from mention high duty and business rates which lead to high drinks prices and competition outside. We recognise that in some cases, from cheap supermarket drink. The upshot is that fewer people spend an evening in ‘the a local campaign group may not appear boozer’ on a regular basis – and yet the pub is one of the most distinctive features of Britain. spontaneously and that some stimulation Academic research has shown that a pub in a village leads to significant improvements in by, for instance, leaflets or organising a social wellbeing and the local economy. community meeting is necessary l The pub is the only one in that community. Like much of southern England, high house sale of the premises. This is reflected in the planning policy prices in the Chilterns make it attractive The Chiltern Society is concerned about of several, but not all, councils, which for pub owners to sell their premises for the disappearance of pubs in its area, for require strict criteria to be fulfilled before development. Even a modest-sized pub may social and economic reasons, together with granting permission for a change of use. be converted into two or three dwellings, with the loss of both heritage and historic assets The community may be a village or a perhaps a couple of houses in what was once and convivial refreshment opportunities in distinctive area of a town or large village the garden and car park. This often leads to the countryside. Its Save our Pubs Group has l Heritage or historical value. Some aspects the closure and conversion into residential joined forces with CAMRA, the Campaign of its former value may be preserved when accommodation of even quite profitable pubs, for Real Ale, which also lobbies against an old pub is closed but not destroyed. It at the expense of social cohesion and quality the loss of pubs, to try to stem the rate of will, however, never retain all of the same of life for the existing inhabitants. closure. The Chiltern Society area is large and character and access as before The Chilterns has many wonderful pubs. contains many pubs, which makes it difficult l For isolated pubs, in addition to the Some have considerable historic and/or to keep track of them all. Furthermore, both above, we’ll take into account the degree heritage interest and others are the social organisations have a limited number of active to which it sustains tourism or leisure heart of a vibrant village or town community. members able to identify pubs at risk and activities in the locality, for instance by They are not, however, immune to the mount an effective campaign to save them. being close to a well-used right of way. pressures described above. Several have Faced with this dilemma, we’ve developed a It should be stressed that a pub does not already closed and been demolished or set of criteria to assess whether we should have to fit all of these conditions. converted to another use, almost certainly campaign on behalf of a particular pub. These Having some criteria to guide us is merely never to hear the call of ‘Last orders, please’ are aimed at saving those of most value to the start of a concerted effort in trying to again. Some are closed, slowly decaying or communities, countryside users or visitors to retain pubs in the Chilterns. The next stage awaiting the result of a planning application the area and also where there’s a good chance is likely to be compiling an inventory of the for change of use. Others are under threat of of success. In brief, the criteria are: pubs we have and then identifying those at closure. Some are thriving and some on the l The pub must be within the Chiltern risk or under immediate threat, so that we edge of economic viability, but most have Society area can use the criteria to focus our efforts. Then an owner, often a large pub company, which l There’s a good prospect of strong the real work – finding the best way to keep hopes to make a handsome profit from the local support for saving the pub. This them going – begins!

30 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 31 CHILTERN FARMING Finding a balance Control has a role in conservation, writes Gill Kent

We all tend to forget that the landscape in Britain today is entirely man-made. Three thousand years ago our island was covered in trees, apart from the tops of mountains and the marshy lowland. Over the millennia, man has created an artificial environment that has enabled a wide variety of flora and fauna to thrive. Today, in many cases due to government interference, the balance of nature, which until the end of the 19th century was maintained by countrymen who had to submit parish returns for the control of vermin, has been disregarded.

The average British resident has an idyllic view of nature, for example herds of wild ponies grazing contentedly on hills in the beautiful countryside. It’s only country dwellers who see nature in the raw – chicks dead in the nest, kites taking ducklings off a pond, skins left after badgers have eaten hedgehogs, and old skeleton-like herbivores unable to graze. So where do farmers fit into this picture? Quite rightly, UK gun laws are very strict. Farmers are usually given gun licences because sometimes they need to be able to shoot an animal which has no chance of recovery. This means that they’re also able to shoot squirrels, glis glis and deer, all of bumblebee nests to obtain the bee embryos the populations of plover and redshank one which damage our woodland to the extent and honey. True naturalists would be delighted hundred fold. The general public are welcome that young beech trees stand little chance of if badger numbers were controlled. Contrary to visit at any time. growing to maturity. Most farmers will also to common belief, farmers don’t want to If diversity is to be maintained on our try to save a wild animal from suffering, by exterminate any species (except perhaps crowded island, it’s essential that the population shooting it when it’s fatally injured or dying a some very poisonous plants), because one of is educated to accept that, when a species slow death because it’s unable to feed. the rewards for all the very hard work on their becomes too dominant, some control is Badgers (forget about TB) are making life farm is enjoying the great variety of creatures necessary. In the 1960s the Government paid very difficult for farmers. When we started in the fields and hedgerows. six old pence for each squirrel tail; perhaps farming here in 1960, there were two badger We recently visited a farmer friend on we need another incentive to control the setts on our farm. Now my son tells me there the Isle of Sheppey. His 3,000 acre farm is damage that deer and squirrels are doing to our are at least ten. Their favourite place for a sett devoted to cattle grazing and conservation. woodlands today! In some cases farmers are is the edge of a wood where it adjoins a field, Fortunately there are no resident badgers, well placed to exercise control, but at present resulting in broken fencing and large holes for because they don’t like the wet conditions. the only way that the damage will be halted is tractors to fall into when operating in the field. By controlling predators such as foxes, mink, by some kind of national intervention.

As well as preying on hedgehogs, they invade magpies and crows, he’s been able to increase Photos: Colin Drake

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30 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 31 society NEWS Introducing Simon Kearey

With many challenges facing the Chilterns it’s important for a group like the Chiltern Society to spread its views far and wide: to have a voice in as many camps as possible.

That’s precisely importance of arts and heritage, particularly where our newly involving young people, means that he co-opted trustee knows how vital working in partnership Simon Kearey will with various groups and organisations is to be able to help. finding solutions to problems. An inveterate networker, Simon is a senior He’s looking forward to using that manager in NHS Buckinghamshire Clinical experience as the Society continues to Sir John Commissioning Group. However, he also play its part in issues such as promoting finds time to be chairman of the Ridgeway the Chilterns’ rich and varied heritage, Johnson Partnership, a trustee of the Bucks County dealing with potential boundary reviews Museum and the Wycombe Heritage and and, of course, working to ensure that the It is with great sadness that we Arts Trust, a trustee of the Oxfordshire Youth environment of our precious AONB and report the recent death of long- Arts Partnership, a chair of school governors Green Belt is protected as much as possible serving Chiltern Society Vice and a parish councillor. You may also find him from unnecessary development. President, Sir John Johnson, who helping out at Hughenden Valley’s famous ‘I’ve lived in the Hughenden Valley for fulfilled this role for many years, community shop! 19 years and long admired the Chiltern playing an active part in a number Add to that a passion for the countryside Society, particularly the work of its of our events and activities. and a love of the outdoors and it soon volunteers who, it seems to me, are key Our sincere condolences go to becomes obvious he will make a welcome to its success. Without them I think the his family. A full tribute to him addition to the Society. Society would struggle,’ he said. ‘I am really will appear in the next issue of Simon’s experience in a business and looking forward to helping the Society Chiltern. legal environment and his recognition of the achieve its aims.’

Society calendar & cards

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Berkhamsted at snow the in Sheep Turville at Rooftops Reserve Nature Prestwood from views Autumnal Camp Cholesbury at fade to begins Summer

DECEMBER NOVEMBER OCTOBER SEPTEMBER Mapledurham looking moody By Clive Ormonde

Chiltern Society, White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1AG

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at Pegsdon Hills (C Howe) (C Hills Pegsdon at Drake) (C Wardman) (P

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Trail Chilterns Northern the Along day summer’s a on Way Chiltern The Valley Hughenden the in place hiding No

2019 Calendar Ashridge at bluebells famous The AUGUST JULY JUNE MAY Beautiful Berkhamsted in the snow Featuring twelve stunning images,By Colin Drake all captured in the Chilterns , Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1AG

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at Ewelme Ewelme at ducklings and duck Mother Valley Hambledon the in lambs their and Sheep fog the in windmill Green Lacey

