The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Illustration Acknowledgements the GIS Maps Produced in This Booklet Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright

Chilterns Historic The Making of the Landscape Characterisation Chilterns Landscape Project

an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Illustration Acknowledgements The GIS maps produced in this booklet Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved Foreword Contents Buckinghamshire County Council. Licence No. 100021529 2010. and Copyright he Chilterns is a landscape which Chapter 1 – Introduction 1 Copyright for photographs and images are as follows: has been shaped by mankind over several thousand years giving it a - Background 1 Executive Summary: Chilterns view near Fingest © Natural England/Tina Stallard T - Methodology Pages 9 and 10: Vertical aerial photographs © UK Perspectives special historic character. Today we 2 Page 12: OS 1st edition 6” map © Landmark Information Group experience an environment shaped by Chapter 2 – Historical Development 5 Page 14: Whiteleaf Hill c. 1900 © Oxfordshire CC Whiteleaf Hill 1992 © Mike Farley prehistoric farmers, medieval lords and Page 15: Ancient Woodland © John Morris, Chiltern Woodlands Project peasants, the gentry's garden designers and Page 16: Diagram of wood clearance © Alison Doggett - Broad Landscape Overview 5 Moor End Common and Cholesbury hillfort © John Morris, Chiltern Woodlands Project Victorian surveyors. The Chilterns Historic - Pre 18th Century Landscapes 6 Page 22: Hollow way © John Morris, Chiltern Woodlands Project Landscape Characterisation project has for - 18th/19th Century Landscapes 7 Page 23: Newnham Murren OS 1st edition 6” map © Landmark Information Group the first time mapped changes across the - 20th Century Landscapes 8 Page 26: Prehistoric Ring ditches © Mike Farley whole of the Area of Outstanding Natural Fallen Tree © John Morris, Chiltern Woodlands Project Beauty providing information to enrich our Chapter 3- Themes 9 Page 27: Family picnicking by the River Chess near Amersham © Natural England/Tina Stallard appreciation of the area's special character. Sawpit © John Morris, Chiltern Woodlands Project - Fields 9 Page 30: © Mike Farley - Open Land (Commons, Heaths and Downs) 13 Page 33: Aston Clinton bypass © Mike Farley This report summarises the study's approach - Woodlands 15 Page 34: Ploughing at Streatley © Natural England/Tina Stallard and its findings, and also shows how - Parks and Gardens 17 Page 35: Conservation appraisal map Tylers Green © Wycombe District Council information can be used to care for this Page 36: Special Trees and Woods volunteers © John Morris, Chiltern Woodlands Project Settlements and Buildings 18 wonderful asset for the benefit of current - Roads and Trackways 23 All other photographs and images © Buckinghamshire County Council or Chilterns Conservation Board and future generations. We urge all Other Land Uses 24 organisations and individuals with a - Archaeological Remains 25 Text: David Green and Sandy Kidd responsibility for the Chilterns landscape to © Chilterns Conservation Board, Buckinghamshire County Council and English Heritage Chapter 4- Heritage Values and Significance 27 take heed of this study when planning for the future. - Principles 27 - Recognising Heritage Values 28 - Statement of Significance 30

Chapter 5- Using Chilterns HLC 33

- Planning 33 Landscape Management 34 Conservation Appraisals 35 Sir John Johnson Community and Education 36 CONSERVATION BOARD Chairman - Chilterns Conservation Board Chapter 6- Further Information: Accessing Chilterns HLC 37 Boer War Memorial, Coombe Hill, Bucks

Fold Out Map of Chilterns Historic Landscape Character

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Illustration Acknowledgements The GIS maps produced in this booklet Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved Foreword Contents Buckinghamshire County Council. Licence No. 100021529 2010. and Copyright he Chilterns is a landscape which Chapter 1 – Introduction 1 Copyright for photographs and images are as follows: has been shaped by mankind over several thousand years giving it a - Background 1 Executive Summary: Chilterns view near Fingest © Natural England/Tina Stallard T - Methodology Pages 9 and 10: Vertical aerial photographs © UK Perspectives special historic character. Today we 2 Page 12: OS 1st edition 6” map © Landmark Information Group experience an environment shaped by Chapter 2 – Historical Development 5 Page 14: Whiteleaf Hill c. 1900 © Oxfordshire CC Whiteleaf Hill 1992 © Mike Farley prehistoric farmers, medieval lords and Page 15: Ancient Woodland © John Morris, Chiltern Woodlands Project peasants, the gentry's garden designers and Page 16: Diagram of wood clearance © Alison Doggett - Broad Landscape Overview 5 Moor End Common and Cholesbury hillfort © John Morris, Chiltern Woodlands Project Victorian surveyors. The Chilterns Historic - Pre 18th Century Landscapes 6 Page 22: Hollow way © John Morris, Chiltern Woodlands Project Landscape Characterisation project has for - 18th/19th Century Landscapes 7 Page 23: Newnham Murren OS 1st edition 6” map © Landmark Information Group the first time mapped changes across the - 20th Century Landscapes 8 Page 26: Prehistoric Ring ditches © Mike Farley whole of the Area of Outstanding Natural Fallen Tree © John Morris, Chiltern Woodlands Project Beauty providing information to enrich our Chapter 3- Themes 9 Page 27: Family picnicking by the River Chess near Amersham © Natural England/Tina Stallard appreciation of the area's special character. Sawpit © John Morris, Chiltern Woodlands Project - Fields 9 Page 30: © Mike Farley - Open Land (Commons, Heaths and Downs) 13 Page 33: Aston Clinton bypass © Mike Farley This report summarises the study's approach - Woodlands 15 Page 34: Ploughing at Streatley © Natural England/Tina Stallard and its findings, and also shows how - Parks and Gardens 17 Page 35: Conservation appraisal map Tylers Green © Wycombe District Council information can be used to care for this Page 36: Special Trees and Woods volunteers © John Morris, Chiltern Woodlands Project Settlements and Buildings 18 wonderful asset for the benefit of current - Roads and Trackways 23 All other photographs and images © Buckinghamshire County Council or Chilterns Conservation Board and future generations. We urge all Other Land Uses 24 organisations and individuals with a - Archaeological Remains 25 Text: David Green and Sandy Kidd responsibility for the Chilterns landscape to © Chilterns Conservation Board, Buckinghamshire County Council and English Heritage Chapter 4- Heritage Values and Significance 27 take heed of this study when planning for the future. - Principles 27 - Recognising Heritage Values 28 - Statement of Significance 30

Chapter 5- Using Chilterns HLC 33

Fold Out Map of Chilterns Historic Landscape Character

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Chapter 1: Executive Summary Introduction he Chilterns is renowned as one of Although protected and designated as an Area of Outstanding the Chilterns and the management of its landscape. This Background Britain's finest landscapes, famous Natural Beauty (AONB) much of what we can see in the short guide provides a summary of the study explaining its he Chilterns Historic Landscape for its rolling chalk hills, steep-sided Chilterns is the result of centuries of human endeavour. In methodology, what it tells us about the Chilterns landscape T Characterisation (Chilterns HLC) valleys, cathedral like beech woods, rich order to better understand and appreciate the historic value and how it can be used. Chilterns HLC will be an essential Project was undertaken by chalk grassland, winding lanes and unspoilt, of this special landscape, the Chilterns Conservation Board, information source informing revisions of the Chilterns AONB T Buckinghamshire County Council picturesque villages with brick and flint English Heritage and Buckinghamshire County Council have Management Plan, planning policies and practical actions for Archaeological Service for the Chilterns completed a Chilterns Historic Landscape Characterisation the conservation and promotion of the area's heritage and cottages. All of these components combine Conservation Board and English Heritage to create the varied landscapes that are project (Chilterns HLC) covering the designated AONB and an landscape. between August 2004 and September 2008. highly valued by both residents and visitors. area immediately around it. The outcome of this work is a The aim was to produce a character map of strategic-scale system that can produce a wide range of maps This report is a summary of the full technical report report, the historic dimension of the present rural to characterise the distinctive, historic dimension of the which can be accessed on the Chilterns Conservation Board’s landscape across the whole of the Chilterns. environment with the aim of improving our understanding of website: www.chilternsaonb.org The project contributes to the aims of the Chilterns AONB Management Plan, by improving understanding and awareness of the Chilterns' historic landscape character.

The intended uses for this resource are to inform future planning policy and decisions affecting the AONB, and to help identify areas that could benefit most from landscape conservation or restoration initiatives. The HLC will also be a resource for community based projects.

The study began by merging existing county HLC maps of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and mapping the Oxfordshire Chilterns to produce a comprehensive character map of the AONB and its surrounding landscape. A second stage of the project featured a series of deepening projects on important aspects of Chilterns landscape not covered in much detail by the county HLC studies. The topics chosen for these studies were: woodland, the built environment and roads and trackways. Chilterns view near Fingest, Bucks Map showing the extent of the Chilterns HLC Project. The project area covered the whole of every modern civil parish which lies wholly or partly within the Chilterns AONB. The Making of the Chilterns Landscape The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 1 Methodology Methodology The first phase of the Chilterns HLC project Landscape Groups Historic Landscape Types Landscape Groups Historic Landscape Types Although HLC uses historic maps to look at was to create a historic character map by the date of landscape, the age of enclosed analysing a range of historic maps and aerial Civic Hospitals, Schools, Universities Military - Barracks/Training Grounds fields and woods is not always readily - Military Airfields photographs. This information was recorded - Government, Civic Centres apparent as many have been in existence - Utilities on a Geographical Information System (GIS). Miscellaneous - Mixed Origin since before the earliest maps. However the Using GIS enabled the creation of Communications Airfields (Commercial/Leisure) Open Fields shape and pattern of fields can provide a computerised maps that allow areas to be - Canals broad indicator of their history. Usually analysed and described according to their - Motorways Open Land - Commons, Heaths and Greens regular shaped fields are indicative of more - Downland historic character. Its flexibility permits a recent surveyed or 'planned countryside' Enclosures/Fields - 'Co-axial' Fields variety of maps showing different landscape whereas fields that are more irregular in - Assarts Parkland - Historic Parks and Gardens types to be produced at various scales. - Pre 18th Century Irregular character can be an indicator of older - Pre 18th Century Regular Recreation - Sports Grounds landscapes, or more piecemeal creation. Historic Landscape Types - Pre 18th Century Sinuous - Golf Courses - Meadows The project began with analysis of the - Furlongs and Strips Settlement - Historic Settlement (Pre 1885) The analysis of patterns can also help us landscape as seen on modern maps and aerial - Crofts - Modern Settlement (Post 1885) understand historic settlement types (see photographs. It assigned each piece of land - Parliamentary Enclosures – - Caravan Parks chapter 3) as well as woodlands. first to a broad “Landscape Group” and then (original allotments) Water - Water Reservoir into a more detailed “Historic Landscape - Parliamentary Enclosures – (divided allotments) - Flooded Restored Mineral Type”. Some 51 historic landscape types have - 19th Century Fields Extraction been defined, the types included varieties of - 20th Century Prairie Fields - Riverine Landscape Irregular shaped fields recorded on nineteenth century maps, Regular shaped fields created in the nineteenth century woodland, settlement and various patterns of - 20th Century Enclosures but of earlier origin (Studham, Beds) (Watlington, Oxon) enclosures/field systems. - Pony Paddocks Woodland - Woodland (Ancient Semi Natural ) Industrial - Industrial (post 1885) - Woodland (Secondary 19th Historic Maps - Industrial (disused) 20th Centuries) The landscape was then systematically mapped using the After the mapping was complete, a summary description and In addition to modern maps the project used - Mineral Extraction - Woodland (Coniferous historic landscape types to create a seamless historic interpretation of each type was prepared, accompanied by - Disused Mineral Extraction Plantation) landscape character map of the Chilterns landscape (see fold information on its origins, survival and rarity, distribution and a series of historic Ordnance Survey maps and - Woodland (Wood Pasture) out map). The final map comprises over 14,000 individual contribution to landscape character. Recent and current county maps going back to the middle of the Land Use - Allotments - Woodland (Ancient Replanted) areas, or polygons, each of which is linked to a database management issues and trends were also noted. 18th century. When compared to one another - Nursery/Market Gardening - Orchards containing a range of descriptive and interpretive these maps are important for observing - Unimproved Rough Ground changes in the landscape. - Watercress Beds information. - Water Meadows

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 2 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 3 Methodology Methodology The first phase of the Chilterns HLC project Landscape Groups Historic Landscape Types Landscape Groups Historic Landscape Types Although HLC uses historic maps to look at was to create a historic character map by the date of landscape, the age of enclosed analysing a range of historic maps and aerial Civic Hospitals, Schools, Universities Military - Barracks/Training Grounds fields and woods is not always readily - Military Airfields photographs. This information was recorded - Government, Civic Centres apparent as many have been in existence - Utilities on a Geographical Information System (GIS). Miscellaneous - Mixed Origin since before the earliest maps. However the Using GIS enabled the creation of Communications Airfields (Commercial/Leisure) Open Fields shape and pattern of fields can provide a computerised maps that allow areas to be - Canals broad indicator of their history. Usually analysed and described according to their - Motorways Open Land - Commons, Heaths and Greens regular shaped fields are indicative of more - Downland historic character. Its flexibility permits a recent surveyed or 'planned countryside' Enclosures/Fields - 'Co-axial' Fields variety of maps showing different landscape whereas fields that are more irregular in - Assarts Parkland - Historic Parks and Gardens types to be produced at various scales. - Pre 18th Century Irregular character can be an indicator of older - Pre 18th Century Regular Recreation - Sports Grounds landscapes, or more piecemeal creation. Historic Landscape Types - Pre 18th Century Sinuous - Golf Courses - Meadows The project began with analysis of the - Furlongs and Strips Settlement - Historic Settlement (Pre 1885) The analysis of patterns can also help us landscape as seen on modern maps and aerial - Crofts - Modern Settlement (Post 1885) understand historic settlement types (see photographs. It assigned each piece of land - Parliamentary Enclosures – - Caravan Parks chapter 3) as well as woodlands. first to a broad “Landscape Group” and then (original allotments) Water - Water Reservoir into a more detailed “Historic Landscape - Parliamentary Enclosures – (divided allotments) - Flooded Restored Mineral Type”. Some 51 historic landscape types have - 19th Century Fields Extraction been defined, the types included varieties of - 20th Century Prairie Fields - Riverine Landscape Irregular shaped fields recorded on nineteenth century maps, Regular shaped fields created in the nineteenth century woodland, settlement and various patterns of - 20th Century Enclosures but of earlier origin (Studham, Beds) (Watlington, Oxon) enclosures/field systems. - Pony Paddocks Woodland - Woodland (Ancient Semi Natural ) Industrial - Industrial (post 1885) - Woodland (Secondary 19th Historic Maps - Industrial (disused) 20th Centuries) The landscape was then systematically mapped using the After the mapping was complete, a summary description and In addition to modern maps the project used - Mineral Extraction - Woodland (Coniferous historic landscape types to create a seamless historic interpretation of each type was prepared, accompanied by - Disused Mineral Extraction Plantation) landscape character map of the Chilterns landscape (see fold information on its origins, survival and rarity, distribution and a series of historic Ordnance Survey maps and - Woodland (Wood Pasture) out map). The final map comprises over 14,000 individual contribution to landscape character. Recent and current county maps going back to the middle of the Land Use - Allotments - Woodland (Ancient Replanted) areas, or polygons, each of which is linked to a database management issues and trends were also noted. 18th century. When compared to one another - Nursery/Market Gardening - Orchards containing a range of descriptive and interpretive these maps are important for observing - Unimproved Rough Ground changes in the landscape. - Watercress Beds information. - Water Meadows

