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Home , Chiltern Hills, Cowleaze Wood, Moorend Common, North Wessex Downs

CONSERVATION BOARD

Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Management Plan 2008 – 2013 A Framework for Action

an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty This Management Plan complies with the following legislation and guidance:

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, Part 4 Section 89 The Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations (SI 1633) 2004 The Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations 1994 (as amended by The Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007) Guidance for the Review of AONB Management Plans published by The Countryside Agency 2006

Chilterns Conservation Board The Lodge, 90 Station Road Oxon OX39 4HA Telephone: 01844 355500

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.chilternsaonb.org CONSERVATION BOARD

ISBN 978-0-9545242-7-2

Cover photo: View of Beacon

Photographs by Natural /Tina Stallard, Andy Fisher, Emma Chappell, Mark Simmons, Paul Keene, Phil Farrer, Shaun Pope, Matt Fowler, John Morris, Chris Smith, Peter Goodearl and Gerry Whitlow. Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Contents

Page Foreword 1

Vision 3

Introduction 5

Section 1 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty 13

Landscape 14 Farming and forestry 26 Biodiversity 36 Water environment 48 Historic environment 56 Development 68

Section 2 Understanding and enjoyment 80

Section 3 Social and economic well-being 94

Section 4 Climate change 102

Section 5 Integration of cross cutting themes with management plan policies 112

Section 6 Implementation and monitoring 114

Abbreviations 120

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Walkers by the Foreword

he Chilterns Area of Outstanding to guide the work of all of those who care for Natural Beauty (AONB) is nationally- the area over the next five years. Tprotected as one of the finest areas of countryside in the UK. It is a living landscape, The policies and actions are contained within shaped by centuries of activity by people and sections of the Plan that reflect the primary influenced today by local communities, purposes of the Conservation Board: conserving organisations, businesses and government and enhancing natural beauty, increasing bodies. The future of the area is dependent on understanding and enjoyment; and its everyone with an interest in the AONB working secondary duty of fostering social and economic together to protect and enhance it. well-being. There is also a new section on climate change and its likely impact on the Chilterns over the next few decades, reflecting the importance of this issue to all aspects of managing the AONB.

The law requires that AONBs have a management plan in place. Even without this statutory requirement, however, there are good reasons to go through the process of producing one. This Plan has benefited from the input of many organisations and individuals and is a collective expression of their interests and wishes. I am grateful for this contribution which has ensured it is truly a plan for all of us who care for the Chilterns AONB.

This Management Plan is the key to a partnership approach to managing the Chilterns AONB. It sets out the special qualities of the area, identifies the management issues it Sir John Johnson faces, presents a vision of the AONB as a Chairman special place and provides policies and actions Chilterns Conservation Board

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 1 Hill A Vision for the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The Management Plan is based on a vision for the Chilterns AONB in which:

Large, linked areas of open A wide range of people, both local and contain a diverse range of chalk-loving from further afield, enjoy and value the plants and associated fauna. Chilterns countryside.

Well-managed woodlands produce good The rich historic environment of the quality timber and wood fuel as well as Chilterns is conserved and appreciated by a providing natural spaces for recreation and wide audience. a home for wildlife. There is a good market for sustainably Chalk streams flow along natural river beds produced local products which contribute and provide a healthy environment for to the viability of local farms, and a wide their specialised wildlife. understanding of the link between the production of local goods and Local farms are thriving businesses which environmental quality. help to maintain the farmed landscapes of the Chilterns and support healthy The carbon footprint of the AONB is populations of farmland birds and other reduced and the special features of the wildlife. area are resilient to climate change.

New developments are built to high The common land of the Chilterns is environmental standards and respect the conserved and valued by local communities architectural traditions of the Chilterns. and visitors.

The impact of traffic on the area is The tranquillity of the Chilterns is reduced, with more people walking, maintained with peace and quiet restored cycling and using public transport and where noise is a problem and visual highway developments are appropriate and intrusions removed. sympathetic to their surroundings.

Pegsdon Hills near

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 3 The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Chilterns AONB boundary above 250m 200 - 250m 150 - 200m 100 - 150m Barton-le-Clay 50 - 100m Hexton 0 - 50m Lilley other Water Courses

Whipsnade

River Gade Harpenden Gaddesden R. Bulbourne

Thame Princes Risborough R. Misbourne Chinnor Gt. Missenden River Chess Hughenden Stream R. Wye Watlington Lane End Wallingford Hamble Brook Marlow

R. Thames Goring Henley-on-Thames N

R. Thames

0 5 10 Kilometres

0 6 Miles READING

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 4 Introduction

The special qualities of the and public enjoyment and home to a wide Chilterns AONB diversity of wildlife. Today there are 2002 hectares of registered common land in 1. In 1965 an area of 800 sq kms of the the AONB – around 2.4% of the total area. was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 6. Some of the Chilterns' most distinctive Later, following a review of the boundary, natural features are its chalk rivers and the AONB was enlarged to 833 sq kms. streams, fed by groundwater from the There are no plans to review the chalk . A globally scarce habitat, boundary during the lifetime of this chalk rivers support a range of specialised Management Plan. wildlife and in the Chilterns provide a home for the threatened water vole. 2. The Chilterns AONB was designated for Another significant water feature of the the natural beauty of its landscape and area, the River Thames, forms much of its natural and cultural heritage. In the southern boundary of the AONB. particular, it was designated to protect its special qualities which include the 7. The Chilterns is possibly the most heavily- steep chalk escarpment with areas of visited landscape in the UK with 55 flower-rich downland, woodlands, million leisure visits a year. Visitors come commons, tranquil valleys, the network to enjoy over 2,000km of public rights of of ancient routes, villages with their brick way, and the Thames Path and houses, chalk streams and a rich National Trails and many more special historic environment of hill forts and routes. The area is rich in history with chalk figures. ancient man-made features scattered through the countryside and a legacy of 3. There is an extensive network of grand houses and designed landscapes protected sites within the AONB, from the 17th and 18th centuries. There including 63 Sites of Special Scientific are 122 Scheduled Ancient Monuments in Interest (SSSI), three National Nature the AONB and 15 parks and gardens on Reserves and three European-designated English Heritage's register. Special Areas of Conservation. In 2008 94% of the Chilterns' SSSIs are in The Chilterns Conservation Board favourable or recovering condition.

1. The Chilterns Conservation Board was 4. One fifth of the Chilterns AONB is wooded established by Parliamentary Order in and of this about 56% is ancient woodland 2004. It is one of the first two (a site which has been continuously Conservation Boards (the other is for the wooded since at least 1600). The AONB ) set up under the Countryside also has a nationally-important and Rights Of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 which concentration of high quality chalk enabled the establishment of grassland with over 137 protected sites. independent statutory bodies to manage AONBs. The Board superseded the shadow 5. Commons are amongst the most Chilterns Conservation Board which characteristic features of the AONB – part operated from 2001 – 2004 and the of its social and cultural heritage, Chilterns Conference established in 1965. accessible green places for recreation

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 5 Introduction

2. The Board has two statutory purposes: 6. The Board has a small staff team based in Chinnor in . It is also assisted to conserve and enhance the natural by volunteers who lead guided walks, give beauty of the AONB; and talks, help at events and carry out to increase the understanding and project work. enjoyment of the special qualities of the AONB. Chilterns AONB Management Plan

3. In fulfilling these purposes, the Board has 1. The CRoW Act places a duty on all local a duty to seek to foster the economic and authorities which include an AONB, and social wellbeing of local communities Conservation Boards, where they exist, to within the AONB, without incurring produce a plan which outlines their significant expenditure. policies for the management of the AONB and how they will carry out their 4. There are 29 members of the Board: 15 functions in relation to it. Management are appointed by the 15 local authorities plans must be reviewed at least every in the Chilterns AONB, eight are five years. appointed by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and 2. The previous management plan for the six are elected by parish and town Chilterns AONB, The Framework for councils in the AONB. Action: 2002-2007, was published by the shadow Chilterns Conservation Board in 5. In 2009 this will reduce to a Board of 27 2002 and adopted by the newly- members, 13 of which are appointed by established Board in 2005. the local authorities. This is due to local government reform in which 3. A difficulty during the life of the previous will result in a new unitary authority, plan was monitoring landscape quality Central Bedfordshire Council, replacing and change. This remains a challenge in South Beds District Council, Mid Beds the absence of nationally-agreed criteria District Council and Bedfordshire County on measuring quality and change at the Council as an appointing body to the landscape level. It is an objective of the Board. new Plan to increase the amount of environmental data on the AONB which will be published in an annual State of the Environment Report and will contribute to monitoring of the plan's progress.

4. The Framework for Action: 2008-2013 contains a number of broad aims for the management of the Chilterns AONB. The more detailed policies and actions in the Plan outline how these aims will be achieved by the Board and all other parties with an interest in the AONB.

5. The aims, policies and actions in the Plan have been formulated by the Board in View towards from consultation with a very wide range of

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 6 Introduction

organisations and individuals. During the Global, national and regional Plan's lifetime the Board will guide its context of the AONB implementation and will be responsible for undertaking many of the actions in it, 1. The Chilterns AONB is one of 40 AONBs in in partnership with others. However, the England and Wales, which together cover Plan is not solely for the Board but is a 18% of the countryside. The AONB guide for local authorities, statutory designation was created by the National agencies, local organisations, Parks and Access to the Countryside Act landowners, businesses, communities of 1949, which also established the and all whose activities influence the National Park designation. The aim was AONB. that the two designations would protect the finest countryside in England and 6. To highlight how this Management Plan Wales. In June 2000 the Government for the AONB is to be implemented a confirmed that AONBs and National Parks complementary Delivery Plan has been produced. The Delivery Plan links the policies, actions and indicators together National Parks Northumberland with the activities of relevant Coast Northumberland National Park, organisations. This strategic Delivery designated but not yet confirmed The Broads Plan will be updated annually with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

more details on specific actions, 0 50km

Solway resources and planned outputs. Coast Lake District 7. For clarification, the Delivery Plan North York Yorkshire Moors will require the collaboration of Dales many organisations - it is not a Howardian Arnside and Hills Silverdale work programme for the Chilterns Nidderdale

Conservation Board alone. The Plan identifies which organisations need to be involved if the action is to be Peak Lincolnshire District Wolds implemented successfully. It is not Norfolk Coast

an exhaustive list and The neither does it mean Broads Shropshire that all those listed are Hills

Suffolk Coast able to commit and Heaths Dedham themselves to Vale

undertaking that Cotswolds

action. Chilterns Inevitably, the

Mendip North programme will be Hills Downs Downs Quantock affected by the priorities Hills Surrey Hills North Devon Cranbourne Chase and New of each partner and West High Weald Exmoor Forest East Downs Blackdown Sussex availability of Hills Downs Dartmoor South Downs resources. Tamar Chichester Valley Harbour East Devon

Cornwall

South Devon

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 7 Introduction

have the same level of landscape quality designation and those bodies responsible and share the same level of protection. for them at a national level.

2. AONBs are part of the global network of 5. The Board also participates in the South protected landscapes. The International East Protected Landscape group to Union for the Conservation of Nature and develop collaborative initiatives across Natural Resources (IUCN) has six the region and to develop working management categories covering all relationships with a range of regional types of protected areas. AONBs (and partners. There is further scope for National Parks) fall into Category V – collaborative working in the East of landscapes managed mainly for England. conservation and recreation.

3. The Chilterns Conservation Board is a Influences on the natural beauty of member of Europarc, the umbrella the Chilterns AONB organisation for Europe's protected areas. As a protected landscape the Chilterns AONB, along with other AONBs, 1. There has long been pressure on the is playing a key role in the Chiltern Hills for development and for implementation of the European changes in land use which would have a Landscape Convention, ratified by the UK deleterious effect on the quality of the in 2006. The Convention aims to improve landscape. It was partly these pressures the protection and management of which led to the designation of the area important landscapes and to increase co- as an AONB in 1965. In more recent times operation across Europe. the pressures have grown, leading to a greater-than-ever need for a 4. The Board is an active member of the comprehensive and widely-implemented National Association for AONBs which Management Plan. represents the interests of the

Track near Nettlebed

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 8 Introduction

2. Sitting on London's doorstep, and 5. Loss of traditional management practices immediately adjacent to several large - in particular grazing - and a decline in towns, the Chilterns provides highly 'commoning' ( the exercise of common valued landscapes and places to escape rights) has affected the open habitats to. It is a place which has to cope with often associated with common land. growing populations and increasing traffic levels as well as pressures for 6. The long term decline in the market for development which come right up to the UK timber is having a pronounced effect boundary. Luton, Aylesbury and the on Chiltern woodlands, with many Thames Corridor have been identified as suffering from a lack of management. part of growth areas by the Government The ageing beech woodlands no longer and will see population increases in the produce significant volumes of timber coming years, which will result in a and are more valuable as places for greater number of people travelling recreation than as a part of the rural through the AONB and using it for economy. The promotion of wood as a recreation. The consequent demand for renewable fuel may stimulate improved road improvements and greater management of some woodlands. infrastructure at countryside sites could have a damaging effect on the AONB so 7. The pressures for development and the needs to be appropriately managed. long urban fringe along the AONB boundary means there will be continuing 3. Greater development close to the pressure which may lead to urbanisation, Chilterns, and some inevitable illegal activities such as fly tipping and development within the area, will lead to problems for landowners especially those more consumption of scarce water who wish to continue commercial resources. Abstraction of water for farming. This pressure may also lead to domestic use already has an impact on loss of tranquillity due to increases in Chilterns streams and rivers and it is vital noise from roads, railways, aircraft and that public demand for water is managed the general background noise created in sustainably. built up areas.

4. The landscape of the Chilterns is 8. Climate change could have a major but dominated by farmland and woodland, unpredictable influence on the natural and changes in these land uses have a beauty of the Chilterns. It is likely that major influence on the natural beauty of the long term changes will alter the the area. The reform of the EU Common species composition of woodlands and Agricultural Policy and the introduction of new agri-environment schemes in the UK are affecting farming, with a greater emphasis on wildlife conservation. The de-coupling of support payments from production is enabling farmers to respond more readily to world market conditions. Rising grain prices are boosting arable farming but livestock and dairy farming, which are crucial to the management of special habitats like chalk grassland, have been in decline for some time.

Walkers at Clappers

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 9 Introduction

the type of crops grown by farmers than beech with the likely changes in climate. leading to subtle but ultimately The range of crops grown by farmers will significant alteration to the landscape - change and there may be more growing of this is covered in more detail below and biofuels, although concerns over the security of in Section 4. food supplies may affect that market. Flows in rivers and streams could become more erratic and there will be changes in the fauna and flora Cross cutting themes of the of all habitats. The impact of tourism is Management Plan particularly unpredictable. People may decide to holiday in the UK rather than to go abroad if A number of important themes, which will have the summer weather becomes warmer and a significant influence on the management of sunnier but, as in recent years, poor weather the AONB over the next five years, cut across may lead to fewer holidays taken in the UK. All all the chapters of the Plan. They are: these potential changes and ways to manage and mitigate them are discussed in Section 4. climate change social inclusion 2. Social inclusion health and well-being lifelong learning The Chilterns AONB is a national treasure, protected for all to enjoy and it receives 1. Climate change millions of visits every year. Despite this, there are many who could benefit from the area and A changing global climate, principally caused by yet remain unaware of what it has to offer, or human activities, is now regarded as an who face obstacles in accessing it. Ensuring that indisputable fact by the Intergovernmental as wide an audience as possible understands the 1 Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) . How much special qualities of the AONB and takes an global temperatures will rise and how quickly active part in enjoying and caring for it is are still under debate, but there is a broad essential to the future of the area. The consensus of opinion on the likely changes to Management Plan seeks to achieve this in a the climate of , and therefore variety of ways including reaching out to those the Chilterns AONB, over the next few decades. in urban areas close to the Chilterns, improving The likely long term changes are: public participation in conservation activities and increasing awareness of the AONB and its summers will become warmer and special qualities amongst those who are not drier. regular visitors at the moment. winters will become milder and wetter. storm events will become more frequent. weather generally will become more unpredictable.

Although short to medium term climatic cycles may be uncertain there is consensus on the likely long term trends.

These changes have the potential to affect the landscape, wildlife and communities of the Chilterns in many ways. Woodlands may be dominated by oak and ash which cope better Aerial view of Ridge and Bradenham Valley 1IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change (2007)

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 10 Introduction

3. Health and well-being and enjoyment of the Chilterns AONB. With greater understanding comes a sense of Rising obesity levels and the ever-increasing ownership and of stewardship. The popularity of costs of healthcare have prompted a much the natural environment amongst the public greater emphasis on preventative health combined with the resources that the AONB solutions. There is an increasing perception of offers such as wildlife, special habitats, history the countryside, and green space in general, as and built heritage creates many opportunities a place which offers tangible benefits to health to stimulate understanding, develop skills and and well-being. The value of protected encourage creative responses. countryside, like AONBs, in providing walking, cycling and riding routes and a tranquil rural In Section 5 there is a matrix showing which escape from stressful lives is increasingly being Management Plan policies address each of the seen in economic and social terms as well as cross-cutting themes. environmental.

4. Lifelong learning

Lifelong learning is the concept of providing people with learning opportunities at all ages and in many different contexts: at work, at home and during leisure pursuits as well as through more formal channels such as adult education. It is a Government priority and one which ties in with the Conservation Board's primary purpose of increasing understanding

View from Britwell Hill near Watlington

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 11 Hughenden Church and Valley Section 1 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty

he primary purpose of designating an It is divided into chapters reflecting all the area of countryside as an AONB is to components which combined create the Tconserve and enhance the natural intangible sense of place of the Chilterns, beauty of its landscape. In this sense, the term namely: 'natural beauty' refers not only to the scenic qualities of the landscape but to all those other Landscape elements which together produce the special character of the AONB. These elements include Farming and forestry wildlife and man-made features such as its Biodiversity archaeological and built heritage. Water environment This section seeks to unravel the special Historic environment qualities of the Chilterns AONB and to define Development the key issues which are affecting them.

Bluebells at

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 13 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Landscape

Landscape Character

Escarpment Scarp Scarp Foothills Landscapes Vale Fringes Barton-le-Clay Arterial Valleys River Valley Landscapes Chess Valley Hexton Level Plateau Plateau and Leighton Buzzard Dunstable Lilley Plateau with Valleys Dip Slope Hitchin Valleys and Ridges Landscapes Rolling Plateau Thames Fringes The Thames LUTON Thames Floodplain Valley Markyate Harpenden Aylesbury Tring Aldbury Wendover Gaddesden Tring Wendover A4010 Berkhamsted Princes HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Risborough Princes Chesham Risborough Chinnor Gt. Missenden

Naphill Amersham Amersham Stokenchurch

Watlington High WycomHbigeh Wycombe

Wallingford Beaconsfield

Nettlebed Marlow

R. Thames Woodcote Maidenhead

Goring Goring Henley-on-Thames

R. Thames N

0 5 10 Kilometres READING 0 6 Miles

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 14 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Landscape

Landscape

Introduction and flint which lends such distinction to all forms of building from churches to cottages. 1. The landscape of the Chiltern Hills is defined by the chalk escarpment which 5. The landscape has largely been created by runs along an axis from Hitchin in the farmers and foresters and remains an north east to Goring-on-Thames, a ancient landscape with features from distance of 50 miles. At its highest point, many ages. Even today, field and near Wendover, it reaches nearly 900 feet hedgerow patterns can be traced back (267 metres). The steep scarp faces to many centuries as can most of the lanes, the north west and to the south east the woodland banks and parish boundaries. dipslope appears more like a plateau, gently shelving to the south east, incised 6. It is a landscape of many hidden quarters, by shallow valleys, some with chalk of enclosures and surprise views, of dark streams flowing to the River Colne and beech woods and open downland. It is its River Thames. variety and timelessness which give it such charm and places such a premium on 2. Chalk is a rare form of geology laid down maintaining those special qualities. during the Cretaceous Era (65 – 100 million years ago), found in the south of 7. Climate change will result in some England and north-west France but significant changes to the landscape but almost nowhere else. The Chilterns over a relatively long timescale with few shares many characteristics with other noticeable changes in the short term. chalk landscapes in the Surrey Hills, Over a period of 50 years or more the North and South Downs. To the south most noticeable changes are likely to be west the chalk outcrop continues into the an altered species composition of and beyond into woodland with less beech and a greater Dorset. variety of arable crops better suited to warmer conditions. Those qualities which 3. Chalk is an unseen geology with few make the Chilterns a landscape of natural outcrops and is generally only national importance today will almost exposed in , now largely certainly persist. redundant. It was little used for construction and only the relatively hard forms of chalk known as Stone and Clunch were used in local buildings.

4. The landscape is a combination of the landform created by underlying chalk and the land uses and buildings on its surface, which owe more to the clay and flint which overlie it. The heavy clay soils support extensive woodland cover and mixed farming on mostly grade three land. There are also deposits of fire clay, suitable for commercial brick-making, Sheep on Sundon Hills

1The Chilterns Landscape: Countryside Commission CCP392 1992

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 15 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Landscape

Broad Aims 2. The main ridge of the escarpment provides fine long views across the lower Conserve and enhance the outstanding lying vales to the north and west. To the qualities of the Area of Outstanding south views are more restricted by dense Natural Beauty as part of the national woodland and low-lying ridges. landscape heritage. 3. The underlying chalk ridge is covered by Maintain those features which make a several feet of clay with , but along significant contribution to the character the ridge the chalk lies near the surface and quality of the area and to regional and is peppered with quarries, small and and local distinctiveness. large, now largely redundant.