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APRIL MARCH FEBRUARY Registered charity no.1085163. A compan JANUARY £8 each

www.chilternsociety.org.uk www.chilternsociety.org.uk Sheep in the snow www.chilternsociety.org.uk By Colin Drake Residents at the Ragpits By Alison Beck The Chilterns or Narnia? By Colin Drake Chiltern Society, White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1AG All Chiltern Society, White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1AG Registered charity no.1085163. A company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales with registration no.4138448. Registered charity no.1085163. A company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales with registration no.4138448. proceeds Chiltern Society, White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 1AG Registered charity no.1085163. A company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales with registration no.4138448. help us to care for the 2019 Chilterns C ALENDARwww.chilternsociety.org.uk Christmas cards l Five Chiltern snow scenes l Greeting inside: l Pack of 10 cards Wishing you a Happy Christmas l 2 of each design l 14.8cm x 10.5cm £6 per pack The famous bluebells a t Ashridge (K Hoffmeister) MondAy MAY TuEsdAy WEdnEsdAy ThuRsdAy FRidAy Place your order by post to: Chiltern Society, White Hill Centre, sAT uRdAy 1 sundAy 2 3 4 5 White Hill, Chesham, Bucks HP5 1AG 6 7 8 9 10 11 EARLy MA 12 y BAn K hoLidAy or by phone: 01494 771250 or online: www.chilternsociety.org.uk/shop 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 or visit our office, but we recommend calling ahead first! 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 sPRing BAn 2 K hoLidAy

32 www.chilternsociety.org.uk Chiltern 230 Care to Think Differently CALL TO BOOK A VISIT OR FIND OUT MORE AT PORTHAVEN.CO.UK

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NURSING  RESIDENTIAL  DEMENTIA  RESPITE The glory of the garden

CHILTERN NATURE

George Stebbing-Allen immerses himself in nature

‘The glory of the garden lies in more than meets the eye.’ (Rudyard Kipling)

I’d been meaning to write this article, but purposes as in ‘I think I’m going to go and lacked a suitable title on which to hang wash my hair,’ or poetically: ‘Yet marked I my ideas. Serendipitously I was watching where the bolt of Cupid fell.’ a television garden programme in which Recently I’ve been struck down by a nasty Kipling’s poem was quoted, and to my condition that has rendered me temporarily surprise and without any advanced planning very immobile and virtually housebound, and the title leapt into my mind and cleared my I’m having to concentrate my interest and writer’s block. Note that word surprise; it’s attention on my house and particularly my combined with their minute size (say three germane to this piece. garden, so perhaps my very immobility has to a millimetre), makes them difficult to On 23 April, St George’s Day, I was woken made me more susceptible to the next crop see. That afternoon the tree was alive with at 5am by a male blackbird singing outside of surprises that I want to recount. buzzing, and as I investigated further I found my bedroom window – a delightful surprise Of the many bird species with which I that it was actually covered with very small even at that early hour. As the year moved share my garden, perhaps the noisiest are white-tailed bumblebees, probably the only inexorably towards the equinox I found that the starlings that nest every year in next insects small enough to pollinate the tiny the blackbird started singing progressively door’s gutters and conifers. The starling flowers. What a delightful surprise. As with earlier, until by the beginning of June my doesn’t have a pretty song, yet their the sparrowhawk, so with the bees – they feathered alarm clock was going off nearer chattering is somehow companionable and were unexpected! My garden attracts a 4am. My delight was augmented and I reassuring. One afternoon, as I was sitting wide variety of bumblebees, from the giant articulated my thoughts in the following on the decking minding my own business, bombers of early spring right down to these way: ‘The blackbird marks the passage of a sparrowhawk swooped into the conifer, tiny white-tailed bustlers, which maybe the year.’ The next surprise was cerebral: that snatched a starling and made off with it, all in suggests a further branch of nature for me statement is an iambic pentameter, the verse five seconds at the most – an amazing sight, to explore. structure so beloved of Shakespeare, Milton, totally unexpected, what a surprise! (I bet the The last surprise scenario that I want Pope and others, and ingrained into my starling was more surprised than me). to share with you goes back to this year’s mind by youthful studies and the occasional By that point in early May the Japanese appalling spring. Every winter I put food on thespian adventures with Twelfth Night, maple (Acer atropurpureum var Bloodgood) the bird table, mainly finely chopped cheese King Lear and ‘the Dream’. This, I believe, is right by the decking was in full leaf, and and porridge oats, which attracts robins, because the iambic pentameter exactly suits because of its age – 17 years – it was in full nuthatches, goldcrests and all the tits (great, the rhythms and cadences of the English flower. Acer flowers hang in small clusters blue, coal and long-tailed). The table stands language, whether used for mundane the same colour as the leaves, and this, a mere eight feet from my desk through the

34 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 35 Left: Magnolia Above: Louvois

French windows and my view is direct and uncluttered. I glanced up on one particularly cold, dismal morning, and to my utter surprise The glory and disbelief I saw that one of the goldcrests was in fact a firecrest, utterly unmistakeable with its white eyestripe (lacking in the less rare goldcrest). To a bird watcher a firecrest is a ‘good bird’, but one G of the species’ strongholds in the UK is Wendover Woods, so they if t V xes of the garden o o should be more common on the tops of the Chilterns than they are. u B c The Spirit of ft h i e G Blackbird, starling, bumblebee, firecrest – all surprises, all r

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it to these surprise experiences. Mindfulness is an ancient idea h C forming part of the Buddhist eightfold path to nirvana; I believe H s family and friends amper Giftsets it’s actually part of the human condition and therefore well predates Gautama, certainly older than 450BCE. Wikipedia, that resource invaluable to writers and researchers (as long as it’s used with a little caution), defines mindfulness as ‘the psychological process of bringing one’s attention to experiences occurring in the Hampden Herdwicks present moment which can be developed through the practice of meditation and other training.’ This, I believe, can include immersive Herdwick hogget with superior flavour nature watching. Its central assertion is that the maximum benefit Our flock of Herdwick sheep graze the rich chalk grasslands of the to mindfulness of nature immersion is possible if one becomes Chiltern Hills near Great Missenden. They form an integral part of our arable farm’s management. Herdwicks grow slowly. The lambs, totally engrossed in the moment. known as hoggets, are typically a year old before they are ready. For all its ancient roots, mindfulness has recently resurfaced as As a result the meat is full of flavour and very tender. Our hogget a fashionably contemporary psychotherapy tool, advocated by, is now available most of the year and is perfect for winter roasts among others, Dr Patrizia Collard, who maintains that mindfulness and stews as well as summer barbecues. can be achieved through exercises, both mental and physical. Dr Claire Thompson suggests that it can be achieved through Hampden Hogget Boxes deliberate nature immersion, but this is a technique that I, and We supply whole and half hogget freezer boxes, many other naturalists like me, have been doing all our lives vacuum packed and labelled, direct from the without calling it mindfulness. farm. Insulated with wool liners, they can be My contention differs from Collard and Thompson, who both recycled or returned. suggest a deliberate and voluntary path, whether it’s meditation at A half hogget will weigh about 10kg, will fit in the Ameravati Buddhist Monastery or a long-planned coach outing to one freezer drawer, and comprises: Minsmere. I favour the involuntary path – the serendipitous surprise, 2 x half legs 2 x half shoulders as in my earlier examples. Only thus do I believe that I can become Mince engrossed in the moment. The voluntary path suggests that the head 7-8 best-end cutlets is ruling the experience; whereas the involuntary path is the realm of 6-8 loin chops the heart. For many years I’ve been concerned with finding my true 3-4 leg steaks place in nature alongside all other species. Mindfulness as I’ve defined 2-3 neck cutlets or it is a very useful tool, but it only goes half way. Perhaps what I really kidney and liver need is Lewis Carroll’s dissolving looking glass, through which I can We can also provide whole leg and shoulder pass in a heart-controlled mindfulness-induced trance to the deep joints and racks on request. and shared nature experience that I’ve always craved. That I have had these experiences and insights in my own garden We can also provide whole joints and other cuts on request. merely reinforces Kipling’s unconsciously mindful assertion that For more information contact Ian & Fiona Waller began this article. 01494 488567 or 07973 676891, or email [email protected] Photos: George Stebbing-Allen, except blackbird – Richard Bradbury

34 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 35 Chiltern history by bike

Cycle group

Narrowboats on the Grand Union Canal (G Fitzgerald) Ken Davies suggests some options