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 2 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 3 Chapter 2: Methodology Historical

Using historic maps and aerial photographs it Mapping Change: An Example Broad Landscape Overview is possible to chart landscape change and At South Heath near Great Missenden, change Development Enclosed fields are the dominant historic landscape type, accounting for nearly continuity over a 200 year period. Chilterns can be charted in some detail from c.1811 he purpose of this chapter is to 66% of the AONB area, reflecting the Chilterns' essentially rural character. HLC uses a method of analysing landscape where the first ordnance surveyor's drawings examine the historic landscape by time Woodland is another major landscape component covering just over 20% of the starting with the most recent source and show a landscape consisting of a common Tperiod, showing the contribution each AONB, making it one of the most heavily wooded areas in England, comparable regressing back to earliest Ordnance Survey (olive) a number of irregular and coaxial of three important phases has made to the to the Weald, New Forest or Wye Valley. maps of 1800-23 and, where relevant, fields to the north and east (purple and development of the present landscape of the Built-up areas (settlement, civic and industrial buildings) account for just over parliamentary enclosure maps and the early orange respectively) and small areas of Chilterns. The dominant historic character of 5% of the AONB, a much lower proportion than the surrounding areas. county surveys (e.g. those undertaken by woodland (green). There are also several each area is classified into one of three broad This is a reflection of how much built up land there is adjacent to Bryant and Jeffreys in Buckinghamshire). At small historic settlements (brown). periods: the AONB and how effectively the AONB boundary has prevented each stage the sources were assessed to c.1811 growth from neighbouring towns. establish whether there had been By the 1st edition 6” map of 1878 the Pre 18th century landscape Parks and Gardens are also a significant element in fundamental changes or whether the land had landscape had changed due to parliamentary 18th –19th century landscape the Chilterns accounting for nearly 4% of the AONB. remained essentially the same with only enclosure in 1850 dividing the common into 20th century landscape Open Land comprising commons, greens, downland minor changes. This information was entered regular fields (the pale blue area). Other and heaths make up just over 2% of the landscape. into the GIS database using codes to record parts of the common were lost to private Each section contains a map depicting the Other Landscape 3%, is taken up by minor changing landscape types. The database also enclosure (dark blue). surviving landscape components from that land uses: communications, military, records other aspects of landscape change period together with a brief description of open land, recreation, utilities such as the loss of field boundaries since the The latest episode of landscape change can the processes that have shaped the Chilterns and water. 19th century and place names which can be seen with the encroachment of housing in landscape and a comparison with the provide clues to origins and forms of some the 20th century (red area) and some prairie landscape surrounding the AONB. Discussion earlier landscapes. fields (pale yellow), although other areas of of the historical landscape types can be found the landscape have remained in Chapter 3. relatively unchanged such as the c.1878 irregular fields (purple) and the The maps and descriptions can only provide a woodland (green). very generalised representation of complex local histories – no Chilterns landscape remains entirely unchanged over the past century whilst earlier features survive within all but the most altered modern landscapes.

2003 South Heath, Bucks

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 4 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 5 Chapter 2: Methodology Historical

2003 South Heath, Bucks

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 4 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 5 Pre 18th Century 18th/19th Century Open Land is represented by commons, heaths and downland which all Parks and Gardens: The 18th and 19th centuries marked the zenith of parks Landscape have medieval or earlier origins. Commons and Heaths were communal Landscape and gardens in the Chilterns. They cover almost 4% of the AONB today. grazing land, as well as sources of fuel and building materials. Pre 18th century historic landscape types Historic landscapes of this period cover 23% Increasing wealth allowed the establishment of country houses and parks by Downland was also used for grazing. In total Open Land makes up just make up 45% of the Chilterns AONB. of the Chilterns AONB. They comprise: the landed elite as expressions of status and power. The proximity of the over 2% of the Chilterns AONB but was once far more abundant. Chilterns to London and Windsor added to its attraction and there are more in the eastern half of the AONB. Field patterns pre-dating the earliest maps Historic Settlement comprises 1% of the Chilterns AONB. The majority Fields: The most distinctive landscape types cover nearly 30% of the AONB. These are some of the 18th and 19th centuries are fields of the Chilterns historic settlements probably originated between Woodland: The 18th and 19th centuries saw the demand for wood increase, of the least well understood historic landscape the 10th and 13th centuries from which time they gradually created as a result of Parliamentary initially to provide fuel for London then later as a source for the furniture types in the Chilterns. It appears that developed into their 19th century form. Many retain Enclosure Acts which sought to improve land making industry. Many ancient semi natural woodlands were enclosure was a continuous and often substantial late medieval and post-medieval for farming. Parliamentary Enclosures in the converted to the renowned 'cathedral' beech woodlands. piecemeal process so it is often hard to historic building stocks. The Chilterns is a Chilterns form two distinctive groups. In a This period is also characterised by the growth of distinguish one phase from another. Coaxial landscape of predominately dispersed band running along the Oxford and Aylesbury fields – elongated fields, sharing a dominant secondary woodland, including the extension of settlement, which is discussed clay vales abutting the Chilterns scarp the alignment, are thought to be some of the existing ancient woodlands and the colonisation in Chapter 3. fields were enclosed from medieval open oldest in the Chilterns with origins in of open land as traditional management declined. fields. By contrast south of the Chilterns prehistoric or early medieval times. Medieval scarp the medieval open fields had already sources show that fields were being created by Other Landscape: The remaining disappeared and instead parliamentary woodland clearance, a process known as landscape types in the 18th and 19th enclosure focussed on creating fields from 'assarting'. Other hedged fields were created centuries make up less than 1% of common land. Not all enclosure in the 19th by piecemeal enclosure of medieval open field the AONB. They include century required a parliamentary act as arable strips – 'sinuous fields' may preserve commercial orchards, individual landowners could act alone. Such traces of this process. Other pre 18th century allotment gardens, enclosures are recognised by landscape fields are simply categorised as having regular canals and change from the early to late 19th century or irregular patterns. railways. maps. They usually involved grubbing up Woodland, comprising ancient woodland and woodlands or wholesale change to earlier wood pasture, covers nearly 11% of the field boundaries. The 18th and 19th century Chilterns AONB. These woods originated in the fields cover nearly 14% of the AONB. medieval period either as the private woods of manorial lords or as common woods where the Settlement: Within the AONB, newly founded local community held grazing rights. Very little 18th and 19th century settlements are wood pasture survives, although it was once largely confined to Victorian farms. The widespread. majority of hamlets and villages in the Chilterns underwent some rebuilding, although in most cases not enough to significantly alter their form.

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 6 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 7 Pre 18th Century 18th/19th Century Open Land is represented by commons, heaths and downland which all Parks and Gardens: The 18th and 19th centuries marked the zenith of parks Landscape have medieval or earlier origins. Commons and Heaths were communal Landscape and gardens in the Chilterns. They cover almost 4% of the AONB today. grazing land, as well as sources of fuel and building materials. Pre 18th century historic landscape types Historic landscapes of this period cover 23% Increasing wealth allowed the establishment of country houses and parks by Downland was also used for grazing. In total Open Land makes up just make up 45% of the Chilterns AONB. of the Chilterns AONB. They comprise: the landed elite as expressions of status and power. The proximity of the over 2% of the Chilterns AONB but was once far more abundant. Chilterns to London and Windsor added to its attraction and there are more in the eastern half of the AONB. Field patterns pre-dating the earliest maps Historic Settlement comprises 1% of the Chilterns AONB. The majority Fields: The most distinctive landscape types cover nearly 30% of the AONB. These are some of the 18th and 19th centuries are fields of the Chilterns historic settlements probably originated between Woodland: The 18th and 19th centuries saw the demand for wood increase, of the least well understood historic landscape the 10th and 13th centuries from which time they gradually created as a result of Parliamentary initially to provide fuel for London then later as a source for the furniture types in the Chilterns. It appears that developed into their 19th century form. Many retain Enclosure Acts which sought to improve land making industry. Many ancient semi natural woodlands were enclosure was a continuous and often substantial late medieval and post-medieval for farming. Parliamentary Enclosures in the converted to the renowned 'cathedral' beech woodlands. piecemeal process so it is often hard to historic building stocks. The Chilterns is a Chilterns form two distinctive groups. In a This period is also characterised by the growth of distinguish one phase from another. Coaxial landscape of predominately dispersed band running along the Oxford and Aylesbury fields – elongated fields, sharing a dominant secondary woodland, including the extension of settlement, which is discussed clay vales abutting the Chilterns scarp the alignment, are thought to be some of the existing ancient woodlands and the colonisation in Chapter 3. fields were enclosed from medieval open oldest in the Chilterns with origins in of open land as traditional management declined. fields. By contrast south of the Chilterns prehistoric or early medieval times. Medieval scarp the medieval open fields had already sources show that fields were being created by Other Landscape: The remaining disappeared and instead parliamentary woodland clearance, a process known as landscape types in the 18th and 19th enclosure focussed on creating fields from 'assarting'. Other hedged fields were created centuries make up less than 1% of common land. Not all enclosure in the 19th by piecemeal enclosure of medieval open field the AONB. They include century required a parliamentary act as arable strips – 'sinuous fields' may preserve commercial orchards, individual landowners could act alone. Such traces of this process. Other pre 18th century allotment gardens, enclosures are recognised by landscape fields are simply categorised as having regular canals and change from the early to late 19th century or irregular patterns. railways. maps. They usually involved grubbing up Woodland, comprising ancient woodland and woodlands or wholesale change to earlier wood pasture, covers nearly 11% of the field boundaries. The 18th and 19th century Chilterns AONB. These woods originated in the fields cover nearly 14% of the AONB. medieval period either as the private woods of manorial lords or as common woods where the Settlement: Within the AONB, newly founded local community held grazing rights. Very little 18th and 19th century settlements are wood pasture survives, although it was once largely confined to Victorian farms. The widespread. majority of hamlets and villages in the Chilterns underwent some rebuilding, although in most cases not enough to significantly alter their form.

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 6 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 7 Chapter 3: 20th Century Themes Woodland: Modern woodland covers 2% of the AONB. The growth of Older fields Landscape secondary woodland continued a trend from the 19th century with the Fields The 'older' fields of the Chilterns are those which were recorded on colonisation of downland and common land. The 20th century also saw Twentieth century historic landscape types the earliest maps used in this study, c.1800-20. Their age is hard to the planting of coniferous woodland for commercial use in the form of edged or fenced fields (known as make up 32% of the Chilterns AONB. They determine; for most all that can be said without further detailed local separate plantations and within existing historic woodlands. 'enclosed land') cover two-thirds of comprise: Hthe Chilterns AONB. The oldest fields study is that they probably predate the 18th century. The majority of have prehistoric or medieval origins but most enclosure types are defined by the shape and size of the field. There Fields: Modern hedged fields account for the Recreation: The 20th century saw a subtle change in the Chilterns were created over the last 500 years. Field are, however, two enclosure types for this period that are distinctive largest proportion of the 20th century landscape with land being increasingly converted to recreational patterns are classified according to their and have been recorded separately: landscape and cover nearly 24% of the Chilterns purposes. Golf courses and playing fields make up 2% of shape, size and likely origins. Older fields AONB. Modern fields are divided into two the AONB landscape, the former are found mainly in (those pre dating the 18th century) account for distinct historic landscape types: so-called the southern parts of Chilterns, close to major Assarts 42% of fields in the Chilterns AONB. Modern 'prairie fields' created by the clearance of centres of population. Assarts are fields created by a process of woodland clearance in fields account for 37% of enclosed land whilst hedgerows to create large fields for intensive medieval and post medieval-times. Assarted fields often lie close to 18th and 19th century enclosures make up the farming and '20th century enclosures' -older Other Landscape Types: The other kinds ancient woodlands, are irregular in shape or preserve typical curving remainder. fields subdivided by modern fencing to create of 20th century landscape types consist woodland boundaries with species-rich hedgerows. In the absence of smaller landholdings for livestock or to of industry and land uses such as maps to confirm former woodland use, field names such as 'sart' or facilitate equestrian activities. Both field types allotments and garden centres. 'stocking' can indicate woodland clearance. Assarts cover less than 3% are found throughout the Chilterns AONB These types are small in extent of the Chilterns AONB. Good examples can be found at Lacey Green particularly on the clay vales and in the central collectively covering under (Bucks) and Swancombe and Woodcote (Oxon). Metres and eastern Chilterns. 1% of the AONB. Coaxial fields Map of Assarted Fields (purple), Lacey Green Bucks Settlement: The principal modern settlements Another distinctive field type is the 'coaxial' field. Coaxial fields are so in the study area lie outside the AONB, named because they have two clear axes of orientation. Their origins focussed around the historic towns in the river have been the subject of much debate by archaeologists valleys. Nevertheless, there is a significant and landscape historians. In some parts amount of modern settlement in the AONB of the country such fields were being itself covering 4% of its area. There has also laid out in the Bronze Age but it is been settlement infill within villages and small possible that they continued to be towns, which in some cases has significantly created into early medieval times. In altered their character. the Chilterns roads and trackways often form the 'spine' of the co-axial pattern linking valleys to higher ground - this suggests that the system could be related to the local seasonal movement of cattle and sheep. Vertical aerial photograph of coaxial fields at Pre-18th century irregular pattern fields at Bledlow, Bucks Cholesbury and Chartridge, Buckinghamshire - 2003

