ISSUE 223 • SPRING 2017

www.chilternsociety.org.uk • CHILTERN SOCIETY MAGAZINE

Craft beer in the spotlight AONB & green belt in peril Events & activities for spring

HERITAGE • CONSERVATION • ENVIRONMENT • WILDLIFE • LEISURE ISSUE 223 • SPRING 2017 www.chilternsociety.org.uk • CHILTERN SOCIETY MAGAZINE In this

Craft beer in the spotlight AONB & green belt in peril Events & activities for spring HERITAGE • CONSERVATION • ENVIRONMENT • WILDLIFE • LEISURE Beech trees and bluebells on Crowell Common issue (Clive Ormonde)

News & views

3 Editor

22 4 craft BEER IN THE SPOTLIGHT society Society Awards 2017 Events & 5 chilterns FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

activities 14 award FOR BARNABY USBORNE – spring 2017 23 chilterns WALKING FESTIVAL 26 MEET OUR NEW WALKS CO-ORDINATOR & TRUSTEES

28 worKING TOGETHER FOR THE CHILTERNS Interview with CCB Chief Executive, Sue Holden

33 laceY GREEN WINDMILL 09 Opening hours 2017 36 LETTERS restoring whiteleaf 43 Berkhamsted walk 2017 cross ENVIRONMENT

14 new BOX AT IBSTONE

18 aonB & GREEN BELT IN PERIL Paul Mason outlines the Society’s proposed countermeasures

27 fair GAME? Special Gill Kent with a farmer’s perspective MEMBER on culling offers see page 40 37 WILDLIFE

Great 6 helP US BRING BACK THE family DORMOUSE! days out 32 who KILLED COCK ROBIN? at COAM George Stebbing-Allen investigates

38 what’S SPECIAL ABOUT THE CHILTERNS? Asks Tony Marshall

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

Please re-cycle this magazine Registered Charity number: 1085163 Company limited by guarantor number: 4138448 Share it with family, friends and work colleagues - before recycling!

2 Chiltern 223 A good walk spoiled From the Editor Richard Bradbury

I derive a great deal of pleasure from my daily walks in the Chilterns. There are occasions, Heritage however, when – to paraphrase Mark Twain’s verdict on golf – a good walk is spoiled for me by conditions underfoot that aren’t simply the result of normal wear and tear. 30 street WISE John Hockey researches road names My heart sinks, for example, when I see a in Edlesborough big yellow triangle with an exclamation mark on it, warning of ‘tree felling’, ‘forestry 37 laMBS, LONGBOWS & MORE Spring events at Chiltern Open Air Museum operations’ or something similar. It’s not that I object to the work taking place – I understand that the presence of too many Conservation trees can be detrimental to the wellbeing of woodland areas, and that balance sometimes 8 last BUT NOT LEAST News from Penn Jubilee Wood has to be re-established to protect other and our other sites plants and shrubs and improve wildlife habitats – it’s the after effects that I resent. 34 no beds rest (Photo: RB) All too often the heavy machinery used Another busy year in prospect at leaves the footpaths and tracks badly A second matter that concerns me is scarred, with deep ruts where huge tyres ‘path improvements’, by which I mean, Leisure have sunk into the ground – ruts that fill with essentially, resurfacing. Some are very well water when it rains, creating difficult and done and make a really positive difference 10 don’T RIDE ON THE CARPET Simply enjoy the bluebells, says Dennis dangerous conditions for walkers and riders. to the experience for users. They may not Keeling They then seek to take evasive action, until a look entirely natural, but they are robustly much wider and even more unsightly route constructed using materials that are firm 12 jo URNAL QUILTS has been carved out. Sadly, restoration of the underfoot and should stand the test of time. Patchwork inspired by the Chilterns original path rarely seems to be implemented A very narrow path near Swan Bottom, 16 colne VALLEY WALK and some of them never fully recover. which was ankle-deep in mud and was 20 chiltern COFFEE REVOLUTION There are several sites like this within a eventually closed for safety reasons, has Café society has its perks, writes Martin few square miles of my home in Chartridge. now been transformed into a route that Pearson One in particular can only be walked can be used with impunity by walkers and 22 societY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES comfortably after a long period of dry riders alike. In contrast, I can think of at Spring 2017 weather – it always had a tendency to be a least three places where ‘upgrading’ a path bit boggy, but now it’s a semi-permanent consisted of spreading what appears to be 24 dePTH OF FIELD – PHOTOGROUP NEWS quagmire. Tree felling has recently been little more than builders’ rubble, complete 25 PUZZLE PICTURE carried out on a short stretch of the Chiltern with shards of glass and broken tiles capable 33 sUNDAY MORNING RIDE Heritage Trail near Lee Common, and at of lacerating the feet of passing animals, A poem by Ben Williams the moment it’s quite hard to identify the whether wild or domesticated. In one

40 Member offers waymarked path down through the trees, instance, half bricks and other detritus are while conditions at the bottom of the hill are starting to roll down into a wood. How can 42 walks programme unpleasant to say the least. Perhaps there’s such a slapdash approach be justified? a good reason why it’s not possible to make If, as I suspect, money – or the lack of it – good the damage left by this kind of work – is the root cause of these problems, nothing if so, I’d be delighted to hear the explanation will change until natural resources like the

scan here for from somebody who knows more about it Chilterns are given the priority they deserve. I www.chilternsociety.org.uk than I do. won’t hold my breath.

DEADLINES REPRODUCTION OF IMAGES It is not possible to guarantee that items received after The photographs in this magazine must not be the deadline will be included in the next issue, unless a reproduced elsewhere, except with the express prior arrangement has been made with the Editor. permission of the photographer via the Editor. If you do not wish your photographs to be used in other SENDING COPY AND PHOTOGRAPHS Published quarterly by The Chiltern Society Society publications, please make this clear when you Please email text as Word attachments. Pictures should send them. Editor: Richard Bradbury • 01494 793049 be sent as jpg attachments. High resolution images Email: [email protected] are required for publication, although low resolution The Society does not necessarily accept images can be sent as samples in the first instance, if responsibility for the views of contributors or the Advertising: Sophie Elkan claims of the advertisers. Email: [email protected] preferred. Please indicate the quality of images sent, entitle your pictures and delete any numbers. Design & typeset: Clickdraw • 01525 374270 Print: Hartgraph • Amersham on materials Deadline for issue 224 (june 2017) produced by environmentally friendly processes. Items to the Editor by: Monday 27 March • Published: Saturday 27 May email: [email protected] 3 society awards 2017 Craft beer in the spotlight

Who brews your favourite tipple, asks Elaine Mason

We’re excited to announce that this year the Society’s Food & Drink Awards will be seems that drinkers are willing to pay a turning the spotlight on craft beer. A craft brewery or microbrewery produces beer on a premium for craft beer, which they see as smaller scale than typical corporate breweries. As artisan producers they can focus their a luxury product. Interestingly, economic efforts on brewing technique, quality and flavour. experts have forecast that Brexit is also pretty good news for the continuing What exactly is craft beer, you may well their own artisan breweries. profitability of microbreweries. Apparently ask. There’s no official definition, so nobody Since then microbreweries have been the weakening of sterling against other really knows what it means, but everybody thriving and their numbers have been currencies will benefit them more than the wants some! The word ‘craft’ suggests growing steadily, with recent studies giants of the brewing industry, because something made locally on a small scale pointing to a positive explosion in new their products are made and distributed involving a high level of skill. Producers are, breweries. In 2015 Marcus Jones, the locally, giving them relative immunity from therefore, very keen on the term. The craft Community Pubs Minister, said that any increase in import charges. beer phenomenon is heavily influenced Britain is back on the map as a ‘brewing The popularity of artisan beer has also by what’s happening in the USA, where powerhouse’. ‘We gave the world the led the Society of Independent Brewers innovation in brewing has proved the key IPA and the great British pint has been to create a new classification ‘Assured to making big bucks. The Americans didn’t revered ever since. This brewing boom Independent British Craft Brewers’, so the have a brewing heritage as we do here, means we are not only creating some of public can identify genuine British craft so they embarked on producing modern the world’s best beer that we all enjoy beer. beers in a more creative way, leading to a in our local pub and at home, but also Happily for us, the Chilterns is very much greater variety and a huge range of thousands of jobs and a multi-billion much part of this success story. In addition flavours, plus some very eye-catching beer pound boost to the economy.’ In 2016 to well-known local breweries which have names! there was an increase of 8% in the number been around for the last 20 or 30 years, In the UK microbrewing in the modern of British breweries, largely owing to such as Chiltern, Tring, Rebellion and sense really began in the 1970s, with the the public’s interest in ‘real’ food and Chiltern Valley, we now have several new Litchborough Brewery of Northamptonshire, drink, and increased awareness of green kids on the block – notably Haresfoot, which achieved considerable success. The issues. The UK now boasts more than Loddon, Lovibonds, Malt The Brewery, Red company offered apprenticeships and 1,700 craft beer businesses. In London, Squirrel and Ridgeway. Our readers may of brewing courses, helping to develop the for example, the appetite for craft beer course know of other independent Chiltern whole concept of craft beer. Several of appears to be insatiable and the city breweries that they’d like to tell us about. Litchborough’s trainees went on to create now has 70 independent breweries. It These beer producers are coming up with

4 Chiltern 223 some intriguing beer names like Wild Boy, Hamster of Doom, Roasted Nuts, Death chilterns festival of food & drink or Glory, Flying Squirrel and Hullabaloo. Another good selling point is their range of gluten-free products and seasonally changing beers, such as We Three Kings, Winter Royal and Summer Daze. Reading their mission statements, we can sense the passion and enthusiasm shining through, as well as their willingness to dedicate time and effort to ensure their products are of the highest quality. Andrea Leadsom, the Secretary for the Environment recently said ‘Our food and drink is renowned the world over and for most of us there’s nothing more quintessentially British than enjoying a pulled pint of ale in a classic English pub.’ We completely agree, so this year we’ve chosen craft beer in our efforts to raise awareness of the excellent produce which contributes to the special character of the The Bull and Butcher, Turville Chilterns, and makes us all proud of our food and drink heroes. For this reason we’re co-ordinating our 2017 Craft Beer Award with the Enjoy a taste Chiltern Conservation Board’s ‘Taste of the Chilterns’ project, which aims to celebrate and promote the rapidly expanding of the Chilterns Chilterns food and drink industry, and make it an integral part of what draws visitors to The launch of the Society’s Food and Drink Awards 2017 (see opposite), is being our area. announced to coincide with the Chilterns Festival of Food & Drink, which takes Many of our local beer producers have place at various locations from 25 March-2 April, during English Tourism Week. The already been very successful at winning Society will also be organising guided awards and accolades, but now they have walks and events as part of this DEFRA- a chance to become a Chiltern Society funded project, which is a joint initiative champion too! Our award will focus above by the Chilterns Conservation Board and all on blind tastings of selected craft beers Chilterns Tourism Network. from the breweries nominated by the public, checking for appearance, taste, The region was once the larder of smell and aftertaste. Our judges will also London, and the historic market towns, Platter from 2 Pound Street, Wendover consider the company ethos, the range tucked-away villages, pubs, farmland, of beers on offer and their availability – chalk streams and ancient woods provide ample evidence of the growing, trading and, whether the products are on sale only in of course, enjoyment of good local food and drink. Visitors to this new festival will the brewery shop for instance, or whether be invited to sample some of the delicious local fare produced with the love, skill and they’re sold in other locations such as farm attention to detail that ensures quality, distinctiveness and great taste. Here are some shops and pubs. Beer sampling will be examples of the events on offer: carried out by the ‘Save Our Pubs’ team l In a Chilterns hillfort, enjoy a meal that our Iron Age ancestors would have prepared from the Society’s Heritage Group. At the and eaten end of the process, the winning brewery l In Redbournbury Watermill (1,000 years old and still working), the miller will be will be asked to design a special ‘Save Our preparing flour for bread making in the on-site bakery Pubs Ale’ to help highlight this important l On the historic Chequers Estate, meet the farmer who raises some of the tastiest campaign. lamb in the Chilterns. If you’re lucky, lambing will have started too We’d love you to get involved. You l Meet the brewer at Chiltern Brewery and sample some of the locally-inspired beers can nominate your favourite craft and ales beer producer by emailing volunteer@ l Meet the distillers who have brought gin to the Chilterns, as they share insights into chilternsociety.org.uk. Please tell us the distilling process while you taste their products what’s impressed you about this brewery l Join a guided walk through beautiful countryside, stopping off along the way to and which of their beers you particularly enjoy refreshments and local produce. appreciate. The deadline for nominations Go to www.visitchilterns.co.uk/foodanddrink to find out more. You can also join in the is 30 April. Our awards team are looking conversations on twitter @VisitChilterns or on Facebook, and share your experiences forward to hearing your craft beer stories. using the hashtag #Chilterns. Photos courtesy of Chilterns Conservation Board Photos: shutterstock www.chilternsociety.org.uk 5 CHILTERN wildlife Photo: shutterstock Help us bring back the hazel dormouse!

The hazel dormouse (or common dormouse) is in decline across the country, and sadly we’ve seen populations plummet here in the Chilterns.