The Chiltern AONB and surrounding area is rich in history. The Thursday Cycle Group Grade I listed building was severely damaged frequently visits some of the more accessible sites, stopping for a mid-ride break when this is by fire in 2005, but has been carefully convenient. All the places mentioned below, and many others in the area, can be reached by restored and is again open to visitors. The bike – but probably not in a single day. burial ground surrounding the Meeting House includes the graves of William Penn, Around Amersham 3,000 children born there. Shardeloes was the founder of Pennsylvania, his two wives A settlement existed on the present subsequently saved from demolition thanks Gulielma and Hannah, and nine of his site of the market town of Amersham in to a campaign coordinated by the Amersham children. Many other early Quakers are also Anglo-Saxon times, and the Domesday Society. It’s now in private ownership, but buried there. Book includes an entry under the name can be seen from the public footpaths across of Elmodesham. The town holds a Royal the grounds. The local cricket club has the The area north of Charter authorising a weekly market as well unusual privilege of having a ground within Henley-on-Thames as an annual fair in September. Amersham the Estate, with views of the mansion. The country house called Greenlands is prospered during the 18th century when The Chilterns have long been known as an situated on the north bank of the Thames it became established as a stop for area with a reputation for religious dissent, about two miles downstream from Henley. stagecoaches travelling between London and with a strong representation of minority In 1871 it was bought by the descendants of Oxford, or between Reading and Hatfield. groups including Quakers and, in the 16th the founder of the newsagent and stationery Several coaching inns remain in the old century, the Lollards, who believed they company W H Smith & Son, and remained town, including The Crown, The King’s Arms should be able to read the Bible in English and their home until 1946. It then became the and The Saracens Head. The town has also interpret the texts for themselves. They were headquarters of the Administrative Staff been the location for several commercially condemned by the Church for doing so, and in College, renamed Henley Management successful films, the best known probably 1521, seven individuals were burnt at the stake College in 1991. In 2008 a merger with the being the 1994 romantic comedy, Four near Amersham. A memorial to the Martyrs of Business School of Reading University Weddings and a Funeral, which featured a Amersham was erected on the hill above the created the new Henley Business School. The number scenes shot in a suite at The Crown. town, near Ruccles Field, adjacent to the site buildings are clearly visible from the towpath Shardeloes Manor, a large 18th century of the executions, and still stands today. on the south bank of the river, which is easily Grade I listed building overlooking a lake The Quakers, or the Society of Friends, accessible by bike. created by a dam across the River Misbourne, originated in the 17th century as a group of Stoke Row is the site of a well with an is situated one mile west of Amersham. dissenting Protestants with no organised unusual history. During the 19th century, The mansion was built for the Tyrwhitt- clergy. The movement was widespread in Edward Reade, who was from a wealthy Drake family, and remained their home until the Chilterns, perhaps most famously in the family in Ipsden, spent many years working WWII, when it became a maternity hospital; village of Jordans, where a large Meeting in India. He was involved in a project to Sir Tim Rice was one of approximately House was built in 1688. The magnificent sink a well for a village in Benares, where

36 Chiltern 230 email: [email protected] 37 he told the local Maharajah that the area caused by the discharge of his pistol, and he of the Chilterns where his family lived also probably died of gangrene, septicaemia and sometimes suffered from drought conditions. tetanus infection in his wounded hand. In recognition of the work carried out in India A monument commemorating John by Reade, the Maharajah provided funds for Hampden and the ship money tax was a well to be sunk in the village of Stoke Row, erected in the 19th century between Great together with a cottage for the well-keeper Hampden and Prestwood, at the instigation and a cherry orchard, which provided a of Lord Nugent. Now cared for by the Chiltern source of income to pay for the upkeep of Society, it’s easy to cycle to the site and enjoy the well. It was opened in 1864 and remained the fine views across the Vale of Aylesbury. in use for over 70 years. The canopy of the well on top of the cast iron machinery is Around Wendover decorated with a gilded elephant, which was A market town, in existence before the repainted in 2008. It’s visible from the main Norman Conquest, Wendover grew up round street and costs nothing to visit. the point where the main route from London to Aylesbury crosses the road running along John Hampden the foot of the Chilterns. The red-brick Church of St Mary Magdalene, Great Hampden The Hampden family lived in Great clock tower, with its tall spire, built in 1842, (Colin Drake) Hampden, near Prestwood. Their home, stands at the crossroads in the centre of the in 1799, connecting Wendover to the Grand Hampden House, is a Grade I listed building town. During the 18th century, Wendover, Union Canal at Bulbourne. Over the years, of architectural and historical significance. like Amersham, developed as a stop for problems with water leakage affected the It remains a private house with no public stagecoaches and several coaching inns Wendover Arm and much of the central access, but can be seen from The Chiltern remain in the High Street, including The Red section was drained in 1904. A long-term Way which passes nearby. Adjacent to the Lion. project to restore the full length of the canal house is the church of St Mary Magdalene, The Grand Union Canal passes through began in 1989 and is still making slow but which contains Hampden’s grave, with the Chilterns between Berkhamsted and steady progress. Meanwhile, the towpath a monument by Sir Henry Cheere. John Tring. It was created in 1929 by the merger along the canal from Wendover and through Hampden was a Parliamentarian who of several existing canals, including the Halton provides an attractive cycling and opposed the ship money tax imposed Grand Junction Canal. The construction work walking route. by Charles I, and fought in the Civil War. probably created similar levels of opposition According to legend, he was mortally and objections from the local population to More Chiltern history wounded by carbine balls penetrating his those engendered by the M40 motorway This selection of historic places and events shoulder at the battle of Chalgrove Field. or, more recently, by the proposed HS2 rail provides a few ideas for possible trips by An examination of his skeleton during the link. The Grand Union Canal is now a popular bicycle or other means of transport. Many 19th century showed severe damage to his tourist attraction, with the towpath being other sites in the Chilterns are of equal right hand, but no other major injuries. It’s open to both walkers and cyclists. A small interest and I hope to be able to return to this now thought likely that the damage was branch canal, the Wendover Arm, opened theme in future. Future Thursday Group Rides

We usually meet at 10am to place food orders and start the rides at 10.30am. If numbers are large, some riders will often leave at 10.15am, with the main group following at 10.30am. If you’re considering joining one of the rides, please contact the ride leader a few days beforehand so they know to expect you.

6 December 3 January 7 February The ride will start from The Peacock Meet at The Cock Inn, Church Lane, Meet at The Red Lion, Little Missenden Country Inn, Henton, Nr Chinnor (Grid ref: Sarratt (Grid ref: TQ 039 985, postcode (Grid ref: SU 923 989, postcode HP7 0QZ). SP 761 030, postcode OX39 4AH). Please WD3 6HH). The ride of about 20 miles There’s plenty of space for parking along arrive in good time to pre-order lunch. will be all on road, heading north through the road outside the pub. The ride will Toilets will be available for our use before Chipperfield and Felden, returning via be on mostly quiet lanes in the central departure. A relatively easy ride of 25 Bovingdon, Latimer, Flaunden and Belsize. Chilterns and will be about 21 miles long. miles with about 1,100ft of ascent, mainly It’s a compact ride so short cuts will be There will be some hills, but nothing too on quiet roads, going through Longwick, available. Some ascents and descents. difficult. Short cuts will be available. Dinton, Cuddington, Long Crendon, Ride leader: Andrew Bailey 01923 Ride leader: John Shipley 01494 862699 Shabbington, Thame and via The Phoenix 282605 and 07561 364253. and 07979 646465. Trail back to Henton. Ride leader: Pat Treanor 01628 520467 Rides are open to Society members and non-members. All ride at their own risk and 07512 192623. and should be 14 years or older unless accompanied by an adult. Bring a drink for roadside stops. It is strongly recommended that riders wear a helmet for all rides and carry their own first aid kit.