Enhance and restore those parts of the 4. The landscape of the Chilterns is given landscape which are degraded or in unity by its escarpment but there are decline. notable local variations. The northern Chilterns are generally more open with larger fields and less woodland, also a characteristic of the southern tip in the Special Qualities area known as the prairie. The central and southern Chilterns are 1. A dramatic chalk escarpment rising to dominated by heavily wooded nearly 900 feet (272 metres) with flower countryside with mixed farming and a rich downland and panoramic views. large number of scattered villages and Once extensive, the downland survives in hamlets. In the south the hills come down smaller fragments and now only covers to the Thames Valley and the River 3% of the AONB, of which less than half is Thames itself which forms a long and considered high quality calcareous sinuous boundary. grassland important for its biodiversity.

View from Watlington Hill

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 16 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Landscape

5. Woodlands, notably beech, cover over landscape covering 2.4% of the AONB 17,000 hectares, more than 20% of the (2,000 ha). However this variety of AONB, making it one of the most wooded landscape was once more extensive, landscapes in England. Once the woods former cover lost to a combination of were home to bodgers and other enclosure, urbanisation and woodland woodland workers but today are mainly encroachment. Whilst open landscapes valued for their amenity, wildlife and as tend to be associated with common land, places to visit. a significant number of Chiltern commons would originally have been woodland or 6. Farmland covers approximately 60% of wood pasture. the Chilterns, creating a mosaic of fields with arable crops and livestock, bordered 10. Over 187 individual commons still provide by ancient hedgerows and trees. The mix special local landscapes largely of crops, dairy cattle, sheep and pigs was untouched by development and modern once commonplace but grazing livestock agriculture. Much of the common land in are less prominent now and a greater the Chilterns is in close proximity to variety of crops is found. towns and villages, providing valued, easily accessible green spaces for local 7. Chalk landscapes are dry landscapes, but communities. Over 8% of the remaining in a few shallow valleys can be found common land in the AONB is ancient gently flowing chalk streams, often woodland. bordered by pollarded willows and remnants of meadows and former 11. The Chilterns has an extensive network of watercress beds, once a common sight ancient routes, roadside hedges and and thriving local industry. sunken lanes. The Ridgeway ( Way), reputedly the oldest road in the 8. The folds of the landscape hide many country, is elevated along the entire small dry valleys or coombs with no length of the Chilterns ridge, linking springs or streams. These places provide Wessex with Norfolk. hidden 'secret' landscapes and unspoilt countryside. 12. Villages and farmsteads with brick and flint cottages, churches and timber barns 9. Commons, heaths and greens are a are scattered throughout the area. The defining characteristic of the Chilterns’ more ancient settlements tend to nestle alongside streams and rivers or springs at the foot of the escarpment. More recent settlements have sprung up on the higher ground, strung along the edge of commons and besides droving routes.

13. The area boasts a wealth of great houses, follies, parkland and designed landscapes. Often built and embellished by statesmen and businessmen making their fortune in London, it is a trend which continues to this day. Foremost is the Prime Minister's rural retreat at near Wendover.

Walker in Valley

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14. The Chilterns is a long settled landscape lows, farmers in the Chilterns will grow with relics of many different eras: Bronze crops for which they anticipate a steady Age barrows and fields, Iron Age hill if not increasing market price. This is forts, medieval deer enclosures, unlikely to lead to ploughing up of eighteenth century sawyer pits and chalk grassland important for its wildlife, as it figures carved in unknown times. once did, as these sites are largely protected, but it will change the landscape as has been seen, for example, Key Issues where short term grass leys have been converted to grow cereals and oil seed There are many factors affecting the landscape rape. and how it is managed. Often the causes of change are complex and the trends uncertain. 2. The removal of set aside may lead to The scale and variety of the Chilterns’ some relatively small losses of high landscape means that trends and issues affect quality field margins but as much of the different parts in different ways. Perhaps as permanent set aside in the Chilterns is on much as at any other time, global factors and poor quality land it is not expected that trends are influencing the Chilterns as, for much of this land will be ploughed. The example, farmers respond to world prices for value of set aside for wildlife, grain and new landowners from overseas invest particularly farmland birds, is well funds in newly acquired estates. known, however as set aside was introduced to reduce agricultural 1. The growth of arable farming in response production it does not enjoy significant to the world price of cereals is likely to protection for its biodiversity. be a factor for several years as concerns about food security grow and demand 3. The decline of livestock farming, of all increases from China, India and other types, is leading to problems for the countries. Traditional growers of grain management of sites which need grazing may be affected increasingly by climate in order to retain their biodiversity and change and as prices rise above recent landscape qualities. There is little likelihood of a reversal of this trend as farmers give up livestock and increasingly choose to concentrate on growing cereals or leave farming altogether.

4. The potential for scrub to spread across open grassland landscapes is increasing due to a combination of the problem of grazing sites and the more rapid growth of scrub due to climate change, which is lengthening the growing season.

5. As new owners buy land they often place higher priority on leisure and amenity than production. This has been partly behind the expansion of the area covered by pony paddocks, extension of gardens and newly landscaped grounds. Often it is

View from to Ivinghoe Beacon

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 18 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Landscape

accompanied by the spread of fencing, 8. Many Chilterns’ commons are affected by screening of all kinds and inappropriate the increasing demands for access and clutter such as lights and temporary recreation and changing public attitudes, buildings. for example towards grazing livestock close to towns and villages. 6. The general growth of leisure uses, notably equestrian, has resulted in a 9. Although the number of full time farmers significant number of horses, new pony is declining there are many more small paddocks and associated buildings and agricultural holdings reflecting the equipment. Also prominent in the relative popularity of hobby farming. In landscape are new and expanded golf some places this is leading to a courses. Whilst they can provide high fragmentation of the landscape with quality habitat this is dependent upon smaller fields, new buildings and a extensive sympathetic management. greater diversity of activity in a smaller Such land uses are often most prevalent area. Inevitably not all of these new on the outskirts of towns and villages, a holdings are well managed and some perspective seen by large numbers of detract from landscape quality. people for whom such a landscape may become the norm. 10. The continuing fragmentation of the landscape by transfer to smaller holdings 7. A continuing and largely unnoticed trend is affecting the scale and nature of has been the loss, usually partial, of management of land. Such fragmentation unregistered parks and gardens, for also highlights the nature of intervening example around large houses now used land, for example between fragments of for institution or business use. chalk grassland or ancient woodland. The links are important to allow wildlife to

North Dean near High Wycombe

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 19 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Landscape

move around a larger network of suitable 14. For the foreseeable future the landscape habitat. will still be dominated by farming and forestry and the spatial pattern of land 11. Many types of woodland, especially small use is unlikely to alter directly as a woodlands, are under-managed, even consequence of climate change. It is neglected. The long term decline of more likely that, for example, the species timber prices, notably for beech, has composition of woodlands may change depressed the market and is unlikely to but the general appearance will be change in the near future despite an similar to the woodlands of today but will increase in demand for fuel wood. A become more varied over time. corresponding decline of skills and the availability of skilled contractors will 15. The changes to the many mature beech restrict the extent of woodlands actively woods may result in long term changes in managed. A long term concern is the loss the woodland landscape. They will be of knowledge and experience of growing barely discernible in the short term, but trees to produce timber. already ash, which regenerated in the gaps left by beech trees blown down in 12. The current Government policy to the early 1990s, has changed the remove plantations, especially of landscape by altering the colours and conifers, from ancient and semi-natural timing of flushing and leaf-fall. woods (PAWS) will help restore their natural qualities. Where existing conifers 16. It is likely that beech will persist in are important for their amenity, for smaller pockets even through significant example by providing winter greenery a changes in climate, but it will no longer careful and phased removal is advocated. be as dominant. The balance of woodland cover needs to slowly change to reflect 13. The changing climate may change the the tolerance of species to more extreme landscape but predicting the nature of weather. If the Chilterns is to be a timber that change is difficult. Examples of producing area in the long term possible effects include a reduction in unfamiliar species may have to be the extent of beech woodland, effects on introduced. the flows of chalk streams and the introduction of new crops in response to 17. It is unlikely there will be many different growing conditions. applications to erect wind turbines due to low wind speed and the unacceptability of siting them along the skyline where wind speeds are higher. There may be places where relatively small turbines could be accommodated without unacceptable intrusion in the landscape.

18. The Milton Keynes and South Midlands growth area stretches down to Aylesbury, Luton and Dunstable. Large numbers of new houses are planned and, notwithstanding market fluctuations, construction will affect the land adjacent to and visible from the Chilterns on a larger scale. Land scheduled for Gade Valley near Hemel Hempstead

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 20 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Landscape

development may be less well managed, must also exhibit the highest even abandoned in anticipation of new environmental standards in terms of development in the relatively near energy and water conservation. future. Once created there may be a harder, more defined edge between town 21. There is a tendency for clutter of all and country. The view from the ridge of types (e.g. signs, masts, barriers and the escarpment will be significantly fences) to accumulate along roadsides, affected in some places, although green around settlements and along the infrastructure provision is an intrinsic skyline. It is an insidious problem which part of the growth area strategies. is difficult but not impossible to reverse. The co-operation of the highways 19. A more immediate, but less obvious authorities is essential as they are often change, in the landscape is the impact of responsible for much of the clutter. building new houses on infill sites and gardens in villages. Usually the resulting 22. According to national surveys half of all houses have small gardens and there is visitors to the countryside are seeking less scope for trees to grow to maturity peace and quiet. The enjoyment of the and provide highly value amenity and landscape is being increasingly eroded by screening. In some cases the infilling a loss of tranquillity - peace and quiet is itself and unsympathetic design of the harder to find largely due to traffic new development changes the character noise, notably the M40 and several of the of the settlement. trunk roads, and the dramatic increase in over flying by aircraft of all types using 20. As the Chilterns’ landscape is a mosaic of Luton, Heathrow and local airfields. The the natural and built environment it is loss will intensify if the proposal by NATS important that the design of new (February 2008) to direct more aircraft buildings needs to complement the over the Chilterns at lower altitudes and existing character of the landscape and plans to expand Heathrow by building a settlement, especially where it is based third runway are given the go ahead. on vernacular architecture. New designs

River Thames near Goring

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 21 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Landscape

Policies always. The town and country planning system and other regulatory and advisory processes need to be in place and applied L1 Recognise and manage positively those to ensure that damaging changes are elements of the landscape that prevented. A great deal of information contribute to the overall identity and and advice is available to help ensure character of the Chilterns. proposed changes are in keeping with the special character of the AONB. The main characteristics of the Chilterns' landscape have been created by human L4 Enhance the landscape by restoring intervention. In most cases they need to degraded landscapes, and encouraging be managed actively in order to retain the removal or mitigation of intrusive those qualities or restore natural developments and features. characteristics which are in decline e.g. chalk downland, hedgerows, ancient In some senses the Chilterns is a busy woodlands and chalk streams. landscape with a large number of buildings, structures and what some L2 Promote greater understanding and might call clutter. It tends to accumulate awareness of local landscape character rather than be removed even after its and those elements which contribute to useful life has ended. Sometimes local distinctiveness. concerted effort is needed to bring about its removal by planning conditions, The main landscape types such as regulations, advice, practical assistance woodland, farmland, river valleys and or incentives. There is also scope to downland are large in scale, but are mitigate or even screen less attractive owned by large numbers of individuals, structures and features where they are who often own small plots. The challenge still in active use or are unlikely to be is to help all owners and managers to be removed. aware of the character of the wider landscape and the context for their own activities. It also highlights the L5 Ensure the impact of development importance of managing boundary adjacent to the AONB is sympathetic to features well and where possible, the character of the Chilterns and ensuring there are no intrusive maintains the quality of views from it boundaries such as close board fencing in and of it. open countryside. This policy aims to help current stewards of the land to The Chilterns is surrounded by many ensure that future generations benefit market towns and the larger settlements from an equally high quality landscape. of Reading, Hemel Hempstead and High Wycombe, together with Luton, L3 Resist developments which detract Dunstable and Aylesbury which lie within from the Chilterns' special character. the Milton Keynes and South Midland Growth area where large numbers of new There are significant pressures to change houses will be built during the next 20 the use of land, erect new buildings and years. Associated with the housing is structures, improve transport likely to be the development of infrastructure or expand economic and employment sites. The design and leisure activities. They can often be location of these buildings also need to satisfactorily accommodated without be sensitive to the AONB, for example by detriment to the landscape, but not

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 22 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Landscape

not having excessively high or reflective others are well supported. Together with roofs. The impact of development local authorities, including 117 town and adjacent to the AONB will be significant parish councils, voluntary and community in many ways including its visibility from groups there are many organisations with many popular sites. It is important that powers, resources and a willingness to appropriate landscape and visual work to conserve what is special about assessments are undertaken. the Chilterns and to act as stewards of the landscape. These organisations and L6 Conserve and enhance the distinctive individuals all need support to maintain character of buildings, rural settlements their active roles. and their landscape setting. L8 Manage landscapes close to existing and A primary characteristic of the Chilterns’ new areas of development so as to be landscape is the large number of capable of absorbing higher levels of attractive towns and villages, buildings, recreation whilst maintaining local farms, barns and churches. It is the character and biodiversity interest. combination of their charm and setting in the landscape that contributes so much The boundary of the AONB is long and to the special qualities of the Chilterns sinuous, curling around many towns and and reinforces what is distinctive about villages. The interface between the AONB the area. and these communities is important and the quality of landscape in this belt is often under pressure. Such problems may L7 Encourage local pride in the landscape be compounded where new development and special sense of place to promote is planned, resulting in less intensive concern for their conservation. management and additional pressures placed by new residents seeking to use The Chilterns is fortunate in that so many adjacent countryside for leisure and people and organisations are concerned recreation. These places create what is about the environmental quality of the being called green infrastructure and Chilterns. The Chiltern Society alone has need to be identified in advance and over 6,500 members and the Wildlife appropriate management and investment Trusts, and RSPB amongst put in place. The countryside close to home is often the most important, which means creating green spaces within the development zones as well as adjacent to them. It is essential there is no reliance on sensitive sites, for example along the scarp ridge, to provide green space in lieu of sites closer to new development.

L9 Manage landscapes sustainably to provide multiple benefits, which could include landscape character, biodiversity, opportunities for recreation and access, production of commodities, storage of carbon and water.

Hughenden Valley

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 23 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Landscape

In a small country it is essential that land climate changes – for example it is provides as many benefits as possible. In suggested that walnut might fare better the Chilterns this means ensuring that in as a timber tree than beech. In general addition to any productive capacity land natural regeneration is to be encouraged may have it is part of a high quality as these systems cope best with climate landscape, supports biodiversity, locks up change. carbon, helps ensure clean supplies of water as well as providing places for To halt the damaging effects of climate leisure and recreation. This may seem change it essential that long term very demanding but much of the measures are put in place. For example, Chilterns is capable of providing such by ensuring that carbon dioxide is fixed in multiple benefits. This has long been the soils by maintaining or even enhancing case but as demands on a limited area of organic matter content. Other measures land continue to grow such multiple may include the use of trees to provide benefits (ecosystem services) need to be shade to reduce the need for air generated and may be a requirement in conditioning of buildings. return for public funding. The potential landscape impact of L10 Promote management of the landscape biofuels such as willow coppice of to enable it to adapt to climate change elephant grass must be given full and help mitigate the causes. consideration. Guidance has already been published, for example, on the growing The landscape of the Chilterns is of Miscanthus. changing constantly and one of the factors causing that change is the L11 The design and management of changing climate. For example, the chalk transport infrastructure and services streams low flows were, until recently, should conserve and enhance the due to prolonged periods of winter natural beauty of the Chilterns and drought. The relative strength of climate reduce their harmful impacts including change as a driver of change is likely to greenhouse gases. increase and be persistent over a long time. It is unlikely there will be rapid Transport infrastructure has a major changes in the landscape and some impact on the landscape of the Chilterns. changes barely discernible. Over 300 roads cross the AONB boundary and four railways including the west However more extreme weather events coast mainline. Many of the roads are will become more commonplace ancient in origin and are part of the requiring short term changes in environmental and cultural heritage. management of the landscape, for Many roadsides are rich in wildlife and example by coping with frequent heavy sunken lanes and milestones add to the down pours and minimising run off. landscape. In recent years the design and Longer term changes may affect the management of roads and other transport ability of beech to survive on many sites infrastructure has been unsympathetic to where it is now found. Foresters will the environment which has changed the need to consider how to manage woods landscape. Inevitably the use of this to both adapt to changes, for example by infrastructure is a major source of making stands of trees less prone to wind greenhouse gas emissions and speeding throw, or to plan for a change of species traffic in villages and in open countryside to those more tolerant of predicted adds to the negative impacts.

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 24 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Landscape

Actions

1. Undertake a comprehensive, integrated, 11. Develop a better understanding of the Chilterns-wide landscape assessment and likely impacts of climate change on the publication of associated management landscape and support mitigating and guidance. adaptive action.

2. Work with adjacent urban local authorities 12. Campaign actively to prevent to undertake more detailed landscape fragmentation of the countryside (e.g. by sensitivity studies of the urban hinterland division into small plots) where this results to identify measures to conserve and in unacceptable impacts on the landscape enhance the special qualities of the and other forms of natural beauty. landscape. 13. Promote targeting and uptake of 3. Promote and support green infrastructure environmental stewardship schemes planning for new areas of development and generally and actively lobby for provision to better link existing settlements with of options most appropriate to the AONB. surrounding countryside. 14. Support management of trees, woodlands, 4. Undertake a regular survey to identify chalk grassland, commons, hedges, chalk trends in land use change and their causes. streams and other characteristic landscape features. 5. Undertake a five yearly survey of public perception and views on changes in the 15. Publish guidance and provide training for landscape. designers and managers of highways to enable them to conserve the landscape and 6. Publish good practice guidance for land remove unnecessary roadside clutter. managers, and target new owners of land and those involved in equestrianism and 16. Develop working arrangements with the other non traditional uses of land. North Wessex Downs AONB local authorities and Environment Agency and others to 7. Assess planning applications and conserve and enhance the River Thames development proposals for their impact on and its landscape corridor. the landscape. 17. Encourage the implementation of high 8. Promote the Chilterns Building Design quality landscape design and management Guide and other relevant guidance to which respects and enhances the ensure all new development respects and landscape, particularly in and around enhances the landscape. settlements of all sizes.

9. Support provision of training in the skills 18. Implement the recommendations of the needed by land managers to conserve and Chilterns Historic Landscape enhance the landscape. Characterisation.

10. Support initiatives which help local people and visitors understand and enjoy the landscape.

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 25 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Farming and forestry

Woodland cover

Chilterns AONB boundary

Barton-le-Clay Hexton

Leighton Buzzard Dunstable Lilley Hitchin

LUTON Markyate Harpenden Aylesbury Tring Wendover

Thame Princes Berkhamsted Risborough HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Chesham Chinnor

Amersham

High Wycombe

Wallingford Beaconsfield

Marlow R. Thames Maidenhead Goring Henley-on-Thames N R. Thames

0 5 10 Kilometres READING 0 6 Miles

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 26 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Farming and forestry

Farming and forestry

Introduction managed by the Forestry Commission and the National Trust, Woodland Trust, local Woodland authorities and other charities own over 10%. 1. The Chilterns is perhaps best known for its woodlands which dominate the 6. The woods are now highly valued for landscape, covering 21% (17,588ha) of their amenity, recreation, scenery and the AONB1, making the Chilterns one of heritage. Most communities live within the most heavily wooded parts of the walking distance of a wood with open country. Much of the woodland is ancient access or rights of way. They are full of (9,830ha) but this may be an largely un-surveyed remnants of past underestimate2. settlement and activity, especially of the sawyers, charcoal makers and bodgers 2. For many centuries the Chilterns who worked in the woods until the early provided significant quantities of fuel 20th century. and timber to London, helping to make Henley and other towns thriving Thames- 7. Much of the beech is over-mature and, as side ports. However, it was the it is near the northern edge of its natural emergence of furniture-making, range, thought to be vulnerable to especially chairs, in and around High climate change. Following the gales of Wycombe which generated a demand for the early 1990s the gaps were filled not beech which then came to dominate the with beech but regenerating ash. woodland we see today. The industry has Forestry Commission forecasts suggest declined but not disappeared, however local beech is no longer a desirable timber.

3. The decline in traditional woodland management has also affected wooded commons, many of which would in the past have been managed as wood pasture and through the exercise of common rights. Over 8% of the remaining area of common land in the AONB is ancient woodland.

4. In the 20th century many native woods were inter-planted with other species, creating plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) which cover 4,076 ha. Restoration to more natural conditions is a priority3.