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 8 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 9 Chapter 3: 20th Century Themes Woodland: Modern woodland covers 2% of the AONB. The growth of Older fields Landscape secondary woodland continued a trend from the 19th century with the Fields The 'older' fields of the Chilterns are those which were recorded on colonisation of downland and common land. The 20th century also saw Twentieth century historic landscape types the earliest maps used in this study, c.1800-20. Their age is hard to the planting of coniferous woodland for commercial use in the form of edged or fenced fields (known as make up 32% of the Chilterns AONB. They determine; for most all that can be said without further detailed local separate plantations and within existing historic woodlands. 'enclosed land') cover two-thirds of comprise: Hthe Chilterns AONB. The oldest fields study is that they probably predate the 18th century. The majority of have prehistoric or medieval origins but most enclosure types are defined by the shape and size of the field. There Fields: Modern hedged fields account for the Recreation: The 20th century saw a subtle change in the Chilterns were created over the last 500 years. Field are, however, two enclosure types for this period that are distinctive largest proportion of the 20th century landscape with land being increasingly converted to recreational patterns are classified according to their and have been recorded separately: landscape and cover nearly 24% of the Chilterns purposes. Golf courses and playing fields make up 2% of shape, size and likely origins. Older fields AONB. Modern fields are divided into two the AONB landscape, the former are found mainly in (those pre dating the 18th century) account for distinct historic landscape types: so-called the southern parts of Chilterns, close to major Assarts 42% of fields in the Chilterns AONB. Modern 'prairie fields' created by the clearance of centres of population. Assarts are fields created by a process of woodland clearance in fields account for 37% of enclosed land whilst hedgerows to create large fields for intensive medieval and post medieval-times. Assarted fields often lie close to 18th and 19th century enclosures make up the farming and '20th century enclosures' -older Other Landscape Types: The other kinds ancient woodlands, are irregular in shape or preserve typical curving remainder. fields subdivided by modern fencing to create of 20th century landscape types consist woodland boundaries with species-rich hedgerows. In the absence of smaller landholdings for livestock or to of industry and land uses such as maps to confirm former woodland use, field names such as 'sart' or facilitate equestrian activities. Both field types allotments and garden centres. 'stocking' can indicate woodland clearance. Assarts cover less than 3% are found throughout the Chilterns AONB These types are small in extent of the Chilterns AONB. Good examples can be found at Lacey Green particularly on the clay vales and in the central collectively covering under (Bucks) and Swancombe and Woodcote (Oxon). Metres and eastern Chilterns. 1% of the AONB. Coaxial fields Map of Assarted Fields (purple), Lacey Green Bucks Settlement: The principal modern settlements Another distinctive field type is the 'coaxial' field. Coaxial fields are so in the study area lie outside the AONB, named because they have two clear axes of orientation. Their origins focussed around the historic towns in the river have been the subject of much debate by archaeologists valleys. Nevertheless, there is a significant and landscape historians. In some parts amount of modern settlement in the AONB of the country such fields were being itself covering 4% of its area. There has also laid out in the Bronze Age but it is been settlement infill within villages and small possible that they continued to be towns, which in some cases has significantly created into early medieval times. In altered their character. the Chilterns roads and trackways often form the 'spine' of the co-axial pattern linking valleys to higher ground - this suggests that the system could be related to the local seasonal movement of cattle and sheep. Vertical aerial photograph of coaxial fields at Pre-18th century irregular pattern fields at Bledlow, Bucks Cholesbury and Chartridge, Buckinghamshire - 2003

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 8 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 9 Pre 18th century irregular Fields of the 18th and 19th Although the original use of meadows has generally 19th century fields shaped fields ceased in modern farming, meadows are still centuries 19th century fields are similar in shape and form to The vast majority of older fields in the Chilterns discernable in the landscape, with their sinuous shapes parliamentary enclosure, although not always laid out with are harder to date and categorise. The Chilterns and location on low-lying ground on damp valley Parliamentary Enclosures quite the same precision. Planned private enclosure of HLC project has used pattern descriptions to bottoms adjacent to the course of a river. In the 18th and 19th centuries new fields wastes and open field will be identifiable particularly in classify these early field types. The commonest were created by Parliamentary Enclosure areas where the extents of parliamentary enclosure are and most extensive are irregular fields; their Acts. These fields were professionally already known. Extensive examples of this type are located widespread occurrence is mainly due to the surveyed and are usually rectangular in shape at Barton-le-Clay (Beds), Great Missenden (Bucks), Markyate heading acting as a catchall for fields of with straight hedgerows and roads. At first (Herts) and Ewelme (Oxon). irregular pattern that appear on the earliest the enclosure acts made little impression maps. Irregular fields in the Chilterns are upon the Chiltern Hills where most of the Parliamentary and 19th century enclosure represents 21% of thought to range in date from medieval period best land was already enclosed -the biggest enclosed land in the Chilterns. to the 16th and 17th centuries after the early effect was felt in the clay vales north of the break up of the open field system. They are scarp, where a large proportion of the found throughout the Chilterns and good landscape was still covered by medieval open examples can be seen at Caddington and fields. However Parliamentary enclosure Studham (Beds), Little Missenden (Bucks), made its mark in the 19th century when Wigginton (Herts), and Swyncombe and there was a drive to 'improve' marginal or Metres Rotherfield Greys, (Oxon). unproductive land, such as Chilterns commons. Parliamentary enclosed fields are HLC map of Parliamentary Enclosures, Crowmarsh, Oxon Metres one of the few examples of fields where a Meadows, Great Gaddesden, Herts specific date of origin is known. Notable examples of enclosed commons are found at Sonning Common, (Oxon) Meadows and Wigginton, (Herts). Meadows are areas of land originally used for the cultivation of hay in the early summer months and then for grazing. The grass was dried and used for livestock fodder in the winter. Meadows were well-established by the medieval period and remained important as late as the 19th century.

Metres Irregular Fields, Meadow and chalk stream of the River Chess, near Latimer, Great Missenden, Bucks Bucks Parliamentary Enclosures, Crowmarsh, Oxon HLC map of 19th Century Enclosures, Swyncombe, Oxfordshire

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 10 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 11 Pre 18th century irregular Fields of the 18th and 19th Although the original use of meadows has generally 19th century fields shaped fields ceased in modern farming, meadows are still centuries 19th century fields are similar in shape and form to The vast majority of older fields in the Chilterns discernable in the landscape, with their sinuous shapes parliamentary enclosure, although not always laid out with are harder to date and categorise. The Chilterns and location on low-lying ground on damp valley Parliamentary Enclosures quite the same precision. Planned private enclosure of HLC project has used pattern descriptions to bottoms adjacent to the course of a river. In the 18th and 19th centuries new fields wastes and open field will be identifiable particularly in classify these early field types. The commonest were created by Parliamentary Enclosure areas where the extents of parliamentary enclosure are and most extensive are irregular fields; their Acts. These fields were professionally already known. Extensive examples of this type are located widespread occurrence is mainly due to the surveyed and are usually rectangular in shape at Barton-le-Clay (Beds), Great Missenden (Bucks), Markyate heading acting as a catchall for fields of with straight hedgerows and roads. At first (Herts) and Ewelme (Oxon). irregular pattern that appear on the earliest the enclosure acts made little impression maps. Irregular fields in the Chilterns are upon the Chiltern Hills where most of the Parliamentary and 19th century enclosure represents 21% of thought to range in date from medieval period best land was already enclosed -the biggest enclosed land in the Chilterns. to the 16th and 17th centuries after the early effect was felt in the clay vales north of the break up of the open field system. They are scarp, where a large proportion of the found throughout the Chilterns and good landscape was still covered by medieval open examples can be seen at Caddington and fields. However Parliamentary enclosure Studham (Beds), Little Missenden (Bucks), made its mark in the 19th century when Wigginton (Herts), and Swyncombe and there was a drive to 'improve' marginal or Metres Rotherfield Greys, (Oxon). unproductive land, such as Chilterns commons. Parliamentary enclosed fields are HLC map of Parliamentary Enclosures, Crowmarsh, Oxon Metres one of the few examples of fields where a Meadows, Great Gaddesden, Herts specific date of origin is known. Notable examples of enclosed commons are found at Sonning Common, (Oxon) Meadows and Wigginton, (Herts). Meadows are areas of land originally used for the cultivation of hay in the early summer months and then for grazing. The grass was dried and used for livestock fodder in the winter. Meadows were well-established by the medieval period and remained important as late as the 19th century.

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 10 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 11 'Prairie' fields Open Land From the middle of the 20th century Commons and heaths Analysis of Change agricultural practices in the Chilterns changed In the last 200 years 82% of Chiltern commons and heaths Today, the importance of protecting and managing commons is ommons and heaths are an important in response to technology and the demand (and have been lost. These losses can be attributed to five main widely recognised, for example by the Commons Act 2006. The Chilterns landscape covering some 2% Government support) to increase food causes: enclosure for agriculture, building new villages and Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 created new rights of of the AONB. The origins of Chiltern production. These changes are reflected in the C industry, natural regeneration of woodland due to under- access to common land. commons are not well understood. They may landscape with the appearance of so-called grazing and deliberate tree-planting. 'prairie' fields, large enclosures created by the have assumed something like their earliest documented form in the medieval period, when grubbing up of hedgerows to maximise crop The 19th century was a time when many Chilterns commons poorer quality land was not cultivated by the yields and to accommodate large machinery. were enclosed to make use of the land for agriculture (see lord or his tenants, but might be available for Prairie fields are usually found on more fertile above). By the 20th century, many of the fields created on grazing by livestock: this was the 'waste of the land and are therefore more prevalent in the common land had become unproductive, resulting in some manor'. Heaths have similar origins but are Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and east commons being left unmanaged with land reverting to generally on acid or sandy soils which had a Buckinghamshire parts of the AONB. woodland while others were sold to accommodate new propensity to be covered by heather, gorse and housing. Prairie fields and 20th century enclosures make coarse grasses. up 37% of the fields in the Chilterns AONB. These changes have had varying effects on the character of Most commons are now privately owned Chilterns commons: Sonning (Oxon) has been marginally although rights of common have their origin in affected while Radnage (Bucks) was completely lost to local custom and include, for example, the enclosure in the 19th century. Modern prairie fields at Ashley Green, Buckinghamshire (above) The same area at the time of the 1st edition OS six inch map, right to graze stock, for c.1880 (right) pigs to forage on beechmast and acorns Modern fields (pannage), to remove peat for the hearth Modern leisure pursuits have also seen the (turbary), to fish (piscary) creation of small enclosures, particularly and to collect bracken or so-called pony paddocks with wooden or firewood (estovers). wire fencing. These fields are often Commons provided an subdivisions of older enclosures and other important economic role landscape types. Modern fields also occur in the Chilterns as places next to new roads, like bypasses and the for grazing livestock and M40 motorway, where older field patterns as a crucial source of fuel have been disrupted and reorganised. and were also social centres for local gatherings and festivals. Kilometres

Naphill Common, Hughenden Prairie Fields, Goring, Oxon Twentieth century enclosures, Ellesborough Northchurch Common, Herts showing the tiny extent of common in the 20th century

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 12 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 13 'Prairie' fields Open Land From the middle of the 20th century Commons and heaths Analysis of Change agricultural practices in the Chilterns changed In the last 200 years 82% of Chiltern commons and heaths Today, the importance of protecting and managing commons is ommons and heaths are an important in response to technology and the demand (and have been lost. These losses can be attributed to five main widely recognised, for example by the Commons Act 2006. The Chilterns landscape covering some 2% Government support) to increase food causes: enclosure for agriculture, building new villages and Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 created new rights of of the AONB. The origins of Chiltern production. These changes are reflected in the C industry, natural regeneration of woodland due to under- access to common land. commons are not well understood. They may landscape with the appearance of so-called grazing and deliberate tree-planting. 'prairie' fields, large enclosures created by the have assumed something like their earliest documented form in the medieval period, when grubbing up of hedgerows to maximise crop The 19th century was a time when many Chilterns commons poorer quality land was not cultivated by the yields and to accommodate large machinery. were enclosed to make use of the land for agriculture (see lord or his tenants, but might be available for Prairie fields are usually found on more fertile above). By the 20th century, many of the fields created on grazing by livestock: this was the 'waste of the land and are therefore more prevalent in the common land had become unproductive, resulting in some manor'. Heaths have similar origins but are Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and east commons being left unmanaged with land reverting to generally on acid or sandy soils which had a Buckinghamshire parts of the AONB. woodland while others were sold to accommodate new propensity to be covered by heather, gorse and housing. Prairie fields and 20th century enclosures make coarse grasses. up 37% of the fields in the Chilterns AONB. These changes have had varying effects on the character of Most commons are now privately owned Chilterns commons: Sonning (Oxon) has been marginally although rights of common have their origin in affected while Radnage (Bucks) was completely lost to local custom and include, for example, the enclosure in the 19th century. Modern prairie fields at Ashley Green, Buckinghamshire (above) The same area at the time of the 1st edition OS six inch map, right to graze stock, for c.1880 (right) pigs to forage on beechmast and acorns Modern fields (pannage), to remove peat for the hearth Modern leisure pursuits have also seen the (turbary), to fish (piscary) creation of small enclosures, particularly and to collect bracken or so-called pony paddocks with wooden or firewood (estovers). wire fencing. These fields are often Commons provided an subdivisions of older enclosures and other important economic role landscape types. Modern fields also occur in the Chilterns as places next to new roads, like bypasses and the for grazing livestock and M40 motorway, where older field patterns as a crucial source of fuel have been disrupted and reorganised. and were also social centres for local gatherings and festivals. Kilometres

Naphill Common, Hughenden Prairie Fields, Goring, Oxon Twentieth century enclosures, Ellesborough Northchurch Common, Herts showing the tiny extent of common in the 20th century