The reasons for their decline are likely to important food in spring), affecting the habitat. The shrub layer and understorey be complex and may include competition insects eaten by the dormouse. of woodland needs to be enhanced. It’s for food and space with introduced pest also important to develop a network of species, such as American grey squirrels What can we do about it? connecting belts of scrub, which will – which eat hazelnuts before they ripen sustain thriving dormouse populations fully – and the fat dormouse (Glis glis) In Bottom Wood we need to replace over time. which may predate them. The Society the dormouse nest boxes so that the In order to do this we need your help! observed that the population of hazel population can be monitored – dormice The dormice of the Chilterns would be dormice on our site at Bottom Wood are a European Protected Species and extremely grateful if you could make a crashed at the same time as glis glis were require Natural licenced handlers. donation by returning the pre-paid form first found in the nest boxes. Other factors We must also continue to improve the enclosed in this magazine. They would that may explain their decline include habitat, by roughly laying the hazel hedge also like you to know that donations can changes in woodland characteristics – if in certain areas of the woodland to create be made online at chilternsociety.org.uk/ woodland isn’t managed properly or is a dense tangle of undergrowth, including donate. heavily shaded with little understorey, bramble and honeysuckle, that we hope Your donation could help us to there’s less dense young tree growth of will be more suitable for the dormice and carry out research at our woodland the kind that hazel dormice thrive on. The will encourage numbers to increase. sites and invest in habitat improvement age of trees, as well as the impact of large The dormouse is a species that and new nest boxes. A portion of the numbers of deer browsing and removing can benefit from positive woodland proceeds raised will go directly to the the undergrowth, are also possible management. Failing to thin out a Chiltern Woodlands Project, a charity contributory factors. In addition, climate woodland or leaving a coppice uncut that specialises in local woodland change may be altering the flowering eventually reduces the understorey, and management and trains landowners how times of key food sources (pollen is an consequently the quality of the dormouse to look out for and protect rare species.

6 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 7 DID YOU KNOW? Fun facts about the hazel dormouse ...did you know? There are only dormice left 45,000 in the UK... Their love of hazelnuts inspired their name… and it takes approximately 20mins for them to gnaw one open! They weigh the equivalent of two £1 coins They must weigh 12-15 grams before hibernation otherwise their chances of survival are very slim FEBMAR NOV JAN DEC Their tail makes up 80% They hibernate from early of their total body length November to late March

Their name also derives from the French word ‘dormir’ which means ‘to sleep’… ZZZ another of their favourite pastimes! Z ZZ Z Z ZZZ Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] Z 6 Z Z 7 Penn Jubilee Wood – last but not least

SOCIETY CONSERVATION NEWS NW meadow

Penn Jubilee Wood was the last of the 12 sites to be acquired by the Society. The opportunity arose when residents became concerned about the development plans of the former owner, and, together with the Woodland Trust, bought the site on the understanding that the Society would take over its management. This arrangement has been cemented by the Woodland Trust granting us a 199 year lease.

The 50 acre site was largely meadow, because it’s best for biodiversity – mowing with a small larch plantation. The plan compacts the soil and destroys ants’ nests. was to increase the amount of woodland, We try to manage the grazing so that and 6,000 trees have now been planted, regrowth is sufficient for skylarks to nest – for which a grant was received from we’ve had between one and four pairs over the Forestry Commission. The old larch recent years and would like to encourage plantation is to be gradually thinned, more. Grazing also encourages wild flower converting it to a native broadleaf woodland, growth. We use a herd of black Dexter in keeping with the newly-planted adjacent cattle, which are small and very ‘steady’ – Coppice Hoop area. The site is popular with walkers, and the odd dog won’t disturb them, although was already served by public footpaths the electric fence usually keeps dogs out including The Chiltern Way, but some new anyway! We’re intending to develop our own permissive paths have been added. team of ‘electric fencers’, which will simplify The meadowland is grazed each year to the operation and keep costs down in the stop brush regenerating, although a small long term. We also graze parts of our Brush amount will be allowed to grow alongside Hill and Whiteleaf Hill sites, and are hoping the planted areas. We use grazing as the to graze parts of Bottom Wood in the future. preferred method of keeping growth down, Photos: Colin Drake

View east from Coppice Hoop NE meadow

8 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 9 Other sites – news in brief

Our many enthusiastic volunteers are continuing with their regular clearance work and repairs throughout the winter, but that’s not all they do…

Flying visits at Cobblers’ Pits We invited the Tring ringing group to conduct a bird ringing session for us, in order to establish, among other things, the health, the population and the migration habits of various bird species. Before dawn one morning five large mist nets were erected in the wood in ‘rides’ cleared in advance by our volunteers. A total of 25 birds were captured and ringed, among them three blackbirds, five redwings and ten goldcrests. The redwings probably came from Finland, or possibly Russia. The blackbirds Photo: Colin Drake were probably migrants too. Both species were feeding on yew berries. Goldcrests come to the UK in winter. They eat small insects and may favour the box and yew that are Restoring plentiful in the wood. During one of our work sessions the Bucks Owl and Raptor Group installed a tawny owl box. Whiteleaf Cross David Lawrence: [email protected] Captain’s Wood intruders From Gavin Johnson, our Head of When we tried to monitor the bird nesting boxes to see how they’d done during the summer, our efforts were Conservation and Development frustrated because most of them had been taken over by glis glis (edible dormouse). Our survey will now have to Whiteleaf Cross, located on the Society’s Whiteleaf Hill nature reserve, be done in the spring when these invasive pests will be has stood above Princes Risborough for several centuries, dominating hibernating underground. Sadly we’ve also suffered more the local landscape. The first written record of its presence dates from vandalism to both the tit and owl nesting boxes, but we 1742. Although the reason for its creation is unknown and subject will persevere. to speculation and folklore, this emblematic hill figure remains an Euan Russell: [email protected] important landmark in the area. Its prominent position on the Chilterns chalk scarp means that it can be seen from miles around – in fact it’s New arrivals at Bottom Wood best viewed from a distance to appreciate fully its sheer scale. Being of We’ve been able to add two new entries to the species national importance, it’s designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and list. In early October we encountered a huge hoverfly that a Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Site. could easily have been taken for a hornet, which Ched George identified as Volucella zonaria. It was probably a Over time the bare chalk that forms the Cross becomes overgrown with continental visitor. In late December an impressive line of vegetation, losing its vitality and the visual impact that makes it so iconic. common funnel cap fungi appeared which, although not a Consequently it needs to be meticulously cleaned by hand from time to time, rarity, hadn’t previously appeared on our list. in order to limit disturbance to the surface chalk and important flora and Peter : [email protected] fauna associated with this chalk landscape. The Society is working closely with Heritage England to devise a long-term maintenance programme for the Safety first at Marlow Common Cross, the first phase of which began in October last year. The Common is now a slightly safer place. We’ve been Taking advantage of some wonderful autumn weather, a small group of concerned for some time that dying oak branches which Society volunteers expended a huge amount of effort cleaning the main body overhang the footpaths might come down on a windy day. of the Cross – weeding it, redefining the edges and lightly scouring the surface Recently we bought a six metre pole saw, and were able chalk. Over three days the team made great progress, giving the monument to cut off a number of heavy dead limbs. Now, instead a new lease of life. The volunteers were supported by a three man team of of presenting a threat, they’re in neat piles that small specialist contractors, who tackled the steep lower sections of the Cross. mammals and vertebrates can colonise. Maintenance work will be ongoing and once the weather warms up the Jeff Short: [email protected] next phase will begin, when the central gully will be tackled, together with the painting of the gabions along the arms of the Cross. New volunteers are Photographs of Penn, Whiteleaf and Marlow can always needed to help with this and all the other important management work be found on our PhotoGoup’s website: on both Whiteleaf Hill and Brush Hill. Please get in touch if you’re interested in www.chilternphoto.org.uk joining us.

8 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 9 Cycle group

Photo: Dennis Keeling Don’t ride on the carpet Simply enjoy the bluebells, says Dennis Keeling

Spring is just around the corner and it’s one of the most beautiful times to cycle in our but there were none! Nor was there any marvellous . Our ancient woodlands are the natural habitat of bluebells and we stigma associated with having an electric get some spectacular carpets of them, stretching as far as the eye can see. Bluebells are bike. Everyone just seemed pleased that I appearing earlier and earlier, so we should be able to see them in April and May this year. was back cycling. Five of our regulars now have electric bikes – much envied by our The Cycle Group try very hard to include Chalfont St Giles, with many archaeological colleagues, especially when we effortlessly bluebell woods in their spring rides. Many features climb the many Chiltern hills. can be seen from roads and others from Cowleaze Wood – set high in the Chiltern I need to point out, however, that an the designated cycle trails in some woods. Hills near Watlington. It has a picnic site and eBike should not be confused with a It’s vitally important that we don’t trample walking trails moped. There’s no throttle – the motor or ride on the carpet of bluebells, because Angling Spring Wood – ’s local assistance is proportional to the effort they are very easily damaged or destroyed. wood on the edge of Great Missenden that you put into pedalling. You’re getting It’s also illegal to pick or transplant them. Whippendell Wood – near Chandlers Cross, exercise and you decide how much it’s great to cycle through and has parking assistance you have from the motor. I must Some of our best bluebell woods are: areas and footpaths say that my wife and I are thrilled with Woods – woodland Bottom Wood – a varied nature reserve our eBikes. We can enjoy the Chilterns and grassland (with views) near Watlington (and a Chiltern Society site) near together at our own pace, not be phased Heath – a Woodland Trust site 10 , featuring woods and chalk by hills, and with a range of 80 miles, we’re miles north of Reading grassland, rare plants and dormice. confident that we can go anywhere and Moneybury Hill – the National Trust The Society has an interactive map back in a day. Estate is a huge area of woodland which enables you to check on the If you’d like to see how you’d manage and downland near Berkhamsted, with location of any of these woods – see www. on an electric bike, a Berkhamsted-based many walking and cycling routes and a chilternsaonb.org/explore-enjoy/interactive- electric bike hire business is trying to visitor centre map.html. get lapsed or infrequent cyclists back Adams Wood – ancient woodland at Frieth In my previous article I made some gift in the saddle in 2017. Electric Bike Tours Low Scrubs – a valuable local resource near suggestions for those interested in cycling, (electricbiketours.co.uk, tel. 01442 927522) Wendover which I know some of you took to heart. I will be offering a new eBike rental service Wendover Woods – four miles from mentioned lightweight carbon bikes and in the northern Chilterns. Their mobile , it’s owned by the Forestry electric bikes. What I didn’t know at the delivery service removes the hassle of Commission and has waymarked walks of time was that, due to a recurring viral transporting the bikes by car. For social different lengths through scenic woodland. illness, I would be out of action yet again riders, they offer a range of guided tours It has a cafe, information, family cycling, for many weeks. Having persuaded my wife which combine countryside, heritage and fitness trail and lots more to buy an electric bike, she convinced me eating. Warburg Wildlife Reserve – a beautiful that an electric bike would enable me to woodland and chalk grassland nature resume cycling while I slowly tried to shake Photographs of many locations reserve in a tranquil setting near Henley, off the debilitating virus. I bought one and mentioned in this article can be found with visitor centre and walking trails was able to rejoin my friends on rides. I on our PhotoGroup’s website: Philipshill Wood – a diverse woodland near was expecting a lot of rude comments, www.chilternphoto.org.uk

10 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 11 Future Thursday Group Rides 30% OFF If you’d like to join one of our popular cycle rides, come along to one of those listed below. We usually start at a HOME INSURANCE pub and return there for lunch. IF YOU HAVEN’T CLAIMED IN 4 YEARS We meet at 10am to place food orders, for a 10.30 start. If numbers are large, some riders will often leave at 10.15, And if you come to claim, with the main group following at 10.30. there are no forms and no quibbles.

2 March Meet at The Royal Oak, Knowl Hill (Grid ref: SU 822 794, postcode RG10 9YE). It’s just off the A4, with a good car You won't find us on comparison sites. park, and food orders will be placed before we set off. For a home insurance quote call us on The pub should be open, with facilities available from 01442 270000 about 10am. The route passes through or near Warren or pop in and speak to us at NFU Mutual Office, Boxted Farm, Row, Crazies Hill, Upper Wargrave, Hare Hatch, Ruscombe, Berkhamsted Road, Hemel Hempstead, Shurlock Row, Littlefield Green and White Waltham. The Herts HP1 2SG www.nfumutual.co.uk/hemel-hempstead ride is c20 miles with slight undulations, and mainly on quiet roads.

Ride leader: Iain Wallace 01494 716302 No Claims Discount applies to NFU Mutual and 07704 646698. Standard Home Insurance. 6 Our Agents are appointed representatives of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: MOST Tiddington Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the TRUSTED Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and HOME INSURANCE the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers. PROVIDER NFU MUTUAL 6 April For security and training purposes, telephone calls may be recorded and monitored.

Meet at The Palmer Arms, Dorney, near Windsor (Grid HomeInsAdverts_A4P_Logos_0916.indd 2 13/09/2016 15:38 ref: SU 930 791, postcode SL4 6QW). The ride will be c21 miles and will take us along the Thames to Windsor and out into the Great Park. Then we’ll ride westwards through Bury yourself in the beautiful Woodside, Maidens Green, Fifield and back to Dorney, using the wooden bridge over the Thames by Bray Marina. countryside! There are sections of mainly hard-surfaced cycle track/ Chesham Bois Burial Ground offers formal and bridleway. woodland burial areas, a garden of remembrance, Ride leader: Paul Greenough 01494 674766 and a pretty chapel all in a peaceful setting and 07857 889367. surrounded by fields and woodland. 4 May Open to all faiths, residents and Meet at The Crown, , near Stokenchurch non-residents of the Parish. (Grid ref: SU 784 967, postcode HP14 4DW). The ride is c19 miles with some hills. The first part of the route will be towards , continuing towards Bledlow Ridge, through Saunderton Lee, Saunderton and Crowell Hill. The main climb is on the road from Bledlow to the top of the ridge, where the route takes the road towards , staying on the escarpment before descending to Radnage, with a final short climb to Green End and back to The Crown. Ride leader: Jim West 01923 283511 and 07704 199660.