5. About 75% of woods in the AONB are privately owned, 9% (1,703 ha) are Beechwood at Bradenham 1Forestry Commission Woodland Inventory 2Chiltern Woodlands Project Ancient Woodland Survey 2007 3Forestry Commission Keepers of Time 2005 Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 27 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Farming and forestry

that beech will decline as climate piecemeal enclosure of the land for changes but will not disappear, instead cultivation and livestock management. the woods will become more mixed, For example, the creation of coaxial perhaps as they once were, with more fields in the Bronze Age, the clearance of oak, ash and birch. It is possible that new woodland for enclosure in the Middle Ages species, more tolerant of climate and parliamentary enclosure of fields in change, will be introduced in order to the 19th century. The cumulative result is provide a timber crop in the future. the familiar landscape we see today - a diverse patchwork of different shaped fields of arable crops and grassland, Farming enclosed by hedgerows interspersed with woodland, common land and downland. 1. Farmland covers approximately 60% of the Chilterns4, creating a mosaic of 3. In terms of its agricultural classification, landscape and habitats: small and large much of the land is grade three, largely fields, ancient hedgerows, woodland, based on heavy clay soils with flints. chalk downland and ponds. This figure Traditionally farming was mixed with both does not include land used for equines, arable and livestock found on every farm. which makes up approximately 5% of the Now farms specialise and increasingly AONB land area. Farming also created grow cereals and other crops rather than the farmhouses and barns which dot the keep dairy cattle, pigs and other landscape and often form the heart of livestock. villages and hamlets. 4. Just over two thirds of Chilterns’ 2. Since the advent of farming in farmland is devoted to arable crops, the times, the Chilterns’ landscape has been balance is grassland. Sheep and cattle incrementally altered and moulded, each make up the bulk of livestock in the period in history has contributed to the Chilterns but numbers declined between

Stonor Valley

4 Chilterns Land Use Survey 2007

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 28 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Farming and forestry

1995 and 2006, particularly dairy cattle crops for biofuels. Inevitably climate and pigs (both down over 50%). This was change will combine with market forces due to the combined effects of Foot and to change the balance between arable Mouth Disease and declining profitability. and livestock farming and between traditional and new crops. 5. There are 1,134 registered holdings in the Chilterns, 436 of which are under 5 ha5. 8. The current CAP regime is scheduled to The trend is for an increasing number of be in place until 2013 although a small and large holdings with a decrease 'healthcheck' is taking place in 2008, due in medium sized farms. This reflects the to be completed in 2009. Likely outcomes growing popularity of hobby farming and of this include a further reduction in reduced economic viability leading to direct payments to farms, an increase in farm amalgamation. compulsory modulation and a permanent end to set-aside. 6. The character of the Chilterns needs viable farming to maintain landscape features and habitats. The drift toward leisure uses may result in the loss of Broad Aims productive farmland, valued features and the skills needed to manage them. Woodland and farmland remain the dominant land uses in the AONB. 7. Farming in the Chilterns is particularly affected by EU policies and global Natural beauty is sustained by viable markets which, for example, have led to forestry and farming. a decrease in uncroppped land and an increase in the area of arable due to The public have a high level of rising prices for cereals. It is yet to be understanding of farming and forestry. seen if this will extend to the growing of

Autumn colours near

5 Defra Farm Statistics 2006

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 29 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Farming and forestry

Special Qualities 4. Well maintained and sensitively managed farmland and farm buildings enhance the 1. Farming and forestry created a landscape area. of national importance and continue to maintain its quality. 5. An increasing number of farmers are diversifying into quality local food 2. Small and medium-scale historic field production and selling direct to the patterns defined by hedges are visible in public. the Chilterns. Many of the hedges are species-rich. The estimated length of 6. The famed Chilterns’ beech woods hedgerow in the Chilterns is 4,045km provide extensive high quality landscape (2,528 miles)6 and there are and amenity, much of its close to local approximately 44,000 hedgerow trees of towns and villages. many of which are veterans7. 7. Public access to woodlands is extensive 3. Surviving areas of open chalk downland and amongst the best in the country. along the scarp ridge are one of the AONB's most valuable habitats. 8. The beech yew woods, several of which are Special Areas of Conservation (SAC),

Agricultural Land Classification

Grade 1 Grade 3 Grade 5 Non Agricultural

Grade 2 Grade 4 Urban

6 Chilterns Hedgerow Survey 2006 and 2007 7 as 6 Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 30 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Farming and forestry

are particularly important for their Key Issues biodiversity.

1. Increasing global demand for food and 9. Ancient woodland, especially beech, is a fuel crops may lead to a reduction in particularly distinctive and prominent valuable wildlife habitats created through feature. Some of this woodland is set aside and expired agri-environment included within the Chilterns Beech Wood schemes. Special Area of Conservation, which indicates that it is of European 2. There is pressure to grow more biofuels, importance. but there is lack of certainty on where the net gains are to be made and over the 10. Parkland is a feature of the area, balance between growing food and fuel. including wood pasture, often associated with the large estates, with a significant 3. The ageing population of Chiltern farmers number of veteran trees. and the declining numbers of new entrants is of concern, as much of the 11. Chilterns’ woodlands are capable of AONB landscape is underpinned by providing a sustained annual yield of traditional land management. 60,000 tonnes per annum8.

4. Poor economic returns from livestock 12. Remnants of woodland heritage are farming will result in the area of extensive including sawpits, charcoal grassland declining and make it more hearths and wood banks. There is a difficult to manage sites important for considerable amount of archaeology in wildlife that require grazing to maintain woodlands as yet unsurveyed. them.

5. Traditional common rights - particularly grazing rights – are now rarely exercised on Chiltern commons, allowing scrub and bracken encroachment, establishment of woodland and loss of open landscapes.

6. Increasing numbers of horses on land formerly grazed by livestock can have a damaging impact on the landscape through subdivision of fields into small paddocks, permanent exercise arenas, stabling, jumps and overgrazing. Approximately 5% of land in the Chilterns is used for equestrian purposes which equates to roughly 20% of the grassland in the AONB9.

7. The lack of infrastructure, particularly abattoirs and knacker’s yards, causes difficulties for the livestock sector, particularly small producers and graziers. Increased transport distances add to Mobile sawmill near

8 Mike Render Ph.D thesis 9 Chilterns Land Use Change Survey 2007

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 31 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Farming and forestry

production costs and are detrimental to season and opportunities to grow new animal welfare. crops.

8. A shortage of skills needed for land 16. The low prices for timber from the management is compounded by the high Chilterns have resulted in a relative lack cost of housing making it more difficult of management of woodland, particularly to recruit and retain skilled workers. small woodlands under 20 hectares. The growing demand for woodfuel could 9. Rising numbers of people visiting the create a new market for low grade timber countryside can bring problems such as from the Chilterns. Woodfuel is most dogs chasing livestock and disturbing efficiently used to generate heat rather ground nesting birds. They also bring than electricity. Derelict and new coppice opportunities, for example to develop could be used for this market and other farm shops and tourist attractions. uses such as thatching and crafts.

10. More lifestyle farmers and smallholders 17. Management of woodland is made more have led to an increase in the diversity of difficult by increasing numbers of deer, livestock, in particular alpacas, but also including fallow, muntjac and roe, which bison, deer and emu10 . Of the 1,134 can prevent regeneration. Damage by registered holdings in the Chilterns, 436 grey squirrels is a disincentive to growing are under 5 ha11 . beech and other trees.

11. The decline in small and medium sized 18. Loss of local sawmills and the high costs mixed farms is leading to a of transport are making woodland homogenisation in land use and management less viable and leading to a landscape character. loss of local skilled contractors.

12. The rising demand for local food could 19. Climate change and extreme weather help viability of farming and help events may take their toll of older trees generate income to pay for management and woods, beech may become more of the countryside. restricted in distribution over the next hundred years and other species such as 13. A permanent end to set-aside could lead ash and oak may replace it in places. to a reduction in farmland biodiversity if There are risks of further tree pests and areas are cultivated that have developed diseases developing. into good wildlife habitats. 20. Inappropriate management, especially by 14. High property values in the Chilterns new owners of woods, could lead to loss reduce the amount of affordable of both biodiversity and the historical accommodation available to those interest of woods. working in farming and forestry.

15. Climate change may cause problems such as the arrival of the midge-borne Blue Tongue Virus to England and survival of pests once killed by winter frost, but may also provide a lengthened growing

10 as 9 11 Defra Farm Statistics 2006

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 32 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Farming and forestry

Policies FF3 Promote sustainable management of woodland and farmland to provide FF1 Work with farmers and other multiple benefits, where appropriate, landowners to conserve and enhance including amenity, production, wildlife the landscape, and the archaeological conservation, recreation, carbon and ecological attributes of their land. storage, water resources, conservation of historic heritage and other The natural beauty of the Chilterns was environmental benefits. created by farmers, foresters and other landowners and the management of the The task of managing farmland, woodland landscape largely remains in their hands. and other land uses is becoming more complex, not least as society places FF2 Support agricultural and forestry demands for a wider range of benefits practices which assist adaptation to and ecosystem services, especially in climate change and mitigate damaging return for public funding. A significant impacts on the environment. policy is that of removing plantations from ancient woodland (PAWS), of which Climate change is likely to be the most there is over 4,000 hectares. significant long term factor affecting farming and forestry in the Chilterns and FF4 Promote co-operative approaches to the health of the wider environment. The management of woodland and challenge is to enable management fragmented farmed habitats and practices to adapt to those changes in the landscapes to achieve landscape scale short term and contribute to the action. mitigation of the causes in the long term. It is likely that sustainable production of Many of the aims to enhance the wood for heating will become a landscape depend upon landscape scale significant activity. activity, which will require a large number of owners of fragmented,

Longhorn cattle in the Wormsley Estate near

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 33 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Farming and forestry

sometimes small sites to work co- communities. It is essential that there is operatively. For example the aim is to a better understanding of how the link chalk grassland sites to form larger countryside has been, is currently and swathes of open downland, and to link will be managed in the future. small blocks of ancient woodland. FF8 Resist fragmentation of farmland and FF5 Support the viability of farming, woodland into small plots. forestry and other forms of land management by enhancing the The character of the landscape can be marketing of produce based on affected by sub-division into small plots environmentally-sensitive production which often results in a variety of land methods. uses and new, sometimes discordant, features. In some cases division can Much of the character of the landscape enable people to afford to become new and the most valued elements in it were and caring landowners. In general very created as a by product of farming and small parcels of land are harder to forestry. That link is now weaker and, as manage in a way which maintains and a result, management of the environment enhances natural beauty. is no longer an integral part of operational activity and often undertaken The recent practice of dividing fields into separately. Ideally high environmental house-sized plots has resulted in quality will be delivered directly by the hundreds of hectares on dozens of sites production of commodities which are being effectively abandoned as the part of viable farming and forestry. owners either live abroad or have no interest in management as the site has FF6 Encourage forms of diversification and been bought solely to speculate in new business ventures that will property. contribute to the conservation, enhancement and enjoyment of the FF9 Resist the potentially damaging impacts AONB. on landscape and wildlife of large scale conversion of farmland to equestrian Increasingly farmers and foresters are uses. seeking to diversify into other forms of economic activity. This provides 5% of the Chilterns is now managed for opportunities to develop ventures which equestrian purposes. In itself this is not a contribute directly to the environmental problem, but when relatively large areas well-being of the area. are converted from farmland to equestrian use the landscape can change FF7 Promote a wider public understanding dramatically with erection of ranch style of the importance of farming and and tape fences, new buildings and forestry and the contribution they access tracks. The land is often well make to the Chilterns landscape. managed but the maintenance of some landscape features such as hedges and in- The public places a high value on the field trees is rarely a priority and in some amenity of the countryside and cases such features are removed as it is opportunities to enjoy it. There is not thought they are compatible with widespread lack of awareness of farming keeping horses in the same field. and forestry, within rural and urban

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 34 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Farming and forestry

Actions

1. Undertake and publish a regular survey of 11. Encourage appropriate management of land use and analysis of land use change. commons especially by grazing and other beneficial farming and forestry activity. 2. Update the 1990 Ancient Woodland Inventory by undertaking a new survey to 12. Support the identification, celebration and include all woodlands under two hectares. management of special trees and woods.

3. Support the provision of advice and training 13. Promote the development of appropriate to promote management of woodlands infrastructure to support traditional land especially those in public ownership and management practices, for example local under 20 hectares. abattoirs and sawmills.

4. Promote uptake of Environmental 14. Scope the likely impact of biofuels in the Stewardship and woodland management Chilterns and develop an action plan to schemes particularly where they contribute ensure they are produced in a way to landscape and biodiversity gain. consistent with the AONB's landscape and biodiversity objectives. 5. Promote the sustainable production of timber and other woodland products 15. Encourage collaboration and networking especially where this helps achieve multiple between farm and woodland enterprises to objectives e.g. PAWS, Biodiversity Action maintain viable businesses particularly Plans and local landscape design plans. those contributing to habitat management.

6. Organise regular fora on issues of concern 16. Actively discourage owners and agents from and interest to farmers and foresters. sub-dividing farmland and woodlands into small plots. 7. Support the survey, identification and conservation of archaeology in woodland, 17. Support the identification, management and including provision of training for owners planting of new hedgerow and in-field and managers. trees.

8. Publish regular information on climate change and how it could affect the landscape in the Chilterns.

9. Organise, support and coordinate activities which help the public to understand better and appreciate the impact of farming and forestry.

10. Encourage appropriate management of landscape features and habitats, in particular chalk grassland, chalk streams, ponds, ancient and semi-natural woodlands and hedgerows.

Producing woodchips for use as fuel

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 35 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Biodiversity

Designated sites

Chilterns AONB boundary

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)

National Nature Reserves (NNR) Barton-le-Clay Barton Hills NNR Knocking Hoe NNR Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Hexton

Lilley All SACs and NNRs are also SSSIs Dunstable Hitchin Leighton Buzzard

Whipsnade LUTON

Markyate Harpenden Aylesbury Aldbury Tring Gaddesden

Wendover Thame Princes Berkhamsted Risborough HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Chesham Chinnor Gt. Missenden Amersham Naphill NNR Stokenchurch Watlington High Wycombe

Turville Beaconsfield Wallingford Nettlebed Marlow

R. Thames Woodcote Maidenhead Goring Henley-on-Thames

R. Thames N

READING 0 5 10 Kilometres

0 6 Miles

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 36 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Biodiversity

Biodiversity

Introduction 4. Many of the most sensitive sites and habitats in the Chilterns are in close 1. The Chilterns supports a diverse flora proximity to centres of population. With 1 and fauna, with characteristic habitats around 55 million visits per year , the including: visitor pressure on some sites is considerable, and continuing to work to extensive ancient woodland, including raise public awareness and understanding internationally important beech of the needs of wildlife is crucial. woods. 5. Meanwhile, there have been a number of nationally important concentrations conservation success stories, most of chalk grassland. notably the reintroduction of the in the 1980s-90s – an excellent example nationally important populations of a of what can be achieved with public number of species including corn support and partnership approaches. bunting and linnet.

river valleys with chalk rivers, an Broad Aims internationally rare habitat. Enhance the wildlife value of all habitats. a variety of farmland habitats – including arable plant communities, Enlarge and link the areas of ancient hedgerows, ponds and characteristic habitats of the Chilterns. orchards. Integrate nature conservation with social remnants of heath, acid grassland and and economic activity. wood pasture - often associated with common land. Increase public awareness and understanding of wildlife of the 2. Many habitats and species have declined Chilterns. in extent and condition since the 1950s, due in part to the decline of traditional agricultural and forestry practices, loss of associated infrastructure, and changes in the rural economy.

3. Whilst the intricate mosaic of habitats is a feature of the Chilterns’ landscape – and indeed, part of its charm - fragmentation of habitats is a concern as smaller patches become less ecologically viable and harder to manage effectively. Climate change makes the need for robust ecological networks to allow for natural movement of species even more pressing. Red kite 1 2007 Chilterns Leisure Visitor Survey

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 37 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Biodiversity

Special Qualities Priority woodland habitats found in the Chilterns: Woodland lowland beech and yew woods 1. Woodland covers 21% of the AONB and lowland mixed deciduous woodland represents a significant habitat for plants wood pasture and parkland and animals including many locally and nationally rare species. Ancient Key associated species include: woodland2, especially beech, is a particularly distinctive and prominent common dormouse feature of the hill tops. Around 9,830 ha marsh tit of the woodland in the Chilterns (over spotted flycatcher half) is considered to be ancient silver-washed fritillary woodland and of this, around 4,000 ha is bluebell currently mapped as plantation on coralroot ancient woodland sites (these estimates bird's nest orchid are currently being reviewed)3. ghost orchid violet helleborine 2. The Chilterns has a rich heritage of red helleborine parkland, wood pasture and commons. box Many of these sites contain important or violet click beetle veteran trees. stag beetle royal bolete fungi a cranefly – Ctenophora flaveolata bats

Autumn woods at Whiteleaf

2 Forestry Commission woodland inventory 3 Chiltern Woodlands Project Ancient Woodland Survey 2007

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 38 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Biodiversity

Chalk grassland Farmland habitats, farmland birds and arable flora 3. Chalk grassland in the Chilterns is predominantly associated with the steep 5. 60% of the AONB is farmland5. As well as scarp slopes of the chalk outcrop and dry the land used to grow crops or rear stock, valley slopes. Chalk scrub is also often of farmland supports a wide range of high wildlife value but needs active habitats including hedgerows, trees, management. Of particular interest in traditional buildings, ponds and old the Chilterns are scrub communities orchards. Over past decades, intensified dominated by juniper and box. agricultural management has led to the loss of many associated plants, insects and 4. There are around 700 ha of chalk birds. However, farmland still makes a grassland mapped4 in the AONB. This is significant contribution to the biodiversity likely to be an underestimate of the total of the Chilterns. resource, excluding for example scrubbed former chalk grassland sites in 6. A survey in 20026 indicated that the need of restoration or arable reversion Chilterns AONB holds nationally important sites 'en route' to becoming chalk populations of corn bunting and linnet, grassland. Of this total area, 64% is both red-listed as being species of high within a Site of Special Scientific Interest conservation concern. Above average and the vast majority of the remainder populations of skylark and yellowhammer, within a Local Wildlife Site. both red-listed, are also present.

Key associated species include: 7. There are several known sites in the AONB which still support rare arable flora. Duke of Burgundy Chiltern gentian Priority farmland habitats found within the chalkhill blue AONB: early gentian adonis blue ponds fringed gentian arable field margins silver-spotted skipper hedgerows – many of which are ancient/ pasque flower species-rich dingy skipper traditional orchards grizzled skipper skylark stone-curlew* military orchid box juniper mosses and liverworts wild candytuft

* Stone-curlew are no longer present in the AONB but the Chilterns is targeted as an area for their re-establishment.

Skylark 4 Chilterns Chalk Grassland Audit 2008 (Chilterns Conservation Board) 5 Land Use Survey 2007 (Chilterns Conservation Board) 6 Breeding Bird Survey of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 2002 (CCB, RSPB). Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 39 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Biodiversity

Key associated species: 9. Common land is not in itself a habitat, but is associated with a number of farmland birds including corn bunting, habitats in the AONB - in particular acid linnet, skylark, yellowhammer grassland, heathland, former wood rare arable flora including pheasant's pasture, ponds, mixed broadleaved eye, ground pine, broad-leaved woodland and chalk grassland. Being cudweed, rough mallow largely uncultivated and generally on the mammals including brown hare and less fertile soils, many commons have various species of bat retained a rich biodiversity. invertebrates including common blue, small copper, small heath and brown 10. Over two-thirds of the area of common argus butterflies land is designated for its wildlife interest a nationally-important population of (SSSI, SAC or LWS). green hound's tongue 11. The main threat to the biodiversity of common land is lack of management – in Chiltern Commons particular the loss of grazing, allowing bracken and scrub encroachment and 8. There are 187 registered commons in the woodland establishment. AONB, covering 2,002 ha7. This is a small proportion of the former, pre-enclosure Key associated species: extent of common land, and much of the remaining resource is fragmented. Three- dead wood invertebrates quarters of the remaining commons are epiphytic lichens less than five hectares in area; five fungi commons are over 100 ha, the largest heath spotted orchid being 373 ha (Northchurch and star-fruit – nearly all UK sites are on Berkhamsted Common). commons

Moorend Common near Lane End

7 Audit of Biodiversity Data for the Chiltern Commons CCB /BMERC 2007

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 40 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Biodiversity

Chalk rivers and wetlands – see water 14. The table below shows a summary of environment chapter designated nature conservation sites.

Designation Number Ha European Protected Species of sites Site of Special 12. European Protected Species occurring in Scientific Interest (SSSI) 63 3,209 the AONB include Special Area of bats Conservation (SAC) 3 1,359 common dormouse National Nature white clawed crayfish * Reserve (NNR) 3 215 great crested newt Local Nature early gentian Reserve (LNR) 7 59

*possibly extinct in the Chilterns. Local Wildlife Site (LWS) Bedfordshire 50 910 172 2,735 Protected sites Buckinghamshire 179 2,108 Oxfordshire 46 812 13. There are a number of sites designated under national and European legislation, (Note: Some of the above categories overlap –all SACs together with local wildlife sites of and NNRs are also SSSIs.) importance at a county level. There are three Special Areas of Conservation: 15. Chilterns Beechwoods (a composite of SSSI Condition (as at June 2008) 9 sites) Hartslock Wood Favourable 51.2% Aston Rowant Unfavourable, recovering 43.0%

Unfavourable, no change 4.3%

Unfavourable, declining 1.5%

Key Issues

1. Whilst future climatic conditions are uncertain, current indications suggest impacts in the Chilterns will include longer growing seasons, increased rate of vegetation growth, changes in species distribution and increases in pests and diseases. Long term changes in woodland composition are expected, with beech becoming less dominant; and open habitats more vulnerable to scrub Small tortoiseshell

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 41 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Biodiversity

encroachment. Robust ecological 3. Viable farming and forestry businesses are networks are important to enable crucial in helping to conserve and movement of species across the area in enhance the biodiversity of the Chilterns. response to climate change and other pressures. 4. Reductions in extent of semi-natural habitats over past decades have increased 2. Changes in farming and forestry have habitat fragmentation and added to the been the principal cause of many of the difficulty of sustaining appropriate reductions in extent and condition of management of sites. Conservation characteristic habitats and species in the efforts need to continue to seek to post-war period. These changes include: address this through linking and extending existing habitat and targeting resources decline in the livestock industry where they will achieve most biodiversity leading to reduced livestock numbers gain. in the Chilterns (e.g. 16% reduction in cattle over the period 2000 – 2006)8. 5. There is a need to manage common land to prevent further losses in habitats and decline in markets for Chilterns timber species. leading to reduction of woodland management. 6. With 750,000 people living in or within 3 kilometres of the AONB, and 55 million loss of rural skills and associated visits per year9, the Chilterns is one of the infrastructure such as livestock most-visited AONBs in the country. Many markets, abattoirs and saw mills. of the best wildlife sites are close to urban areas and to areas where further changes in farming and forestry housing growth is planned. Site managers practices - for example, increase in report increasing issues arising from autumn sowing leading to decline in visitor numbers and from the behaviour of winter stubbles; more effective use of some visitors; sustaining grazing on urban pesticides.