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 12 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 13 Downland Woodland The Chilterns is synonymous with chalk Analysis of Change Ancient Woodland Analysis of Change downland, although today it comprises only 2% Due to the changes in management oodland represents one of the Around two thirds of woodland in the Chilterns AONB is Since the late 19th century there has been a 9% loss of of the AONB. Downlands are grasslands found practice the extent of downland has defining features of the Chilterns classified as ancient – woods that have been in existence for ancient woodland, largely due to woodland replanting and almost exclusively on the steeply sloping ground declined markedly. Over 70% of downland Wlandscape covering over 20% of the the last 400 years but thought to have much earlier origins. clearance for fields. One of the chief causes of this is the and rounded hills of the Chilterns scarp. has been lost within the AONB since the Chilterns AONB. Nearly two thirds of this Some contain prehistoric settlements and boundaries likely replanting of coniferous woodland, while the establishment Downland provides a haven for wildlife early 19th century. This loss is mainly due woodland is ancient in origin, while the to have lain within open countryside suggesting that of modern enclosures in the 20th century has also had an accommodating rare species of flora and fauna. to the encroachment of scrub and remainder is the result of subsequent natural woodland patterns have ebbed and flowed over several impact. It is also archaeologically sensitive, containing woodland, enclosure for agriculture and regeneration or deliberate plantations. millennia. Ancient woods contain many historic features numerous well preserved prehistoric and mineral extraction. An example can be Orchards represent less than 1% of the total. reminding us of the way our forebears used them. Some medieval earthwork monuments. seen at Whiteleaf Hill, Princes Risborough, woods contain earthen banks marking out compartments that where during the 20th century woodland are traces of sophisticated long-term management systems. Downland reflects centuries of traditional land established itself on the summit and Other woods, lacking such evidence, were probably used for management. Up until the 18th century invaded the scarp sides – the grassland has HLC maps depicting the loss of downland at Kensworth to a golf course wood-pasture. Stumps with many vertical stems coming out downland was used for grazing, managed in the recently been partly restored. A notable of them are a sign of coppicing techniques that were used to same way as common land – the established example of the impact of chalk extraction is at Totternhoe, produce timber suitable for firewood, charcoal, laths and practice was for livestock, in particular sheep, Bedfordshire which is now used as a landfill site. hurdles. The Chilterns used to supply fuel-wood for London. to feed on the downland pasture during the day before being folded upon arable land in the clay Another threat to downland has come from the creation of Some of the hollows in the woodland floor may be the vales at night. However, by the 20th century golf courses as can be seen on the Dunstable Downs at remains of sawpits, used by woodland workers to saw trees this practice became largely obsolete with Kensworth, and at Warden Hill, Streatley (Beds). into planks. Ancient beech changes to agricultural practice and intensive pollards are a feature of some farming. Despite the pressures of change, there are areas of downland wooded Chilterns commons. By that are well protected and the early 19th century the maintained, particularly the Chilterns beech woods around steeper areas on the scarp edge. Wycombe and Amersham, were The best sites are to be found at used by chair leg turners or Knocking Hoe and the Barton Hills 'bodgers', who made the (Beds) and at Pitstone and Ivinghoe components of Windsor chairs that Beacon (Bucks). Examples such as were assembled in local factories. Whiteleaf Hill show that downland By the late 19th century the restoration can be achieved in industry had spread into the favourable circumstances. Oxfordshire Chilterns with bodgers working in the woods around Stoke Row and Checkendon while other factory centres were established at Chinnor and (Top) A photograph of Whiteleaf Hill c.1900. Stokenchurch. Hills near Hexton (Bottom) Whiteleaf Hill c.1992 Ancient woodland at Low Scrubs near Wendover, Bucks Woodbank, Pulpit Hill, Bucks

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 14 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 15 Downland Woodland The Chilterns is synonymous with chalk Analysis of Change Ancient Woodland Analysis of Change downland, although today it comprises only 2% Due to the changes in management oodland represents one of the Around two thirds of woodland in the Chilterns AONB is Since the late 19th century there has been a 9% loss of of the AONB. Downlands are grasslands found practice the extent of downland has defining features of the Chilterns classified as ancient – woods that have been in existence for ancient woodland, largely due to woodland replanting and almost exclusively on the steeply sloping ground declined markedly. Over 70% of downland Wlandscape covering over 20% of the the last 400 years but thought to have much earlier origins. clearance for fields. One of the chief causes of this is the and rounded hills of the Chilterns scarp. has been lost within the AONB since the Chilterns AONB. Nearly two thirds of this Some contain prehistoric settlements and boundaries likely replanting of coniferous woodland, while the establishment Downland provides a haven for wildlife early 19th century. This loss is mainly due woodland is ancient in origin, while the to have lain within open countryside suggesting that of modern enclosures in the 20th century has also had an accommodating rare species of flora and fauna. to the encroachment of scrub and remainder is the result of subsequent natural woodland patterns have ebbed and flowed over several impact. It is also archaeologically sensitive, containing woodland, enclosure for agriculture and regeneration or deliberate plantations. millennia. Ancient woods contain many historic features numerous well preserved prehistoric and mineral extraction. An example can be Orchards represent less than 1% of the total. reminding us of the way our forebears used them. Some medieval earthwork monuments. seen at Whiteleaf Hill, Princes Risborough, woods contain earthen banks marking out compartments that where during the 20th century woodland are traces of sophisticated long-term management systems. Downland reflects centuries of traditional land established itself on the summit and Other woods, lacking such evidence, were probably used for management. Up until the 18th century invaded the scarp sides – the grassland has HLC maps depicting the loss of downland at Kensworth to a golf course wood-pasture. Stumps with many vertical stems coming out downland was used for grazing, managed in the recently been partly restored. A notable of them are a sign of coppicing techniques that were used to same way as common land – the established example of the impact of chalk extraction is at Totternhoe, produce timber suitable for firewood, charcoal, laths and practice was for livestock, in particular sheep, Bedfordshire which is now used as a landfill site. hurdles. The Chilterns used to supply fuel-wood for London. to feed on the downland pasture during the day before being folded upon arable land in the clay Another threat to downland has come from the creation of Some of the hollows in the woodland floor may be the vales at night. However, by the 20th century golf courses as can be seen on the Dunstable Downs at remains of sawpits, used by woodland workers to saw trees this practice became largely obsolete with Kensworth, and at Warden Hill, Streatley (Beds). into planks. Ancient beech changes to agricultural practice and intensive pollards are a feature of some farming. Despite the pressures of change, there are areas of downland wooded Chilterns commons. By that are well protected and the early 19th century the maintained, particularly the Chilterns beech woods around steeper areas on the scarp edge. Wycombe and Amersham, were The best sites are to be found at used by chair leg turners or Knocking Hoe and the Barton Hills 'bodgers', who made the (Beds) and at Pitstone and Ivinghoe components of Windsor chairs that Beacon (Bucks). Examples such as were assembled in local factories. Whiteleaf Hill show that downland By the late 19th century the restoration can be achieved in industry had spread into the favourable circumstances. Oxfordshire Chilterns with bodgers working in the woods around Stoke Row and Checkendon while other factory centres were established at Chinnor and (Top) A photograph of Whiteleaf Hill c.1900. Stokenchurch. Hills near Hexton (Bottom) Whiteleaf Hill c.1992 Ancient woodland at Low Scrubs near Wendover, Bucks Woodbank, Pulpit Hill, Bucks

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 14 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 15 Secondary Woodland poor Parks and Gardens Secondary woodland is the term given where Woodland Resource Assessment Historic Parks and Gardens trees have re-grown on ground that had In addition to making statements about the growth, loss and nclosed fields, settlement, woodland The Chilterns possess some prominent country houses and previously been used for other purposes through threat to woodlands by other processes, the Chilterns HLC and open land cover 93% of the designed landscapes. They make a significant contribution to the natural processes of colonisation and project also undertook a pilot woodland resource assessment. EChilterns AONB. The remaining 7% is landscape character and represent an important chapter in succession. Typically secondary woodland in the This study aimed to provide more specific information about defined by a range of other land uses, the social and economic history of the Chilterns reflecting Chilterns reflects a decrease in grazing pressure the make up or character of individual woodlands, including principally: historic parks and gardens, modern the area's proximity to London, the political centre of the over the past two hundred years. Secondary information on species composition, the remnants of former recreational areas, military sites, industry and British Empire. Parks and gardens cover almost 4% of the woodland represents 26% of woodland in the woodland management regimes and the presence of communications such as motorways and canals. AONB and were established over the last 300 years by the Chilterns. It has colonised a number of historical and archaeological features. wealthiest landowners as an aesthetic expression of power landscape types in particular common land and and wealth. Although many parks and gardens have earlier downland. The greatest concentrations of The study compiled information from Environmental Record antecedents most were substantially redesigned or expanded secondary woodland are found at Barton-le-Clay Centres and Historic Environment Records (HERs) and during the 18th and 19th centuries as fashion and tastes (Beds), Aldbury (Herts) and Ipsden (Oxon). In Processes of woodland clearance and regeneration individual surveys by organisations such as the National Trust. changed. There are a number of grounds embellished by © Alison Doggett comparison to ancient woodland, secondary The results have provided a map of woodland surveys and Lancelot 'Capability' Brown who worked at Ashridge and woodlands are usually quite small, normally 5 acts as a guide for future work. Gaddesden Hoo (Herts), Fawley (Bucks), and Greys Court to 10 hectares. Coniferous Plantation Woodland (Oxon). Humphrey Repton was involved in the design of Bulstrode Park and Shardeloes (Bucks). Notable 19th century Woodland plantations are characterised by blocks of trees Kilometres parks and gardens are the neo-gothic Friar Park near Henley that are all of one age, often consisting of only one or two (Oxon) built in the 1880s and Halton House (Bucks). types of tree within each regular block of planting. Very often the species planted were Some parks and gardens have recognition by inclusion on non-native species, such as spruce. The purpose of English Heritage's Register of Parks and Gardens of historic the wood is to produce a 'crop' of trees for interest. Many are in the ownership of large organisations commercial felling. such as the National Trust who conserve and provide for access to the public - including West Wycombe (Bucks), Plantations are found throughout the Chilterns Ashridge (Herts), Greys Court (Oxon) and Hexton (Beds). although there are greater concentrations in However, not all parks and gardens are afforded such Oxfordshire (Swyncombe) and Buckinghamshire, protection and custodianship. Because of the extent and cost especially at Fawley and Medmenham. The main of maintaining parkland landscapes, many have faced difference in the location of plantations compared changes to their original design for recreation purposes, in to secondary woodland is that the former were particular the creation of golf courses. Others have had part deliberately placed, mostly on enclosed fields, of the landscape revert back to farmland or have been whereas the latter have grown up due to reduced abandoned to woodland encroachment. grazing mainly on commons and downs.

Designed Landscape of Newnham Murren, depicted on the 19th century 1st edition Ordnance Survey map (top right)

and below, modern Ordnance Survey map (2003) illustrating Kilometres Secondary Woodland, Moor End Common, Bucks Historical features in woodland: Cholesbury hillfort, Bucks West Wycombe Park the loss of the parkland

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 16 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 17 Secondary Woodland poor Parks and Gardens Secondary woodland is the term given where Woodland Resource Assessment Historic Parks and Gardens trees have re-grown on ground that had In addition to making statements about the growth, loss and nclosed fields, settlement, woodland The Chilterns possess some prominent country houses and previously been used for other purposes through threat to woodlands by other processes, the Chilterns HLC and open land cover 93% of the designed landscapes. They make a significant contribution to the natural processes of colonisation and project also undertook a pilot woodland resource assessment. EChilterns AONB. The remaining 7% is landscape character and represent an important chapter in succession. Typically secondary woodland in the This study aimed to provide more specific information about defined by a range of other land uses, the social and economic history of the Chilterns reflecting Chilterns reflects a decrease in grazing pressure the make up or character of individual woodlands, including principally: historic parks and gardens, modern the area's proximity to London, the political centre of the over the past two hundred years. Secondary information on species composition, the remnants of former recreational areas, military sites, industry and British Empire. Parks and gardens cover almost 4% of the woodland represents 26% of woodland in the woodland management regimes and the presence of communications such as motorways and canals. AONB and were established over the last 300 years by the Chilterns. It has colonised a number of historical and archaeological features. wealthiest landowners as an aesthetic expression of power landscape types in particular common land and and wealth. Although many parks and gardens have earlier downland. The greatest concentrations of The study compiled information from Environmental Record antecedents most were substantially redesigned or expanded secondary woodland are found at Barton-le-Clay Centres and Historic Environment Records (HERs) and during the 18th and 19th centuries as fashion and tastes (Beds), Aldbury (Herts) and Ipsden (Oxon). In Processes of woodland clearance and regeneration individual surveys by organisations such as the National Trust. changed. There are a number of grounds embellished by © Alison Doggett comparison to ancient woodland, secondary The results have provided a map of woodland surveys and Lancelot 'Capability' Brown who worked at Ashridge and woodlands are usually quite small, normally 5 acts as a guide for future work. Gaddesden Hoo (Herts), Fawley (Bucks), and Greys Court to 10 hectares. Coniferous Plantation Woodland (Oxon). Humphrey Repton was involved in the design of Bulstrode Park and Shardeloes (Bucks). Notable 19th century Woodland plantations are characterised by blocks of trees Kilometres parks and gardens are the neo-gothic Friar Park near Henley that are all of one age, often consisting of only one or two (Oxon) built in the 1880s and Halton House (Bucks). types of tree within each regular block of planting. Very often the species planted were Some parks and gardens have recognition by inclusion on non-native species, such as spruce. The purpose of English Heritage's Register of Parks and Gardens of historic the wood is to produce a 'crop' of trees for interest. Many are in the ownership of large organisations commercial felling. such as the National Trust who conserve and provide for access to the public - including West Wycombe (Bucks), Plantations are found throughout the Chilterns Ashridge (Herts), Greys Court (Oxon) and Hexton (Beds). although there are greater concentrations in However, not all parks and gardens are afforded such Oxfordshire (Swyncombe) and Buckinghamshire, protection and custodianship. Because of the extent and cost especially at Fawley and Medmenham. The main of maintaining parkland landscapes, many have faced difference in the location of plantations compared changes to their original design for recreation purposes, in to secondary woodland is that the former were particular the creation of golf courses. Others have had part deliberately placed, mostly on enclosed fields, of the landscape revert back to farmland or have been whereas the latter have grown up due to reduced abandoned to woodland encroachment. grazing mainly on commons and downs.

Designed Landscape of Newnham Murren, depicted on the 19th century 1st edition Ordnance Survey map (top right)

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 16 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 17 Settlements and Buildings Historic Settlement Pattern Towns Interrupted Row Individual Farmsteads At the heart of most villages and towns there is an Small market towns are the Farms and dwellings that Single Farmsteads situated 'historic core' made up of the 19th century and earlier principal settlements in the away from any distinct he Chilterns is renowned for its occur intermittently along a elements from which the modern settlement grew. Chilterns, although the settlement. concentration of picturesque historic road. In the Chilterns this The Chilterns HLC project mapped these historic cores majority are outside the Tvillages and hamlets. The vast majority type is found mainly along and also recorded their distinctive plan form. AONB. Towns typically show of these settlements originated between the ridge tops. signs of a regular planned 10th and 13th centuries from which time they The following categories of settlement pattern were layout with the medieval gradually developed into their 19th century defined: market place occupying a form. Most contain important historic buildings central position. including churches and chapels, timber framed Little Gaddesden, Hard to Find Farm, Little Marlow, houses and flint and brick cottages. Hertfordshire Henley, Oxfordshire Buckinghamshire The rapid expansion of many Chiltern settlements in the early and mid 20th century Nucleated Clusters Common Edge means that today the majority of buildings These are villages with Buildings grouped around a comprise housing buildings grouped or common or green. This built in the 20th clustered together, form is often regarded as a century. The sometimes around a focus quintessential feature of designation of the such as a green or church. the Chilterns. AONB has done much to restrict further urbanisation and Ewelme, Oxfordshire Whipsnade, Bedfordshire influence modern building design. Nucleated Rows Conservation areas This type of settlement is Farm Clusters have also provided focussed along a road, Groups of farms that form some protection sometimes displaying signs a distinctive pattern in the for historic of regular planning. landscape. settlements. Nucleated rows in the Chilterns are found predominantly along the river valleys.