Rides are open to Society members and non- Chesham Bois Burial Grounds members. All ride at their own risk and should be 14 To find out more please contact us. years or older unless accompanied by an adult. Bring www.cheshamboispc.org.uk a drink for roadside stops. It is strongly recommended that riders wear a helmet for all rides and carry their email: [email protected] own first aid kit. tel: 01494 432585

10 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 11 Journal Quilts chiltern pastimes Beech saplings, Ipsden Wood Mary Parry uses the Chilterns as inspiration

When I walk in the countryside a sort of dialogue goes through my head. Like most exuberant, produced great contrasts people I’m quick to observe the weather or changing landscape, but I’ll also have a between light and shade. A walk through sharp eye out for plants. I like to name them to myself as I pass and I usually stop if I see woods into a clearing became the next anything unusual. Recently I’ve set myself a new challenge, which is to observe and then idea to tackle, using bonded appliqué to transfer my observations and feelings into small patchwork pieces called Journal Quilts. depict the variety of greens. The exposed downlands on a sunny summer day had no Patchwork and quilting has long been frosted or snow covered landscape. I tried, such shade. Here the open landscape was a hobby and as a member of the using twin needles on the sewing machine, soft in colour as the crops slowly ripened, Contemporary Quilt Group of the Quilters to depict a ploughed field where the snow but the field boundaries were exuberant Guild of the British Isles I’ve signed up gathers in the tractor ruts. The box trees with bright red poppies. for their annual Journal Quilt challenges. set another challenge. I wanted to depict Autumn brings a new palette of colours. Each year the dimensions of the quilts the twisted and recumbent branches, One of the most impressive fruits is that change, but the rules are always the same: and decided to make two quilts with this of the spindle. The orange berries are complete a mini quilt each month and theme. For one I focused on the tree form encased in pink and the leaves gradually submit a photograph of each one within and the leaves, while for the other I tried turn to match. Spotted on a day of clear the time specified. Last year the quilt size a more abstract approach, just showing blue skies they made a wonderful autumn was 6”x12” and I had to apply a choice of branches and ensuring that the veined bark subject. The beech trees in the Chilterns landscape or portrait to the whole series. patterns were also depicted. have always been a focus for my delight. I chose landscape and then decided the As spring arrived, the Chiltern walks The sharp green of the spring shoots whole year would be dedicated to the took us through bluebell woods and along and the fabulous oranges of autumn set Chilterns in some way. ridges where fields of oil seed rape could me dyeing silk to match. I used this for a One of the reasons for taking part be seen. My approach to the bluebell study of leaves for my October quilt, then in such challenges is to try out various Journal Quilt was to use bracken as a print in November I employed tiny snippets of techniques. I aimed to use fabric I’d dyed block first and then to appliqué bluebells orange for the saplings, which had retained myself as often as possible and to look at breaking through the winter cover. Because their leaves, along the edge of a dark different ways of portraying the landscape the yellow fields of oil seed rape were conifer wood. in stitch. In the early part of the year I went so extensive, I tried to show changes in By December I was still hoping for a out into the Chilterns with my husband to perspective by having the most yellow and thick snow finale to the year. Instead I prepare for walks which he leads, and also green plants close up. had to make do with an amazingly green to record box trees as part of the Chilterns The summer months, with the sun landscape, because the weather continued Box Tree Project. I was keen to record the high in the sky and foliage at its most to be mild and wet!

12 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 13 Top left: Bluebells in bracken, , top right: December view from Greys Court, bottom left: Harvest time, Ewelme Downs, bottom right: Recumbent box

FestivalCELEBRATING OUDiaryR 35TH YEAR 201 7 OF SPR ING CONCERTS

Wednesday 19th April 8.00pm Sunday 30th April 7.30pm SONG RECITAL ORGAN SPECTACULAR Performed by Milly Forrest (soprano) Iain Ledingham (organ) Iain Ledingham (piano) With Arianna Schiavi (soprano) and ST JAMES’ CHURCH, ROAD, Frederick De Tommaso (tenor) GERRARDS CROSS, SL9 7DJ THE CHAPEL, ROYAL MASONIC SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, , WD3 4HF Friday 21st April 11.30-4.00pm PERFORMING MOZART’S OPERAS Tuesday 2nd May 7.00 for 7.45 pm Study day with Professor Raymond Holden BAROQUE CHAMBER MUSIC CHURCH HALL, CHURCH LANE, By Handel, Corelli, Bach And Pachelbel CHALFONT ST PETER, SL9 9RJ Performed by Kristina Greally, Tabea Debus and Olwen Foulkes ( recorders) Camilla Morse-Glover (cello) Saturday 22nd April 7.30pm Benedict Williams (harpsichord) MOZART REQUIEM & DAVIDE PENITENTE AND SOUTH BUCKS CHORAL SOCIETY ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH, CHENIES, WD3 6ER With Amersham Festival Chamber Orchestra (Leader - Charlotte Edwards) Thursday 4th May 8.00 pm Milly Forrest and Arianna Schiavi (sopranos) A TASTING OF BRITISH CHEESES WITH WINE Hannah Poulsom (mezzo-soprano) Hiroshi Amako (tenor) Richard Walshe (bass) With musical interludes for voice and guitar THE GREAT HALL, ROYAL MASONIC SCHOOL THE KING’S CHAPEL, 30 HIGH STREET FOR GIRLS, RICKMANSWORTH, WD3 4HF OLD AMERSHAM HP7 0DJ

Sunday 23rd April 7.00pm Friday 5th May 8.00pm BUCKINGHAMSHIRE YOUTH ORCHESTRA AMERSHAM FESTIVAL CHAMBER WITH YOUTH WIND & GUITAR ENSEMBLE ORCHESTRA With a programme including: Jennifer Stinton (flute) From “On the Waterfront” - Bernstein and Extracts from Suzie Willison-Kawalec (harp) Symphony No5 - Shostakovich Iain Ledingham (conductor) Concerto for Flute and Harp - Mozart THE KING’S CHURCH, RAANS ROAD, Symphony No. 40 - Mozart AMERSHAM HP6 6LX SONG to Symphony No. 1 - Beethoven Friday 28th April 8.00pm Followed by the Friends’ Reception STACEY KENT ST MARY’S PARISH CHURCH, SYMPHONY OLD AMERSHAM HP7 0DB ‘Tenderly’ featuring standards and jazz-classics A varied programme of inspiring music THE KING’S CHURCH, RAANS ROAD, for our 2017 season AMERSHAM HP6 6LX List of Friends Page 26 Song Recital with Milly Bucks County Youth Baroque Chamber Music Forrest (soprano) Orchestra , Wind & Guitar BOX OFFICE: 0333 666 3366 An Evening of British Cheese Ensemble Performing Mozart Operas Tasting, Music and Wine WEBSITE: www.amershamfestival.org Professor Raymond Holden Stacey Kent 'Tenderly' Amersham Festival Chamber REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 286455 Mozart Requiem Organ Spectacular Orchestra - Mozart and and David Penitente With Iain Ledingham Beethoven Photo by Mark Jordan: Jennifer Stinton Friday 5th May Concert

12 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 13 Chiltern environment New box at Ibstone Peter Brown reports

This winter work started on a new phase of an important environmental project, to create new box woodland on some of the higher ground on the Wormsley Estate at Ibstone. Society volunteers have already helped to plant thousands of young box over the past five years at Turville, but the signing of a new agreement between the Society and the Trust for ’s Environment, with added financial and moral support from the Wormsley Estate and the Forestry Commission, means we can take the programme to a new level.

Part of the £32,000 of funding provided by the Commission, the Trust and the Estate enables us to provide new equipment and further training for our volunteers, while a number of fundraising events at

Wormsley being held this summer will Volunteers planting box on the Wormsley Estate (Photo: Colin Drake) hopefully raise significant funds for the Society. Chairman David Harris said: ‘This for new box woodland. very well too.’ He added: ‘In 2016 Chiltern biodiversity action plan brings benefits to ‘That survey pinpointed just the right Society volunteers helped to plant many the Estate, the Chilterns at large and to the spot,’ said Huw Crompton, a landscape thousands of box near Turville. The Society. It gives our volunteers a different designer assisting the Society. ‘It found coming phase centres on Ibstone, in and opportunity – planting trees rather than that the highest parts of the Wormsley around the boundary with Oxfordshire, a cutting them down – and raises funds for Estate had suitable bare ground cleared of county without protected box forest or our objectives.’ beech by a recent storm. These matched box woodland of any size.’ Box was a common tree in the Chilterns the design blueprint offered by nearby The Society’s work cannot come soon for thousands of years – places like Bix, Ellesborough Warren and England’s other enough. Box-dominant woodland is very Boxmoor and Box End all derive their two box woodlands of any size at Box Hill rare in Britain – on the verge of ecological names from it. The Romans first used it for and Boxwell, on elevated southwest-facing extinction according to Huw – with perhaps hedging, and it was used for making musical chalk scree. Wormsley Estate was keen under 20 hectares remaining on a handful of instruments as early as the 14th century. The to see the land put to productive use, it windy hillsides. Its timber is not only sought Chilterns Box Woodland Project, carried being a little high for grapes and not stable after, still being the material of choice for out by the Chilterns Conservation Board a enough for large trees. Consequently many musical instrument makers, but its couple of years ago, discovered there was the Estate has been very supportive. The woodland provides a safe haven for many a healthy trade in the timber throughout initial practical step was to establish a animals and birds. In the winter sunshine, the 19th and early 20th centuries, and that trial plantation plot in an ideal location to the low south-facing evergreen shrubs it was harvested extensively at Ashridge to put the theory to the test. The first trees warm up to a good five degrees more than supply the London market. It is, however, were planted by the Society’s volunteers surrounding non-box woodland. a very slow growing timber, and plentiful in the spring of 2012, the size of little supplies were inevitably exhausted. Seven toilet brushes. After five years they are Photographs of Ibstone can be years ago the Chiltern Society undertook a between knee and waist height, growing found on our Photogroup’s website: survey to find an ideal spot in the Chilterns at 100mm or more a year and bushing out www.chilternphoto.org.uk

news in brief Congratulations Barnaby! The New Year’s Honours List included an MBE for Barnaby Usborne, who lives in The Lee. The award was made in recognition of his contribution both to the community in his home village and to the Chiltern Society. Barnaby has been an active member for many years, focusing particularly on path maintenance. We’d like to pass on our warmest congratulations for this well-deserved recognition of his extensive voluntary work.

14 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 15 GOLD GOLD GOLD To pPrices Paid In Cash ForYour ScrapPrecious Metals Including Unwanted Jewellery, Coins &Watches. PartExchange Available

Watford Ad Nov16.qxp_Layout 1 28/10/2016 10:07 Page 1

Oil deliveries for home, industry & agriculture... A B C AYLESBURYBULLION COMPANY The FamilyofJewellers

11a, High St AylesburyBuckinghamshire HP201SH Tel: 01296423198

Jewellery designed and produced to your specifications, or choose from our extensive range of new, secondhand and antique pieces.

l Diamond merchants l Valuations: insurance and probate (certified stones always available) (carried out on the premises) l Antique restorations l Insurance claims advisors l Hand engraving l Complete repair service For a fast,efficient & friendly service Servicing of Rolex, Tag, Omega, Raymond Weil, Gucci etc. Budget Payment Scheme Batteries fitted and waterproof testing carried out on the premises. Deliveries from 500 Litres ISO 9001 Certificate No.4521 Wide range of Lubricants in stock Top prices paid in cash for Suppliers of Bunded Tanks on request antique and modern jewellery, watches (especially Rolex), Established over 35 years coins, gold, silver, platinum Most Major Credit Cards Accepted and scrap precious metals. Part exchange available. BARTON PETROLEUM LIMITED 3 Greycaine Road, off Bushey Mill Lane 11a High Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1SH Watford, Herts WD24 7GP Tel: 01296 423198 [email protected] www.aylesburybullion.co.uk Tel: 01923 233171

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

14 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 15 CHILTERN WALK • herts RICKMANSWORTH

1 A404 Moneyhill

Batchworth Colne Valley P Lake Bury Lake A412 Batchworth 2 spring wildlife River Start/Finish Colne Grand Union A Stocker’s Canal Lake 7 to P A walk Maple Cross (and M25) Stocker’s 3 Farm

Froghall With Andrew Clark Farm North Shorter A Option Spring is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the natural Springwell 0 0.5 1km world. This walk gives you the opportunity to experience Lake 4 0 ½ mile Springwell the magnificent flora and fauna in the beautiful Colne Farm Valley as it comes to life after winter. There’s also the possibility of spotting rare birds as they migrate north to River Cooks Colne Wood their breeding grounds. B Start: Café in the Park, Rickmansworth Aquadrome, C