36 Chiltern 230 email: [email protected] 37 Ewelme Watercress Beds • OXON Memorable days

Ewelme Watercress Beds Local Nature Reserve Sunday guided walks 2 Dec, 6 Jan, 3 Feb Please be at the Centre for a 10.30am start See an old film of the watercress industry from the 1960s. Our guides will then take you round the upper Tom Stevenson and Ann Truesdale report and lower sites. Refreshments available August was busy, with a number of groups booked on private guided visits. It was very Adults £3 – Chiltern Society members heartwarming to receive an email from Stoke Row WI praising us for our hospitality and and accompanied children free friendliness, and concluding: ‘Thank you all so much for your hard work and for giving of your precious time. We enjoyed a very special and memorable day.’ The Centre is alongside the brook, half way along The Street between the Village Hall and the pub. Another very successful Dr Anne Millar Day* It was the best year ever for the total took place mid-August with 16 primary number of butterflies recorded during the No need to book. No dogs please, school-aged children accompanied by 26 summer weeks. No unusual sightings this except assist dogs. parents/grandparents/guardians. The day year, but the number of whites has been Sensible footwear is advisable. started with the opening of the moth traps. exceptionally high, and it was good to see This year there were several impressive painted ladies on several occasions. With the uncut through the winter to provide cover and beautiful poplar hawk moths to wow ivy flowers opening the hedges were buzzing for small mammals and, we hope, to improve the children, as well as many other species. with insects, including the ivy bee, which the survival chances of butterfly eggs that Great fun was had making a pirate boat, has only recently arrived in this country. overwinter in grass stems. It was all hands on which the children had to construct using Autumn brought the return of the water rail, deck to move barrow loads of material from any of the materials provided (including little egret, grey heron and kingfisher(s), the meadow to the giant compost heaps. champagne corks, straws, paper, toilet roll together with the sight and sound of gulls We’re very keen to encourage more tubes, small plastic bottles and decorative flying to and from the pig fields. It’s always volunteers to join us on our regular work materials). It had to carry a ‘gold’ snack difficult to be certain, but it appears to have mornings. There’s always a wide range bar and display a Jolly Roger. This activity been a good breeding year for our common of jobs, so please come along and we’ll involved much experimentation in the water birds and most of the new nest boxes on ensure you’re given your preferred tasks. at the construction stage. A design prize was the lower site were used. We’re not too sure It’s very sociable and a good, cheap way to awarded by Alison Barraclough (Chiltern about members of the thrush family, because help you keep fit. Work mornings are held Society trustee who chairs Ewelme’s it must have been difficult to find worms every month on the first Saturday and third Management Team), before the children during the hot, dry weather. At the time of Wednesday, 9.30-12.30pm, with a break for ‘raced’ the boats sequentially and prizes were writing the flow down the stream is holding refreshments. Please contact Tom Stevenson awarded. It was a lovely day, not too hot, up, but we may not have seen the effects of on 01491 836888 or thomas.stevenson@ and we enjoyed a barbecue lunch with Derek the very dry June and July. While carrying ntlworld.com for more details or to be added Shaw in charge of the tongs, sausages and out the river fly monitoring to check the to the email circulation list. Alternatively just burgers. health of the water flowing down the brook, turn up any time during a work morning. We In September we took part in the Chilterns it was noticed that many of the unusual and also encourage families to bring their older Heritage Festival. October’s Family Event very slow growing bryophytes along the children. There’ll always be opportunities to was fully booked, so we seem to be gaining manor wall just above the water surface had don your wellies and get in the water! The a reputation. The next free event will be held been removed. Such a shame! site has something of interest all year round. on a Friday evening in the spring. Please During autumn the wild flower meadow is *For those new to the area, Dr Anne Millar was a contact Margaret Connolly at b.e.connolly@ cut in stages, so late flowering species such keen naturalist and much-loved local GP who gave live.co.uk or text 07879 461593. Children as knapweed and devil’s-bit scabious have great support to the Watercress Beds and to the must be aged between 6 and 10 years old chance to set seed. This year we’re trying an Benson Nature Group. and be accompanied by an adult. experiment which entails leaving a small area Photo: Tom Stevenson

38 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 39 GOLD GOLD GOLD To pPrices Paid In Cash ForYour ScrapPrecious Metals Including Unwanted Jewellery, Coins &Watches. PartExchange Available

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If you are going to put your fridge or freezer in storage or are moving a long distance, clean them out and ensure they are IT’S EASIER defrosted and dry before your moving day. Start packing your possessions into boxes and clearly label them with the room and THAN YOU it’s contents unless your removal company is doing all the packing. THINK TO You might need to keep any childrens toys to one side so they are easy to fi nd MOVE HOME when you arrive at your new home. If you are packing your cutains and blinds yourself don’t forget to take them down. Find and label your keys including the spares and put them somewhere safe. Wherever you are moving to, it still Notify your insurance, electric, water, gas, needs careful planning and fi nancial, and phone companies. Don’t Pack a box of essentials for your arrival. organisation, to make it as stress free forget about the DVLA, schools, and clubs A kettle, tea, coffee, biscuits, mugs, light as possible here are some pointers to you belong to. bulbs and toilet rolls should be high on get you ahead of the game. your list. Dispose of or sell off anything you don’t Confi rm your removal date with your want. If you are not sure where to sell it remover, complete, sign and return your why not visit your local auction house? 01494 774186 removal acceptance form. They can be very helpful. Call for a FREE no obligation REMOVAL quote or visit Clear your loft and other storage areas Send out your new address cards to clarksofamersham.co.uk friends and relatives along with a map ready for your move day. If you need help and directions. contact your removal company as they may offer this service. Check the details of your home insurance to make sure you are covered from the Organise any parking requirements at day you move into your new home. your old and new properties.

38 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 39 You must present your valid membership card to take advantage of these offers. The membership Member card is not transferable. Members who pay an annual subscription to the Chiltern Society will receive their new cards when they renew their membership. For latest information on discounts please check our website: offers www.chilternsociety.org.uk.

special events days and Xmas trains in Dec Chiltern Society sites or for online booking. See website for details. Theatre and dining l Single members get one free adult entry A wonderful example of low speed rail, l Family members get free entry for two ambling between the houses and out onto Café in the Woods adults and up to three children under 18. the Greensand Ridge, with great views of the Wendover Woods, Bucks Chilterns. www.cafeinthewoods.co.uk Ewelme Watercress Beds 01296 620294 High St, Ewelme, Oxon OX10 6HQ River & Rowing Museum Discount of 10% to Chiltern Society members Historic watercress beds and local nature on production of their membership card. Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, reserve. Guided walks are held on the first Berks RG9 1BF Sunday of each month until April. Start www.rrm.co.uk 10.30am. Hartwell House 01491 415600 and Spa Two adult tickets for the price of one. Open Oxford Rd, Aylesbury, Bucks HP17 8NR daily, 10am-5pm. Three galleries dedicated to www.hartwell-house.com rowing, rivers and the history of Henley, plus Other sites and 01296 747444 Wind in the Willows exhibition. Contemporary attractions art and photography exhibitions, and calendar Magnificent stately home, just 2 miles from of nature trails, craft workshops and family the town, within the Vale of Aylesbury and set Amersham Museum days. in 90 acres of parkland. Enjoy a 10% discount 49 High St, Amersham, Bucks HP7 0DP on all lunches and dinners, excluding drinks. www.amershammuseum.org (Offer does not apply to Sat dinner and Sun 01494 723700 The Roald Dahl Museum and lunch). Please quote ‘Chiltern Society offer’ Two adult tickets for the price of one. Free Story Centre when booking. entry for children. Open Wed-Sun and Bank 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, Holiday Mondays 12.00-4.30pm. Bucks HP16 0AL The Black Horse Inn www.roalddahl.com/museum The Vale, Chesham, Bucks HP5 3NS 01494 892192 Didcot Railway Centre www.theblackhorsechesham.co.uk Two tickets for the price of one (cheapest Didcot, Oxon OX11 7NJ 01494 784656 www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk goes free). Award-winning museum for 6-12 Your classic country pub! Traditional, hearty 01235 817200 year-olds and their families. Two fun and fact- packed biographical galleries, fantabulous and wholesome pub food, great ales. Pies a Two tickets for the price of one on interactive Story Centre. Not to be used in speciality. Discount of 10% on all food and presentation of a valid Chiltern Society drink purchased at the pub, on production of membership card. Not valid for ‘Day Out with conjunction with any other offer. Not valid valid CS membership card. Thomas’ events or Gala events advertised for workshops. See website for full terms and on our website. See the website for more conditions. information and opening times. The Black Horse Pub Wycombe Museum and Eating House Frogmore Paper Mill & Priory Avenue, High Wycombe, Aylesbury Road, Great Missenden, Visitor Centre Bucks HP13 6PX Bucks HP16 9AX www.wycombemuseum.org.uk Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP3 9RY www.theblackhorsegreatmissenden.com Facebook.com/museum www.thepapertrail.org.uk 01494 862537 01494 957210 01442 234600 Traditional pub, located on CS maps 8 & 12. Social history museum, with nine interactive Open for ‘drop-in’ visits and pre-booked New owners and great new menu. Dog, child galleries and beautiful gardens. One free groups every Thursday and 1st Sunday of the and muddy boots-friendly. Large gardens, hot drink with the purchase of a cake month. Two adult tickets for the price of one. secure children’s play area, five-a-side football or traybake on production of a valid CS pitch, two good-sized car parks, field for membership card. Valid for card holder and events and hot air balloon flights. CS members up to three guests. Opening hours: Mon- Leighton Buzzard Railway get 10% off food Mon-Fri (lunch and dinner). Page’s Park Station, Billington Road, Thurs 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-4.30pm, Sat Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 4TN 11am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm. Last Thurs of every www.buzzrail.co.uk month 10am-9.30pm. The Museum is open The Chequers 01525 373888 on some Bank Holidays. Pease check the Berrick Salome, Wallingford, One free adult, senior or child ticket with website for information on upcoming Bank every full-paying adult. Not available on Holidays. Oxon OX10 6JN www.chequersberricksalome.co.uk 01865 891118 A beautiful brick and flint country dining Your holiday booking can help us! pub in a delightful, peaceful village. Seasonal We’re delighted that, for every walking holiday booked with and fresh Michelin-recommended food with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays (www.ramblersholidays.co.uk/home), lunchtime offers. Family, dog and horse- the Society will receive a small donation to assist in the promotion of friendly, with enclosed children’s play area and walking in the Chilterns. Please remember to nominate the Chiltern good-sized car park. (Closed all day Tues). CS Society when making your booking. members will receive a 10% discount on food orders. Offer excludes Fri nights and all day Sat & Sun.