Mapledurham, Oxfordshire Great Missenden, Bucks The village of Aldbury, Hertfordshire Historic nucleated settlement of Turville, Bucks

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 18 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 19 Settlements and Buildings Historic Settlement Pattern Towns Interrupted Row Individual Farmsteads At the heart of most villages and towns there is an Small market towns are the Farms and dwellings that Single Farmsteads situated 'historic core' made up of the 19th century and earlier principal settlements in the away from any distinct he Chilterns is renowned for its occur intermittently along a elements from which the modern settlement grew. Chilterns, although the settlement. concentration of picturesque historic road. In the Chilterns this The Chilterns HLC project mapped these historic cores majority are outside the Tvillages and hamlets. The vast majority type is found mainly along and also recorded their distinctive plan form. AONB. Towns typically show of these settlements originated between the ridge tops. signs of a regular planned 10th and 13th centuries from which time they The following categories of settlement pattern were layout with the medieval gradually developed into their 19th century defined: market place occupying a form. Most contain important historic buildings central position. including churches and chapels, timber framed Little Gaddesden, Hard to Find Farm, Little Marlow, houses and flint and brick cottages. Hertfordshire Henley, Oxfordshire Buckinghamshire The rapid expansion of many Chiltern settlements in the early and mid 20th century Nucleated Clusters Common Edge means that today the majority of buildings These are villages with Buildings grouped around a comprise housing buildings grouped or common or green. This built in the 20th clustered together, form is often regarded as a century. The sometimes around a focus quintessential feature of designation of the such as a green or church. the Chilterns. AONB has done much to restrict further urbanisation and Ewelme, Oxfordshire Whipsnade, Bedfordshire influence modern building design. Nucleated Rows Conservation areas This type of settlement is Farm Clusters have also provided focussed along a road, Groups of farms that form some protection sometimes displaying signs a distinctive pattern in the for historic of regular planning. landscape. settlements. Nucleated rows in the Chilterns are found predominantly along the river valleys.

Mapledurham, Oxfordshire Great Missenden, Bucks The village of Aldbury, Hertfordshire Historic nucleated settlement of Turville, Bucks

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 18 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 19 Settlement Character Areas Historic Buildings Survey Historic Buildings Character Using these historic settlement forms, a To better understand the subtle character of Survey of Chartridge distribution map was produced. The settlement the built environment a pilot study was devised highlighting the variation patterns are markedly different in particular to record more details about the sorts of in historic farm types Settlement Character Zones map areas of the Chilterns. Broadly an immediate building found in Chilterns settlements. The (blue shades) and modern distinction can be made between the clay vale study involved volunteers undertaking on the housing types (orange) to the north of the Chilterns which is ground survey, recording details of the characterised by nucleated forms (nucleated variations in architectural styles, building types clusters and nucleated row settlements) and and materials. south of the Chilterns scarp which has a Historic Building Types predominantly dispersed pattern. From these One of the pilot areas was Chartridge (Bucks), Farm: Dispersed Plan settlement patterns it has been possible to where the results of the survey produced a Farm: L Plan produce a map of historic settlement character series of character maps showing the Farm: Linear Plan zones. distribution of building types, styles and ages of buildings. These maps are a refinement of the Farm: Loose Courtyard broad HLC characterisation which focussed on Farm: Regular Courtyard old and modern settlement. It provides useful Post 1945: Farm and Agricultural Buildings information on the character of small Agricultural Conversion settlements in the Chilterns and potentially a Wide Plots useful tool for conservation officers and Narrow Plots planners. It is hoped that more surveys of this Cottage Terraces type will be 1850 - 1920 Suburban Housing carried out. 1945 - 1980 Post War Private Housing 1945 - 1980 Post War Public Housing Meeting Halls Churches/Chapels Sports Pavillions/Hall

Kilometres

Above: Historic Character Zone map of the Chilterns based on the late 19th century settlement patterns. Inset map showing the historic settlement types with the character zones overlaid. Volunteers undertaking building character survey at Whipsnade, Bedfordshire

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 20 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 21 Settlement Character Areas Historic Buildings Survey Historic Buildings Character Using these historic settlement forms, a To better understand the subtle character of Survey of Chartridge distribution map was produced. The settlement the built environment a pilot study was devised highlighting the variation patterns are markedly different in particular to record more details about the sorts of in historic farm types Settlement Character Zones map areas of the Chilterns. Broadly an immediate building found in Chilterns settlements. The (blue shades) and modern distinction can be made between the clay vale study involved volunteers undertaking on the housing types (orange) to the north of the Chilterns which is ground survey, recording details of the characterised by nucleated forms (nucleated variations in architectural styles, building types clusters and nucleated row settlements) and and materials. south of the Chilterns scarp which has a Historic Building Types predominantly dispersed pattern. From these One of the pilot areas was Chartridge (Bucks), Farm: Dispersed Plan settlement patterns it has been possible to where the results of the survey produced a Farm: L Plan produce a map of historic settlement character series of character maps showing the Farm: Linear Plan zones. distribution of building types, styles and ages of buildings. These maps are a refinement of the Farm: Loose Courtyard broad HLC characterisation which focussed on Farm: Regular Courtyard old and modern settlement. It provides useful Post 1945: Farm and Agricultural Buildings information on the character of small Agricultural Conversion settlements in the Chilterns and potentially a Wide Plots useful tool for conservation officers and Narrow Plots planners. It is hoped that more surveys of this Cottage Terraces type will be 1850 - 1920 Suburban Housing carried out. 1945 - 1980 Post War Private Housing 1945 - 1980 Post War Public Housing Meeting Halls Churches/Chapels Sports Pavillions/Hall

Kilometres

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 20 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 21 Roads and Trackways Results of the Study Character of Roads The study has demonstrated that the historic routeways of the The majority of Chilterns roads and tracks already existed Method for recording roads and trackways The project devised a dozen routeway The study also included a field survey, where the character Chilterns are numerous and complex. The majority of the on the earliest available maps, so a further method was oads, tracks and footpaths are an The roads and tracks methodology was adapted from the character types which refined the description of road borders was recorded. It was noted whether roads roads, trackways and paths in the study area pre-date the devised that recorded a range of characteristics of these often-overlooked aspect of the historic standard HLC approach. Historic maps were used to date of routeways giving the origins, shape and are ancient sunken lanes, bordered by hedges, had wide invention of the internal combustion engine and form roads to provide some clues as to their age, function and Renvironment despite the fact that and define roads and routes that had been created in the historic function of each road. Example verges or a combination of border types. significant historic landscape features within the Chilterns importance. The relative age of early routes was explored many rural routes are hundreds or even last 200 years. Routes were divided into three time slices: classifications include 'modern motor roads' – AONB contributing to its special character and appearance. thousands of years old. The Chilterns HLC 20th century, 18th/19th century and the roads in existence by looking at the relationship between them. An example purpose built for motorised traffic. While older The defining feature of the pilot study area is a network of included a pilot study to devise methods for before the 18th century. can be seen near Tring, Hertfordshire where the Roman road The study has highlighted the need to improve awareness of character types include: 'historic highways' - droveways running north south which have been interpreted recording their historic character. A small area of Akeman Street (A41) appears to cut or overlay a number the historic importance of roads and trackways in the Chilterns arterial roads pre-dating the 20th century such as routes used to move animals between lowland and 'upland' on the Buckinghamshire/ Hertfordshire border of roads, tracks and footpaths which run north south. This that should be recognised by the planning system and the as Roman roads, turnpike roads and 'Axial grazing on commons and wood-pastures. This network is was selected for survey. Using a combination of implies that these roads were established earlier and were management of rights of way in the Chilterns. droveways' - ancient routes running for several clearly related to the medieval parish structure, and it map analysis and survey on the ground the Main phases of road development in existence before the arrival of the Romans in AD 43. kilometres across the strike of the landform. origins are tentatively dated to the first millennium BC. study looked at Chilterns roads in their entirety, Archaeological investigations during construction of the Historic routeways can be publicised as part of guided and 20th Motor roads - newly-constructed from modern bypasses to small tracks and Aston Clinton Bypass discovered a long-lost pre-Roman century arterial A-roads and local roads promoted walks in the Chilterns. It is also hoped that the droveway which could have formed part of this network. footpaths. typically serving housing estates findings from this study will encourage future research into or commercial areas. roads and routeways through other local landscape projects.

18th/19th Surveyed roads – typically century arterial turnpikes and local enclosure roads designed for horse-drawn vehicles.

Pre-18th All other roads – for animals, century people and carts. Arterial routes – 'ridgways', Roman roads, medieval highways etc. Local roads typically within or linking parishes. Some may be planned and engineered but most are probably 'organic' in origin.

Historic Routeways, traversing Akeman Street near Tring, Hollow way, Bradenham, Buckinghamshire Hertfordshire Routeway character types in near Cholesbury, Bucks showing the pattern of axial droveways Road with wide verge at Arrewig Lane, Bucks

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 22 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 23 Roads and Trackways Results of the Study Character of Roads The study has demonstrated that the historic routeways of the The majority of Chilterns roads and tracks already existed Method for recording roads and trackways The project devised a dozen routeway The study also included a field survey, where the character Chilterns are numerous and complex. The majority of the on the earliest available maps, so a further method was oads, tracks and footpaths are an The roads and tracks methodology was adapted from the character types which refined the description of road borders was recorded. It was noted whether roads roads, trackways and paths in the study area pre-date the devised that recorded a range of characteristics of these often-overlooked aspect of the historic standard HLC approach. Historic maps were used to date of routeways giving the origins, shape and are ancient sunken lanes, bordered by hedges, had wide invention of the internal combustion engine and form roads to provide some clues as to their age, function and Renvironment despite the fact that and define roads and routes that had been created in the historic function of each road. Example verges or a combination of border types. significant historic landscape features within the Chilterns importance. The relative age of early routes was explored many rural routes are hundreds or even last 200 years. Routes were divided into three time slices: classifications include 'modern motor roads' – AONB contributing to its special character and appearance. thousands of years old. The Chilterns HLC 20th century, 18th/19th century and the roads in existence by looking at the relationship between them. An example purpose built for motorised traffic. While older The defining feature of the pilot study area is a network of included a pilot study to devise methods for before the 18th century. can be seen near Tring, Hertfordshire where the Roman road The study has highlighted the need to improve awareness of character types include: 'historic highways' - droveways running north south which have been interpreted recording their historic character. A small area of Akeman Street (A41) appears to cut or overlay a number the historic importance of roads and trackways in the Chilterns arterial roads pre-dating the 20th century such as routes used to move animals between lowland and 'upland' on the Buckinghamshire/ Hertfordshire border of roads, tracks and footpaths which run north south. This that should be recognised by the planning system and the as Roman roads, turnpike roads and 'Axial grazing on commons and wood-pastures. This network is was selected for survey. Using a combination of implies that these roads were established earlier and were management of rights of way in the Chilterns. droveways' - ancient routes running for several clearly related to the medieval parish structure, and it map analysis and survey on the ground the Main phases of road development in existence before the arrival of the Romans in AD 43. kilometres across the strike of the landform. origins are tentatively dated to the first millennium BC. study looked at Chilterns roads in their entirety, Archaeological investigations during construction of the Historic routeways can be publicised as part of guided and 20th Motor roads - newly-constructed from modern bypasses to small tracks and Aston Clinton Bypass discovered a long-lost pre-Roman century arterial A-roads and local roads promoted walks in the Chilterns. It is also hoped that the droveway which could have formed part of this network. footpaths. typically serving housing estates findings from this study will encourage future research into or commercial areas. roads and routeways through other local landscape projects.

18th/19th Surveyed roads – typically century arterial turnpikes and local enclosure roads designed for horse-drawn vehicles.

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 22 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 23 Other Land Uses Archaeological Remains Industry Military Scheduled Monuments (SMs) Historic Environment Records (HER) Recreation Military sites comprise less than 0.5% of the Chilterns AONB he Chilterns landscape is rich in The Chilterns AONB contains a total of 122 Scheduled In addition to SMs, the Chilterns HLC project has also analysed Areas of modern recreational use comprise over landscape. The category encompasses all MoD sites in active archaeological sites and monuments, Monuments (SMs); these are nationally important the distribution of archaeological monuments from county 2% of the Chilterns AONB and are composed of use, training camps, and research establishments. There is Tfrom Bronze Age barrows to training archaeological monuments protected by law. The majority of Historic Environment Records (HERs). Unlike the selective golf courses, playing fields, theme parks and one significant site within the AONB, the RAF strike command trenches dating to the First World War. SMs in the Chilterns date to the prehistoric period (71). data of SMs, HERs are databases containing information on all zoos. The largest of these categories is golf base at Walters Ash. The other bases overlap or abut the Archaeological remains reflect historic land There are also 36 medieval SMs and 14 from the Roman the known sites, monuments and buildings that have been courses. Golf courses are found mostly in the Chilterns. The main military sites are the RAF base at Benson uses and therefore form part of the historic period. The majority of SMs are found in 10 of the 51 recorded through survey, excavation, or chance finds. HER south of the Chilterns, adjacent to major (Oxon) and the training camp at Halton. This site in the landscape. Their survival and condition depends landscape types: data has to be used with caution as each HER has its own local centres of population, and within easy grounds of Halton House comprises a Royal Flying Corps upon recent and historic land use – thus sites in recording biases. For example, proportionally the Oxfordshire travelling distance of London. There are also a airfield, inter-war RAF training base and hospital. Smaller grassland or woods are often visible Chilterns have more recorded prehistoric monuments than the number of courses set in more remote and rural facilities exist next to former World War II airfields. earthworks, whereas in arable fields only buried other counties, whilst the Hertfordshire Chilterns record more contexts, particularly in Oxfordshire and remains may survive. Recorded archaeological Roman sites, Bedfordshire a higher level of modern Historic Landscape Type No. of SMs Hertfordshire. All the Chilterns' military sites were created during the 20th sites were viewed against the historic landscape monuments and Buckinghamshire more undated ones. SMs* per km2 century. The end of the Cold War has seen the mothballing characterisation data to see whether there are Golf courses in the Chilterns have tended to be and downsizing of military establishment with former MoD noticeable patterns or concentrations of Settlement (Historic) 19 1.83 Historic Landscape Type No. of HER located in parks and gardens (e.g. Ashridge, Factories in High Wycombe, Bucks land sometimes regarded as suitable for new housing. archaeology with certain historic landscape Herts) or on downland and common land, e.g. types. Downland 17 1.76 HER records Woodland (Secondary) 30 0.71 2 Warden Hill, Streatley (Beds), Nuffield Common The Chilterns AONB has relatively little industry, which records per km (Oxon). covers only 0.5% of the area. The distribution of industrial Woodland (Coniferous) 12 0.45 sites is intermittent and they are Settlement (Modern) 12 0.40 Settlement (Historic) 1662 16.02 usually small in scale Woodland (Ancient) 19 0.22 Crofts 6 2.66 encompassing a wide variety of 20th century Enclosures 26 0.20 Water Meadows 8 2 types from mineral extraction sites Parliamentary Enclosure 12 0.19 Parks and Gardens 578 1.79 to woodland industries, for Prairie Fields 12 0.13 Meadows 79 1.46 example timber yards Enclosure (Pre 18th Irregular) 15 0.05 Downland 128 1.33 (Stokenchurch, Bucks) and Settlement (Modern) 386 1.31 sawmills (Goring Heath, Oxon). * some SMs are extensive and cover more than Commons and Heaths 88 0.92 one landscape type. A more recent trend is for modern Woodland (Secondary) 397 0.9 industrial estates set in rural Parliamentary Enclosure 316 0.58 locations, e.g. West Yard Industrial 20th century Enclosures 585 0.53 Estate, Saunderton (Bucks). Prairie Fields 476 0.53 A common feature in their location Enclosure (Pre 18th Irregular) 621 0.49 is proximity to major roads such as Woodland (Ancient) 409 0.46 the M40. Woodland (Coniferous) 99 0.41