Frogmoor Lane, Rickmansworth WD3 1NB. Grid ref: TQ 055 Sewage 938. Park in the Aquadrome car park Works Cripps House Farm DISTANCE: 6.2 miles/10km with 230ft/70m of ascent. Grand Union 6 Canal There’s also a shorter option of 3.8 miles Weybeards Terrain: A stile-free walk on good surfaces, with one Farm climb through Old Park Wood. Can be muddy at times Lynsters Maps: OS Explorer 172, Chiltern Society 22 and 28 White Heath Lake Hill Farm REFRESHMENTS: Café in the Park, and Coy Carp End to pub, Coppermill Lane, UB9 6HZ West Hyde 5 PUBLIC transport: Rickmansworth is served by buses from Amersham, Hemel Hempstead, High E Park Pynesfield Wood Wycombe and Watford. is on Lake D the from Aldgate via Baker Street, and is also served by from London Hospital Marylebone. For further details go to Mount to Pleasant Harefield Photos: Colin Drake Map: Glyn Kuhn www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk. to Harefield Route Take the wide surfaced path to the right of the café and through the metal barriers and continue uphill through Old Park toilets, walking alongside Bury Lake. Bear right following the Wood. (After 250m there’s an option to turn right further into Batchworth Lake Circular Walk to the next path junction and the Wood to see the woodland flora). Continue uphill on the turn left. main path and between fields to meet Hill End Road. Turn left 1. Continue ahead, with the River Colne on the right and a wet along the road for 650m as it passes through the village of Hill woodland area on the left, for 650m to a path T-junction at Bury End, until reaching a left-hand bend. Lake. Turn right to the next junction. 6. Bear right on a path past the entrance to Cripps Farm Bungalow. 2. Turn right and immediately left through a gate onto a rough Go through a gate and follow the path ahead for 650m as it track. Continue for 80m to an open hide that overlooks Stocker’s drops down by the side of a wood. Just before the next gate is Lake. Return to the track and continue straight ahead over a a white metal post. It was one of about 280 erected in the 1860s wide grassy area to a path that runs alongside the river. Turn to mark the points where taxes were due to the Corporation of left along it for 1km then go through a gate just before a path London on coal being brought into the city. The post is Grade II junction. listed. Go through the gate and continue downhill keeping the 3. Turn right to take the footbridge over the river on a path hedgerow to the left. Before the end of the field, bear half-right signposted towards Inns and Springwell Lakes. Follow the path up to a gate and a farm track. Go through the gate and follow around to the edge of Inns Lake to exit through a gate onto a the farm track down to the entrance to Stocker’s Farm. Don’t lane. Cross to the car park opposite. Continue straight ahead enter the farm, instead bear right up the slope to pass through a through the car park, to go through a gate at the far end which gate into a field. Turn left and follow the field edge down to the is the entrance to Springwell Lake. Follow the path around the next gate. Turn left on the wide track and go round to the right edge of the lake for 1.3km, passing Springwell Reedbeds on the over the canal. right, to join a surfaced access road. Continue ahead for 200m 7. Continue straight ahead through a gate into the reserve. Follow and, just before the bridge, bear right through a gate onto the the main path to meet a major junction. Turn right on a wide canal towpath. See below for the shorter option. surfaced path back to the café. 4. Turn right and follow the towpath for 1.6km to reach the Coy Carp pub in Coppermill Lane. Turn left along the lane, taking great care because the road is very narrow as it crosses the Shorter Option canal. Just after the left-hand bend, turn left into Summerhouse Turn left and follow the towpath for 1.2km to reach Canal Bridge Lane and walk along it for 300m to the entrance to Hillingdon 175. Just before the bridge on the left is one of the Grade II listed Narrowboats Association. white metal posts referred to in point 6 above. Go under the bridge 5. Opposite the entrance is a road signed for The Hillingdon Trail. and turn immediately left up the steps and over the metal rails. Turn Follow it up past the houses on the left for 300m, bear left right to rejoin the main route at point 7.

16 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 17 Swan on River Colne Bluebells in Park Wood

Grand Union Canal Bury Lake, Aquadrome

Coy Carp pub Stocker’s Lock Points of Interest Flora: Spring wild flowers in the woodland could include dog’s at Brentwood to the junction with the Digbeth Branch Canal mercury, lords-and-ladies, wood anemone, wood sorrel, bluebells in Birmingham. It was the main artery for goods between the and finally the wonderful and nationally scarce coralroot Midlands and London for about 50 years before most traffic bittercress. moved to the railway. The section through Rickmansworth was Birds: Look out for shoveler, goldeneye, wigeon, gadwall, great known as the Grand Junction Canal and was fully opened in crested grebe, siskin, kingfisher, cormorant, little egret and 1805. occasional visits from smew, red-crested pochard and water rail. D. c oppermill Lock: The name comes from being the site of an Migration can bring many unexpected sightings, but always keep old copper mill built in 1803 by the Mines Royal Company. The your eyes open for warblers, swallow, swift and perhaps an osprey. copper was used for lining the bottom of Royal Naval ships and Butterflies: Sunny days could bring out brimstone, orange tip, for the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies. E. o ld Park Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest owned Colne Valley Park and Rickmansworth Aquadrome: The Park and managed by HMWT. It’s a varied woodland, mainly hazel covers over 40 square miles and extends from Rickmansworth coppice understory with standard oaks, and some large sweet in the north to Staines in the south. There are 200 miles of river chestnuts in the lower, more sandy areas. The Wood is noted for and canal, and more than 60 lakes. It’s very important for both the abundance of flowers in spring, including bluebells, yellow wildlife and recreational activities. The Aquadrome is 41 hectares archangel, lesser celandine, wood anemone and the uncommon of open water, woodland and open space – one of six Local Nature coralroot bittercress. Golden saxifrage and marsh marigolds Reserves owned and managed by Council. grow on stream banks and around the pond. The pond is also Batchworth and Bury Lakes are former gravel pits that ceased important for dragonflies and amphibians. The Wood is rich in operation in the 1920s. Gravel extracted from them was used in invertebrates and birds, including all three species of British the construction of the old Wembley Stadium. Today the area is a woodpecker. haven for wildlife and is notable for its wet woodland. A. Stocker’s Lake, Inns Lake and Springwell Lake are owned These notes have been compiled with the assistance by Affinity Water and managed by Herts and Middlesex of Rob Hopkins, Reserves Officer, HMWT. Wildlife Trust (HMWT). Stocker’s Lake is especially known to birdwatchers, with common terns nesting on the floating rafts, Photographs of Rickmansworth, West Hyde and Harefield and the largest heronry in the county. can be found on our PhotoGroup’s website: B. Springwell Reedbeds are the largest in the London area. Look www.chilternphoto.org.uk or listen out for birds like reed and sedge warblers. C. The runs for 137 miles from the Thames

16 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 17 PLANNING GROUP Chilterns AONB and green belt in peril Paul Mason outlines the Society’s proposed countermeasures

Those of us fortunate enough to enjoy the wonderful Chiltern countryside need to be l If land is, or is potentially, to be removed aware of growing threats posed by major building proposals. Pressures for more dwellings from the green belt to accommodate originate from dubious central Government planning guidelines, compounded by the unmet housing need, the Society will willingness of County and local District Councils to use these growth targets. Additionally seek to ensure that only development there are concerns that the Government might relax restrictions on inappropriate of a type that will genuinely meet that development within the green belt. These factors conspire to threaten our special Chiltern need is allowed, for example affordable countryside. The Chiltern Society trustees and the Society Planning Group have a clear housing for local needs policy on these threats. l Where land is to be removed from the green belt, the Society will seek the l The Society opposes development, l The Society will also oppose changes creation of an equivalent area of new within or affecting the setting of the to green belt boundaries, unless the green belt Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty land to be removed from the green belt l The Society will continue to call for (AONB), which fails to conserve or clearly no longer fulfils the purposes of changes to the rules regarding how enhance the natural beauty. As a green belt housing need is assessed and how consequence, to be acceptable, new l The use of unmet housing need as development is distributed locally and development within the AONB should a justification for amending green regionally, since these are major drivers be small-scale and restricted to land belt boundaries should be robustly of the current pressures on green belt, within existing settlements or on challenged. The Society believes that AONB and the Chilterns generally. brownfield sites housing need should only be assessed l The Society opposes development in on the basis of local requirements, Members of the Society’s Planning Group the existing green belt which fails to and not on potential movements of are the unsung volunteers working hard protect its openness, or undermines its population into the area to sustain this policy. Our Planning Field five purposes (to check the unrestricted l Where proposals exist to remove land Officers (PFOs) do so by using their local sprawl of large built-up areas; to prevent from the green belt, the Society will also knowledge and experience to: neighbouring towns merging into assess other potential adverse impacts of l Monitor and respond to planning one another; to assist in safeguarding development – for example damage to the applications throughout the Chilterns, but the countryside from encroachment; AONB or its setting, or, more generally, on especially those affecting the designated to preserve the setting and special landscape, biodiversity, heritage, or any AONB, green belt and open countryside character of historic towns; and to assist other aspect of sustainability – so that l Act as respected consultants to Local in urban regeneration, by encouraging appropriate comments are made on these Authorities regarding emerging planning the recycling of derelict and other urban aspects alongside any in-principle green documents that might affect the future land) belt objection development of the Chilterns area

Housing on The North Chiltern Trail (Photo: Chris Howe)

18 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 19 l Examine and respond to draft b) influence changes to the planning Government guidance documents and rules because current interpretation other consultations could lead to harmful development Planning Field l Represent the Society at public inquiries, l working more with other like-minded Officer vacancies hearings and examinations relating to organisations, in particular the local planning and development. Campaign to Protect Rural England The Planning Group currently has (CPRE), the London Green Belt Council vacancies for Planning Field Officers. On an ongoing basis Society PFOs review, (LGBC) and the Chilterns Conservation Planning knowledge is not essential, make representations, or monitor a Board (CCB) but would be helpful. Similarly, plethora of proposals – some very large, l raising funding for and appointing a paid experience in campaigning on some modest, all potentially important. The Planning Officer to work with and advise environmental or social issues could efforts of the PFOs often go unrecognised, members of the Planning Group and be useful. Anyone interested in such a but I’m sure all Society members are Campaign Team, and liaise with planning vital role is very welcome to contact grateful for the contribution they make to officers in the CCB and CPRE branches the Chiltern Society Office (01494 protect and enhance the Chilterns. across the Chilterns 771250) to find out more about l enhancing the strength of the opportunities. As a consequence of the ongoing and Planning Group by filling any vacancies seemingly increasing threat to the for PFOs. If you really care about planning Chiltern countryside, the Society has threats to the Chilterns, you can decided to build its capability and capacity The Society recognises the population contribute funds to the Planning to address the challenge. It will do this in pressures on the Southeast and certainly Group’s fundraising campaign, details several ways by: doesn’t aim to oppose all development of which will be found on the Society l attempting to re-energise a Planning in the Chilterns. For example, along with website during the year. Alternatively, Campaign Team, working with the the CCB, it actively promotes good design contact the Society Office. Planning Group to a) raise the profile through the annual Chilterns Buildings of issues around Government planning Design Awards. It will, however, continue to Please help if you can. Thank you. policy and interpretation, by engaging challenge unwarranted threats to the AONB with the Government, Councils, MPs, and green belt. councillors and the general public and

Hampden Herdwicks RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS • NEW HOUSES EXTENSIONS • BARN & FARM CONVERSIONS Our small flock of Herdwick sheep graze the rich chalk grasslands of PROJECT MANAGEMENT the Chiltern Hills near Great Missenden. They form an integral part of our arable farm’s management. Herdwicks grow slowly. The lambs, known as hoggets, are typically a year old before they are ready. As a result the meat is full of flavour and very tender. Hogget is normally only available in season - from February until May. So we suggest you place your order right away.