40 Chiltern 230

The Chequers Cycle Care focused on offering a growing customer base the best gear and the best service at the best 171 Sharpenhoe Road, Streatley, 225 Desborough Road, High Wycombe, prices. Receive 15% discount in all Chiltern- Beds LU3 3PS Bucks HP11 2QW based stores* by presenting your valid CS 01582 882072 www.cyclecare.co.uk membership card. Local pub near Sharpenhoe Clappers, ideal for 01494 447908 *Full terms and conditions apply in store walking in the north Chilterns. Complimentary 10% discount on bikes/clothing/accessories/ dessert and coffee with all main course meals. only – Amersham, Berkhamsted, Harpenden, energy food and drinks – basically 10% Marlow, Taplow and Thame. Not to be used in off everything except Garmin and GoPro conjunction with any other offer or discount. The Ivy House products. Please use our own free car park! For personal purchases only. Offer expires 31/12/19. London Road, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4RS Dees of Amersham www.ivyhousechalfontstgiles.co.uk 39 Hill Avenue, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5BX Rowan Garden Centre 01494 872184 www.deescycles.com Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, 10% off total bill when you show your CS 01494 727165 Bucks HP8 4AB membership card. 10% discount on all goods and cycles up to www.rowangardencentre.co.uk £2,200 inc. VAT. Over £2,200, 12% discount. 01494 872335 The Red Lion Not applicable to sale items, but discount Independent rural garden centre with an will be made up to 10/12% if sale reduction is extensive selection of plants. Knowledgeable Village Road, Coleshill (nr Amersham), less. Discount applies to parts fitted but not staff to help you choose. Delightful views from Bucks HP7 0LH to labour on repairs. Priority repairs for CS the Muddy Boots Café. 10% off outdoor plants. www.theredlioncoleshill.com members. Excludes other offers. Dog friendly. Check 01494 723718 website for opening hours and directions. Chiltern Society members will receive 10% off when ordering 2 courses, Mon-Fri. Mountain Warehouse www.mountainwarehouse.com The Mediterranean Nursery 020 3828 7700 Flaunden Lane, Bovingdon, Retail The largest outdoor retailer in the UK, with Herts HP3 0RL over 200 stores nationwide. We cater for 01442 832482 Auberge du Chocolat an extensive range of outdoor activities, Open 10am-4pm every day except Wed. CS 28, Chess Business Park, Moor Road, including walking, running, cycling, camping members receive 10% off all plants and shrubs. Chesham, Bucks HP5 1SD and skiing, with a wide range of equipment Drinks and home-made cakes available at our www.aubergechocolat.co.uk and clothing for the whole family. We’re café. Dog friendly. 01494 774179 10% off award-winning, fairtrade chocolate bars and chocolate models, including pre- personalisation (in store only, when you show your CS membership card).

Buckingham Garden Centre Tingewick Rd, Buckingham, Bucks MK18 4AE www.buckinghamgardencentre.co.uk 01280 822133 Independent garden centre offering a wide range of bare root hedging, trees and fruit, plus a superb selection of container-grown stock. Large garden shop and excellent restaurant/coffee shop. Dog friendly and fully accessible to wheelchair users. Mail order available. 10% discount on all outdoor plants collected until end Dec 2019. JOIN US and get all this… Cotswold Outdoor l A free Chiltern Society footpath map of your choice www.cotswoldoutdoor.com l Chiltern magazine, exclusive to members, packed with great features, news and 01666 575500 views, delivered to your door four times a year The UK’s widest range of outdoor clothing l Fantastic offers at over 30 visitor attractions, pubs, cafes and shops and equipment. With over four decades of experience in outdoor retail, we offer one l A selection of walking and cycling maps allowing you to discover the beauty of the of the most extensive and comprehensive Chilterns ranges of outdoor clothing, equipment and accessories. We’re delighted to offer l Early access to our exciting events programme and special member discounts CS members a 15% discount*, both in store l and online. To redeem it either present The satisfaction that comes from knowing you are helping to conserve and care for membership card in store or quote valid the Chilterns. discount code online. Please call the Society on 01494 771250 for the discount code. To join, call us on 01494 771250, visit our website www.chilternsociety.org.uk, *T&Cs. Selected lines are exempt. Not to be or come to see us during office hours at the White Hill Centre, Chesham – address used in conjunction with any other offer or on page 4 discount. Offer expires 31/12/19. email: [email protected] 41 SOCIETY WALKS

SUNDAY Walks start at 10am, unless stated. All participants walk at their own risk and must follow any advice Usually about 5 or 6 miles, allow 2.5 hours. and instructions from the Walk Leaders. Participants must be JANUARY O/S GRID REF Walks start at 10.30am. About 5 or 6 miles, allow 2.5 hours. equipped with appropriate clothing and footwear, and are also WEEKDAY Wed 30 Meet at The Hampden Arms, Great Hampden Explorer 181