Reconstruction drawing of the A table showing the density of HERs monuments in Golf course built on irregular fields, Aston Clinton, Bucks RAF Halton, near Wendover, Bucks hillfort on Ivinghoe Beacon selected Historic Landscape Types in the Chilterns AONB

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 24 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 25 Other Land Uses Archaeological Remains Industry Military Scheduled Monuments (SMs) Historic Environment Records (HER) Recreation Military sites comprise less than 0.5% of the Chilterns AONB he Chilterns landscape is rich in The Chilterns AONB contains a total of 122 Scheduled In addition to SMs, the Chilterns HLC project has also analysed Areas of modern recreational use comprise over landscape. The category encompasses all MoD sites in active archaeological sites and monuments, Monuments (SMs); these are nationally important the distribution of archaeological monuments from county 2% of the Chilterns AONB and are composed of use, training camps, and research establishments. There is Tfrom Bronze Age barrows to training archaeological monuments protected by law. The majority of Historic Environment Records (HERs). Unlike the selective golf courses, playing fields, theme parks and one significant site within the AONB, the RAF strike command trenches dating to the First World War. SMs in the Chilterns date to the prehistoric period (71). data of SMs, HERs are databases containing information on all zoos. The largest of these categories is golf base at Walters Ash. The other bases overlap or abut the Archaeological remains reflect historic land There are also 36 medieval SMs and 14 from the Roman the known sites, monuments and buildings that have been courses. Golf courses are found mostly in the Chilterns. The main military sites are the RAF base at Benson uses and therefore form part of the historic period. The majority of SMs are found in 10 of the 51 recorded through survey, excavation, or chance finds. HER south of the Chilterns, adjacent to major (Oxon) and the training camp at Halton. This site in the landscape. Their survival and condition depends landscape types: data has to be used with caution as each HER has its own local centres of population, and within easy grounds of Halton House comprises a Royal Flying Corps upon recent and historic land use – thus sites in recording biases. For example, proportionally the Oxfordshire travelling distance of London. There are also a airfield, inter-war RAF training base and hospital. Smaller grassland or woods are often visible Chilterns have more recorded prehistoric monuments than the number of courses set in more remote and rural facilities exist next to former World War II airfields. earthworks, whereas in arable fields only buried other counties, whilst the Hertfordshire Chilterns record more contexts, particularly in Oxfordshire and remains may survive. Recorded archaeological Roman sites, Bedfordshire a higher level of modern Historic Landscape Type No. of SMs Hertfordshire. All the Chilterns' military sites were created during the 20th sites were viewed against the historic landscape monuments and Buckinghamshire more undated ones. SMs* per km2 century. The end of the Cold War has seen the mothballing characterisation data to see whether there are Golf courses in the Chilterns have tended to be and downsizing of military establishment with former MoD noticeable patterns or concentrations of Settlement (Historic) 19 1.83 Historic Landscape Type No. of HER located in parks and gardens (e.g. Ashridge, Factories in High Wycombe, Bucks land sometimes regarded as suitable for new housing. archaeology with certain historic landscape Herts) or on downland and common land, e.g. types. Downland 17 1.76 HER records Woodland (Secondary) 30 0.71 2 Warden Hill, Streatley (Beds), Nuffield Common The Chilterns AONB has relatively little industry, which records per km (Oxon). covers only 0.5% of the area. The distribution of industrial Woodland (Coniferous) 12 0.45 sites is intermittent and they are Settlement (Modern) 12 0.40 Settlement (Historic) 1662 16.02 usually small in scale Woodland (Ancient) 19 0.22 Crofts 6 2.66 encompassing a wide variety of 20th century Enclosures 26 0.20 Water Meadows 8 2 types from mineral extraction sites Parliamentary Enclosure 12 0.19 Parks and Gardens 578 1.79 to woodland industries, for Prairie Fields 12 0.13 Meadows 79 1.46 example timber yards Enclosure (Pre 18th Irregular) 15 0.05 Downland 128 1.33 (Stokenchurch, Bucks) and Settlement (Modern) 386 1.31 sawmills (Goring Heath, Oxon). * some SMs are extensive and cover more than Commons and Heaths 88 0.92 one landscape type. A more recent trend is for modern Woodland (Secondary) 397 0.9 industrial estates set in rural Parliamentary Enclosure 316 0.58 locations, e.g. West Yard Industrial 20th century Enclosures 585 0.53 Estate, Saunderton (Bucks). Prairie Fields 476 0.53 A common feature in their location Enclosure (Pre 18th Irregular) 621 0.49 is proximity to major roads such as Woodland (Ancient) 409 0.46 the M40. Woodland (Coniferous) 99 0.41

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 24 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 25 Chapter 4: Archaeology in Downland Heritage Values Evidential Aesthetic value: Downland has one of the highest densities of Archaeology in Woodland value: is the derives from the SMs in the AONB and archaeological monuments One of the densest concentrations of SMs and archaeological and Significance potential of a ways in which in HERs reflecting the attractive topographical remains in the Chilterns is found in woodlands. This is despite place to yield people draw locations occupied by much downland and the the fact that there is a lack of information on archaeology of Principles evidence about sensory and survival of earthworks in long-term grassland. woodlands as less than 5% of Chiltern woods have had any form he law provides specific protection to past human intellectual Downland archaeology displays a particular bias of archaeological survey. Where woods have been surveyed widely valued elements of the historic activity. This stimulation from a towards prehistoric monuments such as hillforts almost all have contained some features. Statistically the Tenvironment: listing for historic value typically place. They can e.g. Sharpenhoe Clappers (Beds) and Ivinghoe majority of monuments that are recorded are undated. buildings, scheduling for archaeological relates to either reflect Beacon (Bucks) and prehistoric burial mounds. Woodland acts as an aid to preservation, protecting remains monuments and protection for historic archaeological conscious design In contrast other open land types such as from more damaging activities such as ploughing, although Archaeological excavations at Latimer, Bucks Greys Court hedgerows. However, most historic sites and the evidence in the or the fortuitous commons and heaths have fewer SMs but a large trees themselves can cause damage (see image below). wider historic landscape depend on the form of earthworks, buried remains and built structures. It outcome of the way a place has developed. Parks and concentration of monuments from the HER. Secondary woodland contains a number of archaeological planning system for their protection, and also includes landscape patterns and relationships, evidence gardens and polite architecture most obviously reflect This is perhaps a reflection of the many monuments, including SMs such as Boddington Hillfort (Bucks). environmentally aware owners supported, for historic woodland management practices (coppices etc), design whilst the attractive combination of historic fields activities that took place on commons and the Ancient woodland too contains a concentration of Prehistoric ring ditches (sites of burial mounds) levelled by where appropriate, by grant schemes for their the flora of hedgerows or environmental evidence for past and woods or open vistas across downland owe more to fact that their poorer soils led to historical archaeological monuments including earthworks of woodland cultivation, Bledlow, Bucks management. landscapes preserved within wetlands. fortuitous circumstance. settlements being focussed around them. industries such as woodbanks, charcoal hearths and saw pits. Within ancient woodland and wood pasture there are also As Chilterns HLC provides a seamless map of the Archaeology in Fields relics of historic wood management in the form of pollards and landscape it is able to fill in the gaps between Historical Communal value: Archaeological features in fields can be divided between coppiced trees. designated heritage sites and show that all of those found on arable land and monuments on permanent value: derives derives from the the Chilterns landscape, to varying degrees, has pasture. Monuments on pasture can take the form of from the ways meaning of a place an historic character. This chapter shows how earthworks which are generally better protected under grass. Archaeology in Settlements in which past to people and can HLC can be used where appropriate to assess Archaeological remains in arable fields are under greater Also of note are the concentrations of SMs and HER records people, events relate to the significance of historic landscape character threat as they are vulnerable to incremental damage by amongst historic settlement, reflecting a preferential location and aspects of commemorative, by looking at the particular heritage values of ploughing. The distribution of for medieval monuments such as life can be symbolic, social or each historic landscape type. archaeological monuments in fields varies castles (Berkhamsted) and connected spiritual values. from type to type but meadows and crofts moated sites (Pednor farm). through a place Villages, community The Chilterns HLC adopted an approach used by have a higher concentration. Crofts are Some types of pre-18th century to the present. or religious English Heritage*- whereby the historic small fields in close proximity to the enclosures have relatively low This can be buildings will tend Family picnicking by the River Chess environment is assessed in relation to four Sawpit in Pigotts Wood, North Dean, Bucks historic settlements while meadows have a densities of SMs – this must partly through to display strong near Amersham, Bucks 'heritage values': number of monuments relating to water reflect where sites have been illustrating aspects of history or prehistory or through communal values, as too may landscapes with good public management, such as mills and leats and levelled by centuries of association with famous people, events or movements. In access such as downs or commons. *Conservation Principles: Policy and Guidance also prehistoric and Roman settlements cultivation but may also relate to the Chilterns historic values might be displayed for example for the Sustainable Management of the Historic which were preferentially located along deeply embedded patterns of through illustration of historic woodland management Environment (2008). them. settlement and agricultural land practices (e.g. saw pits etc) or the association of designed use. www.english- landscapes with famous owners or landscape designers. The root plates of fallen trees can be damaging heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.9181 Ivinghoe Beacon, Bucks to archaeological monuments

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 26 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 27 Chapter 4: Archaeology in Downland Heritage Values Evidential Aesthetic value: Downland has one of the highest densities of Archaeology in Woodland value: is the derives from the SMs in the AONB and archaeological monuments One of the densest concentrations of SMs and archaeological and Significance potential of a ways in which in HERs reflecting the attractive topographical remains in the Chilterns is found in woodlands. This is despite place to yield people draw locations occupied by much downland and the the fact that there is a lack of information on archaeology of Principles evidence about sensory and survival of earthworks in long-term grassland. woodlands as less than 5% of Chiltern woods have had any form he law provides specific protection to past human intellectual Downland archaeology displays a particular bias of archaeological survey. Where woods have been surveyed widely valued elements of the historic activity. This stimulation from a towards prehistoric monuments such as hillforts almost all have contained some features. Statistically the Tenvironment: listing for historic value typically place. They can e.g. Sharpenhoe Clappers (Beds) and Ivinghoe majority of monuments that are recorded are undated. buildings, scheduling for archaeological relates to either reflect Beacon (Bucks) and prehistoric burial mounds. Woodland acts as an aid to preservation, protecting remains monuments and protection for historic archaeological conscious design In contrast other open land types such as from more damaging activities such as ploughing, although Archaeological excavations at Latimer, Bucks Greys Court hedgerows. However, most historic sites and the evidence in the or the fortuitous commons and heaths have fewer SMs but a large trees themselves can cause damage (see image below). wider historic landscape depend on the form of earthworks, buried remains and built structures. It outcome of the way a place has developed. Parks and concentration of monuments from the HER. Secondary woodland contains a number of archaeological planning system for their protection, and also includes landscape patterns and relationships, evidence gardens and polite architecture most obviously reflect This is perhaps a reflection of the many monuments, including SMs such as Boddington Hillfort (Bucks). environmentally aware owners supported, for historic woodland management practices (coppices etc), design whilst the attractive combination of historic fields activities that took place on commons and the Ancient woodland too contains a concentration of Prehistoric ring ditches (sites of burial mounds) levelled by where appropriate, by grant schemes for their the flora of hedgerows or environmental evidence for past and woods or open vistas across downland owe more to fact that their poorer soils led to historical archaeological monuments including earthworks of woodland cultivation, Bledlow, Bucks management. landscapes preserved within wetlands. fortuitous circumstance. settlements being focussed around them. industries such as woodbanks, charcoal hearths and saw pits. Within ancient woodland and wood pasture there are also As Chilterns HLC provides a seamless map of the Archaeology in Fields relics of historic wood management in the form of pollards and landscape it is able to fill in the gaps between Historical Communal value: Archaeological features in fields can be divided between coppiced trees. designated heritage sites and show that all of those found on arable land and monuments on permanent value: derives derives from the the Chilterns landscape, to varying degrees, has pasture. Monuments on pasture can take the form of from the ways meaning of a place an historic character. This chapter shows how earthworks which are generally better protected under grass. Archaeology in Settlements in which past to people and can HLC can be used where appropriate to assess Archaeological remains in arable fields are under greater Also of note are the concentrations of SMs and HER records people, events relate to the significance of historic landscape character threat as they are vulnerable to incremental damage by amongst historic settlement, reflecting a preferential location and aspects of commemorative, by looking at the particular heritage values of ploughing. The distribution of for medieval monuments such as life can be symbolic, social or each historic landscape type. archaeological monuments in fields varies castles (Berkhamsted) and connected spiritual values. from type to type but meadows and crofts moated sites (Pednor farm). through a place Villages, community The Chilterns HLC adopted an approach used by have a higher concentration. Crofts are Some types of pre-18th century to the present. or religious English Heritage*- whereby the historic small fields in close proximity to the enclosures have relatively low This can be buildings will tend Family picnicking by the River Chess environment is assessed in relation to four Sawpit in Pigotts Wood, North Dean, Bucks historic settlements while meadows have a densities of SMs – this must partly through to display strong near Amersham, Bucks 'heritage values': number of monuments relating to water reflect where sites have been illustrating aspects of history or prehistory or through communal values, as too may landscapes with good public management, such as mills and leats and levelled by centuries of association with famous people, events or movements. In access such as downs or commons. *Conservation Principles: Policy and Guidance also prehistoric and Roman settlements cultivation but may also relate to the Chilterns historic values might be displayed for example for the Sustainable Management of the Historic which were preferentially located along deeply embedded patterns of through illustration of historic woodland management Environment (2008). them. settlement and agricultural land practices (e.g. saw pits etc) or the association of designed use. www.english- landscapes with famous owners or landscape designers. The root plates of fallen trees can be damaging heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.9181 Ivinghoe Beacon, Bucks to archaeological monuments