Hampden Hogget Boxes

We supply whole and half hogget freezer boxes, vacuum packed and labelled, direct from the farm. Insulated with wool liners, they can be recycled or returned.

in one freezer drawer, and comprises: 2 x half legs 2 x half shoulders Mince 7-8 best-end cutlets 6-8 loin chops 3-4 leg steaks 2-3 neck cutlets or kidney and liver

We also supply mutton which has a stronger flavour and is currently experiencing a renaissance

30 High Street, Wendover, Bucks HP22 6EA For more information contact Ian & Fiona Waller 01494 488567 or 07973 676891, or email us on 07971 294880 [email protected] [email protected]

18 Chiltern 223 PB_Architects_Chiltern_QuarterPage_v1.inddemail: [email protected] 1 20/10/2016 10:16 19 FOOD AND DRINK Chiltern coffee revolution looking coffee making hardware. To understand why coffee shops have become such a prominent feature of our local high streets I visited Amersham, where my first meeting was with Jo Robinson and Chris Dyson of Café Africa, which opened in 2009. It’s an independent and ethical café based in Chesham Road. All profits go to the Café Africa charity and, as Jo and Chris explained, they believe in doing good things both in the local community and in a wider, global context. Jo and others associated with the business originally met at St Leonard’s Church, Chesham Bois, and the business has become very much part of the local area. Café Africa is much larger inside than it looks from the outside, and on the morning I visited there was hardly a spare seat. A dozen or so members of the local photographic group were holding a meeting and Jo explained that Café Africa hosts numerous local gatherings, Café society has its perks, including parent and toddler writes Martin Pearson groups and the local WI. The café’s engagement with the community The British love of tea is legendary. We’ve been drinking it for more than 400 years and is also demonstrated by their support of a ‘nice cup of tea’ has long been our crutch in times of domestic crisis or in the aftermath local charities, such as Young Carers Bucks. of life’s disasters. Market research company Mintel reports, however, that tea consumption With outlets at Dr Challoner’s and Chesham has dropped by more than a fifth in the past five years. The main benefactor of tea’s Grammar school, Café Africa is now very demise appears to be its old hot drink nemesis, coffee, which has now overtaken it as our well established and, at the time of writing, favourite drink. plans were being made to grow the business further in 2017. According to Professor Jonathan Morris of up by almost 850 per cent. Now, following a Becoming an important part of the the University of , co-author of further 20 years of considerable growth, the community was also one of Peter Wells’ the snappily titled, Coffee: A Comprehensive sector is one of the most vibrant in the UK objectives when he opened his coffee shop Guide to the Bean, the Beverage and the economy, and The Allegra Foundation, the in Amersham. Peter certainly appears to Industry, the twenty-somethings of the 1990s organisation behind April’s annual UK Coffee have the right background and credentials were the instigators of our new addiction, Week, predicts that the total UK coffee shop – following a career in hospitality, he spent when they began to frequent the specialist market will comfortably exceed 30,000 five years as a barista, then barista trainer, coffee shops that were springing up; shops outlets and £15 billion turnover by 2025. As before opening JACS in Hill Avenue last that used new equipment to create a taste Allegra’s chairman, Jeffrey Young, put it, ‘We year. Like its neighbour, Café Africa, JACS’ far removed from the ‘instant’ beverage that have moved from a nation of tea drinkers business model is built around sustainable most of us had grown up with. In cultural and occasional instant coffee drinkers to principles. Takeaway packaging is 100% terms, these early adopters demonstrated a nation of coffee lovers and even coffee biodegradable, the food provided is locally a desire to recreate the café society they’d geeks.’ sourced, milk comes from a local dairy and, experienced on trips to Europe. They were The UK coffee shop ‘revolution’ began instead of selling bottled water, Peter has set also influenced by television – some of the in London and other metropolitan centres, up a filtered water point in order to reduce most popular comedy shows of the time, but has now become firmly established in the amount of plastic going to landfill. including Friends and Seinfeld, came from the Chilterns. If you visit any town or village Rather than paying for water, customers are the USA and portrayed coffee shops as cool in our region you’ll find shops with names encouraged to make a donation to Project places to hang out. Consequently, between like Black Goo, Espresso Head, and Fred Waterfall, which helps fund clean drinking 1993 and 1997, the number of UK outlets shot and Ginger, each equipped with impressive- water in Africa. JACS stands for ‘Just

20 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 21 Another Coffee Shop’, and this deliberately tongue-in-cheek name acknowledges the Recipe rapid growth of independent and ‘chain’ outlets in and around Amersham. Peter Chiltern chicken with a Spanish twist admits that during its first six months JACS has had to adapt to meet local people’s expectations, but offering a high quality product is still the primary objective. In the next five years, according to Allegra, UK consumers will become even more informed about the subtleties of coffee preparation and delivery from bean to cup, in particular in terms of origin and roast, as well as the importance of milk foaming and water quality. One entrepreneur who appears to be well prepared for this heightened consumer sophistication is Matt Brown of the Icelandic-inspired Espresso Head in Leighton Buzzard. Espresso Head was recognised in the 2016 Food and Drink Awards and is endorsed by Caffeine magazine. Matt explained the ‘science’ involved in producing the perfect I have to confess that there’s no coffee involved in this recipe, even though a quick cup of coffee and admitted that he had search on Google shows that many chefs are now adding the bean to savoury dishes, experimented with 15 different types of milk such as ‘Lamb chops with sticky coffee glaze’. Instead this is a tried and tested recipe before finding the right one (from a local that I consider to be perfect for a spring supper. Its vibrant colours conjure up a dairy). He has customers who travel from vision of summer to come and it’s extremely simple to cook. In terms of equipment, London and beyond to drink his coffee, but all you need is a saucepan for boiling the potatoes, and a large cast iron casserole recognises that creating the perfect blend dish with a lid for the rest. is only one aspect of establishing a thriving Ingredients – serves 4 (with some leftovers) business and that looking after his ‘regulars’ from the local community is also key. l 2 tbsp local rapeseed or olive oil l 4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped fine It seems that coffee is on trend with l 1 tbsp flour l 1 small red chili including seeds, people’s tastes. We now embrace artisan l 8 local free-range chicken thighs, chopped fine foods, locally and ethically sourced and boneless if possible. (Potash Farm l A piece of chorizo slightly larger than produced on a small scale; we drink craft chicken is particularly good) a thumb, cut into about 12 rounds beer and real ale made by local brewers l 2 local free-range chicken breasts, l 1 tbsp smoked paprika – so why should our taste in coffee be cut into strips l 1 x 500g tin of chopped tomatoes any different? Britain now has one of the l 500g of baby potatoes, cut in half l Half pint of chicken stock most vibrant coffee cultures in the world. l 1 large yellow pepper, deseeded and l 1 tbsp tomato paste Coffee shops are playing an increasingly cut into rings l 1 tbsp sherry vinegar important role, enhancing the social l 1 large red pepper, deseeded and l 1 tbsp chopped oregano vibrancy of communities, as well as being cut into rings l Salt and pepper to taste a large contributor to employment and the l 2 red onions, peeled and cut into rings l 4 sprigs of parsley as garnish economy. Providing a community hub and offering an excellent product appear to be the key Method ingredients in this business sector’s success. l Parboil the potatoes for 10-15 minutes l Replace the chicken and mix in the The emergence of coffee shops is, however, but don’t overcook them paprika taking place at a time when another l In the meantime, season the chicken l Add the tomatoes, stock, sherry hospitality business is in decline. Traditionally with salt and pepper vinegar and tomato paste the British pub has been at the heart of local l Add the oil and flour to the casserole l Add the drained potatoes communities and it’s slightly troubling to dish and, on a high heat, brown the l Add the oregano observe that while pubs are closing at an chicken for a couple of minutes each l Give what should be quite a full pot a alarming rate, coffee shops are springing up side but don’t cook it through good stir, put the lid on and cook in just as quickly. As Peter Wells said, ‘Perhaps l Remove the chicken and put to the oven for 90 minutes at 1800C. coffee shops are filling the void.’ He may be one side l Remove from the oven, take the lid off right. Perhaps it’s time for some of the failing l In the remaining oil sweat the chorizo and cook on the hob for a further 10 pubs in our area to adopt the principles of and then turn up the heat to cook with minutes to reduce the sauce quality and sustainability that have made the peppers, onions, chilli and garlic l Serve with seasonal vegetables and coffee shops so successful. for 3 or 4 minutes garnish with parsley. Simple and

delicious! Photo: Martin Pearson Photos courtesy of JACS

20 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 21 chiltern society EVENTS Events & Activities Spring 2017 Our events are open to everyone, but we offer our members discounted prices. Fires and Feasts be able to share one. Please check before Wild Foraging booking. Some light refreshments provided, but please bring a packed lunch. Fred Gillam has been foraging for over three Sat 25 Mar 10.30am-4pm decades. He’ll show you what you can safely Village Hall, Church Lane, pick, what to avoid, how to prepare your Hastoe, Herts HP23 6LU harvest and most importantly how to make Non-members £20 per adult sure that all this is done sustainably. Fred has Members £14 per adult made recent appearances with Jeremy Vine and on ITV’s Countrywise. His courses are Gin Making Masterclass recommended by BBC Countryfilemagazine. Bring a packed lunch, camera and notepad! Join expert distillers to craft a handmade Learn to make good meals over a campfire Wed 12 Apr 11am-4pm Wayfarers gin. With over 20 flavours and out in the woods with few, if any, utensils. You Marlow Common North, Marlow, Bucks single botanical tinctures, you’ll have the can expect to be baking, steaming, roasting Non-members £35 per adult tools to create a truly exceptional gin that’s and cooking a variety of foods. We’ll cover Members £25 per adult unique to you. The session begins with tool use, knives and saws, and show you how a whistle-stop tour through the history to make useful items for cooking. There will and production of the UK’s most popular Campfire Bread Baking be some foraging and firewood collecting. We spirit. Price includes gin tastings and a Expert David Willis will introduce you to hope to gather and use wild garlic. We’ll be 500ml bottle of your gin. The course will making traditional yeasted breads and other baking some fresh bread and bannock too. 1 breads such as bannock, flat breads and ash last for 1 /2 -2 hours. We’re delighted to be Sat 18 Mar 10am-4pm partnering with The Treehouse who have cakes. The course will cover campfires and Private woodland, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks agreed to produce our very own gin later fire lighting; ensuring fires are hot enough Non-members £75 per adult this year! for baking; maintaining the fire; pots and Members £60 per adult Thu 6 Apr 7.30-9.30pm or pans; tool use; Dutch ovens and improvised Thu 18 May 7.30-9.30pm ovens. There will be recipes for all the Masterclass in The Treehouse, 25 Aylesbury End, breads and a chance to experiment with Patisserie Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 1LU bakes, adding different ingredients. Non-members per adult Sat 15 Apr 10am-4pm Cinnamon Square is renowned for its baking £60 Members per adult Captain’s Wood, Chesham, Bucks HP5 2XJ workshops. Learn to make the perfect sweet £50 Non-members £55 per adult pastry and use it to line a range of different Members £45 per adult sized baking foils. From these pastry bases Chocolate Egg you’ll go on to make Tarte au Citron, Tarte au Bluebell Walk Chocolat, Fruit Tart, Raspberry Frangipane Decorating & Truffle and Strawberry Frangipane. Learn to make Workshop and Pub Lunch creme patisserie to fill your fruit tarts, plus Join us on an easy walk with stunning different finishing techniques, before boxing views through beautiful woodland, which up your delightful pieces to take home! Price includes a stop at Ashridge Visitor Centre includes tea or coffee on arrival, plus lunch. and finishes with a delicious pub lunch at Tue 21 Mar 10am-2.30pm The Bridgewater Arms. We hope there will Cinnamon Square, 7-9 Church Street, be plenty of bluebells. The walk will be c5 Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 1BX miles with a total ascent of 100m. Some Non-members £122 per adult sections will be muddy. Well-controlled Members £112 per adult dogs welcome. A two course set menu will be forwarded to attendees nearer the time. ViewRanger Easter is a time for chocolate! Learn how to Wed 26 Apr 10am-2pm – Master the App (Advanced) temper chocolate and discover easy ways to Meet at The Bridgewater Arms, Little Learn how to create and publish your own decorate your Easter eggs. Decorate at least Gaddesden, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1PD routes. Enter a route on the web, then four half eggs to take home, and make easy Non-members £15 per adult download to your smartphone. Follow your Easter place names. Learn about ganaches, Members £12 per adult route, noting details in the field, before hand rolling truffles and making chocolate revising and publishing. To participate you thins. Take home everything you make! Whittling and Woodcraft should already be confident in downloading Sat 8 Apr 10am-12.30pm In a lovely woodland setting you’ll spend and following routes with ViewRanger. You’ll L’ Auberge du Chocolat, 28 Chess Business the day learning to carve a range of wooden need access to a laptop, desktop or tablet Park, Moor Road, Chesham, Bucks HP5 1SD utensils under the expert guidance of to get the most from the course. If you don’t Non-members £45 per adult David Willis. You’ll also be guided along the have a laptop/tablet you can bring, you may Members £40 per adult woodland trail, learning to identify specific

22 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 23 news & views

trees and understanding which ones are good for these projects. Sat 20 May 10am-4pm Bottom Wood, Stokenchurch, Bucks HP14 3XD Non-members £55 per adult Members £45 per adult ViewRanger – Master The App (Beginners) The individual walks in our book, 50 Great Walks in the Chilterns, are now available to download via ViewRanger – an exciting app that allows you to access trails and Get into your stride at the maps from your phone or tablet. Join us for a day of expert training on how to use Chilterns Walking Festival the app, followed by a walk to test out your new skills. The price includes lunch, plus When was the last time you explored a different part of the Chilterns? The new refreshments throughout the day. Chilterns Walking Festival in May offers the perfect incentive for a change of scenery Thu 25 May 10.30am-4pm – a chance to venture further afield and try somewhere, and something, fresh. The Clare Foundation, Wycombe Road, Saunderton, Bucks HP14 4BF l Non-members £34 per adult The Chiltern Society is one of many Hemel Hempstead and Bovingdon: Members £28 per adult partners involved in developing this an invitation from The Boxmoor Trust exciting programme of walks, rides and to explore Gadespring Cress Bed and House & activities. The first festival programme learn more about its history as a former Gardens Private Tour runs from 15-29 May and features guided watercress farm walks and events, seasonal highlights l Henley-on-Thames: board a Hobbs Home to the Stonor family for over 850 like woodland bluebell trails, and themed of Henley boat and cruise along the years, the house, nestling among wooded walks including food and drink, health, Iron famous regatta course, enjoying Chiltern hills, is unpretentious yet grand. A Age hillforts and popular culture, such as fabulous views of the Thames, wooded brick façade with Georgian windows conceals Midsomer Murders film locations. There Chiltern hills and rolling meadows. older buildings dating back to the 12th and will be more than 70 walks and activities, Disembark at Mill End and walk back to 14th centuries. Mass has been celebrated in offering choice and variety whatever your Henley (2 miles) along The the Catholic chapel since medieval times. The gardens offer outstanding views of the park, age, interests or fitness level, including National Trail, with a guide to point out and contain fine displays of irises, peonies, walks for young families and people with the wildlife and many sights lavenders and roses, along with other limited mobility, not to mention ‘I-never- l Eat an ‘ancient feast’ with a recreated herbaceous plants and shrubs. We’ll have knew-that’ interpretative walks and even Iron Age menu. exclusive access to the house and grounds. boat walks. Some walks and activities will Guests are welcome to visit the gardens and take place over several days. Enthusiastic local guides and walk shop after the tour. Price includes tea, coffee The full programme is available on the leaders will be sharing their deep love and biscuits on arrival. website (see below) and highlights include: and understanding of the Chilterns Thu 1 Jun 10.30am-12.30pm l Henley-on-Thames: a guided walking landscape past and present, as well as Stonor Park, Stonor, Henley-on-Thames, tour of the town’s Midsomer Murders helping participants to develop a deeper Oxon RG9 6HF film locations, bringing to life various appreciation of the area’s many special Non-members £14 per adult plotlines and featuring ‘stand in their qualities. Members £11 per adult shoes’ activities A new dedicated website and user- l Leisurely days of countryside cycling on friendly online booking system provides all an Electric Bike Tour, perfect if you’ve the dates, themes and details of the walks More events will be added in the near future. ever wanted to find out what these and activities programme. For up-to-date Already in the pipeline for June are Botanical vehicles can do information and to secure your places on Illustration, Tour and Tasting at Brightwell l Chalfont: a series of woodland walks, walks and activities, please go to www. Vineyard and Alpaca Fun with Cupcake Decorating & Needlefelting. where participants explore the outdoor visitchilterns.co.uk/walksfest, or get arts of bushcraft, foraging and bread updates on Facebook. How to book making Booking is essential, as we have limited The Chilterns Walking Festival will take place in spring and autumn for the next three places available. For more information and years, funded by a LEADER grant secured by the Chilterns Conservation Board. to book please go to www.chilternsociety. org.uk, or call our office on 01494 771250.