Barton Hills National Nature Reserve, Bedfordshire

8 Defra Farm Statistics 2000 - 2006 9 as 1 Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 42 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Biodiversity

fringe sites is a particular concern. Policies Visitor pressure needs to be carefully managed and key sites buffered and NC1 Support delivery of local, regional and protected. national Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) targets. 7. Increasing deer numbers, primarily fallow, muntjac and roe, are having a Biodiversity targets are in place for the serious impact on woodland habitat, two regions and four counties covered by especially where coppicing or restocking the AONB, as well as national BAP by natural regeneration or planting is targets. The Conservation Board will carried out. Deer control is practised by work with county biodiversity a number of the large estates. However, partnerships and regional fora to support effective deer control in areas delivery of biodiversity targets, characterised by smaller land holdings is particularly those of significance to the difficult, and requires joint effort Chilterns - for example chalk grassland, between groups of landowners. chalk rivers, woodland and farmland habitats. 8. A number of non-native invasive species such as Himalayan balsam, Japanese In working towards these targets it will knotweed, signal crayfish and American be important to seek to manage public mink are already impacting on native access such that it does not exceed the species and habitats. Monitoring and environmental capacities of individual strategies for control are needed. sites, BAP priority habitats and protected species. 9. Further work is needed to improve understanding of the biodiversity The Board will also seek to promote resource in the AONB, including the awareness of the Biodiversity Duty condition and extent of key habitats and placed upon all public bodies under the species and the main factors which have Natural Environment and Rural an impact on them, for example climate Communities Act 2006. change. Habitat mapping work is ongoing at a county level across parts of the AONB, but there is still a need to develop consistent approaches across county boundaries.

10. Limited resources currently constrain the management of both designated and non- designated sites.

Pyramidal orchid at Hartslock Reserve near Goring-on-Thames

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Local Biodiversity Partnerships are will be important to ensure that this increasingly looking to deliver on BAP effort is sustained beyond 2010. targets through landscape scale approaches, rather than looking at Increased resources are needed to different habitats in isolation. monitor condition of local wildlife sites and to provide ongoing advice to land NC2 Support management and protection owners/managers. The monitoring of of all designated wildlife sites and local sites will be driven in part by the European protected species to requirement for local authorities to maintain favourable status. monitor the proportion of local sites in positive conservation management The extensive network of designated (National Indicator 197). sites in the Chilterns includes much of the area's important habitats and European protected species are those species. Ensuring the integrity and that that receive protection under the appropriate management of these sites Habitats Regulations 1994. Advice to is clearly a crucial element of an land managers is needed to ensure they effective conservation strategy for the are aware of the regulations and the area. 2007 amendments.

With respect to SSSIs, the Government NC3 Promote management of non – has established a Public Service designated sites to enhance their value Agreement (PSA) Target of 95% being in for biodiversity. favourable or recovering condition by 2010. In the Chilterns good progress is Biodiversity is not restricted to the being made towards achieving this aim designated sites and it is important to with 94% currently in favourable or also manage and improve the quality of unfavourable recovering condition. It habitats in the wider countryside.

Bluebells

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NC4 Increase public awareness, Stewardship (HLS)) and the English understanding and involvement in Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) – are conservation of the Chilterns' wildlife key to delivery of environmental benefits and habitats. including biodiversity across much of the AONB. There are currently 13 HLS There are many opportunities to engage agreements across the AONB (including and involve local communities in the one Organic HLS agreement) covering conservation of local wildlife. This is 453 ha (0.56 % of the AONB) and 161 ELS important on a number of levels - agreements (including nine Organic ELS promoting people's enjoyment and sense agreements) covering 34,281 ha, 41.15% 10 of connection to their local environment of the AONB . There are also 46 as well as safeguarding that environment Countryside Stewardship agreements through increased public custodianship which will be coming to an end over the and understanding. There is a particular period of the management plan. need for better public understanding of what is involved in countryside NC6 Develop landscape-scale approaches to management including sensitive issues buffer, extend and link fragmented such as deer management and grey sites of nature conservation squirrel control. importance.

NC5 Maximise the area covered by Landscape-scale approaches have environmental land management developed from an understanding that agreements. habitat cannot be maintained in good condition if it exists as small isolated Environmental land management sites. Many species depend on a mosaic agreements – currently including of well-connected patches of semi- Environmental Stewardship (Entry Level natural habitats. There is a need to Stewardship (ELS), Higher Level enlarge and link habitats which are fragmented and/or isolated to allow natural movement across the landscape. Creation of new green open space ('green infrastructure') can contribute to this approach.

NC7 Promote the sharing of information on key species and habitats (BAP priority and characteristic species/habitats).

Improved knowledge of the biodiversity resource of the AONB is needed in order to manage key species and habitats effectively. The gaps in current knowledge reflect a mix of factors including patchy survey data and information being gathered using differing methodologies across the different counties/regions. Key data sets for management of the AONB need to be Brown hare

10 statistics

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 45 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Biodiversity

clearly defined and consistent These are important features of the methodologies developed to collect and AONB which may not always be picked share that data across county up through designated sites and yet need boundaries. Local environmental record appropriate management. centres will be essential to delivery of this policy. NC10 Promote management to help vulnerable species and habitats to NC8 Develop effective monitoring of the adapt to and mitigate the effects of extent and condition of key habitats climate change. and species, and the impact of visitor pressure and climate change on them. A key element of this is the development of landscape-scale approaches to support At present data on impacts of visitors on the development of robust ecological sensitive sites and habitats is largely networks thereby allowing natural anecdotal. Strategies for monitoring and movements across the landscape. responding to these impacts are needed. The impact of climate change on key species and habitats also needs to be monitored.

NC9 Promote the improved management for conservation of farmland habitats, hedgerows, ancient woodland, veteran trees, arable plant communities and common land.

Flock of red kites

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Actions

1. Develop projects to implement 11. Identify relevant climate change Biodiversity Action Plans, and ensure indicators for the Chilterns and develop a continuity across county boundaries. monitoring programme.

2. Support and develop landscape-scale 12. Develop approaches to monitor visitor initiatives and green infrastructure impacts on sensitive habitats and support projects which extend and connect initiatives to relieve pressure on the most fragmented habitats and sites. sensitive sites and wildlife habitats.

3. Support and promote expansion of the 13. Work with urban communities adjacent to area of chalk grassland in appropriate the AONB to raise awareness and management. understanding of the management needs of wildlife in the Chilterns. 4. Support and promote efforts to conserve farmland birds and rare arable flora. 14. Improve interpretation of Chilterns’ wildlife and countryside management. 5. Conserve and enhance biodiversity on common land through development of a Chilterns’ Commons Project.

6. Develop training programmes and disseminate best practice to land managers.

7. Obtain and collate information on extent, condition and management of key habitats and species so that baseline data is available across the AONB.

8. Monitor and develop actions to prevent any further losses of priority habitats or species.

9. Monitor the spread of pest species and invasive non-native species and develop strategies for control where appropriate to minimise negative impacts.

10. Develop and support initiatives to involve more local people in wildlife conservation in the Chilterns and support existing community environmental activity.

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Chilterns Chalk Streams and the River Thames

BARTON-LE-CLAY

Hexton

Lilley HITCHIN

DUNSTABLE LUTON

Whipsnade Ver Grand Union Canal Markyate HARPENDEN

Aldbury TRING Wendover Gade Arm Gaddesden AYLESBURY HEMEL HEMPSTEAD WENDOVER BERKHAMSTED Bulbourne CHESHAM

CHINNOR PRESTWOOD

Hughenden Chess Colne STOKENCHURCH Stream AMERSHAM WATLINGTON Misbourne River Thames HIGH CHORLEYWOOD BENSON WYCOMBE BEACONSFIELD Brook Hamble WALLINGFORD Brook Wye MARLOW

River Thames

HENLEY-ON-THAMES GORING

READING N

0 5 10 Kilometres

0 6 Miles

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 48 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Water environment

Water environment

Introduction in a south easterly direction along shallow valleys into the River Colne and River 1. The rivers and streams of the Chilterns Thames. flow over chalk giving them special characteristics. They have also played a 4. There are numerous smaller streams and major part in the location and springs located along the foot of the development of settlements and industry. escarpment from Barton Springs in the north to the Ewelme Brook near 2. The major river of the Chilterns is the Wallingford in the south. River Thames which forms a long and sinuous boundary to the AONB, also the 5. Chalk streams are a globally scarce boundary between counties and once habitat confined mainly to England and between and Wessex. north west Europe. They are fed by water stored in the underlying chalk 3. There are eight main chalk rivers in the aquifer which is of high quality and Chilterns: the Ver, Gade, Bulbourne, mineral-rich. Chalk streams are Chess, Misbourne, Wye, Hughenden characteristically clear, shallow and fast Stream and Hamble Brook with a total flowing and contain an abundance of length of 49km. These rivers are a key wildlife. They are home to some of the feature of the landscape and flow mainly UK's most threatened species.

River Thames near Henley

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6. The Chilterns supports a number of other Special Qualities aquatic habitats and features including lakes, gravel and mineral extraction pits, Chalk Streams reservoirs, the Grand Union Canal and ponds. They are important for a range of 1. Chalk streams are a globally scarce nationally important species. Small areas habitat, and a key landscape feature of of marsh, calcareous fen, wet flushes, the AONB. They are typically shallow, wet woodland, alder carr and reed bed fast flowing water courses with a gravel still occur. bed and low banks, high water quality, rich in minerals, alkaline (pH 8-9), clear 7. River flows are naturally variable due to and stable in temperature. climatic changes but several are also affected by over-abstraction largely for 2. Flows are dependent on the water table domestic supplies. in the underlying aquifer.

3. Chalk rivers are listed in the UK Broad Aims Biodiversity Action Plan as a priority habitat for protection. They frequently Conserve and enhance the river valley and have associated valuable habitats such as wetland landscapes characteristic of the reed beds and wet woodland/carr AONB. habitats.

Conserve and enhance the biodiversity of 4. Chalk rivers support high biodiversity and river and wetland habitats. are home to some of the UK's most endangered species. Associated UK BAP Protect and improve the quality of the priority species include: reed bunting, Chilterns' water resource. water vole and brown trout

Increase public awareness and enjoyment 5. There are two SSSIs and 30 County of the water environment. Wildlife Sites which incorporate sections of chalk river within the AONB.

6. Winterbourne sections of dip slope streams are an important habitat supporting a unique assemblage of plants and animals, specifically adapted to ephemeral flow conditions.

River Thames

7. The River Thames is a dramatic landscape feature with a wide valley and many valuable associated habitats. Its role as a major navigable waterway has led to extensive modifications and the creation of an extensive range of facilities for leisure and recreation. The Thames Path National Trail follows its entire length as it passes through the Chilterns. Schools event at the Water Festival

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8. Along the banks of the Thames are some Key Issues of the region's finest houses with associated parkland and ornamental 1. Abstraction from the underlying aquifer landscapes. for public water supply is a major issue. The Environment Agency's Catchment 9. Ecologically significant features along the Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) main river and its backwaters include for the River Colne catchment (2007) nationally-important species such as states that the entire North East Chilterns loddon lily, black poplar, club-tailed is currently over-abstracted. The dragonfly and Daubenton's bat. equivalent CAMS for the Thames and South Chilterns areas states that the Ponds southern part of the AONB is either over- licensed or 'no water available'. With 10. There are many ponds, especially on demand for public supply predicted to farmland and common land, created to increase over the next 25 years, in part water livestock or sometimes resulting due to plans for new development, the from extraction of soil or clay. They Chilterns' aquifer will remain under severe provide habitat for a variety of specialist pressure. flora and fauna including great crested newt and the nationally rare starfruit. 2. Increased climatic variation and, in 1 One survey found 932 ponds marked on particular, increased variability of rainfall the 1:25,000 OS maps. This is thought to during October to March, the period be an underestimate. essential for aquifer recharge, has increased the frequency of droughts in the 11. Rivers and wetlands are a major last 40 years, with four occurring since educational resource and add significantly 1975. Abstraction pressure on the aquifer to the landscape, but need management has reduced the rivers' ability to to retain their character, for example, withstand these drought periods. the pollarding of willows. Other places will need to be managed to ensure they 3. Long term forecasts of climate change provide sustainable places for visits and predicting drier summers and wetter field study. Ewelme Watercress Beds and winters2 suggest there may be few winter College Lake Nature Reserve are good droughts thus the aquifer will be re- examples. The River and Rowing Museum charged to enable the streams to flow in Henley provides excellent educational throughout the year. This may be counter- facilities to learn about the River Thames. balanced by longer growing seasons thus reducing the re-charge of the aquifer in late autumn and early spring. However, although the frequency of droughts may continue to increase there may also be an increase in periods of high rainfall leading to high flows and even flooding. In the short to medium term there will be increasing uncertainty and variation in weather patterns leading to a fluctuating water table and stream flows.

Water vole

1 Chiltern Hills Pond Survey 1996, The Chiltern Society 2 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – IPCC, 2007 Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 51 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Water environment

4. All chalk streams have been heavily 6. There is increased siltation from road and modified particularly to power mills and urban runoff and farmland. Poaching of to feed watercress beds. Recent riverbanks by cattle can be a significant modifications include flood defence cause of siltation as can poorly planned works, dredging, canalisation, ploughing. impoundments and creation of lakes for ornamental or fishery purposes, all of 7. Urbanisation of catchments has changed which have fragmented habitats, the hydrological character of chalk rivers. degraded the natural channel and Urbanisation reduces the amount of water created barriers for fish and reaching the aquifer and increases the invertebrates. Some modified sections, amount of rainfall reaching the river as watercress beds for example, can run-off. Flow rates are consequently provide the specific habitat requirements more variable and rivers more prone to for particular species such the water flooding. shrew (Neomys fodiens). 8. The spread of non-native species such as 5. There is pollution from a wide range of Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed, sources including industry, road and signal crayfish, rainbow trout and North urban drainage, agriculture and illegal American mink has had an impact on the dumping. ecological structure of the AONB's chalk rivers. The introduction of the American signal crayfish, for example, has led to the extinction of the native white clawed crayfish in the AONB. The North American mink has also been partly responsible for the dramatic decline in water vole numbers within the AONB3.

9. Disturbance and loss of wildlife habitats can result if the river and its banks are insensitively managed for recreational purposes. Riparian land in urban areas can become degraded through heavy recreational use.

10. Many of the Chilterns' ponds have low biodiversity caused either through many years of neglect or, conversely, through over-management.

River Chess

3 Biennial River Chess water vole surveys 2001 - 2007 (Chilterns Chalk Streams Project)

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Policies WE5 Promote development and long-term management of sustainable drainage WE1 Seek the reduction of abstraction of systems. water from catchments where rivers are affected by low flows due to over- Urbanisation of river catchments leads abstraction. to increased runoff, flood risk, and pollution. Further development in river Low flows are the key issue affecting catchments must be sensitive to these the rivers as a major landscape feature issues and seek to minimise their and the quality of chalk river habitat. impact. All the major chalk rivers have either been, or currently are, under WE6 Maintain, enhance, protect and investigation for low flows, through the monitor BAP priority habitats - Environment Agency's Restoring including chalk rivers, ponds and other Sustainable Abstraction programme. wetlands, and key species such as water voles, water crowfoot and water WE2 Promote the planning and sustainable shrews. management of water resources at a catchment scale. Water bodies are relatively sparse in their distribution within the Chilterns. Demand for potable water from Their continued health is essential for groundwater sources is forecast to sustaining a diverse range of plants and increase over the next 40 years as a animals. Many of the water bodies in the result of planned development in the Chilterns are home to UK BAP priority AONB and adjacent conurbations. There species. Protection of these species is is a need to ensure that development is important both from a local and national sensitive to this issue to ensure perspective. effective management of water resources.

WE3 Seek improvements to water quality and reduction in pollution levels.

Chalk rivers characteristically possess high water quality. As a result many of the species that inhabit them are sensitive to pollution. Many of the Chilterns' rivers have significant pollution issues, which require redress.

WE4 Promote best practice in riparian management.

Good riparian management is key to maintaining the habitats and landscapes characteristic of chalk rivers.

A dry Hughenden Stream in April 2006

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WE7 Promote restoration schemes to WE9 Increase public awareness of the link restore natural flow conditions and between demand for water, climate improve connectivity of rivers. change and environmental quality.

Chalk streams are heavily modified Raising awareness of the link between systems. This has led to degradation water use and the flow of chalk rivers and fragmentation of habitat. Schemes will help to change attitudes to water which 'naturalise' river channels and efficiency. The variability in river flow improve flow continuity by the removal needs to be better understood by the of impoundment structures will public and will assist in introducing enhance habitat, restore natural appropriate management to reduce low drainage regimes and create more flows and cope with flooding. sustainable river systems. WE10 Increase the involvement of local WE8 Safeguard and promote appropriate communities in the conservation and management on all sites designated enhancement of the water for nature conservation (statutory and environment. non-statutory), and pursue the designation of further sites. The public is particularly interested in rivers and water quality. A sense of The conservation of sites which possess community ownership and responsibility quality habitat is essential to prevent is important in the protection of the further degradation of the AONB's AONB's rivers, particularly in urban rivers. areas where they often flow through land in public ownership and close to residential areas.

WE11 Encourage greater public enjoyment of the water environment of the AONB and promote sustainable access to it.

Chalk rivers are an important and beautiful part of the Chilterns landscape. It is important to enable the public to experience and interact with them. Encouraging the public to engage with chalk rivers is key to instilling a sense of value of these important and beautiful parts of the Chilterns' landscape.

River Wye in High Wycombe

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Actions

1. Support the delivery of sustainable 7. Promote education and interpretation abstraction, through the Environment programmes to enhance understanding of Agency's Catchment Abstraction chalk rivers and to promote water Management Strategy. efficiency.

2. Provide site-specific advice and support 8. Encourage the management of existing for management of chalk rivers, ponds – particularly those on farmland particularly targeting areas with UK BAP and commons - to enhance their priority species such as water voles. biodiversity and support the creation of new ponds. 3. Support management of important riverside trees, especially willow 9. Encourage the involvement of local pollards. communities in the management of their local streams, rivers and ponds. 4. Develop and implement management plans for scarp slope streams. 10. Support measures to promote environmentally-sustainable recreation 5. Prepare and implement landscape and and tourism initiatives based on local wildlife management plans for all major rivers and canals. rivers. 11. Collate existing data on ponds in the 6. Work with local authorities and wildlife AONB and support further pond survey trusts to identify and designate new initiatives. chalk river sites as County Wildlife Sites. 12. Oppose proposals which reduce the environmental quality of the river channel and water.

Cricketer's Pond in

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Historic Parks and Gardens and Scheduled Ancient Monuments

Chilterns AONB boundary

Parks and Gardens

Scheduled Ancient Monuments Barton-le-Clay

Hexton

Lilley Leighton Buzzard Dunstable Hitchin

Whipsnade LUTON

Markyate Harpenden Aylesbury Aldbury Tring Gaddesden Wendover

Thame Princes Berkhamsted Risborough HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Chesham Chinnor Gt. Missenden Amersham Naphill Stokenchurch

Watlington High Wycombe Turville Beaconsfield Wallingford

Nettlebed Marlow

R. Thames Woodcote Maidenhead Goring Henley-on-Thames

R. Thames N

READING 0 5 10 Kilometres

0 6 Miles

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Historic environment

Introduction create layers of civilisation and settlement which provide a timeline for 1. The landscape of the Chilterns is above the evolution of the landscape and help all a “cultural landscape”, the product of define what is different and special about a long legacy of human influence. Over the Chilterns. 1,400 years ago the tribe that lived in what we now know as the Chilterns gave 3. It is because relatively little of the their name to the area. In the late 7th Chilterns has been subject to intensive century a document known as the Tribal cultivation that so much survives. The Hidage recorded the Cilternsaetan, downland and commons, rarely ploughed “people of the Chilterns”, as a distinct but grazed for centuries, have helped to group possessing a nominal 4,000 hides conserve much of interest. The commons, (family units). mostly dating back to medieval times, and the manorial system are important in 2. The Chilterns is an ancient landscape their own rights as part of the historic with traces of many eras and previous environment, but also for the features settlers. The historic environment they which survive on them, many of which are created over millennia helps define a still to be surveyed and identified. The sense of place and the strength of local woodlands, so extensive and yet so little landscape character. The area has many surveyed, hide a great deal that is still to Bronze Age barrows and field systems, be discovered. The farmsteads, churches Iron Age forts, medieval churches and and many old buildings are both part of deer enclosures, 18th century sawyer pits the historic environment and a direct link and 20th century military trenches. All with the modern day, still in every day

Lewknor Church

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use providing the core of much loved level by English Heritage, although there villages and towns. is overlap with the landscape responsibilities of Natural England. Each 4. The concept of the historic environment County Council or unitary authority has an is wide ranging and holistic encompassing archaeological service responsible for all physical manifestations of mankind's maintaining and developing its Historic activities from earliest prehistory to the Environment Record and the provision of present day. It includes buried planning and conservation advice. To aid archaeological remains and palaeo- understanding of the historic landscape environmental deposits, sites surviving as the Chilterns Historic Landscape earthworks or ruins, historic buildings and Characterisation project has been villages, landscapes still in use such as undertaken. Building conservation advice farms and field boundaries, industrial and is the responsibility of conservation military structures, ancient woodlands officers based in the District Councils. and commons and country houses with The National Trust is an important their associated parks and gardens. landowner in the Chilterns and employs its own conservation and archaeological 5. There are strong links between the staff. historic and natural environments as the modern ecology of the Chilterns is 7. More changes are anticipated with the determined to a considerable degree by planned introduction of a new Heritage historical patterns of land use. The Protection Act which will integrate historic environment helps define a sense heritage designation and consent regimes of place, can provide a focus for and give statutory status to Historic community activities and contributes to Environment Records. the local economy. It also has important cultural associations with topics such as 8. There are many voluntary and community social history, folklore, arts and groups working in this field notably the literature. Chiltern Woodlands Project, which undertakes surveys and training in 6. Policy and advice on the historic woodland archaeology, and the Chiltern environment is provided at a national Open Air Museum which houses an important collection of relocated historic buildings.