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 26 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 27 Recognising Heritage Recognising Heritage HLC Type E H A C Significance 11 - 12 High The most significant historic Downland Values landscape types which are of Parks and Gardens Values

Heritage values were assigned to historic outstanding value to the Chilterns Settlement (Historic Cores) High The distribution of these generalised heritage Ancient Woodland landscape types by the Chilterns Historic worthy of conservation, Wood Pasture values and overall significance can be mapped Environment Group. Members were asked to enhancement, restoration and Fossilised Strips Medium - High Low by reference to the historic landscape types. poor independently rate the 45 historic landscape Meadows promotion. Water Meadow types on a simple 1 to 3 point scale for each of Watercress Beds Medium evidential value is the most Combined Heritage Significance Map the four values and the scores averaged and 9 - 10 Medium Significant historic landscape types Commons and Heaths common value with higher values evenly Assarts moderated by the group to give an agreed High which are of considerable value to Enclosure (Crofts) distributed throughout the Chilterns. score. the Chilterns and will normally be Pre 18th Century Sinuous Fields Riverine Landscape worthy of conservation, Coaxial Fields High historic value is widely expressed 1 = Low: Generally the historic landscape type enhancement, restoration and Allotments across the AONB with only localised areas demonstrates only limited or localised 19th Century Recreation having low value. promotion. Canals expressions of this value. Orchards 2 = Medium: The historic landscape type 8 Medium Historic landscape types of value to Government and Civic Offices Aesthetic value is generally medium to Parliamentary Enclosure demonstrates this value to a significant degree the Chilterns and normally worthy of Parliamentary Enclosure high across the central and south western and thereby contributes to the special conservation. Modified Boundaries parts of the AONB although lower values Pre 18th Century Irregular Fields character of the Chilterns. Post Medieval Military are present in parts of the northeast. 3 = High: The type demonstrates this value to 6 - 7 Low Historic landscape types which make Relict Open Fields an outstanding degree contributing significantly Replanted Ancient Woodland Communal value is rather variable and Medium a limited contribution to the Secondary Woodland to the special character of the Chilterns. heritage value of the Chilterns; Hospitals, Schools and Universities patchy. although some exemplars will be 19th Century Fields Pre 18th Century Regular Fields The agreed scores for the four values were then worthy of conservation other 20th Century Recreational Areas With respect to aesthetic and communal values summed to give an overall significance rating locations could absorb more change Airfields (Civil) it is essential to recognise that this study only Industrial for each historic landscape as follows: and/or may merit enhancement or Unimproved Land considers the heritage contribution to these restoration. Recreation (Golf Courses) values - it does not for example take account of Note on method: it is important to recognise that Settlement (20th Century) topography and viewpoints. this is a generalised high level strategic analysis Water (Reservoirs) 4 - 5 Low Historic landscape types which make 20th Century Fields that is no substitute for more localised or project- at best a limited contribution to the Coniferous Woodland specific assessments. There will undoubtedly be Utilities Low cases where such local studies demonstrate heritage value of the Chilterns. 20th Century Prairie Fields significant variations from the generalised Typically areas which can absorb Pony Paddocks Motorways assessments of values presented here. It is also more change and/or may merit Industrial (Mineral Extraction) important to note that views on significance vary enhancement or restoration Disused Mineral Extraction between individuals and groups, and also vary Nurserys and Glasshouses according to the scenario under consideration. For Caravan Parks example a place may be valued differently when the issues being considered are road construction, E= Evidential H = Historical A = Aesthetic C = Communal wood planting or increased educational access.

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 28 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 29 Recognising Heritage Recognising Heritage HLC Type E H A C Significance 11 - 12 High The most significant historic Downland Values landscape types which are of Parks and Gardens Values

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 28 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 29 Statement of The Significance of Landscapes of Evidential value Aesthetic values the 18th and 19th centuries Evidential Value: Evidential values in this period are Significance of the 20th Century Significance Aesthetic value is the value most closely associated to the typically more selective - some buildings and complex sites Evidential value is likely to be scored highly in all these Although the Agricultural and Industrial Landscapes concept of 'natural beauty'. Again it will be widely such as parks and gardens have significant potential whilst Consideration of the Chilterns' heritage values early landscapes where there is considerable evidence Revolutions were defining periods in British Despite being by far the shortest of the three time-periods appreciated in all pre-18th century landscapes often in many areas earlier landscape features and archaeological has allowed a 'statement of significance' to be bound up in historic buildings, archaeological remains, history their impact on the Chilterns was used in historic landscape characterisation, the 20th reflecting a fortuitous organic development expressed sites survived within the altered landscapes, for example drawn up. This is intended to be a high level botanical data, survivals of traditional management relatively modest compared to many other century is responsible for framing the character of 35% of through the relationship of historic features to the natural secondary woodland has grown up over many much earlier statement of what the historic environment practices and landscape patterns themselves. Woodland and parts of England. Overall only 20% of the the Chilterns AONB reflecting the increasing mechanisation landform. In any particular locality the aesthetics of the archaeological monuments. contributes to the Chilterns AONB and therefore downland preserve regionally significant reserves of visible Chilterns AONB owes its essential character to of agriculture, and life in general, and the expansion of whole landscape are likely to be more than the sum of its what special characteristics are most worthy of archaeological monuments. this period, and much of this change occurred London 'overspill'. At a landscape scale the 20th century saw parts so understanding the interrelationships between Historical Value: Parliamentary enclosure fields and farms, conservation and enhancement. within the 'grain' of earlier landscape. major built development (mostly prior to the designation of industrial, commercial or transport structures are the iconic historic features will be critical. Aesthetic values also derive the AONB); the expansion of settlements; the loss or sub- Historical values features of this period. Country houses and their parks were from deliberate design as seen most obviously in historic division of historic fields and the decline of grazing leading The Significance of Ancient All landscape types of this period are likely to be given high also important, and some are associated with famous parkland and polite architecture but also in some vernacular to the growth of secondary woodland. 20th century historical values. Notable examples are the management people. Landscape architecture. The setting of the Chilterns AONB is also landscapes have mostly been classed as low or low/medium practices of coppicing and pollarding in historic woodland, The Chilterns can justifiably be regarded as important to its aesthetic value, for example in displaying sensitivity, although perceptions on this point may change. 'ancient countryside' because 45% of the AONB the historical associations with grazing and land the contrast between this ancient landscape and the Aesthetic and Communal Values: management of commons and heaths. Villages and hamlets Aesthetic and communal values tend to be moderate rather landscape retains the patterns of pre-18th planned or 'champion' landscapes to the north. Some well designed modern buildings display aesthetic are amongst the richest and most valued historical elements than outstanding, although there are exceptions such as the century landscapes: historic settlements, values whilst others have communal value. Places such as of the Chilterns, many dating back to the middle ages. high aesthetic value of ancient woodlands, downland and commons, Communal values military installations have historic value relating to defining designed landscapes or and irregular or co-axial Pre 18th century landscape can have high communal values events of modern history. It is important to recognise that communal value of field patterns. These for several reasons. Historic settlements and commons often historic features and archaeological remains from earlier allotments. ancient landscapes contribute to strong local identity reflecting social values as eras do often survive within ostensibly modern landscapes display a wide range of do areas with public recreational access such as downland, and in some places it may be desirable to restore earlier The 18th and 19th centuries heritage values and are or rights of way through fields. Spiritual values may be landscape patterns. are significant to the considered to vary from found both in rural churches and more generally in the Chilterns but not generally an medium to high tranquillity and contact with nature that goes with many of outstanding nor defining significance. these early landscapes; ancient woodlands represent the characteristic of the AONB. most obvious example of this phenomenon. Nevertheless, there is a need for selective conservation of the better examples of buildings, landscapes and archaeological sites from this period, of which the historic parklands are the most widely recognised. Ancient field patterns and woodland around Fingest, Bucks Great Hampden House, East Front, Bucks

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 30 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 31 Statement of The Significance of Landscapes of Evidential value Aesthetic values the 18th and 19th centuries Evidential Value: Evidential values in this period are Significance of the 20th Century Significance Aesthetic value is the value most closely associated to the typically more selective - some buildings and complex sites Evidential value is likely to be scored highly in all these Although the Agricultural and Industrial Landscapes concept of 'natural beauty'. Again it will be widely such as parks and gardens have significant potential whilst Consideration of the Chilterns' heritage values early landscapes where there is considerable evidence Revolutions were defining periods in British Despite being by far the shortest of the three time-periods appreciated in all pre-18th century landscapes often in many areas earlier landscape features and archaeological has allowed a 'statement of significance' to be bound up in historic buildings, archaeological remains, history their impact on the Chilterns was used in historic landscape characterisation, the 20th reflecting a fortuitous organic development expressed sites survived within the altered landscapes, for example drawn up. This is intended to be a high level botanical data, survivals of traditional management relatively modest compared to many other century is responsible for framing the character of 35% of through the relationship of historic features to the natural secondary woodland has grown up over many much earlier statement of what the historic environment practices and landscape patterns themselves. Woodland and parts of England. Overall only 20% of the the Chilterns AONB reflecting the increasing mechanisation landform. In any particular locality the aesthetics of the archaeological monuments. contributes to the Chilterns AONB and therefore downland preserve regionally significant reserves of visible Chilterns AONB owes its essential character to of agriculture, and life in general, and the expansion of whole landscape are likely to be more than the sum of its what special characteristics are most worthy of archaeological monuments. this period, and much of this change occurred London 'overspill'. At a landscape scale the 20th century saw parts so understanding the interrelationships between Historical Value: Parliamentary enclosure fields and farms, conservation and enhancement. within the 'grain' of earlier landscape. major built development (mostly prior to the designation of industrial, commercial or transport structures are the iconic historic features will be critical. Aesthetic values also derive the AONB); the expansion of settlements; the loss or sub- Historical values features of this period. Country houses and their parks were from deliberate design as seen most obviously in historic division of historic fields and the decline of grazing leading The Significance of Ancient All landscape types of this period are likely to be given high also important, and some are associated with famous parkland and polite architecture but also in some vernacular to the growth of secondary woodland. 20th century historical values. Notable examples are the management people. Landscape architecture. The setting of the Chilterns AONB is also landscapes have mostly been classed as low or low/medium practices of coppicing and pollarding in historic woodland, The Chilterns can justifiably be regarded as important to its aesthetic value, for example in displaying sensitivity, although perceptions on this point may change. 'ancient countryside' because 45% of the AONB the historical associations with grazing and land the contrast between this ancient landscape and the Aesthetic and Communal Values: management of commons and heaths. Villages and hamlets Aesthetic and communal values tend to be moderate rather landscape retains the patterns of pre-18th planned or 'champion' landscapes to the north. Some well designed modern buildings display aesthetic are amongst the richest and most valued historical elements than outstanding, although there are exceptions such as the century landscapes: historic settlements, values whilst others have communal value. Places such as of the Chilterns, many dating back to the middle ages. high aesthetic value of ancient woodlands, downland and commons, Communal values military installations have historic value relating to defining designed landscapes or and irregular or co-axial Pre 18th century landscape can have high communal values events of modern history. It is important to recognise that communal value of field patterns. These for several reasons. Historic settlements and commons often historic features and archaeological remains from earlier allotments. ancient landscapes contribute to strong local identity reflecting social values as eras do often survive within ostensibly modern landscapes display a wide range of do areas with public recreational access such as downland, and in some places it may be desirable to restore earlier The 18th and 19th centuries heritage values and are or rights of way through fields. Spiritual values may be landscape patterns. are significant to the considered to vary from found both in rural churches and more generally in the Chilterns but not generally an medium to high tranquillity and contact with nature that goes with many of outstanding nor defining significance. these early landscapes; ancient woodlands represent the characteristic of the AONB. most obvious example of this phenomenon. Nevertheless, there is a need for selective conservation of the better examples of buildings, landscapes and archaeological sites from this period, of which the historic parklands are the most widely recognised. Ancient field patterns and woodland around Fingest, Bucks Great Hampden House, East Front, Bucks

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 30 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 31 Chapter 5: Assessing change Using Chilterns HLC Planning Having outlined generalised heritage values for Heritage Trajectory of long-term change (from 1880s to 2000) Significance his chapter provides examples of uses Planning Development Control Major Infrastructure Projects the Chilterns historic landscape, it remains to Increasing Stable Declining Declining Declining of HLC in development planning, The Chilterns AONB lies within the hinterland of Greater Historic Landscape Characterisation can also contribute to be considered how changes over the past slowly rapidly critically conservation management and raising London and is fringed by substantial settlements, including minimising the adverse impact on the historic environment century have affected the historic landscape T Loss of < 5% Loss of 5%- 20% Loss of 20%- 50% Loss of > 50% public awareness of the historic dimension of Reading, High Wycombe, Marlow, Chesham, Amersham, of new infrastructure projects such as railway lines and types to which they have been attached and the Chilterns landscape. Aylesbury, Hemel Hempstead, Luton, Dunstable and Hitchin. roads schemes. Chilterns HLC can be used to help assess the what future management priorities could be. High Watercress Water meadows Parks and Gardens Meadows Downland This surrounding area has been, and continues to be, subject impact of a route, potentially avoiding the more sensitive The table provides a summary of how the extent beds Historic Ancient Commons and Fossilised strips to considerable development pressure. Consequently it is historic landscapes. The impact of road construction on the of each historic landscape type has changed settlement woodland Heaths important that the Chilterns Conservation Board, local historic environment has been recognised by English over the past 120 years cross-indexed against Wood pasture authorities and other responsible bodies ensure that the Heritage and the Highways Agency who have issued specific the generalised heritage significance of the Crofts Allotments Pre-18th Medium/High character and special qualities of the AONB are recognised guidance on the routing type. It shows that at a large scale some historic Riverine Assarts century and protected in all development plans. and design of future landscape types (historic settlement and landscape Coaxial fields sinuous road building schemes². parkland for example) have fared fairly well, Orchards enclosure Chilterns HLC can be a valuable tool in informing the The principles may be but others (e.g. downland, meadows and co- Medium Replanted Parliamentary Pre-18th preparation of development plans and planning applications also applied to new axial fields) have suffered serious or critical ancient enclosures century affecting the AONB and its surrounding rural landscape. railway lines. losses. Much of this change happened before the woodland irregular Current national planning policy and best practice guidance AONB was designated in 1965. This analysis Secondary enclosure woodland advocates the use of 'evidence base' character studies such indicates that a 'do-nothing' approach over the Civic as the Chilterns HLC to assess the significance of the last forty years would probably have resulted in Military landscape¹. an unsustainable loss of types with high historic missing significance over much of the Chilterns within a Low/Medium Hospitals and Unimproved Pre-18th lifetime. It also suggests some future Schools land century Industrial Reservoirs regular Development Plans management priorities for different historic 20th century enclosure Affordable Housing under construction at HLC can provide strategic-scale information about the likely landscapes: recreation 19th century Winchmore Hill, Bucks sensitivities of locations to particular forms of development. Golf courses enclosure Conserve and Restore: historic landscapes of medium to high Such information could assist with strategic environmental Modern significance which have declined rapidly or critically. Surviving examples of settlement assessment of plans or be used to make appropriate these landscapes need protection whilst opportunities to restore significant response to a proposal, including indicating what project- lost sites would be desirable in most instances. Low Utilities Nurseries & specific studies ought to be undertaken to inform and Conserve: historic landscape types of medium to high significance that Prairie fields glasshouses improve schemes. The HLC can help ensure new are stable or declining slowly. Existing measures to protect these areas should Pony Paddocks Development Plan for be maintained; and where appropriate enhanced if the special character of an 20th century development is well designed and in keeping with the Wycombe District Council area is in danger of erosion through small-scale piecemeal change. enclosure historic landscape character of the Chilterns.