22 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 23 photogroup news Depth of field

Barry Hunt celebrates both quality and quantity Top: Ivinghoe (D Lawson), inset: Cholesbury (A Beck) Now in its 13th year, the Online Photographic Exhibition for 2017 raised the bar still Right top to bottom: Mandarin duck, (A Hannaford), Thames at Cliveden (M King), further – 369 photographs were submitted by 33 authors. Chris Smith, the Exhibition A Chilterns lane (R Darrah), The Queen’s 90th birthday editor, said it was particularly pleasing that this year’s bumper collection included crown and cushion by Tring knitters (J Scafe) entries from 11 new contributors.

It’s an encouraging development, A conservationist’s Diary dates especially since the standard of creative excellence throughout the five categories ‘My Chilterns’ Tom Way, an award-winning wildlife was as high as ever. This was endorsed photographer, is our guest speaker on by Stan McCartin, an experienced camera Speaking of photographic excellence, Saturday 18 March. He holds workshops and club judge and lecturer, whose informative Clive Ormonde has compiled a new leads photographic safari tours. His work is comments give us valued insights into album of photographs for our photo widely published. There will be an on-the- what makes a fine photograph. Be sure archive. The extended captions for the door collection of £3. Indoor meetings are to follow the link to his Exhibition review 38 photographs give a personalised held from 10.30am to 12.30pm in The Lounge, if you’re visiting the site for the first account of his extensive exploration of Amersham Community Centre, Chiltern time at www.chilternphoto.org.uk/index/ the Chilterns which lie predominantly Avenue, Amersham HP6 5AH. Free parking is category/267. southwest of Henley-on-Thames. Follow available at weekends in the nearby council The Exhibition is not a competition, this link to enjoy a fascinating photo- offices car park, south of the Centre on the so there are no prizes. It’s open to all biography: www.chilternphoto.org.uk/ south side of King George V Road. Society members. All the images were index/category/274. Make a note of the following dates taken in UK locations, including, of course, for this year’s outdoor meetings: Friday the Chilterns (as reflected in the photos 12 May, Thursday 13 July and Friday 22 chosen here). September. Details to be confirmed.

24 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 25 Photogroup competition Puzzle picture: 84

The building in the picture is in the centre of a town in Hertfordshire. What’s the building and in which town is it situated? Send your entry to Ian Bullock, 11 The Willows, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5NT or to puzzlepic@ chilternphoto.org.uk. If using email, please include your postal address so that, if you win, your prize can be sent to you. The draw will take place on 18 March. The winner will receive £10. Photo: Q Barrett Puzzle picture: 83 The answer

The plaque is on Brunel’s railway bridge over the Thames at Maidenhead. It’s one of the longest spans in the world and was considered unsafe when built. Time has proved otherwise. There were 25 correct entries. The winner was Gill Lambie of Woodrow, Amersham. Photo: M Bowker

24 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 25 news & views Doing my bit Meet the Society’s new Walks Co-ordinator, Paul Weller I think you have to be very gullible to accept this role. ‘It only takes a couple of evenings four times a year…’ I was told, and I fell for it! But Judy Sonley, Walks Co-ordinator for the past eight years, needed a rest and a change – what patience and stamina she must have had to do the job for all that time!

Coincidentally it was eight years ago that My interest in walking started when I I first encountered the Chiltern Society. I’d was in short trousers, initially in the Kent spent 45 years on construction projects countryside, then further north in Yorkshire throughout Britain, and I too wanted a and Scotland, and after that in Germany. Paul (left) with fellow walks designer Andrew Clark (Photo: Colin Drake) rest, but I needed something to keep my Following our marriage my wife and I brain active, so I applied for the vacant walked around Spain, France and Portugal, position of Walks Co-ordinator with the but since moving to Marlow we’ve really this ‘minor’ role! Any charity which commits Society. Judy applied as well. She got the enjoyed the diverse scenery and habitats of itself to caring for 650 square miles of the job! My consolation prize was to dig deep the Chilterns, which we explore by rambling rolling Chiltern Hills, primarily through the holes, erect heavy gates and clip high through the countryside and viewing goodwill of hundreds of volunteers, has my hedges with the Path Maintenance Team. the hills from the Thames while floating vote, so I decided to do my bit. After three years my ageing body was upstream to Goring and Oxford. Consequently here I am, a novice Walks complaining, so I took up the more leisurely Anyway, back to Judy wishing to unload Co-ordinator. I aim to participate in more pursuits of inspecting footpaths, helping her responsibilities. The Society’s higher of the Wednesday and Sunday walks. Do to develop walks for the magazine, and management took the view that since I had come along, and if we meet please have a volunteering at one of our nature reserve failed the first time I should try again, so I chat and let me know what you think of our sites in Marlow. was ‘head hunted’ and persuaded to accept walking programme. Meet our new trustees

We’re delighted to welcome two new recruits, whose skills and experience we’re sure will be a great asset to the Society. We asked them to introduce themselves to you.

My most recent role was as BBC Radio’s Senior General News Correspondent, focusing mainly on reporting for Radio Alison 4. Since leaving the BBC I’ve written extensively on subjects related to the Hambleden weir and walking over the mountains and snow for the snow sports hills to the lovely villages of Skirmett and news website PlanetSKI. Hambleden. I enjoy outdoor pursuits, including I’ve volunteered as a trustee for running and walking in the Chilterns, the Society both to help the unique swimming, snow skiing and water skiing. I’m environments of the Chilterns and to Jane – not in the Chilterns! a member of Chiltern Harriers Athletic Club. help develop an education progamme I’m keen to use my communication and to encourage others, particularly young Jane Peel presentation skills, as well as my love for people, to become involved in the future I’m a journalist and broadcaster and have the Chilterns countryside, to assist the care of this unique area. I’m semi-retired lived in the Chilterns for more than 20 Society in its valuable role. and work part-time, teaching geology and years. I moved to Little Chalfont from geography in a south Buckinghamshire London with my partner in 1996. I offered Alison Barraclough school. As a senior examiner with the my services to the Chiltern Society after I national examination boards I have left the BBC in 2015, following a 30-year I’ve lived on the edge of the Chilterns for contact with a range of schools and career there covering some of the biggest over 30 years and enjoy the beauty of the teachers. I hope to use these experiences, news stories at home and abroad. I was beech woods and the tranquillity of and my involvement in educational an on-air News Correspondent for BBC the hidden valleys. One of my favourite writing, to encourage greater use of the Television, Radio and the World Service. walks involves crossing the river on the Chilterns as an outdoor classroom.

26 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 27 Chiltern farming Fair game?

Photo: Colin Drake Gill Kent gives a farmer’s perspective on culling

One of the most unpleasant tasks that a stock farmer has to undertake is the culling of on television – men with guns on news stock. The productive life of a dairy cow is on average six years, because when it fails to items and animals which often seem to become pregnant again it won’t continue to produce milk forever. The farmer cannot afford escape death on nature programmes. to go on feeding it (say £400-500 per annum), so has to send it for slaughter. As all the Until more of the population understand smaller abattoirs have been closed, this involves a long, uncomfortable journey (although that because Britain is an almost entirely not as tightly packed as for people on some railways, which would be illegal for cattle)! man-made environment, selective killing of any group of plants or animals, which have A dairy farmer knows each cow individually only animal that can kill a hedgehog. We no natural predators and are upsetting and many family farms keep one ‘favourite’ haven’t seen a hedgehog for years despite the balance of nature, becomes necessary. to enjoy a peaceful retirement. Apart from increasing the number of hedgerows, Television and the Chiltern Society could touches of sentimentality, farming people which are their natural feeding grounds. both help in this respect. have learned to cope with death, however The badger population has reached such Just as farmers feel the need to control unpleasant. Therefore, with TB currently a density that they’re digging up cricket badger numbers, foresters need to control rampant across the country, they see a pitches and villagers’ lawns looking for the number of squirrels and deer. Despite badger cull as necessary, not only to protect leatherjackets, and also raiding carefully tree guards, which only give a certain their cattle, but also chickens, bumblebees tended gardens for soft fruit. From the amount of protection while the sapling is and hedgehogs. farming point of view their setts present a very small, young broadleaved plantations In Victorian times badgers were big hazard, particularly in the middle of a are being destroyed by grey squirrels, glis classified as vermin and local parish councils crop or beside a track. If a tractor wheel falls glis and deer. Fortunately, the law permits were paid for the number they killed. This into a sett entrance, then the tractor may culling of all three. But the task is huge, resulted in their numbers being kept under topple over. We’re not, however, allowed to and at the moment the foresters seem to control. I don’t know when these payments fill in the entrance to the sett! be losing the battle. Why is it permissible ceased, but I do know that when we first As far as the general public are to shoot a deer and not a badger? lived in North Dean in 1960 we had two concerned, their knowledge of badger setts and now we have at least killing anything is limited seven. Badgers are reputed to be the to what they see Society footpath maps – don’t leave home without them!

Our 32 footpath maps give comprehensive coverage of the Chilterns, from and Hexton at one end to Goring and at the other.

1 Every kind of footpath, bridleway and other The maps are 2 /2 inches to 1 mile £1.95 to £2.99. The maps are available direct right of way is VERY clearly picked out, so (approx. 1:25000) scale, and even come with from the Society and in outlets across the you can get the most out of walking, riding up to four walks detailed on the back. Most Chilterns, including garden centres, pubs, and running in the Chilterns. of them are in colour, and prices range from shops and tourist information centres.

26 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 27 news & views Working together for the Chilterns

an international environmental charity conducting research and conservation around the world. She’s effusive about the Chiltern Society and its work. ‘I cannot emphasise enough how significant the work of the Society and the supporters of the Society are for the landscape,’ she says. ‘Some might think that we are in competition because our purposes are very similar. In fact it is the absolute opposite. This model of public sector organisations and charities working together to care for the natural environment has been incredibly successful in the UK for over a century. We are so lucky to have organisations like the National Trust, Wildlife Trusts and Woodland Trust, and the Chiltern Society is part of this success story. The Society’s work on footpaths, planning and looking after 12 sites, for example, is just an incredible contribution to the Chilterns. It has such a good combination Sue Holden with Ian Reay, Henry Aubrey-Fletcher and Lord Carrington of members supporting the broader cause, Peter Brown meets CCB Chief Executive, while at the same time having a large number of members volunteering very Sue Holden directly to deliver that cause.’ Since the Accord was signed, the Society The Chiltern Society and the Chilterns Conservation Board (CCB) are two organisations and the CCB have worked together on a with different histories but identical aims. In fact, our purpose in life is so similar we’re number of projects, including developing joined at the hip, says Sue Holden, Chief Executive of the Board. walking routes; continuing to pomote good building design via the Chilterns As the Chilterns region faces the most reviving and preserving historic sites and Building Design Awards; conserving historic daunting challenges in its history, many vital nature reserves, as well as ancient commons, and monitoring the health of people, including Sue, believe it’s more tracks and footpaths, while recording the local chalk streams. Projects in the pipeline important than ever that those of us who beauty of the landscape and promoting include the hillforts project ‘Beacons of love and cherish this rare and precious its many attractions. The CCB has a more the Past’, and a landscape partnership countryside work together to protect, formal background, having been established project which has Heritage Lottery Fund promote and value it. The signing of the by Parliament in 2004 as the independent support. ‘Working together for the common Chilterns Accord between the Society and statutory body for the Chilterns AONB. good of the Chilterns is a win-win for both the CCB 15 months ago, which pledged the Its board members comprise 27 people, organisations,’ says Sue. ‘I believe it is the two groups to work more closely together, 19 from local and parish councils and 8 way forward in a world where financial and was a first important step along a road that appointed by the Government. Although other support from the public sector is not will see us collaborating on a variety of its duties are laid down by the laboured secure. I look forward to working with the joint projects, not only to help protect the wording of an Act of Parliament, its aims Chiltern Society to care for this incredible special character of the Chilterns, but also are the same as the Society’s. place which can give so much to society at to highlight its unique heritage. Sue, who leads the CCB team from a large.’ Both organisations bring something modest office in Chinnor, is, however, no Because the CCB is Government funded, special to the party. The Society was dowdy civil servant. She’s a formidable Sue recognises that it has to find a balance formed more than 50 years ago, as environmentalist, bursting with enthusiasm with advocacy and influence. It has to ‘tread a campaigning group to protect the for the countryside and a passion for the carefully’ when dealing with campaigns, but Chilterns from the ravages of 20th Chilterns. She replaced Steve Rodrick as Sue regards ‘telling it straight’ and ‘dealing century development. Since then the chief officer in November 2015, after eight with evidence and facts’ as a strength, not charity’s hundreds of volunteers have years with the National Trust, nine years a weakness. As the recognised statutory been displaying their passion for the area as Chief Executive of the Woodland Trust authority for the Chilterns AONB, the by getting their hands dirty – managing, and then as CEO of Earthwatch Europe, CCB is able to harness the expertise of