NB. Variations from this will be indicated in the walk description. advised to carry a first aid kit and water. Walk Leaders have the HP16 9RQ – parking available. A reasonably level GR 845014 regarding the walks should be directed to: authority to refuse those who in their opinion are inadequately ENQUIRIES 6 mile walk viewing archaeological and historical CS Map 12 Walk leader where telephone number is given, or equipped or unfit to undertake the walk. To avoid disappointment, 1) sites in the Chilterns, including Grims Ditch, Bucks 2) Paul Weller 01628 486328 contact the Walk Leader in advance if you’re unsure of the Whiteleaf, Neolithic and Bronze Age barrows, and suitability of the walk. CS = CHILTERN SOCIETY MAP NO. Hampden House. A few stiles. Lunch available at PLEASE NOTE: Walks may occasionally be changed or cancelled at short notice. If you can, please check our website for The Hampden Arms. updates. In times of ice and snow call the Walk Leader before leaving home in case the walk is cancelled. Brian Bowman 01844 290346 Society FEBRUARY DECEMBER O/S GRID REF DECEMBER O/S GRID REF footpath maps Sun 3 Meet at the Warburg Nature Reserve car park Explorer 171 Sun 2 Meet opposite the entrance to Stonor Park (just Explorer 171 Sun 30 Meet in the public car park by the library in Explorer 181 RG9 6BJ. To reach the Reserve take the B480 GR 721878 north of Stonor village) RG9 6HF. The walk is GR 736889 Wendover HP22 6DU. The car park is signposted off GR 869077 – don’t leave home without them! between Henley and Watlington, just outside CS Maps mostly gently undulating with one steep section. CS Map 9 the High St opposite the Lucca Bar and Restaurant. CS Map 3 Middle Assendon take turning towards Bix 2, 9 Fabulous views, sometimes 3600. Head up Oxon It has public conveniences and is free on Sundays. Bucks Our 32 footpath maps give comprehensive coverage of the The walk climbs through mixed countryside to the Bottom, turn right at T junction and follow Oxon Hollandridge Lane then cross to Turville Heath, Chilterns, from Hitchin and Hexton at one end to Goring and down to Southend and back down through hamlet of Dunsmore, then sweeps through tranquil bumpy lane for 1.5 miles to the car park. The 5 Stonor Park. One stile. Dogs welcome (must be woods to join The Ridgeway where there are fine mile walk has far-reaching views, common land, Mapledurham at the other. on lead through Stonor Park). Allow 2.5 hours. views across the Vale of Aylesbury and Chequers. farmland, ancient beech woods, a hamlet and The return leg will follow The Ridgeway past Maggie Templeman 07831 878679/01491 637942 imposing manor house. Undulating walk with Coombe Hill monument. The 5 mile walk includes 180m of ascent. Every kind of footpath, bridleway and other right of way is VERY Wed 5 10am start for a ‘Stroll with poles through Explorer 171 six small ascents and one stile. Dogs must be on Frank Auton 07785 276095 Bottom Wood’. Meet in the public car park by GR 807942 non-extending leads at all times. clearly picked out, so you can get the most out of walking, riding The Dashwood Arms, Piddington HP14 3BH. On CS Map 7 Richard Skepper 01494 775689 (Mobile on the Wed 6 Meet at The Rising Sun, Witheridge Hill RG9 Explorer 171 and running in the Chilterns. this 5.5 mile walk we’ll learn how to get the best Bucks 5PF. A 6 mile walk via Shepherds Green to Greys GR 696841 day 07772 214503) 1 use from your walking poles. The undulating route Court and back via Tartary Wood. Some hills. CS Map 2 The maps are 2 /2 inches to 1 mile (approx. 1:25000) scale, goes through the delightful Bottom Wood and JANUARY Pub under new management, please park on the Oxon and even come with up to four walks detailed on the back. Most explores old roads and pack-horse trails. Contact Green if not patronising the pub. Wed 2 Meet and park on Rocky Lane just south of Greys Explorer 171 Philippa if you’d like to borrow poles (limited of them are in colour, and prices range from £1.95 to £2.99. The Court RG9 4PG. A 5 mile walk through woodland GR 723832 Stephen Fox 01491 681646 (Mobile on the day number available). Walkers not using poles also and pasture encircling the Greys Court Estate, and CS Map 2 07816 289503) maps are available direct from the Society and in outlets across welcome. Total ascent/descent 550ft. Mainly passing through the Fleming family’s Nettlebed Oxon Sun 10 Meet at the public car park behind The Stag Explorer 171 good paths, but may be muddy in parts. No stiles. the Chilterns, including garden centres, pubs, shops and tourist Estate. Mostly easy walking after an initial steep and Huntsman, Hambleden RG9 6RP. A 5.5 mile GR 784866 Philippa Sanders 07711 600226 climb. National Trust members may wish to visit walk through Ridge Wood and Great Wood to CS Map 11 information centres. Greys Court after the walk, or book lunch at The Sun 9 Meet in the public car park off Chorley Road, Explorer 172 Lower Wood End and Luxters. Return via the Bucks West Wycombe HP14 3AP. A 5.5 mile walk GR 826947 Maltsters Arms, Rotherfield Greys. Bob Parry 0118 9620405/07722 350210 Hambleden Valley. A few stiles and a steep climb. starting with a stiff climb up past the Mausoleum, CS Map 7 Alex Barr 01628 476187 followed by an undulating walk via Bradenham. Bucks Sun 6 Meet at the swimming pool car park in Moor Explorer Some good views. Well-behaved dogs welcome. Road, Chesham HP5 1SF. A 5 mile walk that takes 172/181 Wed 13 Meet at Booker Memorial Hall, Limmer Lane, Explorer 171 Reporting path problems David Hanson 01494 675954/07754 588956 in the woods around and through Chesham Bois, GR 963008 Booker HP12 4QS to explore the countryside GR 835913 around Booker Common to the west of High CS Map 1 In normal circumstances please report any path problem to our Wed 12 Christmas walk and lunch. Meet at 10.30am at Explorer 172 before returning via the bridleways in the Chess CS Maps Valley. A few short easy climbs. Wycombe. Some muddy patches and slippery Bucks Rights of Way Group Area Secretary covering the parish, who The Grouse and Ale, Lane End HP14 3JG. Limited GR 809917 6, 17 Andrew Clark 01494 783035 (Mobile on the day parking at the pub, so please use nearby car park CS Maps Bucks slopes likely. will then either take remedial action or prompt the appropriate only 07935 875403) or adjacent roads. A 4 mile walk around the Lane 1, 11 Richard Boas 01628 527978 (Mobile on the day Highway Authority to do it. Information about the Area End countryside. Lunch follows at 1pm. Booking Bucks Wed 9 Meet in the playing field car park in Wigginton. Explorer 181 only 07757 482293) Secretaries is shown on the Society’s website. The entrance is off Chesham Road, 100m past required – please contact Paul Weller at psmg- GR 938099 Sun 17 Meet outside the front of Berkhamsted station Explorer 181 If however you come across something which you feel is a The Greyhound Inn on the right-hand side on the CS Map 18 [email protected] or call 01628 486328. for a 6 mile walk passing Berkhamsted Castle GR 994082 safety hazard needing to be handled with special urgency Richard Booth 01628 521185 way out of Wigginton (nearest postcode HP23 Herts and Norcott Hall. Returning to the station along CS Maps 6HH). A walk to the outskirts of Cholesbury and please make that known direct to the Highway Authority the Grand Union Canal. No stiles and mainly hard 17, 19 Sun 16 Meet at the Ashridge Café, Monetbury Hill HP4 Explorer 181 Buckland Common, then back through Hastoe. responsible for the location (their details are shown below). If 1LX (ample free parking) for an 8 mile walk. GR 968132 paths. Herts Mostly level walking in the open. A few stiles. you do inform the Highway Authority direct, it would greatly Initially descend out of the woods to Aldbury CS Map 19 David Lawrence 01296 482313/07950 088213 John Lavender (Mobile on the day only 07546 village and on to Stocks Golf Club, followed by Herts 245847) help if you also informed our Area Secretary. a gentle ascent into Aldbury Nowers. The walk Sun 13 Meet at Whiteleaf Hill car park off Peters Lane, Explorer 181 Wed 20 Meet at The Boot, The Green, Sarratt WD3 Explorer 182 Central Bedfordshire CC 0300 300 8308 then follows the top of the escarpment, with fine near HP27 0RP. A 7 mile circular walk following GR 823036 sections of The Ridgeway and The Chiltern Way 6BL. A 5.7 mile walk heading from Sarratt to GR 042995 views over Aylesbury Vale. It continues above the CS Map 3 Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ through beautiful scenery, including wooded hills Chipperfield Common and Belsize, returning CS Map 5 working Pitstone chalk quarry and up the south Bucks Preferably report online: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov. and nature reserves. Pass some great rural pubs along The Chiltern Way to the start. Good mix Herts face of Beacon Hill. Finally a gentle stroll back to uk/leisure/countryside/rights-of-way/public.aspx, identifying and a windmill. Enjoy some far-reaching views. of open fields with nice views and woodland. the café. No stiles, but some chalk paths can be the path number by use of the map on that site; otherwise by Mike Fox 07836 262766 Hopefully not too muddy for the time of year. No slippery if wet. Total ascent/descent 300m. Allow email to [email protected]. stiles or steep hills. 3-plus hours. Wed 16 Meet at The Hampden Arms, Great Hampden Explorer 181 Paul Cooke 07901 516342 Stuart Marsden 07788 107013 HP16 9RQ. Please park in the ‘overflow’ car park GR 847017 Luton BC 01582 510333 Fax: 01582 547177 at the rear of the pub. This 6 mile walk includes CS Maps Wed 19 Meet near The Full Moon, Cholesbury HP5 2UH Explorer 181 Sun 24 Meet at The Whip Inn, Lacey Green. Park on the Explorer Highway Maintenance, Luton Borough Council, Town Hall, Hampden church, Hampden House, Lacey Green 7, 12 for a 5.5 mile walk around the commons, fields GR 935069 verge opposite the pub on Pink Rd. A lovely 5 172/181 George Street, Luton LU1 2BQ Windmill and Loosley Row, as well as fields and Bucks and woods of Hawridge and Cholesbury. Plenty CS Map 8 woodland. Some views. Several stiles, but only a mile walk with excellent views across the Vale GR 818007 [email protected]. of interest on route. A few stiles, two short climbs Bucks couple of ‘upward gradients’. We need to of Aylesbury, as well as charming flint cottages. CS Map 7 and one steep descent. Likely to be muddy in pre-order food before setting off. Undulating walk through fields and woodlands, Bucks Hertfordshire CC (excluding Dacorum) 01992 555279 places. Clive Knapman 07811 707918 with one steep but short ascent. A good walk Rights of Way, County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8DN for winter as there are opportunities to road Di Shaw 07799 530611 Sun 20 Meet in the car park of Nuffield Place, near Explorer 171 [email protected]. walk and also short cuts if weather is inclement. Sun 23 No walk Henley-on-Thames RG9 5RY. In the unlikely GR 679879 event that the car park is closed, there should CS Map 2 Several stiles. Hertfordshire (Dacorum BC) 01442 228356 Wed 26 Boxing Day walk starting at 10.30am. From the Explorer 181 be enough space on the access lane. Our walk Oxon Sue Brown 07815 310552 Countryside Access Officer, Cupid Green Depot, B4009 take the St Leonards Road and turn first GR 888097 will stick to high ground, taking in parts of The Wed 27 Meet at Watlington Recreation Ground free car Explorer 171 Redbourn Rd, Hemel Hempstead HP2 7BA right, opposite the golf course, into Wendover CS Map 18 Chiltern Way, The Ridgeway and Huntercombe park off Shirburn Road OX49 5BZ. A 6 mile GR 692948 Golf Course. [email protected]. Woods. Follow the one-way lane to meet at the Bucks walk to Pyrton Hill House, Christmas Common, CS Maps Viewpoint car parking area on the left, opposite Deirdre Philpott 01628 483700/07973 271474 Watlington Hill, Lys Farm and Watlington. 9, 10 3 seats, before the main car park and cafe HP22 Buckinghamshire CC 0845 230 2882 Wed 23 Meet at The Greyhound, Chesham Road, Explorer 181 Peter Hetherington 07767 647714 Oxon 5NF. There’s a pay machine to exit the car park. Wigginton HP23 6EH. A varied 5.7 mile walk GR 937099 Rights of Way (Operations), County Hall, A varied walk of about 6 miles, with extensive including King Charles Ride through Tring Park, CS Map 18 MARCH Walton St. Aylesbury HP20 lUY views. The walk includes part of the Outer The Ridgeway and the Grand Union Canal. Many Herts but if at all possible online at: Aylesbury Ring and the Wendover Arm of the far-reaching views. No stiles or steep hills. Sun 3 Meet and park in the village hall car park in Explorer 171 transportforbucks.net/report-it-prow.aspx Grand Union Canal. Five stiles. Please make your Nigel Seabrooke 01727 850334/07747 552378 Rectory Road, behind St James Church in Bix GR 727852 own lunch arrangements. Sun 27 Meet at the car park at the end of Hill Top Lane, Landranger RG9 6BU. The walk circles round the Alvingham CS Map 2 Oxfordshire CC Patricia Boxell 01494 438968/07847 869506 situated north of the minor Bledlow Ridge to 165 Estate and takes in Bix Bottom (passing the old Oxon Path and bridleway problems should be reported using the Chinnor road. This 4.6 mile, figure-of-eight GR 766002 church) and Crocker End. It’s not particularly online interactive reporting system: walk starts by heading to the attractive village CS Map 14 hilly, but has nice views and some pleasant http://publicapps.oxfordshire.gov.uk/content/publicnet/ These walks are open to all members. Non-members are welcome to of Bledlow, latterly via The Chiltern Way. Then, Oxon woods. Approx. 2 hours. Dogs are welcome, but picking up The Midshires Way, we head back council_services/environment_planning/countryside/Map/ join us as guests for two or three walks, though if you walk with the uphill to the escarpment. We return via The will need to be on the lead near stock and game ROW/row.html, or use the quick link: www.tinyurl.com/ group regularly you will be expected to join the Chiltern Society to Ridgeway/Icknield Way to the car park. Three birds. No stiles. gsbpw4y. gentle climbs and a steep one. No stiles. Maggie Templeman 01491 637942 support our work in caring for the Chilterns. General Rights of Way enquiries 01865 810226 Stephen Groves 01494 684880/07843 381971 & Robert Aitken 07899 928928