Broad Aims

The historic environment of the AONB is conserved and enhanced for the benefit of current and future generations.

The public have a greater appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of the historic environment of the AONB.

The public have good access to the historic environment. The at

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Special Qualities 5. Earliest surviving elements of the Chiltern landscape include pre- Roman “co-axial” Prehistory patterns of parallel trackways and fields.

1. The chalk ridge of the Chilterns contains 6. 17 Iron Age hill forts were constructed many traces of prehistoric occupation along the summits of the scarp and along and the majority of the monuments the Thames Valley. which survive as visible earthworks lie along the escarpment. 7. The Iron Age linear dykes (evidence of extensive land divisions) of which Grim's 2. Prehistoric settlements, often indicated Ditch is the best known and which by scattered flint artefacts on the stretches for more than twenty miles surface of fields, are common within the from Great Hampden to Dunstable. Chilterns, as are barrows (or burial mounds). Roman

3. Neolithic barrows are to be found at 8. The Roman roads of Watling Street (now Whiteleaf and at sites around Dunstable, the A5) and Akeman Street (now the A41) but Bronze Age barrows are far more run through the Chilterns. common and examples can be seen at , Wendover and Dunstable. 9. There is evidence of Roman iron-smelting in Chiltern woods and villa sites adjacent 4. The Ridgeway (the ) is an to Roman roads. important prehistoric trackway, and is believed to have provided the basis of a Saxon major communications and trading network stretching from Wessex to East 10. Anglo-Saxon cemeteries and settlements Anglia. are found mainly around the periphery of

Ivinghoe Beacon hill fort

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the Chilterns – for example around are thought to have pre-18th century Aylesbury, Dorchester, Luton and origins. Dunstable. Post-medieval 11. The Saxon parish structure survives with its distinctive long, narrow strip-parishes 15. Many of the archaeological earthworks running from the Vale up onto the found in Chiltern woods, such as wood Chiltern scarp to give each Vale banks and sawpits, reflect their settlement a share of the Hills' woodland management in this period to supply and pasture resources. timber for the furniture industry.

Medieval 16. The construction of turnpike roads, canals and later railways created new 12. A substantial number of buildings survive landscape features as well as opening up from this period including churches and access to the Chilterns and affecting its chapels (typically built of flint) and economy. timber-framed barns, manor houses and farmhouses. The twentieth century

13. Strip lynchets (cultivation terraces) were 17. The impact of the 20th century was created in the late 12th and 13th greatest in the southern Chilterns where centuries at a time of a great need for the London suburbs of Metroland grew up . rapidly until the designation of the Metropolitan Greenbelt in 1959. 14. Medieval field patterns with ancient hedges, boundaries and lanes. About 40% 18. Some modern features, such as the First of hedged field patterns in the Chilterns World War practice trenches on Marlow Common and relics of activity from the Second World War, can now be recognised as important archaeological monuments.

Settlements and buildings

19. The historic settlement pattern is one of larger nucleated towns and villages along the river valleys and below the Chilterns’ escarpment, with more dispersed patterns of hamlets and farms on the higher ground with newer settlements on the edge of commons.

20. There are many dwellings, farmsteads and other buildings within the Chilterns which are of architectural or historic importance and which make an essential contribution individually, or in groups within settlements, to the character, and aesthetic qualities of the landscape.

Sawpit in Bradenham Woods

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21. The most common building material in Parks and gardens the Chilterns is brick, the use of which dates back to the 15th century. During 24. The attraction of the Chilterns as a the 18th century it became the universal country retreat where the varied building material. Bricks were almost topography of the landscape allowed the always made locally, the variations in location of grand houses in prominent quality and colour of local brick earth positions and within a reasonable distance giving a distinctive character to buildings of London, led to the development of in different parts of the AONB. Three numerous grand country houses and active brickyards are still operating. parks, reaching a peak of around 600 parks in 1820, with examples of every 22. In most areas of the Chilterns, flint is period and style between the 17th and also widely used as a building material, late 19th centuries. There are 15 historic commonly used in combination with parks and gardens on the English Heritage brick. It is particularly common in the register. central plateau areas of the Chilterns and can be found in farmhouses of the 25. The designed landscapes of the 18th 17th century, cottages in the 18th century are the best known and include century and universally in the late 19th examples of the work of some of the most century. famous landscape designers of the period, including Charles Bridgeman, 'Capability' 23. The local abundance of clay meant that Brown and Humphrey Repton. clay tiles became the general roofing material from the 16th century onwards 26. In some places the owners of these but thatch was still being used on estates rebuilt adjacent villages creating humbler buildings at the end of 18th a distinctive estate architecture. Most of century. Welsh slate become these country estates and parks have commonplace in the 19th century. survived to the present day although only a few remain with their original families, many having been turned to other uses such as schools.

Chenies Manor near Amersham

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Historic and current extent of Chilterns commons Barton-le-Clay

Chilterns AONB boundary Hexton

Leighton Buzzard Lilley Commons, Heaths and Greens Dunstable Hitchin (Present Extent)

Commons, Heaths and Greens (c1810 - 1820) Whipsnade LUTON

Markyate Harpenden Aylesbury Aldbury Gaddesden Wendover Tring

Thame Princes Berkhamsted Risborough HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Gt. Missenden Chesham Chinnor Amersham Naphill

Stokenchurch Watlington High Wycombe

Turville Wallingford Beaconsfield

Nettlebed Marlow R. Thames Woodcote Goring Maidenhead Henley-on-Thames N

R. Thames

0 5 10 Kilometres READING 0 6 Miles

Key Issues 2. The importance of responding to the problems identified by the Listed 1. There is a need to promote a wider Buildings at Risk Survey covering grade I understanding of the historic environment and II* buildings and a Scheduled Ancient to ensure its sustainable management. Monuments at Risk Survey. More use could be made of the Historic Environment Records (HERs) held by local 3. The knowledge of the historic authorities, which record the historic environment is partial and in some areas, buildings, landscapes and archaeological such as archaeology in woodland, under- sites of their area. surveyed.

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4. The Chilterns is a popular area for cables, although larger schemes may informal recreation which attracts large require an Environmental Impact numbers of visitors. There is potential Assessment. Most of these organisations for conflict between conservation and have duties of care towards the historic public access particularly evident, for environment and have published example, at some archaeological sites environmental policies, although their along the ridge. practical interpretation and application of these measures is variable. 5. The conservation of the special qualities of the historic environment relies on good 11. Intensive agriculture is a potentially management and sustainable use by serious threat to the historic environment owners, managers and all users including through the loss of historic buildings and the general public. There is a need for field patterns, ploughing up of enhanced provision of information and archaeological sites and the removal of advice for all these audiences. historic features such as ponds and trackways. 6. Involving local communities in the identification, conservation and 12. Many archaeological sites survive as celebration of local heritage is essential. earthworks within woodland including The cultural associations of the historic historic woodland management features environment should be recognised and (eg wood banks, sawpits) as well as local community interest fostered earlier remains such as prehistoric wherever practical. barrows, hill forts and boundary ditches. The conservation and sustainable 7. There is a need for survey, identification and management of historic environmental features on common land.

8. A great deal of new development is taking place and is planned. There is a need to identify and take appropriate action to ensure new development does not damage sites or their setting where that is important. Where development or land use change involves significant and unavoidable impacts, appropriate recording should be undertaken.

9. The importance of good design, taking account of local characteristics and materials, both in new buildings and extensions and the conversion of historic buildings is vital to conserve the character of the built environment and its setting in the landscape.

10. A wide range of utilities have permitted development rights relating to, for example, the installation of pipelines and Whiteleaf Cross near Princes Risborough

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management of the Chilterns' woodlands 17. Climate change could have serious is therefore a high priority from an impacts on certain archaeological historic environment perspective. From remains, historic buildings and the natural an archaeological perspective, there is a components of historic landscapes. need to extend the coverage of survey Specific topics of concern are: (including laser surveying (LiDAR)) to increased flood risk affecting historic identify and record features hidden buildings; within woodland. New planting should be increased rainfall and water informed by historic landscape penetration affecting historic characterisation and located to avoid buildings; archaeological sites. changes in woodland composition and increased vulnerability to wind-blow 13. The Treasure Act 1997 has replaced the (the latter a particular concern on ancient legal concept of “treasure trove” archaeological monuments). and requires the reporting of all suspected treasure items. Nevertheless, It is worth noting that the climate has most “portable antiquities” found by changed before and an understanding of metal-detectorists fall outside the remit the historical and archaeological record of the Act. A priority should be to could assist in planning a sustainable prevent “treasure hunting” metal future. detecting on the most important and vulnerable sites.

14. The interests of nature conservation and the historic environment often coincide but there can sometimes be tensions - for example, burrowing animals or tree planting can damage archaeological remains.

15. Country houses and their associated parks, gardens and other designed landscapes are a particularly distinctive and important feature of the Chilterns' landscape within the AONB as well as many others which are worthy of conservation. These buildings and landscapes can face particular pressures of neglect and unsympathetic change of use whilst they require sympathetic management and, in many cases, restoration.

16. There is a need to identify important unregistered historic parks and develop conservation plans for both registered and unregistered parklands (especially those which are "at risk").

Brick kiln in Nettlebed

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Policies advice is in the form of learning from what others did successfully when faced HE1 Improve the understanding of the with similar issues. character, and conservation and management needs of the historic HE4 Support economic and social activity, environment to assist site and property benefiting local communities, based on management. the sustainable management of the historic environment. This is essential to ensure its conservation and appreciation. Currently The public has a high level of interest in knowledge levels are partial and, in key the historic environment, some of which fields, less extensive than is desirable. is capable of sustaining social and This is particularly true amongst groups economic activity. Examples are the who have the capacity to approve or development of tourism based on heritage initiate change which may affect the and social activity founded on local historic environment. culture and folklore, often linked to specific sites. Such activity helps both to HE2 Resist land use changes and strengthen the identity of local management practices which would communities and foster sustainable harm nationally designated and locally economic activity. important historic assets and their settings. HE5 Ensure the design and location of new development is sympathetic to the The historic environment is irreplaceable character of the historic environment. and damage must be avoided especially where the site's importance has been The pressure to accommodate new identified and protection conferred by development in the Chilterns is high, with some form of designation. Additionally, it potential impacts on the existing is the setting of many sites which adds to settlements and the wider landscape their importance and the way they are where it is to be situated in more open appreciated. This facet of site countryside. Where ever it is to be management is not always taken into located it is essential that the design and account fully. materials are sympathetic to the setting and historic character of that place. That HE3 Promote best practice for the does not necessarily require a slavish conservation of the historic adherence to vernacular architecture but environment. it should nonetheless complement and respect existing character. Relatively few land and buildings managers receive any formal training in HE6 Promote community involvement in the conservation of the historic environment, conservation and interpretation of the and yet much of what they do has a historic environment. direct bearing on it. A great deal of experience is available to provide advice The conservation and interpretation of and many good examples of best practice the historic environment provide a wealth are available. Where appropriate HERs of opportunities for community and Historic Environment Services should involvement. In so doing all parts of a be consulted for information and advice. community can find a role including Often the most effective training and volunteers, schools, local businesses as

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well as local statutory bodies and ideally have a better understanding and experts. This type of involvement enjoyment of the historic environment of encourages social activity within the the wider Chilterns. Such a policy needs community and helps link it to its past. a wide ranging programme to address all types of audience in a way that both HE7 Support the preparation and increases their understanding but also implementation of conservation plans willingness to become involved in its care for appropriate areas and sites. and stewardship.

The preparation of conservation plans is HE9 Promote the management of sites and proposed because of the importance of properties to enable them to adapt to so many sites. Such a plan is the best way the impacts of climate change and of reinforcing the importance of sites, mitigate the causes. involving appropriate agencies, identifying appropriate action, providing As the climate changes some sites will be a stimulus to take that action and to vulnerable to the likely impacts such as provide guidance for others undertaking increased flash flooding and trees being work which may have an impact on those blown over in high winds. All special areas and sites. conservation plans need to take potential impacts into account and ensure HE8 Promote public awareness and appropriate management is implemented enjoyment of the historic environment in response to the site's vulnerability. and involvement in its conservation and stewardship. The management of the historic environment can also contribute to In addition to encouraging local people to mitigation of the causes of climate become involved in the conservation and change by, for example reducing energy celebration of the historic environment usage and using materials for repairs with in their own communities, they should low embedded energy.

Restored watercress beds at Ewelme

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Actions

1. Publish best practice guidance for 9. Undertake a survey of all settlements to management of locally important sites identify the character of their built for community groups, landowners and environment. managers. 10. Develop and offer training programmes 2. Publish best practice guidance for use by for land managers and local communities. agencies and other groups (e.g. utilities) whose activities fall outside of planning 11. Support a programme to develop the controls and draw their attention to their visitor appeal, based on the historic responsibilities towards the conservation environment, of suitable sites. of the historic environment.

3. Implement the Environmental Guidelines for the Management of Highways in the Chilterns, to help protect the historic character of highways and adjacent land.

4. Identify and promote opportunities to improve the management of important and threatened historic parks and gardens, or other scheduled monuments in public ownership.

5. Undertake research and survey work to improve knowledge and understanding of the historic environment in order to identify important and locally distinctive historic landscapes and features.

6. Contribute to any maintenance or updating of the Chilterns Historic Landscape Characterisation.

7. Undertake an “historic environment risk assessment and management project” to assess risks and identify opportunities for enhanced access and limits of acceptable change.

8. Implement a programme to raise public awareness of the historic environment including provision of information, holding of events and improving physical access to suitable sites.

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Development

Introduction 3. The Chilterns is very accessible due to the number of roads, railway lines and waterways running through it. Major 1. The attractiveness of the Chilterns' transport routes link the Chilterns to landscape is due to its natural, built and London and other major cities and towns. cultural environment. It is not a With the exception of a single road (the wilderness but countryside adorned by modern successor to the Icknield Way) villages, hamlets and scattered buildings. which follows the foot of the escarpment, It is surrounded by large towns and is very few transport links run south west to within easy commuting distance of north east. The network of ancient routes, London, all of which increase the railways and canals has added to the pressure for new development. As a cultural heritage of the Chilterns, but result house prices in the Chilterns are more recent works have often had a amongst the highest in the country and negative impact on the landscape. there is a severe shortage of affordable housing. 4. The continued pressures for new development, particularly housing, create 2. Towns, villages, hamlets and individual demands for aggregates and other buildings all form a vital part of the minerals for construction. Historically, character of the Chilterns, particularly large quantities of chalk were extracted because of the widespread use of local to manufacture cement, but these building materials (bricks, clay tiles and quarries are now largely redundant. Three flint) and the locally distinctive relatively small brick-making enterprises architecture. New development, both survive using local clay. within and adjacent to the AONB, should conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area.

Cottages in Hambleden

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5. Local communities generate considerable Special Qualities quantities of waste. The redundant quarries are not suitable for land filling 1. The attractiveness of the Chilterns' and, other than on a small scale, it is landscape is partly due to its settlements unlikely that there will be suitable sites and buildings. for new waste incinerators. 2. There are many attractive villages such as Ewelme, Turville, Hambleden and Aldbury Broad Aims which are popular places to live and visit.

Ensure that the natural beauty, local 3. The Chilterns has a distinctive vernacular distinctiveness and aesthetic qualities of architecture based on the use of local the built environment of the Chilterns are brick, clay roof tiles and flint. Despite this conserved. other architectural styles ('Metroland' for example) have also had an important Ensure that all new development influence. contributes to the special qualities of the built environment of the Chilterns. 4. There are many notable individual buildings and follies including stately Improve the built and natural homes, monuments, mausoleums and environment of the Chilterns, particularly windmills. They provide interest in the degraded landscapes, to enhance its landscape and support the tourist distinctive character. industry.

Conserve and enhance the special 5. There is a wealth of medieval churches, qualities of the Chilterns in the many built from flint. development and operation of transport networks and services. 6. There is a strong link between the management of the countryside and the Reduce the negative impacts of transport character of old and new development. on the environment of the Chilterns The vernacular architecture, as so often, including lighting, noise and emissions of was based almost entirely on the use of greenhouse gases. locally available materials. In the Chilterns this included clay to make bricks Reduce any adverse impact of former and roof tiles, timber, chalk for mortar extraction sites on the character of the and flints from fields and quarries. All AONB. these materials remain available for new development. Ensure that the policies within local and minerals and waste development 7. Many buildings are of historical frameworks complement the objectives importance either in their own right or for of AONB designation. the people with which they are connected.

8. The ancient lanes, canals and railways (including significant Brunel bridges) are important parts of the landscape.

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Key Issues change. This means maximising energy efficiency and minimising water use (by 1. The Chilterns and surrounding areas, the inclusion of grey water recycling for particularly within the Milton Keynes and example). In order to help avoid flooding South Midlands and Cambridge-Stansted- and to encourage aquifer recharge Peterborough Growth areas, are under sustainable urban drainage systems should considerable pressure to accommodate be encouraged. significant numbers of new houses. 6. There is a need for the design of new 2. There is continuing pressure to locate buildings to show adaptation to climate large scale developments in or adjacent change, for example to ensure buildings to the AONB. Assessment of the impact of remain cool in the summer without using these proposals needs to accord with air conditioning. national policy as set out in Planning Policy Statement 7 (paragraph 22)1. 7. Society must seek ways of reducing its demand for energy (switching off 3. The retention of open space and the need streetlights is one of many) and reduce its to try and restrict the scale of new dependency upon fossil fuels by switching development are key to conserving the to renewable energy sources. The options natural beauty of the AONB. include solar, wood fuel, ground source, hydro and wind, all of which have some 4. New development of all types needs to potential in the Chilterns. It is the respect vernacular architecture, prospect of wind turbines which would be settlement character and the local most controversial. It is highly unlikely landscape. This will require developers to that large scale wind turbines would be do more than try to use standard designs. appropriate because of the relative lack The Board has published guidance on of wind and the visual intrusion, design and the use of building materials. especially along the ridge of the escarpment but also when located outside 5. All new development needs to accord the AONB within its setting. However with the highest environmental standards there is scope for installation of smaller- to minimise impact on the environment scale turbines in less intrusive locations and help mitigate the causes of climate where there are suitable wind speeds. The use of wood fuel would be the preferred option because of the extent of the woodland resource which is currently under-utilised.

8. There is a need for a better understanding and awareness of what contributes to local distinctiveness, especially amongst those groups who propose, design and approve new development.

9. In some places the attractiveness of the landscape is diminished by degraded sites, unattractive buildings and other

A modern brick and flint house near Chesham

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structures and their use. The challenge is Management of Highways in the Chilterns to remove, screen or mitigate the visual which, amongst many issues, seeks intrusion. reductions in road side clutter and light pollution. 10. There is a need for active promotion of environmentally sensitive construction 13. There is a small number of active and methods and the necessary skills, redundant quarries for which there are no particularly in the use of locally produced long term plans once quarrying has building materials. ceased. There is a need to decide their future, not least to maintain the 11. There is an increasing need to guide environmental qualities they have developments and activities which are (Chinnor is a geological SSSI). It is exempt from normal planning controls. unlikely that landfill would be an acceptable use. 12. The physical impact of transport infrastructure and its use have major 14. The Chilterns is a wealthy area and environmental impacts. The produces an above average amount of environmental damage or benefits need waste per capita. It is increasingly to be given greater weight. This includes unacceptable to send waste out of the ensuring that the design and management area in which it was generated. In future of highways, including maintenance and efforts must concentrate on minimising small works, does not damage waste and the option of waste environmental quality. They should be incineration (possibly to generate energy). constructed and surfaced to minimise The choice of suitable sites will be noise pollution, a particular problem contentious. It is unlikely that large scale along the motorways (M40, M25 and M1) incineration plants could be and trunk roads. The Board and highway accommodated within the Chilterns AONB authorities have published the without unacceptable environmental Environmental Guidelines for the impacts.

Traditional fingerpost sign in Aldbury

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Policies D2 Promote the highest standards of development which respect vernacular D1 Conserve and enhance the natural architectural styles and represent high beauty of the Chilterns AONB, by environmental standards in terms of reinforcing the local distinctiveness of energy and water efficiency. the built environment. Buildings design guidance can help inform The design and location of new those involved in decision-making as well development and the extensive use of as helping landowners, developers, standardised, suburban designs and non- designers and local communities to plan local materials has in the past resulted in for and control change in an appropriate many villages losing some of their special way. The Board has published the Chilterns and distinctive character. Buildings Design Guide and Supplementary There is a need for a greater Technical Notes on Chilterns Building understanding of the factors that Materials. Revisions to the Design Guide contribute to the visual harmony between will address issues such as climate change, built development and the landscape, and energy and water efficiency, renewable to local distinctiveness and the sense of energy, and the development of new place, so that these qualities can be agricultural and other rural employment conserved and enhanced through sensitive buildings. and imaginative design, and the character of existing settlements can be positively Flooding is increasingly becoming an issue improved where appropriate. and in order to try and alleviate this problem, as well as to encourage aquifer It is the role of the Local Planning recharge, sustainable urban drainage Authorities to firmly apply policies which solutions should be considered. One way safeguard the AONB from further to decrease water usage would be by detrimental change, while incorporating grey water recycling in new accommodating the small-scale developments. development necessary for the continued economic and social well-being of The intention is that the Guide will be Chiltern communities. added to the Management Plan as an Appendix in order that it can be taken account of as a significant material consideration in determining planning applications. The Design Guide will also aim to reduce the impact of those works which are 'Permitted Development' and do not require planning permission. If carried out unsympathetically these developments can contribute to the increasing 'suburbanisation' of the countryside.