28 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 29 Government agencies, local authorities, and ancient woodland, so pristine with soils the voluntary, community and charitable of immeasurable value. Add to that the organisations, to tackle issues and launch importance of clean water, good air quality, projects. Here’s how she views some of the carbon storage, tranquillity and dark skies – challenges ahead. all important for animal and human health. Spreading the message: ‘There are 10 The bigger the population of southeast million people who live in or within an England gets, the more important these hour’s drive of the Chilterns. Yet I think qualities become.’ many people do not have an understanding The pressure of development and of why the Chiltern landscape is valuable, infrastructure: ‘Local authorities should why it is protected, and why it has a real consider the cumulative impact of value to society. The Chilterns are as special development and take a very long-term as the Cotswolds and the Lake District. We view. They should look not only at the need to raise the profile of the Chilterns potential impact on the scenic beauty, a chance to rethink how land stewardship and ensure the residents in and around the but consider loss of habitat, loss of access is supported by the state. Land managers area understand the opportunity this place to the countryside, loss of clean water, should receive public support for delivering gives them for their recreation, health and clean air, good soils and the impact on public good, including access to the wellbeing. biodiversity.’ countryside and managing habitats.’ ‘The geology, ecology and wildlife Climate change and land management: Pests and diseases: ‘Unless we take action associated with a chalk landscape like the ‘In terms of climate change, the Chilterns collectively (everyone with land or a Chilterns are incredibly rare in the world. is one of the most threatened areas of garden) to control grey squirrels and glis Many people do not appreciate that 85 per protected landscape. Chalk habitats are glis (edible dormouse), we will not have cent of the world’s chalk streams are here very fragile. Beech trees are fragile. Climate the Chiltern trees we know and love in the in southern England. This is a landscape change will increase the extremes of future. We are not getting the regeneration of international significance. We need weather, especially rainfall and drought, in our woodland that we should. Diseases to promote its special qualities – from and these extremes will impact on the like ash dieback will have a devastating rare species that live on chalk grassland Chilterns landscape. Land management effect, so we must look after the trees we through to chalk streams, as well the area’s needs to focus on building resilience. I see have now and allow new trees to establish.’ cultural history, including its industrial Brexit as a chance to redesign how the

heritage. Sixty per cent of our woods are natural environment is managed in the UK… Photos courtesy of the CCB

I never thought I’d make so many friends in a care home

Quantum Care homes provide a friendly, stimulating atmosphere with the human warmth to help you enjoy life in a comfortable, homely environment. We choose dedicated, well-trained staff for whom caring is more than just a job, and locations which are in the heart of the local community. For more information on any of our homes or services: www.quantumcare.co.uk

Real life experiences... at Dukeminster Court & Trefoil House

• Residential and Respite Care • Accredited providers of Specialist Dementia Care • Competitive fee rates, not for profit

Trefoil House Dukeminster Court Birdsfoot Lane Dukeminster Road Luton, LU3 2DN Dunstable, LU5 4FF [email protected] [email protected] 01582 494158 01582 474700

28 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 29 Street wise chiltern HERITAGE Above: Cricket on the green (Photos: John Hockey)

John Hockey examines road names in his home village of Edlesborough

I first developed an interest in the names of streets, avenues, closes and the like when we lived in Harlington in mid-Beds. We were asked by the local history group to do some research into the more unusual village road names. Living on the corner of Daubeney Close, which meant nothing to me, this seemed a good place to start. I discovered that Daubeney was in fact a modification of D’Albini, referring to Nigel D’Albini who had his castle at nearby Cainhoe, not far from Ampthill, and was a supporter of William the Conqueror.

Turning up some old papers recently, I make their way towards , thought it might be useful to do a little we have Brook Street and Waterside, and research on the village where I now reside, indeed one such stream runs right under the namely Edlesborough in Bucks, not far from village green, hidden from view. the border with Beds. Perhaps the more interesting road names Many Chiltern villages will have roads are those that can trace their etymology relating to notable geographic features and back to events and people in the distant Edlesborough is no exception. We have past. Good Intent is one example. The Good our Chiltern Avenue and Intent Beer House was originally called (the latter relating to the track supposedly The Axe and Compass (itself possibly a used by Boudicca, queen of the Iceni tribe, corruption of ‘The Acts encompasseth us’), which stretches all the way to East Anglia). and in that hostelry a Manchester company Having a prominent church on the hill, we called Good Intent Insurance rented a have Church Croft but also, more unusually room where they took subscriptions and St Mary’s Glebe, referring to land used to issued policies against unemployment and support the parish priest. The word glebe sickness. It became an ‘in joke’ that when comes from the French via Latin, meaning a man was asked where he was going, he clod or soil. There are references in the would say he was ‘off to Good Intent’ rather village to more rural activities such as Cow than the pub! Confusingly, a new pub called Lane, Orchard End and The Pastures. In The Axe and Compass was built nearby in addition, being a parish through which run 1888. It had a large verandah from where tributaries of the River Ouzel, the springs interested spectators would watch cricket of which start from Dunstable Downs and being played on the huge green that is still

30 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 31 the jewel in the crown of Edlesborough. referring to the fact that being furthest from On the opposite side of the green to the both the church and school, it was where all pub is a road fittingly calledThe Green. the late-comers lived! Ancient activities are remembered in the Sometimes road names are changed romantically named Taskers Row, a little for the benefit of the residents.C ocks further round from the green. This terrace Lane or Cocks Close, named after a field with its Victorian frontage is in fact much seen on old tithe maps, apparently caused older. Here lived the ‘taskers’ who flailed some embarrassment to those who lived the corn to winnow away the chaff, perhaps there and the sign was stolen more than in the massive 16th century tithe barn that once as a prank. It’s now the more prosaic abuts the High Street. Pebblemoor, which, given the number of Major employers and landowners always flints around the village and the marshy seem to be remembered in road names of nature of ground in days gone by, is perhaps villages and Edlesborough has Brownlow more appropriate. An extension of this road, Avenue, commemorating the famous family curving up towards the A4146 that runs that owned Ashridge from 1849 until 1921. alongside the top of the village, has no road The parish of Ashridge at one time was sign and is known even by local community Corner Farm some three times the size of the present police officers asNo Name Road. estate, and included Edlesborough and Eaton Gate is an appropriately named As for the village itself, Edlesborough is surrounding villages. Other landowners and group of modern houses close to the Anglo-Saxon in origin, meaning ‘Eadwulf’s their residences have left their mark and it’s border between Eaton Bray in Beds and Barrow’ or hill. In the Domesday Book, it’s believed that a manor house complete with Edlesborough in Bucks. In fact the boundary listed as ‘Eddingberge’. I hope this short dovecote was situated near the thatched now follows the Ouzel stream, which tour of some of the more interesting names Corner Farm (the subject of a Chiltern flows under the road between the two in my village has encouraged you to look at Society Christmas card in 2016). This is villages. In the past the border was nearer the road names you know and maybe delve now recalled by Dove House Close, a well- Edlesborough and ran down a road known a little deeper into their history. established development of sought-after as Regent Street, now called Summerleys, bungalows. Tracing your way from the Close, named after the land laid down as pasture Photographs of Edlesborough can Slicketts Lane is encountered. This may be for a single season, on either side of the be found on our PhotoGroup’s a corruption of ‘Sluggard’s Lane’, perhaps cul-de-sac. website: www.chilternphoto.org.uk

New Full-time Premises in

just off the High Street - between Robert Gatward Jewellers & Tim Russ Estate Agents AMERSHAM THAME The Thame Team

Hearing Consultations

Supply, fit, repair and management of all makes of hearing aids

Clinical Ear Care - including Wax Removal using Micro-suction

Children’s Hearing Screening

Ear Protection & Advice for these locally sourced products Chiltern Rapeseed Oil • Buckinghamshire Ice Cream Chiltern Natural Foods • Chiltern Ridge Apple Juice Local Free Range Eggs Buckinghamshire Honey For appointments or information call:- • Gem’s Dry Skin Cream Thame Amersham 01844 396057 01494 733840 www.astonhearing.co.uk

30 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 31 Who killed Cock Robin? chiltern wildlife Photo: George Stebbing-Allen George Stebbing-Allen investigates

Towards the end of 2014 or early 2015, it was decided – among all the other pressing evidence of its DNA) from thrushes to Old matters of the day – to hold a poll to find Britain’s National Bird. You will have your own World flycatchers. The more you dig, the opinion on that, and on the ‘overwhelming choice’ of the robin. I expressed mine in a more you find. letter to the Daily Telegraph which they were kind enough to print on 13 June 2015, and The seminal work on the robin is I quote from it as follows: ‘I fear international derision at the idea that a country with David Lack’s magisterial The Life of the pretensions to a leading world position has chosen a “little dicky bird” instead of, say, a Robin, in which he paints a remarkably barn owl (wisdom) or a golden eagle (power and might).’ I voted for the barn owl – by different picture of our little dicky bird which I meant no disrespect to the robin – merely to attach wisdom to the councils of on the gardener’s spade. Two epithets the then new government, and to complete the analogy of the Greek owl compared to characterise the robin – territorial and the Roman eagle (UK vs USA, if you get my drift)! Incidentally, my letter provoked some aggressive – both of which are taken interesting correspondence – did you know, for instance, that the national bird of Norway to extremes. Cock robins will fight is the dipper? any other male that intrudes into their closely guarded territory; and Lack even The robin is, I suggest, the leader of a it’s held by the British. Another one could showed that they would fight a bunch of small pack of birds that are recognisable be its suitability as a Christmas icon, red red feathers dangled in an appropriate to, and regarded with affection by non- breast against green Christmas tree. location, or even their own reflection in birdwatchers, the others being kingfishers, Looking more closely at the robin, a window pane. If you see two robins swallows and puffins. This affection is we find its scientific name is Erithacus apparently co-existing harmoniously, engendered by the robin’s ubiquity in rubecula; Erithacus from the Greek – they’re probably a mated pair. A popular our gardens, and its apparent lack of fear eruthros meaning red or reddish – as misconception is based on the fact that around humans. Think of the robin perched mentioned by Aristotle and others, and robins are not sexually dimorphic – that’s on the gardener’s spade; think too of the rubecula as a diminutive derived from the to say both sexes appear the same, when title page of Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Latin ruber, meaning red. (Note the danger many people imagine they’re different. Peter Rabbit; yes, there’s a robin on a of referring to scientific names as simply On the ground at my bird feeding station, spade there too. All it’s doing is waiting ‘Latin’ derivations – robin has both Latin robins can often be seen in the not very for the spade to turn up worms and other and Greek). The robin was first described close company of dunnocks or hedge comestibles, not offering the metaphorical by Linnaeus in 1758 in the 10th edition of sparrows, to which they’re not immediately hand of friendship. This robin behaviour is his Systema Naturae under the binomial related. Dunnocks are plumaged in unique to the British Isles, because on the name Motacilla rubecula. The Motacilla is of subdued greys and browns, and are continent it’s seen as a shy and retiring interest as it’s now applied to wagtails, fly- sometimes incorrectly thought of as ‘Mrs woodland bird. Maybe, subliminally, this catching birds; and the robin has recently Robin’. is also a reason for the affection in which been reclassified (presumably on the So who did kill Cock Robin? The answer