Selective Conservation: historic landscape types of low/medium Coniferous 1 Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development, significance or which increased in extent in the 20th century. Conservation plantation Careful consideration of historic landscape character can Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment should focus on particular exemplars worthy of special attention to protect or woodland help blend new development into existing landscape and Planning Policy Statement 7: Sustainable Development in Rural enhance particular heritage values. Areas Mitigate or Restore: historic landscapes of low or low/medium patterns. significance where it would be desirable to mitigate negative impacts or ²Assessing the Effect of Road Schemes on Historic Landscape restore lost landscape patterns. Can overlap with 'selective conservation'. A41 road improvement and bypass, Aston Clinton Character (Highways Agency)

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 32 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 33 Chapter 5: Assessing change Using Chilterns HLC Planning Having outlined generalised heritage values for Heritage Trajectory of long-term change (from 1880s to 2000) Significance his chapter provides examples of uses Planning Development Control Major Infrastructure Projects the Chilterns historic landscape, it remains to Increasing Stable Declining Declining Declining of HLC in development planning, The Chilterns AONB lies within the hinterland of Greater Historic Landscape Characterisation can also contribute to be considered how changes over the past slowly rapidly critically conservation management and raising London and is fringed by substantial settlements, including minimising the adverse impact on the historic environment century have affected the historic landscape T Loss of < 5% Loss of 5%- 20% Loss of 20%- 50% Loss of > 50% public awareness of the historic dimension of Reading, High Wycombe, Marlow, Chesham, Amersham, of new infrastructure projects such as railway lines and types to which they have been attached and the Chilterns landscape. Aylesbury, Hemel Hempstead, Luton, Dunstable and Hitchin. roads schemes. Chilterns HLC can be used to help assess the what future management priorities could be. High Watercress Water meadows Parks and Gardens Meadows Downland This surrounding area has been, and continues to be, subject impact of a route, potentially avoiding the more sensitive The table provides a summary of how the extent beds Historic Ancient Commons and Fossilised strips to considerable development pressure. Consequently it is historic landscapes. The impact of road construction on the of each historic landscape type has changed settlement woodland Heaths important that the Chilterns Conservation Board, local historic environment has been recognised by English over the past 120 years cross-indexed against Wood pasture authorities and other responsible bodies ensure that the Heritage and the Highways Agency who have issued specific the generalised heritage significance of the Crofts Allotments Pre-18th Medium/High character and special qualities of the AONB are recognised guidance on the routing type. It shows that at a large scale some historic Riverine Assarts century and protected in all development plans. and design of future landscape types (historic settlement and landscape Coaxial fields sinuous road building schemes². parkland for example) have fared fairly well, Orchards enclosure Chilterns HLC can be a valuable tool in informing the The principles may be but others (e.g. downland, meadows and co- Medium Replanted Parliamentary Pre-18th preparation of development plans and planning applications also applied to new axial fields) have suffered serious or critical ancient enclosures century affecting the AONB and its surrounding rural landscape. railway lines. losses. Much of this change happened before the woodland irregular Current national planning policy and best practice guidance AONB was designated in 1965. This analysis Secondary enclosure woodland advocates the use of 'evidence base' character studies such indicates that a 'do-nothing' approach over the Civic as the Chilterns HLC to assess the significance of the last forty years would probably have resulted in Military landscape¹. an unsustainable loss of types with high historic missing significance over much of the Chilterns within a Low/Medium Hospitals and Unimproved Pre-18th lifetime. It also suggests some future Schools land century Industrial Reservoirs regular Development Plans management priorities for different historic 20th century enclosure Affordable Housing under construction at HLC can provide strategic-scale information about the likely landscapes: recreation 19th century Winchmore Hill, Bucks sensitivities of locations to particular forms of development. Golf courses enclosure Conserve and Restore: historic landscapes of medium to high Such information could assist with strategic environmental Modern significance which have declined rapidly or critically. Surviving examples of settlement assessment of plans or be used to make appropriate these landscapes need protection whilst opportunities to restore significant response to a proposal, including indicating what project- lost sites would be desirable in most instances. Low Utilities Nurseries & specific studies ought to be undertaken to inform and Conserve: historic landscape types of medium to high significance that Prairie fields glasshouses improve schemes. The HLC can help ensure new are stable or declining slowly. Existing measures to protect these areas should Pony Paddocks Development Plan for be maintained; and where appropriate enhanced if the special character of an 20th century development is well designed and in keeping with the Wycombe District Council area is in danger of erosion through small-scale piecemeal change. enclosure historic landscape character of the Chilterns.

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 32 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape Page 33 Landscape Conservation Area Conservation Management Management pre 18th century At a strategic scale the Chilterns HLC can be used to inform Appraisals irregular enclosure The historic environment's contribution to Water meadows (light purple) (light green) the conservation and management of historic landscape The Chilterns HLC can provide a broader guiding land management in the Chilterns has types most relevant to the designation of the Chilterns as an perspective for Conservation Area Appraisals often been restricted to consideration of the AONB. HLC has shown that Chilterns commons have declined placing the designated area within its wider needs of archaeological sites recorded in county by 54% since the early 19th century and indicates the causes context and setting, providing further HERs. The completion of the Chilterns HLC of this change. The Chilterns HLC data can be further information for its description and helping poorpoor provides a broader perspective enabling refined to identify particular commons which would define its extent. consideration of the Chilterns landscape as a particularly benefit from positive conservation whole, an approach that can be a useful management. The character of a historic settlement has often reference for land agents and others involved in been perceived in terms of its immediate built drawing up land management plans. HLC is also a valuable reference to ecologists as it can environment. By contrast relatively little identify suitable areas for undertaking habitat surveys. In attention has been paid to the landscape particular it can identify the location of historic landscape surroundings that also contribute to the types that are now lost but were once rich in biodiversity distinctiveness and identity of places.

Historic Parkland such as wood pasture, downland and calcareous grassland. (light pink) Biological surveys may reveal that relict elements of these The Conservation Area Appraisal of Penn and

20th century former landscapes survive. Tylers Green (Bucks) used the Chilterns HLC to Farm cluster at Town End, Radnage enclosure (pink) define the significance of the villages and their setting. HLC supported the importance of the Conservation Area Reviews Hambleden Conservation Area common and showed that away from the Although the majority of larger historic settlements in the modern built up area of High Wycombe, Chilterns are protected by Conservation Area status, the Buckinghamshire Border Penn and Tylers Green are surrounded by Chilterns HLC can be used to review and update existing a landscape composed predominantly of Higher Level Stewardship application at Fawley, Bucks designations and also to identify places that might merit ancient woodland and assarted fields. It designation as future Conservation Areas. Environmental Stewardship Schemes also identified some small closes to the Chilterns HLC has been used for environmental stewardship south of Church Road, Penn which are It is recommended that conservation officers consult the applications. These are schemes which provide funding to thought to be long established crofts, Chilterns HLC in the initial stages of each Conservation Area farmers and other land managers in England to deliver associated with buildings and forming review, and obtain expert advice on its interpretation where effective environmental management on their land, part of a settlement's evolution and necessary. including restoration of hedgerows and positive history. These fields provide an management of heritage features. An example shown above attractive setting. With many species A settlement type under-represented in Conservation Area is an application on farmland at Fawley. Consulting the rich hedgerows they provide a habitat designation are farm clusters that are virtually unchanged Chilterns HLC showed that there was the opportunity to for a variety of wildlife. since the 19th century. Places such as Colstrope in recommend the management of water meadows and Hambleden or Town and Bennetts End at Radnage could be enhancement of a section of the 19th century designed considered for new Conservation Areas. Conservation Area Appraisal map of Ploughing at Streatley, Bedfordshire parkland of Fawley Court. Head and Body Pond, Cadmore End Common, Bucks Penn and Tylers Green

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape PagePage 34 4 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape PagePage 35 5 Landscape Conservation Area Conservation Management Management pre 18th century At a strategic scale the Chilterns HLC can be used to inform Appraisals irregular enclosure The historic environment's contribution to Water meadows (light purple) (light green) the conservation and management of historic landscape The Chilterns HLC can provide a broader guiding land management in the Chilterns has types most relevant to the designation of the Chilterns as an perspective for Conservation Area Appraisals often been restricted to consideration of the AONB. HLC has shown that Chilterns commons have declined placing the designated area within its wider needs of archaeological sites recorded in county by 54% since the early 19th century and indicates the causes context and setting, providing further HERs. The completion of the Chilterns HLC of this change. The Chilterns HLC data can be further information for its description and helping poorpoor provides a broader perspective enabling refined to identify particular commons which would define its extent. consideration of the Chilterns landscape as a particularly benefit from positive conservation whole, an approach that can be a useful management. The character of a historic settlement has often reference for land agents and others involved in been perceived in terms of its immediate built drawing up land management plans. HLC is also a valuable reference to ecologists as it can environment. By contrast relatively little identify suitable areas for undertaking habitat surveys. In attention has been paid to the landscape particular it can identify the location of historic landscape surroundings that also contribute to the types that are now lost but were once rich in biodiversity distinctiveness and identity of places.

Historic Parkland such as wood pasture, downland and calcareous grassland. (light pink) Biological surveys may reveal that relict elements of these The Conservation Area Appraisal of Penn and

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape PagePage 34 4 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape PagePage 35 5 Chapter 6: Community and The Ridgeway Link Further Information Chilterns Conservation Board Central Bedfordshire Council Education Understanding and Enjoyment Connecting the Chilter Centre a ns Gatew For further information on the Chilterns Historic Landscape For information on the historic environment of Bedfordshire Another potential application of HLC is for recreational purposes, providing t Dunstable Do ay to Ivinghoe Beacon wns Characterisation project please contact: Chilterns please contact: an interpretation of the surrounding landscape for promoted routes and A 7.5 mile linear w The Chilterns Conservation Board, Heritage and Environment Service rights of way maps. Most walkers' guides contain an illustration of the route in the Chilterns alk The Lodge, Central Bedfordshire Council along with details of particular features of interest but generally there is not 90 Station Road, PO Box 1395 much information on the composition of surrounding landscape. HLC can Chinnor, Bedford provide extra details about the age, date of fields, woodlands and Oxfordshire OX39 4HA MK42 9AP settlement. Overall this additional description could enhance future guides Website: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/environment-and- and make the experience of exploring the Chilterns more enlightening. www.chilternsaonb.org/caring/historic_environment.html planning/archaeology/default.aspx email: [email protected] email: [email protected]

English Heritage Hertfordshire Historic Environment Unit Map showing the Ridgeway walk, Ivinghoe Beacon Further information on the national programme of Historic For information on the historic environment of Hertfordshire Landscape Characterisation projects can be found on the Chilterns please contact: Special Trees and Woods volunteers measuring an English Heritage website: Environment Department, earthwork at Tring, Herts www.english-heritage.org.uk Hertfordshire County Council, County Hall, Pegs Lane, Perhaps one of the most rewarding uses of the Buckinghamshire County Archaeological Hertford SG13 8DQ Chilterns HLC is to encourage local communities www.hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/heritage1/archaeology/ Service to raise awareness of their own historic email: [email protected] For information on the historic environment of landscape and environment. The Chilterns has a an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Buckinghamshire Chilterns please contact: strong tradition of volunteer groups and Buckinghamshire County Council Oxfordshire County Archaeological Services organisations that play an active role in the County Hall, management of the Chilterns. The information For information on the historic environment of Oxfordshire Walton Street from the HLC can be used as a resource to Chilterns please contact: Aylesbury HP20 1UY contribute to particular Chilterns projects such Speedwell House, Speedwell Street, Oxford OX1 1NE www.buckscc.gov.uk/sites/bcc/archaeology/Archaeology.page as the Special Trees and Woods project and Website: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk email: [email protected] Chilterns Commons Network. email: [email protected]

HLC can be a valuable resource for people The Heritage Gateway involved in local research and can help www.heritagegateway.org.uk communities writing village design statements. for information on and access to on-line HERs (incl Herts) It can also be an educational tool for teaching history and geography in schools.

Duke of Bridgewater Monument, Ashridge, Herts

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape PagePage 36 4 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape PagePage 37 5 Chapter 6: Community and The Ridgeway Link Further Information Chilterns Conservation Board Central Bedfordshire Council Education Understanding and Enjoyment Connecting the Chilter Centre a ns Gatew For further information on the Chilterns Historic Landscape For information on the historic environment of Bedfordshire Another potential application of HLC is for recreational purposes, providing t Dunstable Do ay to Ivinghoe Beacon wns Characterisation project please contact: Chilterns please contact: an interpretation of the surrounding landscape for promoted routes and A 7.5 mile linear w The Chilterns Conservation Board, Heritage and Environment Service rights of way maps. Most walkers' guides contain an illustration of the route in the Chilterns alk The Lodge, Central Bedfordshire Council along with details of particular features of interest but generally there is not 90 Station Road, PO Box 1395 much information on the composition of surrounding landscape. HLC can Chinnor, Bedford provide extra details about the age, date of fields, woodlands and Oxfordshire OX39 4HA MK42 9AP settlement. Overall this additional description could enhance future guides Website: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/environment-and- and make the experience of exploring the Chilterns more enlightening. www.chilternsaonb.org/caring/historic_environment.html planning/archaeology/default.aspx email: [email protected] email: [email protected]

Duke of Bridgewater Monument, Ashridge, Herts

The Making of the Chilterns Landscape PagePage 36 4 The Making of the Chilterns Landscape PagePage 37 5