D3 Promote best practice in the use of traditional materials, namely flint, brick and roofing materials.

The Conservation Board actively promotes Manor Farm in Bledlow, winner of Chilterns environmentally sensitive construction Buildings Design Awards 2006

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methods (primarily the use of locally D5 Seek a reduction in the damaging produced building materials and lime impacts of telecommunications mortar) through the production and use infrastructure. of its Supplementary Technical Notes on Chilterns Building Materials – flint, brick Many telecommunications masts were and roofing materials (clay tiles in sited within the AONB in the past resulting particular). in damaging landscape impacts. There has been a slowdown in the roll out of new D4 Support the sustainable use of local systems which has meant that there are natural resources, notably timber, clay fewer applications for new masts. A (bricks and tiles) and flint, for local reduction in the damaging impacts may be building purposes. achieved by the removal of redundant masts and better design and siting of new Bricks, tiles and flint are still commonly masts through the application of guidance. used in new developments. Local clay is still used for brick making by the three D6 Seek enhancement of the quality of the existing brickworks. The development of landscape of the AONB by the removal or other small workings may be possible mitigation of existing visually intrusive which would serve a useful purpose by developments. providing a source of locally made materials for use in the area, ensuring There is a need to ensure that all compatibility with the materials developments conserve and enhance the traditionally used. Another source of natural beauty of the AONB. The Board locally produced building materials are will promote action to improve the quality the Totternhoe Clunch pits. They are only of the AONB landscape. This would be opened occasionally to provide material particularly valuable in the following for historic building restoration. Although contexts: small-scale these activities also provide around the fringes of urban areas, to local employment opportunities. soften the often harsh edge of new residential and other developments; in locations where it helps to screen or integrate unsightly buildings or structures; in strategic locations where it could help to reduce the visibility of intrusive infrastructure, and where it would result in the removal or enhancement of unsightly buildings or other eyesores.

Encouragement should also be given to the replacement or improvement of elements which detract from visual harmony, including domestic features such as inappropriate urban styles of fencing, street and other forms of lighting that leads to light pollution, as well as overhead electricity lines.

Locally-made bricks

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D7 Pursue opportunities for landscape open space and green infrastructure improvement and creation of green provision. space (green infrastructure) when development is proposed in, or D9 Encourage appropriate densities on new adjacent to, the boundaries of the housing developments which reflect the AONB. local context, whilst having regard to the special qualities of the AONB and to With significant pressure for housing and policies in Development Plans. employment growth there will be a need to provide green open space in the form The Board will generally support the of green infrastructure (which can have provision of smaller residential schemes multi-functional benefits for biodiversity, that lead to the provision of affordable landscape, access and in contributing to and local needs housing. All housing sustainable drainage), provided this does schemes should be sustainably located and not conflict with the purposes of the should take particular account of the AONB's designation. For new settlement's and site's contexts and should developments that are on the edge of the reflect densities that are prevalent locally. AONB, there will also be opportunities to The operation of nationally agreed improve degraded landscapes and access minimum densities is not always to the countryside. appropriate and in order to deliver wider benefits and the conservation of the D8 Encourage appropriate development, special qualities of the AONB it may be especially on previously developed better to operate to lower, maximum, land, that will improve the economic, density levels. social and environmental well-being of the area, whilst having regard to the D10 Encourage the use of renewable energy, special qualities of the AONB. in appropriate circumstances, and particularly of wood fuel, solar, hydro- Sustainable development involves power and ground source heat pumps. meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future There may be pressure for the generations to meet theirs. This entails development of wind power in the accommodating change whilst Chilterns in the future, and full account maintaining and, wherever possible, should be taken of the potential impacts enhancing the quality of the environment on the landscape, including the setting of for all. There will also be a need to meet the economic and social needs of the people who live and work in the Chilterns. Improvement of the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area might be achieved through: the delivery of affordable housing for local needs; improved employment opportunities; maintaining the viability of the rural economy; addressing the general decline in, and improved access to, key rural services, and Long barns at Ipsden near Wallingford

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the AONB. Other renewable energy forms environment. Some of the measures that that may be developed include solar (hot will be considered include: a greater water and photovoltaics), small-scale understanding of the embedded energy in hydro schemes and woodfuel. Solar any development; the increased use of power and ground source heat pumps are local building materials; water and energy more likely to be installed at the efficiency; the way that buildings are domestic scale and there may be some orientated, and allowing for more supply from community based hydro- comfortable living conditions with electric schemes. The use of locally increased summer shading. sourced woodfuel from existing woodland could support both domestic scale and D12 Seek a reduction in the level of noise community-based combined heat and and other forms of pollution caused by power schemes. all types of aircraft flying over the Chilterns and associated vehicle traffic D11 Promote measures which assist using the airports. adaptation to climate change which are compatible with the character of the Growth in air traffic is continuing and built environment of the AONB. expansion plans for major airports would exacerbate this. Significant numbers of The Board will work with others to passengers arrive at airports by car and promote measures which will help people there will therefore need to be much and buildings to adapt to climate change, greater provision of public transport in subject to the overriding consideration of order to allow modal shift. The Chilterns the need to be compatible with the has a significant number of smaller character of the built and natural airfields nearby and is increasingly being

Aircraft vapour trails over the Chilterns

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overflown by all types of aircraft. The in the future in smaller sites, only inert Board will work with operators to lessen waste should be used and restoration of the impacts of the use of these airfields. the site back into the landscape should be achieved using appropriate contouring Any proposals to alter flight paths in whilst encouraging biodiversity. order to allow more aircraft to fly over the AONB will be strongly opposed and Some quarries may be suitable for the the Board will seek changes to take air development of both passive and active traffic away from the AONB. recreational facilities in conjunction with low key associated infrastructure D13 Promote the restoration and (informal car parks, picnic areas and management of redundant quarries into nature trails for example). The the landscape whilst conserving and development of wildlife habitats, where enhancing their biodiversity, geological natural re-vegetation has occurred or wet and archaeological features. areas remain, will be encouraged.

Large chalk quarries had a dramatic D14 Encourage the continuation of the local impact on the landscape, although only brick-making industry, to ensure a in Bedfordshire is still active. continued supply of high quality, Any restoration and management plans traditional building materials, consistent should ensure that any environmental with the principles of environmental qualities (including geological or sustainability. archaeological remains) are maintained, protected and interpreted. In such cases Within the Chilterns there are three landfill proposals are unlikely to be remaining brick-makers. They are all appropriate. Should landfilling take place small in scale and make high quality

Learning to build a flint wall

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bricks in traditional ways. The use of such D16 Promote the reduction of waste by local materials in sensitive ways helps supporting policies which result in re- developments to have limited impacts and use, reduction and recycling of waste contribute to local distinctiveness. materials.

If used locally such building materials will In the future there is going to be a have travelled a limited distance and will greater focus upon 'sustainable waste emit lower levels of CO in their transport 2 management.' This will involve moving comparative to other materials. away from the landfilling of waste. Other methods of waste management may result D15 Support the demand for local building in demand for sites for waste reduction, materials by seeking their use in new waste transfer or incineration which are developments, in accordance with the likely to prove difficult to accommodate Chilterns Buildings Design Guide and in the AONB. It will be important to related Supplementary Technical Notes. ensure that any waste facilities are sensitively sited and located to avoid a When responding to relevant planning detrimental impact on the landscape or applications the Board will seek the use of settlement character and to avoid local building materials because of the disturbance to local amenity. positive impacts that their use would have on the landscape and environment. D17 Seek to minimise the environmental Developments should conserve or enhance impacts on the Chilterns of quarrying the natural beauty of the AONB and and management of landfill sites planning applications should comply with adjacent to the AONB, including the the Chilterns Buildings Design Guide and impacts of through traffic. Supplementary Technical Notes. There are few active chalk quarries left within or near the AONB and any landfill operations associated with redundant workings will need to be very closely monitored and managed. Workings for aggregates are generally nearby rather than within the Chilterns AONB. However, deposits in the Thames Valley are known to extend into the AONB. Development pressures will maintain demand for aggregates. The Board will resist proposals for quarrying within the AONB due to the damaging impacts of both extraction and the through traffic associated with transportation.

Traditional brick and flint work

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Actions

1. Comment on significant planning 11. Contribute to studies undertaken to applications which would affect natural assess tranquillity in the AONB. beauty or its enjoyment. 12. Seek a reduction in noise pollution from 2. Review and comment on all relevant road traffic, in particular the M40 and all planning strategies and policies which trunk roads. would affect the Chilterns. 13. Encourage the use of low noise surfacing 3. Produce and promote revisions to The in connection with all new roads and any Chilterns Buildings Design Guide, re-surfacing work. particularly to take account of climate change, renewable energy and farm and 14. Encourage highway authorities to switch other rural employment buildings. off street lights in appropriate circumstances. 4. Continue to promote the Supplementary Technical Notes on Chilterns Building 15. Seek a reduction in the noise pollution Materials (flint, brick and roofing created by over-flying aircraft and a materials) and review, as appropriate. reduction in the number of over-flying aircraft of all types. 5. Develop a monitoring system for the built environment to enable an assessment of changes.

6. Produce guidance that seeks to lessen the impact of telecommunications developments.

7. Continue to press for the undergrounding of overhead powerlines.

8. Support the local planning authorities in their efforts to bring about the provision of green infrastructure.

9. In conjunction with others (Building Research Establishment and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, for example) publish guidance on how building design should reflect the need to adapt to climate change.

10. Promote the use of the Environmental Guidelines for the Management of Highways in the Chilterns.

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 79 Horse rider near Section 2 Understanding and enjoyment

Introduction 3. One of the primary functions of the Chilterns Conservation Board is to 1. There are 55 million leisure visits to the 'increase the understanding and Chilterns every year making this one of enjoyment by the public of the special the most popular protected landscapes in qualities of the area of outstanding the world. Despite the popularity of the natural beauty'. This has the potential to honeypot sites it is still easy to find increase respect for, and environmental isolation and peace and quiet. awareness of, the countryside thereby encouraging people to care for and 2. The Chilterns' countryside is highly valued protect it. for the wide variety of recreational opportunities it offers, everything from 4. The Chilterns' countryside should be walking, cycling and horse riding to available for all to enjoy, which means gliding, canoeing and bird watching. that special encouragement should be Above all it is a landscape ideal for given to 'hard to reach groups' that live in rambling with an extensive rights of way and around the AONB. network, two national trails and dozens of sites with open access. 44% of leisure 5. The countryside offers opportunities for visitors to the Chilterns said that walking fresh air and exercise, with benefits for was the main purpose of their trip1. physical and mental well-being. The proximity of accessible countryside to all the towns, small and large, on the AONB boundary, and London, means these opportunities are open to urban as well as rural communities.

Broad Aims

High quality and enjoyable recreation and access opportunities should be available to all.

Good health and a sense of well-being should be encouraged by promoting activities based on the sustainable enjoyment of the countryside.

Every resident and visitor should be aware of, and helped to enjoy, the Chilterns' special qualities.

Walkers in the Ashridge Estate

1 2007 Chilterns Leisure Visitor Survey

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Recreation and Access

Chilterns AONB boundary

National Trust

Woodland Trust

The Ridgeway National Trail Barton-le-Clay

Thames Path National Trail Leighton Buzzard Lilley The Hitchin Registered Common Land Open Dunstable LUTON Access Chalk Downland

Grand Union Canal Harpenden Aylesbury Tring Wendover

Princes Berkhamsted HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Thame Risborough Chesham M25 Chinnor Gt. Missenden Amersham R. Thames Watlington High Wycombe

Beaconsfield Wallingford

Marlow

Goring Maidenhead Henley-on-Thames

R. Thames N

READING 0 5 10 Kilometres

0 6 Miles

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Special Qualities 3 It has a broad ranging appeal based on its varied and intimate landscape of beech 1. The Chilterns is one of the largest and woodlands, chalk hills, common land, most popular rural areas for informal picturesque villages, country houses and recreation in the UK. An estimated 55 parks and gardens. It is also an historic million leisure visits are made to the landscape, with hill forts, ancient Chilterns annually, with a high proportion barrows, medieval churches, and a strong of local users. cultural heritage.

2. It is a landscape attractive to both local 4. There is an extensive and well- visitors and those from London and maintained public rights of way network surrounding towns because of its in the Chilterns (over 2,000km), a wide accessibility. The Chilterns is served by range of promoted routes (such as the four rail routes and the London Chilterns Country series), two national Underground. Visitors are seeking peace trails passing through the area (the and quiet as part of their visit. Whilst by Ridgeway and the Thames Path) and two no means a wilderness the Chilterns does notable long distance regional routes: the offer relative tranquillity compared to Icknield Way and the Chiltern Way. There surrounding towns and cities. are also many rural lanes suitable for cycling, horse-riding and walking.

Map showing variations in tranquillity across the Chilterns (CPRE 2007)

Reproduced courtesy of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Revised edition 2007.

N

0 5 10 Kilometres

0 6 Miles Most tranquil

Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Least tranquil The Countryside Agency 2006. 100018881.

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5. There are 2,883 ha of Open Access land quiet tucked away places with no available for informal recreation (889 ha facilities at all but others have car parks, of chalk downland and 1,994 ha of toilets, visitor centres and a year-round common land) in addition to the large programme of events. areas opened to the public by bodies such as the National Trust, Forestry 7. The range of facilities and opportunities Commission, wildlife trusts and local for outdoor recreation is extensive. The authorities. There is a particular area is best suited for quiet pursuits such assemblage of these sites along the ridge as walking, horse riding and cycling, but of the escarpment on sites of exceptional there are plenty of opportunities for more quality with magnificent views. Much of active pursuits such as canoeing, gliding, the common land is in close proximity to mountain biking, orienteering, canal and towns and villages, making it particularly river cruising. useful for local recreation and educational purposes. 8. There are a large number of organisations involved with managing recreation in the 6. There is a wide variety of sites managed Chilterns. This means that there are specifically to encourage the public to plenty of events which appeal to a wide visit, ranging from small picnic sites to audience. Increasingly this is a year-round large estates owned by the National Trust programme often with events held during and Forestry Commission. Many sites are the week as well as weekends.

Grand Union Canal

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Key Issues countryside by foot or bike2. Priority should be given to improving access for 1. Whilst the Chilterns attracts a large those communities with low green space number of visitors, certain groups are provision. Plans for housing growth in and under-represented, in particular the less around the Chilterns need to include mobile, the young, urban-based people additional and accessible green spaces and ethnic minorities as illustrated by close to where the new homes will be the 2007 Chilterns Visitor Survey. built. It will not be appropriate to assume new residents can use existing, but 2. The rising traffic levels pose challenges sensitive and vulnerable, sites as the for the Chilterns, in particular honeypot nearest green space. sites, with issues such as overflow parking and congestion. The 2007 5. Most of the popular countryside sites in Chilterns Visitor Survey showed that a the Chilterns are on environmentally- third of visitors to the most popular sensitive sites, especially chalk grassland countryside sites had travelled less than where there is a need to balance 5 miles, yet 94% of visitors came by car. recreation and conservation. Certain sites There is clearly scope to encourage more experience intense recreational pressure people to walk from home or use public (leading to problems of dog fouling, transport. parking problems, litter and congestion on the roads) and careful visitor management 3. There are gaps in the rights of way is required to prevent their degradation. network, particularly bridleways, forcing The Board advocates adherence to the horse-riders, cyclists and walkers on to Sandford principle where such conflicts often busy roads. With the increase in arise, which gives primary importance to volume and speed of traffic, roads which conserving the environmental quality of were once commonly used as link routes the resource over its use for recreation. to public rights of way are no longer The unsustainable use of sensitive sites considered safe by many users. could be addressed by additional buffer areas being added to those sensitive sites 4. Not all communities have access to green that are likely to become more heavily spaces close to where they live, with used by visitors. This has been done barriers such as roads or railways making successfully at the Aston Hill Mountain it difficult to reach the surrounding Bike course which was created as a dedicated mountain biking facility, to alleviate pressure on more sensitive sites in the area.

6. Sensitive management and guidance (e.g. promotion of the countryside code) is required to ensure visitors behave responsibly and are aware of the need to protect the countryside they enjoy.

7. Given the large number of visitors to the Chilterns, occasional conflicts between different users (e.g. mountain bikers and walkers/horse riders) are inevitable. Noisy activities such as trail biking and quad Sign on the Ridgeway Link near Whipsnade

2 An analysis of accessible natural greenspace provision in the South East 2007

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biking are a particular problem to users audio trails and podcasts may help to seeking peace and tranquillity. Problems reach new and younger audiences. The are not widespread, but do occur, growth of electronic media should particularly on shared-use paths. supplement rather than replace face-to- face interpretation such as guided walks 8. New housing developments will exert or events, which remain a popular and additional pressure on the countryside, effective means of engaging visitors. particularly at nearby honeypot sites, for example the Ashridge Estate, Coombe 10. The provision of education and learning Hill, College Lake, , opportunities can help to reach new , Dunstable Downs, audiences and encourage a deeper Hills and Barton Hills will all understanding and care for the Chilterns. receive additional visitors because of the This can take the form of guided walks, nearby growth areas at Aylesbury, talks, events, workshops and production Dunstable and Luton. of educational material.

9. The provision of information and 11. The tranquillity of the Chilterns is under interpretation, in their many forms, is a threat from increased vehicular traffic, vital means of increasing understanding aircraft flying over and population and enjoyment of the Chilterns. It can growth in and around the area. Whilst help with the planning and visiting of localised noisy activities are a feature of sites in the Chilterns and should be larger settlements and along the urban present at key visitor points. The growth fringe, increasingly traffic noise along of the internet and other electronic busy roads and, in particular, over-flying media will continue to provide new and aircraft of all types are reducing the exciting possibilities for presenting real- places and times when peace and quiet time information and interpreting the can be found. Chilterns in imaginative ways. The use of

Chilterns Countryside Festival

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12. The River Thames and Grand Union Canal weather patterns. There is evidence that offer a wide range of leisure and visits are becoming shorter partly in recreation opportunities including water- response to recent poor weather and also based activities such as boating, fishing its general unpredictability. Increasingly and canoeing. The waterways act as wet summer weather is leading to very corridors linking town and country and muddy paths, especially on the clay soils, the promotion of sustainable visits from affecting the routes used and often home will become increasingly deterring visitors. Another consequence important. Improvements in access for of the recent poor summers is that the all, visitor facilities and interpretation predicted increase in the number of should underpin the promotion of the people taking holidays in the UK may not waterways. happen. Event organisers are also facing challenges of managing and promoting 13. The Chilterns' countryside, its beautiful events which are susceptible to landscape and the opportunities it unpredictable weather, for example more provides for recreation is the primary shelter needs to be provided either from basis of the leisure visitor market. There the rain or sun. is scope to promote rural accommodation and encourage short breaks as the Chilterns is predominantly a day visitor destination at present. Any initiatives to promote tourism in the Chilterns should encourage sustainable visiting of the countryside.

14. There is no unified countryside service in the Chilterns and as a result there are some large variations in the quality and availability of countryside services across the area. The Conservation Board has an important role to play in bringing together the many different countryside service providers, co-ordinating access projects and encouraging consistency in standards of information, interpretation and visitor facilities. The Conservation Board will continue to work with local authorities, The Chiltern Society, countryside agencies, parish councils, Local Access Forums and other partners to contribute to the delivery of Rights of Way Improvement Plans and other access initiatives in the area.

15. The way visitors enjoy the countryside and their potential impact will be affected by climate change in the long term but more particularly by short term

Cyclists near Ibstone

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Policies decision on where to go. Given the large number of visits in the Chilterns, the UE1 Provide special encouragement to provision of facilities and countryside non-traditional visitors including the services remains relatively sparse. That less mobile, the young, urban-based said, there have been considerable and ethnic minorities, to visit the improvements at many of the formal countryside. countryside sites (such as Dunstable Downs, Wendover Woods, the Ashridge The 2007 Chilterns Visitor Survey shows Estate), with new visitor facilities, that certain groups are under- additional car parking and better represented in the countryside. The interpretation and information. There is provision of high quality access scope to make more of country pubs as a opportunities and facilities to encourage base for pub walks and rides, providing all types of user remains a priority. additional facilities such as bike racks 97% of leisure visitors to the Chilterns and information boards. classified themselves as white. 5% of visitor survey respondents were UE3 Promote and support management of aged 16-24; the overall age profile of countryside suitable for recreation respondents has increased in whilst conserving its environmental comparison with the 1997 visitor quality and assisting all visitors to survey. behave responsibly. 4% of groups had at least one member registered disabled and/or a blue The Conservation Board will continue to badge holder. work with local authorities, the National Trust, Natural England, community The Conservation Board will work with groups and the many other organisations partners to encourage and facilitate managing the Chilterns' countryside to better access to these groups through ensure that recreational opportunities events and guided walks, improving are maintained and promoted. The access on the ground (e.g. new 'access maintenance, waymarking and promotion for all' trails) and improving the quality of the rights of way network remain a and accessibility of information. priority. Visitors need to be made aware of their rights and responsibilities when Care will need to be taken that visitor numbers do not exceed the capacity of the resource to absorb visitors without detriment to local character, biodiversity or quiet enjoyment.

UE2 Enhance the quality of welcome given to visits including the development of new facilities and services where appropriate.