42 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 43 SOCIETY WALKS

SUNDAY Walks start at 10am, unless stated. All participants walk at their own risk and must follow any advice Usually about 5 or 6 miles, allow 2.5 hours. and instructions from the Walk Leaders. Participants must be JANUARY O/S GRID REF Walks start at 10.30am. About 5 or 6 miles, allow 2.5 hours. equipped with appropriate clothing and footwear, and are also WEEKDAY Wed 30 Meet at The Hampden Arms, Great Hampden Explorer 181

NB. Variations from this will be indicated in the walk description. advised to carry a first aid kit and water. Walk Leaders have the HP16 9RQ – parking available. A reasonably level GR 845014 regarding the walks should be directed to: authority to refuse those who in their opinion are inadequately ENQUIRIES 6 mile walk viewing archaeological and historical CS Map 12 Walk leader where telephone number is given, or equipped or unfit to undertake the walk. To avoid disappointment, 1) sites in the Chilterns, including Grims Ditch, Bucks 2) Paul Weller 01628 486328 contact the Walk Leader in advance if you’re unsure of the Whiteleaf, Neolithic and Bronze Age barrows, and suitability of the walk. CS = CHILTERN SOCIETY MAP NO. Hampden House. A few stiles. Lunch available at PLEASE NOTE: Walks may occasionally be changed or cancelled at short notice. If you can, please check our website for The Hampden Arms. updates. In times of ice and snow call the Walk Leader before leaving home in case the walk is cancelled. Brian Bowman 01844 290346 Society FEBRUARY DECEMBER O/S GRID REF DECEMBER O/S GRID REF footpath maps Sun 3 Meet at the Warburg Nature Reserve car park Explorer 171 Sun 2 Meet opposite the entrance to Stonor Park (just Explorer 171 Sun 30 Meet in the public car park by the library in Explorer 181 RG9 6BJ. To reach the Reserve take the B480 GR 721878 north of Stonor village) RG9 6HF. The walk is GR 736889 Wendover HP22 6DU. The car park is signposted off GR 869077 – don’t leave home without them! between Henley and Watlington, just outside CS Maps mostly gently undulating with one steep section. CS Map 9 the High St opposite the Lucca Bar and Restaurant. CS Map 3 Middle Assendon take turning towards Bix 2, 9 Fabulous views, sometimes 3600. Head up Oxon It has public conveniences and is free on Sundays. Bucks Our 32 footpath maps give comprehensive coverage of the The walk climbs through mixed countryside to the Bottom, turn right at T junction and follow Oxon Hollandridge Lane then cross to Turville Heath, Chilterns, from Hitchin and Hexton at one end to Goring and down to Southend and back down through hamlet of Dunsmore, then sweeps through tranquil bumpy lane for 1.5 miles to the car park. The 5 Stonor Park. One stile. Dogs welcome (must be woods to join The Ridgeway where there are fine mile walk has far-reaching views, common land, Mapledurham at the other. on lead through Stonor Park). Allow 2.5 hours. views across the Vale of Aylesbury and Chequers. farmland, ancient beech woods, a hamlet and The return leg will follow The Ridgeway past Maggie Templeman 07831 878679/01491 637942 imposing manor house. Undulating walk with Coombe Hill monument. The 5 mile walk includes 180m of ascent. Every kind of footpath, bridleway and other right of way is VERY Wed 5 10am start for a ‘Stroll with poles through Explorer 171 six small ascents and one stile. Dogs must be on Frank Auton 07785 276095 Bottom Wood’. Meet in the public car park by GR 807942 non-extending leads at all times. clearly picked out, so you can get the most out of walking, riding The Dashwood Arms, Piddington HP14 3BH. On CS Map 7 Richard Skepper 01494 775689 (Mobile on the Wed 6 Meet at The Rising Sun, Witheridge Hill RG9 Explorer 171 and running in the Chilterns. this 5.5 mile walk we’ll learn how to get the best Bucks 5PF. A 6 mile walk via Shepherds Green to Greys GR 696841 day 07772 214503) 1 use from your walking poles. The undulating route Court and back via Tartary Wood. Some hills. CS Map 2 The maps are 2 /2 inches to 1 mile (approx. 1:25000) scale, goes through the delightful Bottom Wood and JANUARY Pub under new management, please park on the Oxon and even come with up to four walks detailed on the back. Most explores old roads and pack-horse trails. Contact Green if not patronising the pub. Wed 2 Meet and park on Rocky Lane just south of Greys Explorer 171 Philippa if you’d like to borrow poles (limited of them are in colour, and prices range from £1.95 to £2.99. The Court RG9 4PG. A 5 mile walk through woodland GR 723832 Stephen Fox 01491 681646 (Mobile on the day number available). Walkers not using poles also and pasture encircling the Greys Court Estate, and CS Map 2 07816 289503) maps are available direct from the Society and in outlets across welcome. Total ascent/descent 550ft. Mainly passing through the Fleming family’s Nettlebed Oxon Sun 10 Meet at the public car park behind The Stag Explorer 171 good paths, but may be muddy in parts. No stiles. the Chilterns, including garden centres, pubs, shops and tourist Estate. Mostly easy walking after an initial steep and Huntsman, Hambleden RG9 6RP. A 5.5 mile GR 784866 Philippa Sanders 07711 600226 climb. National Trust members may wish to visit walk through Ridge Wood and Great Wood to CS Map 11 information centres. Greys Court after the walk, or book lunch at The Sun 9 Meet in the public car park off Chorley Road, Explorer 172 Lower Wood End and Luxters. Return via the Bucks West Wycombe HP14 3AP. A 5.5 mile walk GR 826947 Maltsters Arms, Rotherfield Greys. Bob Parry 0118 9620405/07722 350210 Hambleden Valley. A few stiles and a steep climb. starting with a stiff climb up past the Mausoleum, CS Map 7 Alex Barr 01628 476187 followed by an undulating walk via Bradenham. Bucks Sun 6 Meet at the swimming pool car park in Moor Explorer Some good views. Well-behaved dogs welcome. Road, Chesham HP5 1SF. A 5 mile walk that takes 172/181 Wed 13 Meet at Booker Memorial Hall, Limmer Lane, Explorer 171 Reporting path problems David Hanson 01494 675954/07754 588956 in the woods around and through Chesham Bois, GR 963008 Booker HP12 4QS to explore the countryside GR 835913 around Booker Common to the west of High CS Map 1 In normal circumstances please report any path problem to our Wed 12 Christmas walk and lunch. Meet at 10.30am at Explorer 172 before returning via the bridleways in the Chess CS Maps Valley. A few short easy climbs. Wycombe. Some muddy patches and slippery Bucks Rights of Way Group Area Secretary covering the parish, who The Grouse and Ale, Lane End HP14 3JG. Limited GR 809917 6, 17 Andrew Clark 01494 783035 (Mobile on the day parking at the pub, so please use nearby car park CS Maps Bucks slopes likely. will then either take remedial action or prompt the appropriate only 07935 875403) or adjacent roads. A 4 mile walk around the Lane 1, 11 Richard Boas 01628 527978 (Mobile on the day Highway Authority to do it. Information about the Area End countryside. Lunch follows at 1pm. Booking Bucks Wed 9 Meet in the playing field car park in Wigginton. Explorer 181 only 07757 482293) Secretaries is shown on the Society’s website. The entrance is off Chesham Road, 100m past required – please contact Paul Weller at psmg- GR 938099 Sun 17 Meet outside the front of Berkhamsted station Explorer 181 If however you come across something which you feel is a The Greyhound Inn on the right-hand side on the CS Map 18 [email protected] or call 