For many people the provision of visitor facilities such as toilets, car parking and refreshments is an important part of their visit and will influence their On Chorleywood Common

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visiting the countryside. This requires not UE5 Enhance the accessibility of the only wider communication and education countryside and, in particular, address but also countryside staff on the ground the special needs of those with mobility undertaking face-to-face engagement and other impairments and in so doing with visitors. conserve environmental quality.

UE4 Develop environmentally sustainable It is estimated that nationwide 1 in every access and recreational opportunities 7 people is registered disabled, a figure which strengthen links between town that does not include those that suffer and country. with other mobility limitations such as arthritis, or those who use a pushchair The rights of way network potentially for young children3. In the last decade offers many people an opportunity to much progress has been made in the walk, cycle or ride from their homes to Chilterns with the development of the countryside (or from their village several new wheelchair trails and an into town). There are many large extensive programme of stile-removals. settlements both within and immediately However, provision of 'access for all' adjacent to the AONB and the challenge routes and information is patchy. is to improve the physical quality of Provision needs to be made for a much routes linking town and country, and to broader range of disabilities, including increase awareness that they exist. those with visual impairments. The Initiatives such as the Ashridge Cycle availability of accurate, honest and Network are aimed at providing high accessible information is crucial in giving quality walking and cycling links from people the confidence to plan visits to nearby settlements to countryside sites, the countryside. encouraging local people to walk or cycle rather than drive a short distance.

A Disabled Ramblers outing near Bulbourne

3 Disabled Living Foundation, Disability Awareness fact sheet

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UE6 Promote the use of public rights of way promoted routes. This may include the and improve routes by covering gaps in introduction of traffic calming measures, the network. providing safe crossing points and introducing speed restrictions (as done on The rights of way network provides the the Ashridge Estate). In some cases there basic resources for the large numbers of may be opportunities to make more of visits to the Chilterns' countryside. They road verges for walkers. On very busy are generally well maintained and roads, the creation of separate routes for waymarked and this is appreciated by cyclists/riders is the ideal, to be visitors; in the 2007 visitor survey 87% of encouraged wherever possible. leisure visitors rated rights of way as good or very good. The Chilterns UE8 Encourage more effective co-ordination Conservation Board will continue to work of countryside services, volunteers and with The Chiltern Society, local other partnerships across the Chilterns authorities and other partners to ensure in order to enhance service delivery that public rights of way (and particularly and quality of environmental those of the popular promoted routes) management. are maintained and promoted to a high standard. However there are gaps in the The AONB straddles many local authority network, particularly the bridleway boundaries, but there is no unified network which can be fragmented, countryside service. The Conservation forcing users on to busy roads. This is a Board has an important role to play in particular issue for horse riders, who no bringing together the many different longer feel safe using some of the road partners on joint projects, co-ordinating link routes they traditionally used, due to access initiatives and encouraging the increase in volume and speed of consistency in standards of information traffic. The challenge is to link up and interpretation provision (for example bridleways where these gaps exist, maintaining the successful Chilterns preferably by creating new rights of way. Country brand) and in the quality of The Conservation Board supports the countryside services and facilities. local authorities' Rights of Way Improvement Plans in addressing the UE9 Raise the level of understanding and fragmented network and should co- appreciation amongst visitors of the ordinate the efforts of the authorities area's special qualities and the quality involved. of their experience and encourage them to contribute to the area's UE7 Promote management of highways to conservation. encourage their use for walking, cycling and horse riding. Research from the Bucks Rights of Way Improvement Plan showed that lack of The Chilterns has a large network of quiet information about where to go was a lanes which are ideal for walking, cycling major reason for not using rights of way. and riding. However, many of the busier Information should be improved to highways have become less safe for include details of passenger transport users, due to the increase in volume and links, services such as pubs, shops and speed of vehicular traffic. Highways toilets and route details such as should be managed to encourage their gradients, surface type and structures. In use for recreational activities, addition feedback from disabled groups particularly those which are included in suggests that a major barrier for not

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visiting the countryside is lack of UE11 Encourage visits to the countryside and accessibility information when planning local villages without travelling by car. trips, not knowing what to expect and a lack of confidence in the usability of the Most visitors to the Chilterns arrive by routes. car; the 2007 Chilterns Visitor Survey showed that 94% of visitors to the UE10 Promote the health and other benefits popular countryside sites arrived by car. of visiting the countryside and in Encouragement must be given to visitors particular by walking, cycling and to leave their car at home, by walking horse riding. or cycling from home or using public transport. Walks and rides from railway Lack of exercise is now a recognised stations should be further developed health issue, with increasing levels of and promoted, capitalising on the obesity, particularly among young Chilterns' rail lines and the London people. The countryside offers Underground Metropolitan line which opportunities for fresh air and exercise, can bring urban visitors directly into the with benefits to people's physical and Chilterns' countryside. The Conservation mental well-being. National initiatives Board strongly supports initiatives such have led to a number of successful as the Tring Station Gateway. healthy walking schemes in the Chilterns. However there is scope to UE12 Enhance appreciation of the Chilterns expand this programme, particularly in by residents and visitors by conserving the north part of the Chilterns, in tranquillity and resisting noisy or Dunstable and Luton, where there is a damaging activities. lack of such opportunities. The health benefits of visiting the countryside and Getting out into the country for many the opportunities to participate in people means a search for peace and healthy walking schemes should be quiet, a chance to get away from it all actively promoted by the Board. for a short while. Occasionally the peace is disturbed by a noisy activity such as quad biking, although the main source of noise pollution is from traffic, particularly that using the M40 and other motorways and trunk roads and, increasingly, all types of aircraft.

UE13 Enhance the contribution to the local economy from all types of visitor trips.

Recreation and tourism have the potential to make a substantial contribution to the local economy. A number of sustainable tourism itineraries have been developed in the Chilterns and these should continue to be promoted. The Chilterns is predominantly a day visitor destination but there is scope to develop and promote the short break market which A guided walk at Common

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will contribute far more to the local taken to promote the countryside code, economy. producing guidance to help the public understand their rights and UE14 Promote the interest of young people responsibilities. in the countryside to help them appreciate and enjoy its natural beauty UE16 Promote the use of the River Thames and develop a concern for caring for and Grand Union Canal for quiet the environment. leisure activities consistent with maintenance of environmental quality. The 2007 Chilterns Visitor Survey highlighted the ageing profile of visitors The Chilterns' waterways are much loved to the countryside. The increasingly and provide numerous possibilities for sedentary lifestyles of young people and quiet leisure activities and water-based the rise in obesity and related health activities such as boating and canoeing. problems among them gives cause for Access improvements have been made to concern. The Chilterns' countryside many stretches of the River Thames and offers young people the opportunity to Grand Union Canal towpaths to make get active and facilities aimed at this them more accessible to all, but there is market should be encouraged, for still scope to improve access for all, this example the Go Ape facility at Wendover should be a priority near urban areas. Woods and the Aston Hill off-road biking The availability and quality of visitor centre. There is a lack of budget facilities, waymarking and interpretation accommodation in the Chilterns, with is integral to many people's enjoyment just one youth hostel (too small to and understanding of the waterways and accommodate school groups) and few the Board must work with its partners to camping facilities, therefore support this. The use of the Thames for encouragement should be given to leisure boating has been in decline for developing additional budget some years and provides potential for accommodation across the AONB, in growth. appropriate locations, particularly where there is good access by foot, cycling and public transport.

UE15 Promote a sense of responsibility amongst users and visitors and their willingness to care for the environment.

Millions of visitors are able to enjoy the Chilterns, usually without damaging the countryside they have come to enjoy. Sometimes there are conflicts between recreation and conservation/land management, but these can be minimised by raising awareness of the Chilterns' special landscape and promoting responsibility amongst users and visitors. Every opportunity should be

Tring Canal Festival

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Actions

1. Implement a 'Countryside for All' 11. Identify and resist activities and promotional campaign to encourage development which would reduce those groups currently under- tranquillity arising from, for example, represented. noisy sports, vehicle and aircraft traffic, and railways. 2. Enhance provision of on-site information and interpretation where appropriate. 12. Promote social and economic activities Develop an on-going and co-ordinated based on sustainable visits to the events programme with broad appeal. countryside.

3. Promote investment in access and 13. Actively promote the health and other recreation facilities on appropriate sites well-being benefits of visiting the to improve the quality of visitor countryside and quiet leisure activities. experience. 14. Provide educational resources and support 4. Develop improved access links between for field visits and organisation of special town and country, in particular where events. new development is proposed through green infrastructure initiatives. 15. Promote the Ridgeway and Thames Path National Trails, the Chiltern Way and 5. Enhance management of common land to other promoted walking and cycling provide public benefits including routes, including the Chilterns Country recreation, access, healthy lifestyles and series. education. 16. Maintain and develop the Chilterns AONB 6. Enhance accessibility of suitable sites website incorporating information on the and routes through physical Chilterns for all types of visitor and all improvements and provision of types of visits compatible with the AONB information. designation.

7. Identify and bridge gaps in the public 17. Publish a range of literature to assist rights of way network. visitors to plan their visits.

8. Improve collaboration between site 18. Work with local authorities and other managers and other providers of appropriate bodies to identify noisy countryside services. activities and diminish their impact – to include the impact of over flying aircraft. 9. Develop a Countryside Close to Home initiative to encourage non car-based 19. Raise awareness of Open Access land and visits. public rights of access.

10. Create the Chilterns Cycleway with a linked network of shorter routes.

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 93 Mobile sawmill at work Section 3 Social and economic well-being

Introduction Chilterns, but it does reflect the statutory duty on the Conservation Board to foster 1. The Chiltern Hills is a landscape of the social and economic well-being of national importance, home to 80,000 local communities when pursuing its residents and is a destination for 55 primary aim of conserving natural beauty. million visits every year. Over a million It is also a recognition that much of the people live close to its boundary in major natural beauty of the Chilterns derives towns including High Wycombe, Luton, from the activities of local people at work Dunstable, Hemel Hempstead, Hitchin and play, and that much of that activity in and Reading. Approximately 10 million its turn is dependent on the people live within an hour's travelling environmental assets of the Chilterns. time. This landscape was, and still is, Ultimately, economic and social activity being shaped by people's everyday have to be environmentally sustainable activities of work, leisure and and this plan helps to identify and movement, in addition to those whose cultivate those links. business is that of managing the environment. 3. The Chilterns is perhaps best known for its beech woods, which were for centuries a 2. This management plan for the AONB is home to sawyers, bodgers and other not the primary strategy for tackling the furniture makers. Their legacy is a social and economic needs of the landscape dominated by beech woods now

Farmers' market in High Wycombe

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protected for their amenity and wildlife. 5. Today tourism is a major part of the rural The woodland workers, however, economy. There are over 55 million regarded the woods as a place of work leisure visits a year to the Chilterns using a renewable , which result in a total spend of over supplying the wood fuel market in £400m. These are people seeking to London and the furniture factories in enjoy the countryside, and to indulge in High Wycombe and other local towns. recreation best suited to a rural The management of those woods is now landscape. The tourism industry both often in the hands of those concerned benefits from the Chilterns' natural with the amenity of a wooded beauty and has a vested interest in its landscape, but ultimately the scale of conservation. management required, not least to deliver the desired environmental benefits, will rest on supplying an Broad Aims economic good to a buyer willing to pay a market price. The local economy is based on environmentally sustainable principles. 4. A similar tale can be told for the landscape shaped by farmers who The natural beauty of the Chilterns is created the chalk downland, managed conserved as a result of sustainable social hedgerows, planted trees and dug ponds. and economic activity. They too built the brick and flint farm houses and timber barns and even A high quality environment contributes to carved out the sunken lanes and ancient the social and economic well-being of tracks. They did so to serve social and local communities. economic needs and by working with nature created the landscape valued so Local communities are involved in caring highly today. for the local environment.

Special Qualities

1. The Chilterns has a high quality natural and cultural environment which attracts a large number of leisure visits.

2. Local people benefit from a high quality of life which is partly dependent upon a high quality environment.

3. The accessibility of the countryside provides excellent opportunities for its enjoyment and for taking exercise.

4. The close links between local communities and the environment provide opportunities for community- based activity and volunteering. Felled timber at

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5. The natural and cultural environment Key Issues provides a wealth of learning opportunities for all ages. 1. The management of the landscape needs a range of skills which, until 6. Many local people have valuable skills to comparatively recently, were supplied by help conserve and celebrate natural people living in local communities. That beauty, and are often willing to volunteer is no longer the case and many of the their services to help care for it. skilled workers needed are in short supply, for example foresters and flint 7. The public transport network, especially workers. the railways, is excellent and provides convenient car-free options to visit the 2. The economic viability of farming and countryside. The Chilterns is the only forestry has suffered in recent years, protected landscape accessible by resulting in a relative lack of underground railway (The Metropolitan management of many valued landscape Line to Amersham and Chesham). features. Downland and common land is under-grazed, hedge-laying is rare and 8. The Chilterns is a wealthy area whose many small woods are under-managed. local communities have the spending Increasingly these features are no longer power to generate significant demand for managed as part of day to day operations local products and services, the and their care depends upon considerate production of which can contribute to owners using funds earned elsewhere, sustaining a high quality environment. public subsidy or with the help of local The Chilterns is surrounded by a mixture volunteers. of smaller market towns which although not in the AONB are nonetheless 3. Diversification of the rural economy has Chilterns' towns. There are also a long been underway and for many small number of much larger urban settlements to medium sized farms is essential to including Luton, Dunstable, Reading, High remain viable. Diversification is not Wycombe and Hemel Hempstead which always straight-forward in the AONB are very different in character with a because of restrictive planning policies. broader mix of communities and pockets What is approved needs to be of significant economic and social sympathetic to its immediate setting and disadvantage. wider landscape.

4. The growth of farmers' markets in recent years has demonstrated the strength of demand for local produce, reflecting an increased interest in where food and other products come from. Not only does this encourage environmentally- sustainable activity, although it does not guarantee it, it also helps support the management of features which contribute to the landscape. For example, demand for local lamb will help to maintain sheep grazing of chalk downland. Full Moon pub in

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5. The local tourism economy is significant between local communities and their and much of it is based on visitors coming environment as well as giving many to enjoy the countryside and seek peace thousands of volunteers the opportunity and quiet. Currently there is a good to learn new skills and become more balance between visitors and their involved in their community. environmental impact with relatively few examples of unsustainable visitor activity. 7. There is significant evidence to show that There is scope for tourism-related the sense of physical and mental well- businesses to be 'greener' and for a being improves when taking outdoor closer economic relationship between exercise in the countryside. Nearly all tourism spending and the need for communities in and around the Chilterns resources to manage the landscape they enjoy good access to the countryside and come to enjoy. An ongoing issue is to many are close to places which are ensure that the tranquillity, which is managed to encourage active exercise important to local residents and an with way-marked routes, fitness trails, attraction to visitors, is not spoiled by cycle routes and even organised walks noisy activities, road traffic and and other health programmes. overflying aircraft. 8. The environment provides opportunities 6. Increasingly the management of the for learning as a place for school field environment is dependent upon local trips, work as a volunteer, an outdoor people volunteering their services. The workshop for learning new skills and to work of The Chiltern Society, National hear from experts on guided walks and Trust, Green Gyms (BTCV) and Wildlife countryside events. Unless local people Trusts are good examples of what can be have a good understanding of the achieved by many thousands of hours of environment they are unlikely to care effort by, often experienced and highly about it or for it. Many Chiltern skilled, volunteers. There are also many communities have common land near to examples of local businesses supporting where people live, often providing the work of voluntary bodies. Such opportunities to get involved and take relationships help to strengthen the link pride in caring for their local area.

Kite-flying at Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve near Watlington

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Policies SE2 Promote the provision and use of public transport to assist local people to gain SE1 Support an increase in the provision of access to services and facilities. affordable housing which respects local landscape and settlement character. Car ownership in the Chilterns is amongst the highest in the country and yet 1 in 12 The cost of housing in the Chilterns, of households does not have access to a amongst the highest in the country, is car. Those in this position in rural causing significant problems for local settlements are reliant on public people wishing to remain in the area and transport services. It is also an aim to those wishing to move into the Chilterns. encourage more visits to the countryside, There are inevitably consequences for by local people and visitors, by public businesses which find it difficult to transport rather than car. The benefits attract and retain skilled workers. The include making rural roads safer for other AONB, in combination with greenbelt users and helping to combat the cause of designation, can potentially have an climate change by reducing the emission impact on the supply of affordable of greenhouse gases. housing because of the strict planning policies applied. However, this plan SE3 Promote the rural economy by recognises that fact and urges that an supporting rural diversification and imaginative approach is taken to increase innovation which add value to local the supply of affordable housing whilst products and services which contribute ensuring the design and location of new to environmental sustainability. housing is sympathetic to, and respects, the special qualities of the Chilterns' This policy aims to encourage economic landscape. In appropriate cases rural activity which contributes to the exceptions affordable housing schemes conservation and enhancement of the will be supported. environment, especially those products and activities which helped to create the special qualities of the landscape. The way these products are created also needs to be environmentally sustainable.

SE4 Encourage buying policies which reduce or minimise the impact on the environment generally, and the Chilterns in particular.

The Chilterns is a wealthy area and has considerable spending power. The way that spending power is used by the public, public bodies and local businesses can help boost the demand for products produced in an environmentally- sustainable way. This can both increase local production of environmentally- sustainable products and minimise the environmental impact of other goods brought into the area with, for example, Producing bricks at a local brickmakers

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scope to reduce the emission of carbon SE6 Promote the special distinctiveness of dioxide from unnecessary travel and local towns and villages to help develop goods produced in an unsustainable way. their visitor appeal.

SE5 Promote the sustainable development The towns and villages of the Chilterns of the local tourist economy, to have a distinctive charm and character of increase the contribution of visitors, in their own which contributes considerably particular the increased provision of to their attractiveness to visitors and the accommodation for visitors. media. Many films and well known TV programmes, such as Midsomer Murders Over 55 million leisure visits are made to and , are based in the the Chilterns each year, with an Chilterns. estimated value of over £460m. However the per capita spend per trip is low SE7 Promote the role of villages and market (approx £5) and there is considerable towns as centres in the rural economy. unrealised potential to attract more staying visitors who spend considerably Traditionally many local towns and more per visit (£190 per capita). This low villages held their own market and were level of spending is probably a reflection home to cottage industries. Today many of the preponderance of local visitors have become largely residential, often who have not travelled far from home. dormitory towns home to many Currently only 2% of visits are accounted commuters who spend their working day for by visitors staying overnight in the in London, Reading and other major AONB. towns nearby. However, their role as market towns is being promoted, by organisations as diverse as groups of local traders and parish councils to larger local authorities and regional development agencies, to help retain those economic functions and to strengthen community identity and spirit. This trend is being fostered by the increasing number of people who wish to give up commuting and work at, or closer to, home.

SE8 Promote healthy lifestyles by using the countryside for exercise and opportunities for volunteer work.

Although people are living longer, obesity and other illnesses related to lack of exercise are on the increase. The population of the Chilterns has almost unrivalled easy access to countryside close to where they live. This is largely based on an excellent public rights of way network and the large number of sites with open access, often owned by

Farm shop near Marlow

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public bodies for the purpose of visitors learn about the Chilterns thus encouraging public use. Many studies enhancing both their enjoyment of, and have shown the benefits to physical and desire to help conserve, its natural mental well-being of spending time in a beauty. natural environment and taking exercise. Such benefits are compounded if that SE10 Advise local communities on how can be combined with volunteering work, climate change might affect the such as provided by the Green Gyms and Chilterns and on courses of action to bodies including The Chiltern Society and help them adapt to the effects and the National Trust. mitigate the causes.

SE9 Provide opportunities for local people Climate is and will continue to change and visitors to learn about the and will affect the environment and Chilterns and to help care for its communities of the Chilterns. It is environment and heritage. important that it is better understood how those changes will affect the natural The Chilterns is a man-made landscape beauty of the Chilterns and that this is that requires continuous management to communicated to everyone affected. It is retain its special qualities and to enable an equal and contemporary challenge to wildlife to flourish. Its natural boost activity to mitigate the causes and environment is complemented by a rich help adaptation to likely impacts. This historic and cultural environment, the will affect, for example, how woods and combination of which is attractive to fields are managed, events organised, local people and visitors. The aim of this buildings designed, water resourced and policy is to help both residents and wildlife conserved.

Actions

1. Provide information on public transport 6. Assist local business to green their especially to reach sensitive recreation activities and develop marketing and sites. activities sensitive to the local environmental heritage. 2. Provide support and advice to enable sensitive diversification of the rural 7. Actively seek the introduction of policies economy. and measures which conserve tranquillity by restricting noise pollution from all 3. Actively promote local products which sources and, in particular, from road benefit the local environment. traffic, railways and over-flying aircraft.

4. Encourage the adoption of local 8. Develop initiatives to encourage procurement policies which benefit the volunteering, participation and local environment of the Chilterns. pride in the Chilterns’ environment.

5. Promote the Chilterns as a visitor 9. Support appropriate activities in the destination to local people and potential countryside which promote good health tourists from further afield. and a sense of well-being, such as health walks and conservation work projects.

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 101 Oil seed rape near Ipsden Section 4 Climate change

The evidence for climate change be definitive - the climate may not change in exactly the same way as is 1. This plan for the Chilterns is based on the predicted. The four UKCIP02 climate conclusion of the scientific community, as change scenarios forecast changes in stated by the Intergovernmental Panel on temperature and precipitation as follows: Climate Change (IPCC)1, that the climate is changing and is largely caused by Temperature mankind. Annual average temperatures to rise 2. In April 2002 a report, called UKCIP02, by between 2°C and 3.5°C by the based on research by the IPCC, was 2080s. The south and east of the UK released showing climate scenarios for will most likely see the largest rise. the UK. These four scenarios ('Low Most of the warming will be in summer Emissions', 'Medium-Low Emissions', and autumn. 'Medium-High Emissions' and 'High Summer rises in southern England are Emissions') present different possibilities expected to be the highest. of how our climate might change. Temperatures in the south east may rise by as much as 5°C on average, by 3. They took into account possible changes the 2080s, according to the 'high in technology and lifestyles over the next emissions' scenario and over 4°C with 100 years. The scenarios do not claim to the 'medium-high emissions' scenario.

Extreme weather events will become more frequent

1 IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007

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Precipitation More flash flooding with run off from fields. Precipitation in winter will increase. The increase is predicted to range More rapid growth of scrub on from between 10% and 20%, downland due to the longer growing depending on the area of the country, season. for the 'low emissions' scenario. For the 'high emissions' scenario the range Gradual appearance of new crops increases to between 15% and 35%. which are better suited to the changing Precipitation in the summer will climate. decrease. The 'low emissions' scenario predicts Disappearance of wildlife which needs the country will become up to 35% damper cooler conditions in the drier. The 'high emissions' scenario summer. forecasts 50% less rainfall by the 2080s. Appearance of species adapted to new The largest changes are predicted for climatic conditions. southern England. Less snow will fall throughout the UK - Changes in the design of houses to a decline of up to 90%. cope with higher summer temperatures. These are all long tem scenarios with the likelihood of considerable variability over Taking action - mitigation and adaptation the short term to medium term. 6. The UK Government's Climate Change Bill Impacts in the Chilterns will make carbon dioxide reduction (against a 1990 baseline) targets binding: 4. The Chilterns Conservation Board has undertaken an initial assessment of some 26 to 32% reduction by 2020 of the most likely impacts on the 60% reduction by 2050 Chilterns. Inevitably any such assessment can only be based on the best available 7. This Management Plan for the Chilterns information and an interpretation at a AONB is an important local strategy in local level (see Table 1 at end of helping to raise awareness of the issues Section). Any predictions are in the and the potential impacts of climate context of the increasing variability and change and in helping to stimulate unpredictability of the weather as mitigation and adaptation measures. A experienced in the last few years. clear message is that taking no action is not an option. 5. Some of the most likely impacts on the natural beauty of the Chilterns include: 8. A double-headed strategy is needed to both adapt to the changes which are Gradual shrinkage of the range of already happening and to mitigate the beech woodland, but it is unlikely to causes of climate change which are disappear altogether. largely related to the emission of harmful greenhouse gases. The increase in gases Higher winter rainfall will recharge such as carbon dioxide is already so great the aquifer to maintain higher flows that the climate will continue to change during the year. for decades irrespective of how much

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emissions can be reduced in the short reduction of greenhouse carbon dioxide is term. largely achieved by using less energy generated by fossil fuels. This can be 9. Some activities have longer timescales achieved, for example, by reducing miles than others. Whereas farmers can make travelled by car, insulating buildings, changes over a comparatively short using renewable forms of energy timescale, often annual, foresters need appropriate to the Chilterns such as wood to think 80 -100 years ahead. Will the fuel, ground source heat pumps and solar species they select now be suitable for and using material with lower levels of the conditions in 2100? It is certainly the embedded energy. case that most tree species found in the Chilterns now, such as beech, oak and Leading by example ash, can be found growing well in continental Europe which currently has a 12. In 2007 the Conservation Board set itself a similar climate to that the UK will target to become carbon neutral by 2011. experience in the future. Within one year it:

10. It is not known whether the combination Reduced CO2 emissions due to gas and of soils, climate and genetic origin of the electricity use by 24.7%. This was current stock is also capable of tolerating achieved by improving loft insulation, significantly changed climate. If good replacing faulty radiator thermostats, quality timber is to be grown in the repairing drafty windows and removing Chilterns to be harvested in 100 years unnecessary lighting. time it may be necessary to carefully select different strains of familiar Installed solar panels which generate species, or even to begin planting 15% of its electricity. currently less familiar species which are known to be tolerant of the climate Reduced the distance travelled by car which will prevail in 100 years time. by each staff member by 14%.

11. The Chilterns Conservation Board urges Reduced the distance travelled by car everyone to play their part in mitigating by each Board member by 20%. the causes of climate change. The 13. The Board technically achieved carbon neutrality in 2008 by offsetting some of its emissions. This took the form of giving away low energy light bulbs to parish councils and churches, and planting trees. Although some offsetting schemes are controversial the Board was faced with a position of not being able to reduce its direct energy use significantly any further. The outstanding carbon balance was reduced by helping others to reduce their energy use and therefore emissions of greenhouse gases.

Sustainable travel

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Next steps 15. The Board will publish information as it becomes available on how the 14. The Conservation Board will work with climate is changing locally and its its many partners to investigate in detail impacts and will publish guidance on the changes happening to the appropriate measures to adapt to environment of the Chilterns which can those changes and to mitigate the be attributed, even partly, to changing causes. climate. These changes and the consequences for the natural beauty of the Chilterns will be assessed and if necessary action will be taken and guidance issued. Identification of these changes and the longer term trends will take time. Longer term climatic impacts on wildlife, for example, can be masked by variation in short term weather patterns.

Chilterns wood – a renewable energy source

Table 1 Initial assessment of potential impacts of climate change on key characteristics of the Chilterns

This assessment is based on the predicted medium to long term changes in climate - hotter drier summers and warmer wetter winters. In practice the climate is likely to show considerable variation within each year and between years.

Special Relevant Nature Impact Response CCB role Features and Aspects of of Qualities of Climate Impact Short Long Mitigation Adaptation Chilterns AONB Change Term Term

Chalk Hotter and Changed growing low medium Provision of Monitoring Grassland drier summers seasons water supply to enable grazing. Support for grazing Earlier spring Disrupted related ecological Link sites to infrastructure Wetter and relationships facilitate warmer species Support for site winters Changed species migration planning and composition management New varieties New species of of grazing stock Promotion of invertebrates appropriate New habitat reversion Grass fires management techniques regimes for Year round 'new species' Review areas breeding of suitable for rabbits – Improve site habitat recreation increased grazing linkages to and reversion pressure enable species Changes in micro migration climates

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Special Relevant Nature Timescale Response CCB role Features and Aspects of of Qualities of Climate Impact Short Long Mitigation Adaptation Chilterns AONB Change Term Term

Woodland Earlier spring Drought stress/soil low high Woodland More careful Information (e.g. moisture deficits creation species potential impacts Hotter and selection according to soil drier summers Periodic water types) logging Promote Fewer frosts demand for Monitoring (timing) Windblow wood fuel Promote and assist More frequent Reduced growth Link woods to with preparation gales rates/crown and facilitate of long term root die back species management plans Wetter winters migration More disease/pests Promote

Increased CO2 adherence to the in atmosphere Change in species Forestry composition - Commission's reduced suitability guidance on for beech in managing ancient particular and native woodland Changing associated flora and fauna – both losses and gains

Increased risk of scrub fires

CO2 concentration will affect growth rates of some species

Warmer and wetter summers may lead to higher growth rates for some species

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Special Relevant Nature Timescale Response CCB role Features and Aspects of of Qualities of Climate Impact Short Long Mitigation Adaptation Chilterns AONB Change Term Term

Water Variable Erratic Flows high high Reduce Information Resources/ rainfall demand for Chalk Streams patterns but More frequent and water Lobby for reduced probably unpredictable abstraction and wetter winters periods of drought Reduce demand reduction and drier and flood Abstraction summers Help protect Longer growing Protect channel in times of Hotter seasons may reduce stream bed prolonged drought Summers percolation to the and banks aquifer Promote flood Channel and prevention plans Variable impact on floodplain selected species - restoration Promotion of ecological balance design of will be affected Flood development to management reduce run off, Reduced water including quality (e.g. due to Promote Sustainable Urban heating, lower water storage Drainage Systems oxygen levels, pollution run off) Promote use of grey water Changed species systems balance and growth rates

Changed channel profiles

Special Relevant Nature Timescale Response CCB role Features and Aspects of of Qualities of Climate Impact Short Long Mitigation Adaptation Chilterns AONB Change Term Term

Economy Seasonal Opportunity to Promote Give greater Promotion of the variability introduce new crops local weight to issues and livestock breeds produce uncertainty of Hotter weather in summers Expanded demand Develop business for wood and other tourism activity Milder winters biofuels profile as an alternative More visitors in to long winter distance destinations Promotion of local food Develop wood fuel Promotion of local market building materials Develop Trend for more UK markets for based holidays new crops/ breeds Possibility of disruption to economic activity and loss of assets

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Special Relevant Nature Timescale Response CCB role Features and Aspects of of Qualities of Climate Impact Short Long Mitigation Adaptation Chilterns AONB Change Term Term

Farmland Hotter Longer growing medium medium Reduce use New crops Monitor changes Summers seasons of fertilisers Avoid crops Support promotion Milder, wetter Variable and requiring of local markets Winters unpredictable yields More irrigation and procurement targeted policies Fewer frosts Opportunities to use of Water storage grow new crops fertilisers Provide guidance Drought including biofuels Reduce on growing Conserve vulnerability biofuels Winter run off New pest species soil organic to and and greater matter leaching Variable abundance of pests weather with Reduce New more extreme Summer drought food miles – production weather stress for crops seek local methods events markets Soil erosion (winter Different run off) and water Grow breeds of logging at any time biofuels livestock of year and biomass Target agri- Leaching of env support nutrients from soils to increase ecological Summer drought connectivity stress for livestock

Possibility of more insects, which may support more farmland birds

Demand for water to irrigate crops

Hedgerows and field trees subject to drought stress

Special Relevant Nature Timescale Response CCB role Features and Aspects of of Qualities of Climate Impact Short Long Mitigation Adaptation Chilterns AONB Change Term Term

Wet Grassland Hotter and Soil moisture medium high Safeguard Monitoring drier summers deficits sites in times of drought Advice Changed species composition Site identification

Changed hydrology

Acid Hotter and Associated species low medium Encourage Monitoring Grassland/ drier summers may benefit e.g. spread of Heath reptiles heath Advice

Heath fires Site identification

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Special Relevant Nature Timescale Response CCB role Features and Aspects of of Qualities of Climate Impact Short Long Mitigation Adaptation Chilterns AONB Change Term Term

Built Hotter Buildings will be low medium Enhanced Change design Guidance Environment summers hotter in summer energy of houses/all efficiency buildings Lobbying for Heavy rain Winter damp may be higher building more of a problem Reduced Retro fitting standards – aiming Milder winters energy of energy for carbon Vulnerability to demand efficiency neutrality for new Increased flooding measures buildings number of Installation extreme Response to climate of Bigger Promotion of weather change will result in renewable rainwater energy efficiency events further energy goods environmental capacity Promotion of local impact, e.g. design Rainwater building materials of housing and Use of storage installation of building Promotion of renewable energy materials Re-design water conservation technology with low gardens to and “blue embodied use less water infrastructure” Installation of solar energy and grey water panels and wind Porous systems turbines Use of surfaces permeable Promotion of Increase in timber surfacing to Use of Sustainable Urban boring insects. reduce run vegetation to Drainage systems off provide Increase in shade/cooling subsidence especially on clay Cutting of soils road verge vegetation to Drainage reduce fire capacity/flooding risk

Demand for air Storm drains conditioning with bigger capacity Flooding of roads More regular More pollution maintenance events from run off of drains to remove Road verge fires blockages

Storm drains Promote overwhelmed garden resulting in pollution designs which incidents are more tolerant of climate change e.g. require less or no irrigation

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Special Relevant Nature Timescale Response CCB role Features and Aspects of of Qualities of Climate Impact Short Long Mitigation Adaptation Chilterns AONB Change Term Term

Historic Hotter Erosion of soil low low May need to Environment Summers covering import soils and divert Heavy rain Windblown trees recreation damaging sites uses Extreme weather Growing more Remove trees events cereals and biofuels which may may result in more cause damage ploughing damage if wind blown

Appearance of historic parks may change if significant trees die

May not be possible to maintain water features in historic parks and gardens

All year breeding by rabbits resulting in more burrowing

Special Relevant Nature Timescale Response CCB role Features and Aspects of of Qualities of Climate Impact Short Long Mitigation Adaptation Chilterns AONB Change Term Term

Enjoyment Hotter Hot summer high high Promote Give greater and Summers weather may deter visits weight to Understanding visits without use weather Milder winters of car – close dependency Mild winter weather to home at planning Unpredictable may lead to stage of weather increased number of Promote events, e.g. visits public under- avoid hottest standing of months, Some sites and how their provide under routes will be actions can cover areas damaged –water lead to the logging in winter way they use Hold events and erosion in and enjoy in, and visits summer the natural to, shady environment woodland. May be more holidays taken in UK Cover may be needed Unpredictability of because of weather may deter heavy rain holding of outside events public events Water logged ground may affect site suitability for public events

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 111 Walkers near Sundon Hills Section 5 Integration of cross-cutting themes with Management Plan policies

1. A number of important themes, which in detail in the previous Section. Social will have a significant influence on the inclusion, health and well-being and management of the AONB over the next lifelong learning are also issues being five years, cut across all the chapters of given priority at a national level. the Plan. They are: 3. The wealth of natural and cultural climate change resources available in the Chilterns offers social inclusion great potential to address these issues, health and well-being and this is reflected in the policies that lifelong learning have been formulated for this Plan. Table 2 shows which policies address each of 2. Climate change and its likely impacts on the cross-cutting themes. the Chilterns have already been covered

Table 2. Matrix of cross-cutting themes and Management Plan policies

Cross-cutting Themes

Chapters Climate Social Health and Lifelong Change Inclusion Well-being Learning

Landscape L9, L10, L11 L7 L7, L8, L9 L2

Biodiversity NC8, NC10 NC4 NC4 NC4, NC7

Historic Environment HE9 HE4, HE6, HE8 HE6, HE8 HE6, HE8

Development D2, D10, D11, D15 D8, D9 D7 D3

Water Environment WE9 WE10, WE11 WE10, WE11 WE4, WE9, WE11

Farming and Forestry FF2, FF3 FF3 FF3 FF7

Understanding and UE11 UE1, UE4, UE5, UE2, UE7, UE10, UE9, UE14 Enjoyment UE13, UE14, UE15 UE12, UE16

Social and Economic SE2, SE3, SE4, SE1, SE2 SE8 SE9, SE10 Well-being SE10

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 113 The Grand Union Canal near Tring Section 6 Implementation and monitoring

Implementation aims to work with them all and to seek their support for the aims of this Plan for 1. This plan sets out an ambitious vision for the Chilterns. Many of these bodies are the Chilterns which could be realised by subject to the Countryside and Rights of the application of the policies proposed Way Act 2000 Section 4 which states: by the Chilterns Conservation Board and many others, especially those able to General duty of public bodies etc. manage and influence land use change and development. Many actions are 85. - (1) In exercising or performing any proposed and they too will require the functions in relation to, or so as to direction of resources from many affect, land in an area of organisations, businesses and individuals outstanding natural beauty, a as they are beyond the direct resources relevant authority shall have regard available to the Conservation Board. to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of 2. The Board will contribute by directing its the area of outstanding natural own resources including Board members, beauty. staff, expertise and funds. It will provide leadership in its role as a champion for (2) The following are relevant the AONB. There are many others with authorities for the purposes of this skills and resources and the Board will section- endeavour to co-ordinate their activity (a) any Minister of the Crown, and encourage collaboration. (b) any public body, (c) any statutory undertaker, 3. The owners and managers of land and (d) any person holding public the communities of the Chilterns are the office. most important players in conserving and enhancing natural beauty. There is a long (3) In subsection (2)- history of local people caring for the 'public body' includes Chilterns who volunteer in large numbers (a) a county council, county often with organisations such as The borough council, district Chiltern Society, the National Trust and council, parish council or wildlife trusts. The Conservation Board is community council; also fortunate to be able to call on many (b) a joint planning board within skilled and enthusiastic volunteers to the meaning of section 2 of the help with its work and, in particular, to Town and Country Planning Act work with the public. 1990; (c) a joint committee appointed 4. There are many other public bodies under section 102(1)(b) of the which aim to care for the environment, Local Government Act 1972; several of which have considerable 'public office' means- resources and legal powers. The Board (a) an office under Her Majesty;

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(b) an office created or 6. This Plan is specific to the Chilterns Area continued in existence by a of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a public general Act; or requirement of the Countryside and (c) an office the remuneration Rights of Way Act 2000 that it is produced in respect of which is paid out and published by the Conservation Board. of money provided by There are many other plans which are a Parliament. statutory responsibility on a wide range of organisations. It is important that they 5. The availability of several significant are consistent insofar as they also support grant schemes provides considerable the aims of this Plan. Such plans include incentives for environmentally-sensitive Local Development Frameworks produced management. They include the by local planning authorities, Local Environmental Stewardship Scheme Transport Plans produced by highway managed by Natural England, the authorities and Community Plans England Woodland Grant Scheme offered produced by Local Strategic Partnerships. by the Forestry Commission and the LEADER Programme for the Chilterns Business Plan which will support rural development projects from 2008 to 2013. 7. The Conservation Board publishes an All three funds are supported by the annual business plan with budget and Rural Development Programme for work programme. All its activities are England (RDPE) which is provided with directed to delivering the aims of this funding by the EU and UK government. Plan and to encouraging others to do so. The Board's resources are largely derived

Lacey Green windmill

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from Natural England and the local 12. No such baseline exists for the special authorities in which the AONB lies. attributes of the Chilterns. There is considerable information available for 8. The Board aims to attract additional some attributes, but not always specific funding for special projects, many of to the Chilterns. A particular challenge which are outlined in this Plan as actions. during the period of this plan is to There is considerable competition for produce a meaningful baseline to enable funds from, for example, sponsors, the the regular publication of a State of the Lottery and the EU, and it is difficult to Chilterns Environment Report. To reach predict from one year to the next how that stage will require considerable co- successful those bids will be. operation and assistance from organisations set up to gather 9. The Conservation Board realises fully the environmental data, notably DEFRA, value of skilled and hard working Natural England, the Forestry Commission volunteers and will be helping to develop and the Environment Agency. Local the volunteering resource in the authorities and wildlife trusts also have Chilterns. The value of this support is much useful information. hard to estimate and often does not appear in financial statements but it is 13. Ideally for each key attribute of the worth tens, even hundreds, of thousands Chilterns an indicator can be identified of pounds every year. and information gathered on a regular basis to enable its condition to be 10. The Board intends to produce rolling assessed. Where that exists it has been three year plans in future to enable it to included in this plan. Where it does not a plan more effective work programmes in proxy indicator has been selected. This the long term. From 2008 onwards range of indicators on the state of the Natural England has notified the Board of environment will be complemented by its intention to provide a more secure indicators showing the progress of grant over three years during which time, implementing actions in the Management however, the value of the grant aid will Plan. They are designed to achieve the decline. If the same level of activity is to aims for the AONB and if properly be maintained new sources of funding implemented should enhance the will have to be found. condition and enjoyment of the Chilterns.

Monitoring Proposed headline condition indicators

11. The overriding aim of this plan and the Landscape and Biodiversity Conservation Board is to conserve, and where possible enhance, the natural Length of hedge in good condition using beauty of the Chilterns. It also aims to DEFRA condition criteria enhance the levels of understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities. Area of calcareous grassland in positive Monitoring the effectiveness of the plan conservation management with its aims, policies and actions requires a baseline on the condition of Number of agreements and area of land the Chilterns against which progress can covered by the Environmental be monitored. Stewardship Scheme

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Area of woodland covered by England Development Woodland Grant Scheme agreements Percentage of planning applications Area of land managed for equestrian approved in line with Conservation Board purposes (as defined by Chilterns comments Conservation Board land use survey) - this is an indicator of poor quality Length of overhead power lines put underground Area of SSSIs in favourable condition Historic Environment Percentage of Local Sites and commons in positive conservation management Listed buildings (grade I/II*): Total number/Number at Risk Quality of water in rivers Registered Historic Parks: Total Livestock numbers number/Number at Risk

Length of main river unaffected by low Scheduled Ancient Monuments: Total flows number/Number at Risk

Water vole population and numbers of Conservation Areas: Total number/Number rivers and canals with water voles with Appraisal reviewed within last 5 years (information would need to be Countryside Quality Counts status obtained from conservation officers) (maintained or enhanced)

Social and Economic 14. The condition of some attributes may be based on samples rather than a complete Number of visitor attractions which have survey or assessment due to resource and published information on access by public timing limitations. The Board will also use transport other information which may be published from time to time where this helps assess Number of businesses registered with the the overall condition of the environment Green Tourism Business Scheme of the Chilterns.

Understanding and Enjoyment 15. In 2009 the Board will publish a State of the Environment Report, based on the Area of land with statutory or voluntary most up to date information, in which Open Access appropriate targets will be set to be achieved by 2013 to coincide with the Visitor satisfaction on rights of way and period covered by this plan. The selection use of the countryside (Local Authority of targets will be agreed between the Citizens Panels) Board and its partners.

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 118 Bradenham Valley Abbreviations

AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ESS Environmental Stewardship Scheme

BAP Biodiversity Action Plan EU European Union

BMERC Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes HLS Higher Level Stewardship Environmental Records Centre LiDAR Light Detection and Ranging BTCV British Trust for Conservation Volunteers LNR Local Nature Reserve

CAP Common Agricultural Policy LWS Local Wildlife Site

CCB Chilterns Conservation Board NAAONB National Association for AONBs

CRoW Countryside and Rights of Way Act NATS National Air Traffic Service 2000 NNR National Nature Reserve Defra Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs PAWS Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites

EGWS English Woodland Grant Scheme SAC Special Area of Conservation

ELS Entry Level Stewardship SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest

Walkers on the Pegsdon Hills

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 - 2013 Page 120 Cottage and windmill at Turville