01628 486328. for a 6 mile walk passing Berkhamsted Castle GR 994082 safety hazard needing to be handled with special urgency Richard Booth 01628 521185 way out of Wigginton (nearest postcode HP23 Herts and Norcott Hall. Returning to the station along CS Maps 6HH). A walk to the outskirts of Cholesbury and please make that known direct to the Highway Authority the Grand Union Canal. No stiles and mainly hard 17, 19 Sun 16 Meet at the Ashridge Café, Monetbury Hill HP4 Explorer 181 Buckland Common, then back through Hastoe. responsible for the location (their details are shown below). If 1LX (ample free parking) for an 8 mile walk. GR 968132 paths. Herts Mostly level walking in the open. A few stiles. you do inform the Highway Authority direct, it would greatly Initially descend out of the woods to Aldbury CS Map 19 David Lawrence 01296 482313/07950 088213 John Lavender (Mobile on the day only 07546 village and on to Stocks Golf Club, followed by Herts 245847) help if you also informed our Area Secretary. a gentle ascent into Aldbury Nowers. The walk Sun 13 Meet at Whiteleaf Hill car park off Peters Lane, Explorer 181 Wed 20 Meet at The Boot, The Green, Sarratt WD3 Explorer 182 Central Bedfordshire CC 0300 300 8308 then follows the top of the escarpment, with fine near HP27 0RP. A 7 mile circular walk following GR 823036 sections of The Ridgeway and The Chiltern Way 6BL. A 5.7 mile walk heading from Sarratt to GR 042995 views over Aylesbury Vale. It continues above the CS Map 3 Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ through beautiful scenery, including wooded hills Chipperfield Common and Belsize, returning CS Map 5 working Pitstone chalk quarry and up the south Bucks Preferably report online: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov. and nature reserves. Pass some great rural pubs along The Chiltern Way to the start. Good mix Herts face of Beacon Hill. Finally a gentle stroll back to uk/leisure/countryside/rights-of-way/public.aspx, identifying and a windmill. Enjoy some far-reaching views. of open fields with nice views and woodland. the café. No stiles, but some chalk paths can be the path number by use of the map on that site; otherwise by Mike Fox 07836 262766 Hopefully not too muddy for the time of year. No slippery if wet. Total ascent/descent 300m. Allow email to [email protected]. stiles or steep hills. 3-plus hours. Wed 16 Meet at The Hampden Arms, Great Hampden Explorer 181 Paul Cooke 07901 516342 Stuart Marsden 07788 107013 HP16 9RQ. Please park in the ‘overflow’ car park GR 847017 Luton BC 01582 510333 Fax: 01582 547177 at the rear of the pub. This 6 mile walk includes CS Maps Wed 19 Meet near The Full Moon, Cholesbury HP5 2UH Explorer 181 Sun 24 Meet at The Whip Inn, Lacey Green. Park on the Explorer Highway Maintenance, Luton Borough Council, Town Hall, Hampden church, Hampden House, Lacey Green 7, 12 for a 5.5 mile walk around the commons, fields GR 935069 verge opposite the pub on Pink Rd. A lovely 5 172/181 George Street, Luton LU1 2BQ Windmill and Loosley Row, as well as fields and Bucks and woods of Hawridge and Cholesbury. Plenty CS Map 8 woodland. Some views. Several stiles, but only a mile walk with excellent views across the Vale GR 818007 [email protected]. of interest on route. A few stiles, two short climbs Bucks couple of ‘upward gradients’. We need to of Aylesbury, as well as charming flint cottages. CS Map 7 and one steep descent. Likely to be muddy in pre-order food before setting off. Undulating walk through fields and woodlands, Bucks Hertfordshire CC (excluding Dacorum) 01992 555279 places. Clive Knapman 07811 707918 with one steep but short ascent. A good walk Rights of Way, County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8DN for winter as there are opportunities to road Di Shaw 07799 530611 Sun 20 Meet in the car park of Nuffield Place, near Explorer 171 [email protected]. walk and also short cuts if weather is inclement. Sun 23 No walk Henley-on-Thames RG9 5RY. In the unlikely GR 679879 event that the car park is closed, there should CS Map 2 Several stiles. Hertfordshire (Dacorum BC) 01442 228356 Wed 26 Boxing Day walk starting at 10.30am. From the Explorer 181 be enough space on the access lane. Our walk Oxon Sue Brown 07815 310552 Countryside Access Officer, Cupid Green Depot, B4009 take the St Leonards Road and turn first GR 888097 will stick to high ground, taking in parts of The Wed 27 Meet at Watlington Recreation Ground free car Explorer 171 Redbourn Rd, Hemel Hempstead HP2 7BA right, opposite the golf course, into Wendover CS Map 18 Chiltern Way, The Ridgeway and Huntercombe park off Shirburn Road OX49 5BZ. A 6 mile GR 692948 Golf Course. [email protected]. Woods. Follow the one-way lane to meet at the Bucks walk to Pyrton Hill House, Christmas Common, CS Maps Viewpoint car parking area on the left, opposite Deirdre Philpott 01628 483700/07973 271474 Watlington Hill, Lys Farm and Watlington. 9, 10 3 seats, before the main car park and cafe HP22 Buckinghamshire CC 0845 230 2882 Wed 23 Meet at The Greyhound, Chesham Road, Explorer 181 Peter Hetherington 07767 647714 Oxon 5NF. There’s a pay machine to exit the car park. Wigginton HP23 6EH. A varied 5.7 mile walk GR 937099 Rights of Way (Operations), County Hall, A varied walk of about 6 miles, with extensive including King Charles Ride through Tring Park, CS Map 18 MARCH Walton St. Aylesbury HP20 lUY views. The walk includes part of the Outer The Ridgeway and the Grand Union Canal. Many Herts but if at all possible online at: Aylesbury Ring and the Wendover Arm of the far-reaching views. No stiles or steep hills. Sun 3 Meet and park in the village hall car park in Explorer 171 transportforbucks.net/report-it-prow.aspx Grand Union Canal. Five stiles. Please make your Nigel Seabrooke 01727 850334/07747 552378 Rectory Road, behind St James Church in Bix GR 727852 own lunch arrangements. Sun 27 Meet at the car park at the end of Hill Top Lane, Landranger RG9 6BU. The walk circles round the Alvingham CS Map 2 Oxfordshire CC Patricia Boxell 01494 438968/07847 869506 situated north of the minor Bledlow Ridge to 165 Estate and takes in Bix Bottom (passing the old Oxon Path and bridleway problems should be reported using the Chinnor road. This 4.6 mile, figure-of-eight GR 766002 church) and Crocker End. It’s not particularly online interactive reporting system: walk starts by heading to the attractive village CS Map 14 hilly, but has nice views and some pleasant http://publicapps.oxfordshire.gov.uk/content/publicnet/ These walks are open to all members. Non-members are welcome to of Bledlow, latterly via The Chiltern Way. Then, Oxon woods. Approx. 2 hours. Dogs are welcome, but picking up The Midshires Way, we head back council_services/environment_planning/countryside/Map/ join us as guests for two or three walks, though if you walk with the uphill to the escarpment. We return via The will need to be on the lead near stock and game ROW/row.html, or use the quick link: www.tinyurl.com/ group regularly you will be expected to join the Chiltern Society to Ridgeway/Icknield Way to the car park. Three birds. No stiles. gsbpw4y. gentle climbs and a steep one. No stiles. Maggie Templeman 01491 637942 support our work in caring for the Chilterns. General Rights of Way enquiries 01865 810226 Stephen Groves 01494 684880/07843 381971 & Robert Aitken 07899 928928

42 Chiltern 230 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 43