32 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 33 lacey green windmill

is more complicated than you might think and exists at two levels. The first Opening hours 2017 is the nursery rhyme, presumably used as an early example to children of good The Windmill will be open from 2pm to 5pm on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from and bad. Robin is obviously good and Sunday 2 April to Sunday 24 September. This includes four Bank Holiday Mondays, deserving of pity, but why demonise the 17 April, 1 May, 29 May and 28 August. For National Mills Weekend, we’ll be open from sparrow? Perhaps because it rhymes with 2-5pm on Saturday 13 May, and from 11am-5pm on Sunday 14 May. Chiltern Society arrow, and this ushers in the second level. members are admitted free during our normal opening hours on production of their Nursery rhymes often have their origins in membership cards. For further information about the Windmill, travelling to it and parking, historical events, as witness Ring o’ Roses please see our website www.laceygreenwindmill.org.uk. memorialising the Great Plague of 1665. The words of Who killed Cock Robin? are As well as the more regular cleaning and or are experts who spend as much of their said to refer to the death of Robin Hood general maintenance of the Windmill, in time as they can visiting mills across the and not that of a bird. The legend of Robin the last year our volunteers have built a country, and even across the world. I’m Hood is based in folk memory on the idea new set of steps, a new handrail and a always pleased to hear from anybody who that he stole from the rich and gave to the new display explaining some of the 19th might be interested in helping us open the poor. The full text of the nursery rhyme/ century mechanisation that was fitted to Windmill to visitors, as well as showing folk song describes how help was offered the mill’s original 17th century machinery. some of the work of the many dedicated from all quarters following the death We’re also very grateful to our volunteers who saved it and started its of Cock Robin, thus reflecting the high volunteers who in 2016 opened the restoration 46 years ago. esteem in which Robin (Hood?) was held Windmill to 1,070 visitors. It’s always Please feel free to contact me, Michael by the common folk. The robin is certainly rewarding to show visitors the unique mid- Hardy, Windmill Manager by email at embedded deep into legend and folklore. 17th century wooden machinery, whether [email protected] or call Let’s now turn to Shakespeare and in they’ve never been in a windmill before, 01844 275871. particular A Midsummer Night’s Dream, where Puck is the familiar of Oberon, King of the Fairies; and in English folklore Puck, sometimes known as Robin Goodfellow, Sunday Morning Ride is a domestic and nature sprite. In Act 2 Scene 1 we read ‘... Or else you are that Ben Williams shrewd and knavish sprite/Called Robin Gentle Chiltern Sunday morning, Goodfellow: are not you he/That frights Little Kingshill, Naphill, Speen, the maidens of villagery/Skim milk, and Clipped securely, past the horses, sometimes labour in the quern/And Lycra-clad through Lacey Green. bootless make the breathless housewife churn/... Are you not he?’ If the butter Lycra-clad through Loosley Row and won’t churn properly, why blame the Parslow’s Hillock. Sweep across housewife when there’s a perfectly good Steeply wooded chalk escarpment, naughty sprite called Robin Goodfellow? Then swoop down past Whiteleaf Cross. You can’t disprove it, can you? Swooping down and round through Cadsden, The association of Robin Goodfellow Chequers, Dunsmore, nearly done. with Puck, and the red of the robin’s breast Kings Ash, Chartridge, where I started, with the green of the Christmas tree leads Chainring spinning in the sun. me into some folkloric speculation. I’ve often wondered about the origins of that Sometimes further, Fingest, Skirmett, Pity those who seek perfection most mystical of creatures – the Green Hop off, stop in at The Frog, Chasing incremental gains, Man. The most common and perhaps most Finely tune the rear Derailleur, Glory in this perfect patchwork, obvious interpretation of the Green Man Check for wear each jag-toothed cog. Ridges, hedgerows, rocky lanes. is that of a pagan nature spirit/sprite (see Check for wear each weary muscle, Rocky Lane in name and nature, Puck, above), a symbol of our reliance on Pedalled legs at length revive, Red kites circle overhead, and union with nature, of the underlying Fruit cake, flapjack. Eat up, head back, Slender tyres ascending smoothly, life force and of the renewed cycle of Drink the vista. Feel alive. Blessed flint-resistant tread. growth each spring. He may even represent a male counterpart to Gaia/the Earth Feel alive and grasp the moment, Blessed be the force or forces Mother/the Great Goddess. I like to think, ‘Ever been to ?’ Which preserve this countryside. perhaps counterintuitively, that Puck/ Time resists that twisting detour, Show your true appreciation, Robin Goodfellow does have a connection Pity, go next week instead. Grab your steed. Go out and ride. with the Green Man; and if I’m right I find it amazing that the robin in our garden This charming and evocative poem was written by Ben Williams in honour of his late father. Ben can lead us right back into the mists of our was the cyclist – his father’s favoured mode of transport was an open-topped sports car! Ben pagan, nature-worshipping past. now lives in Australia. The poem was given to me by their family friend, Merelene Davis. Editor

Consider that when you next see a robin Photographs of several locations in the poem can be found on our PhotoGroup’s at your bird feeder! website: www.chilternphoto.org.uk

32 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 33 No beds rest ewelme watercress beds • oxon

Tom Stevenson and Ann Truesdale look forward to an active 2017

We started 2017 looking forward to another year of wildlife highlights and we weren’t disappointed, with teal and raven recorded in the first few days. We’ve seen as many as four little egrets on the beds this winter. We’re wondering if the mandarin duck that visited for the first time last year was a one-off.

The new pond on the lower site has made a New Year resolution to come and been named ‘The Old Mill Pond’ (having help us. We work on the site throughout discarded ‘Pondy Mcpondy-face’ because the year, but at the December and Photos: Colin Drake it had too many letters). It already looks January work mornings the Friends of the well established and is quite a feature, Watercress Beds provided lunch to warm the Dr Anne Millar Day in the summer with its newly installed hurdle fence made up the volunteers at the end of their work holidays. If you’d like to be kept informed, by volunteers using material sourced on session. They also offer lunch at the May so you can book a place for your child, site. This still water should encourage or June workday. Work mornings are held please contact Margaret Connolly on a wider range of species to the nature on the first Saturday and third Wednesday 07879 461593 ([email protected]) or reserve, including dragonflies and every month, from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Ann Truesdale on 01491 835173. Evening damselflies. We also hope that it will be Please contact Tom on 01491 836888 events are free, but you need to book, and discovered by frogs, toads and perhaps or [email protected] for places are given on a first-come, first- newts – exciting times waiting to see what more details, or to be added to the email served basis. Children must be aged 7-12 appears! Last year’s rainfall was close to circulation list. Alternatively just turn up. years and are asked to bring wellies and average, but the second half of the year, Bring wellies if you’d like to get into the an adult if they wish to attend. which is when the aquifer gets recharged, stream to work on reinstating the side If you haven’t visited the site, do was below average, and the flow was on channels. This is especially important for come to one of our events held on the the low side as we entered the new year. those located alongside gardens, but also first Sunday in the month. There will be On a beautifully frosty sunny morning elsewhere, to allow any unwanted material morning guided walks in March and April at the beginning of January, Wallingford that falls into the stream to flow through. (10.30am start) or Open Afternoons from Green Gym members worked with Tom As usual our thanks go to the Friends of May to September. We show a short film, Stevenson and Wallace Miners to clear the Watercress Beds for organising the made in the 1960s, of the old watercress (mainly) very heavy mud from one of the annual village quiz. industry, before taking you round the beds. We hope to replant this bed in the Children’s Activity events are held upper and lower sites. For more details spring, and that some of our readers have in the autumn and spring term, and on see panel opposite.

34 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 35 Manufacturers & Suppliers of Quality Fencing & Garden Buildings to the Trade & DIY Fence Panels & Posts Closeboard Trellis & Palisade Concrete Posts Entrance & Side Gates Decking & Sleepers Field Fencing Chainlink Sheds & Garden Ewelme Watercress Beds Buildings Friendly Advice 01296 623139 Local Nature Reserve Large Stocks Delivery Service Aston Hill, Aston Clinton, HP23 6LD Open afternoons www.cheshamfencing.co.uk First Sunday of the month 7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 6 August, 3 September Visitors welcome between 2 and 4.30pm Relax with a cup of tea and cake beside the stream Take a walk round the nature reserve – either self-guided or with one of our guides Adults £3, members of the Chiltern Society and accompanied children free. No need to book No dogs please, except guide dogs. Sensible footwear is advisable

Peterley Manor Farm Pick Your Own - June to October Strawberries, Raspberries, Summer Vegetables and lots more! Please check our website for full availability. 2017 Farm Shop - Open all Year Fully stocked with homegrown and local artisan food products. Now in store local ales and premium wines. Cafe reopens Wild Strawberry Cafe “in the yurt” early SOMETHIN Open for homemade Breakfast, Lunch and Cakes March G Tuesday-Saturday; Sunday Breakfast only till 12 noon. NEW IS CO MING 01494 863 566 [email protected] www.peterleymanorfarm.co.uk Opening Times: Tues-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm. Sat 8.30am -5pm. Sun 9am-1pm. Address: Peterley Manor Farm, Peterley Lane, HP16 0HH

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK AND cholesbury INSTAGRAM FOR NEWS ON 2017 RELEASES tree fellers local family business sign up to our newsletter at established 30 years WWW.TRINGBREWERY.CO.UK chesham based • all aspects of tree surgery undertaken • • woodchips supplied • • contractor to local authority • mulch supplied, ideal for water retention tel: and01494 weed suppr 771180essor mob: 07939 135056

34 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 35 LETTERS Tidal wave threatens the Chilterns Paul Mason, by email

I was struck by your editorial in Chiltern 222 regarding the comments by Bill Bryson about the dangers of taking our countryside for granted and the enlightened planning policies that created the green belt. How true. It would be interesting, but alarming, to compare old maps of the Chilterns with current versions. There have been enormous changes over the last 50 years with the growth of towns and settlements. Now there is an emerging risk from a tidal wave of planning applications that could sweep away much of what is special about the Chiltern landscape during the next 50 years.

Government planning guidelines for too many to list. The proposal for estimating future housing demand Aylesbury Garden Town at least offers are clumsy and flawed. Most local the possibility of a sensible way to authorities are seemingly put in a balance housing and employment position where they feel the need demands, while addressing to take a cavalier and short-sighted infrastructure and access requirements. approach to the beauty and heritage of On the other hand, the Government’s the Chilterns. Housing White Paper might contain In the meantime, I am sure that all At the time of writing, Chiltern and some worrying aspects. members of the Society would wish South Bucks District Councils have It will be difficult to challenge these to thank our Planning Group Field a combined target of nearly 15,000 threats, but organisations like the Officers who do a sterling job providing dwellings in just 20 years, including a Chiltern Society and local branches balanced and constructive comment on proposal to release over 400 hectares of the Campaign to Protect Rural planning proposals across the Chilterns. of green belt land for more than 5,000 England (CPRE) have a role to play. Their efforts are central to the role that homes. Council is Their efforts, either campaigning alone the Society can play in the protection calling for about 13,000 dwellings, or together as like-minded entities, and enhancement of the Chilterns. Bill including major developments in can make a difference in protecting Bryson should be proud of them. Princes Risborough and on land the AONB and green belt from Paul Mason is a Chiltern Society and removed from the green belt. Central unwarranted development. One task CPRE (Bucks) trustee Bedfordshire is working on a new local could be to encourage local authorities plan expected to complete in mid- to be bold and challenge the rationale 2017, the outcome of which will have of permanently damaging the serious implications. Luton is looking countryside for the sake of complying Satisfied to expand into neighbouring green with planning guidelines unsuited belt. Hertfordshire is far from immune. for the special characteristics of the customer There are other potential developments Chilterns. Trevor Beale, by email

Improved access My wife and I have recently joined the Chiltern Society. I am to the north Chilterns writing to say how impressed I am with the newsletter – its Paul Coleman, by email layout, typefaces, colour and While checking out The Chiltern Way, The Chiltern Way Extension and The North general organisation look Chiltern Trail I discovered Arriva buses have recently doubled services through Lilley very professional indeed. One and Great Offley and switched the Luton terminus to the new Bus Rail interchange. comment on the Sundon Country See www.arrivabus.co.uk/herts-and-essex/updates/more-frequent-buses-between- Walk featured in the last issue – stevenage-hitchin-and-luton-from-30th-october-2016. we did it on 1 January, and it was very easy to follow, both the text This means that getting to the north minutes you can be en route to The and the map. We look forward to Chilterns by public transport just got Chiltern Way on the 101 bus, with an trying other walks in future, if they a lot easier. The train or busway can easy return. That’s a real improvement to are as well described as this one. be taken to Luton and then within 30 access to the hills.

36 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 37 GM – not CHILTERN open air museum witchcraft Jenny Strange, by email

I’m writing in response to Gill Kent’s interesting article, advocating a new attitude to GM technology, in Chiltern 222.

Wheat is the most widely grown and important food crop worldwide, but wheat yields have levelled out in recent years. As Gill Kent says, the global population is projected to rise to nine billion by 2050, and if yields of wheat and other foodstuffs are not increased there will be widespread famine at levels never before seen. It is estimated that yields need to increase by Lambs, longbows 70% by 2050 in order to feed the projected population, and genetic modification and more at COAM of crops could help to achieve this. At 1 April admission ‘by donation’ for first open day Rothamsted Research, the agricultural We start the 2017 season on Saturday 1 April. To mark this occasion, for one research station in Hertfordshire, scientists day only, visitors can enter the Museum by paying a donation of their choice, have been conducting trials on the genetic instead of the standard admission price. modification of wheat to increase yields 4 & 11 April Terrific Tuesday (11am-4pm) for many years, but the UK public has not A day of themed family crafts and activities. accepted this technology. Environmental lobbyists have claimed 14-17 April Traditional Easter that consumption of GM foods is detrimental Follow our Easter trail and take part in family crafts and activities. to human health, although there is no 22-23 April Meet the lambs scientific evidence of this, and despite the Meet the gorgeous spring lambs born at the Museum. Explore the traditional fact that GM foods have been consumed in Chilterns farm and lambing fold, and learn about the lambing traditions of the USA for years with no adverse effects Victorian farmers. to health or the environment. GM foods 30 April-1 May elizabethan Adventure have been demonised in the British press Discover life in the 16th century. Meet costumed re-enactors in the Museum’s with such headlines as ‘Frankenstein Foods’ historic buildings. Watch as the Elizabethans duel for your entertainment, and or ‘Mutant foods could kill you’ which have see exciting displays of artillery, from the longbow to the gun. influenced public opinion against such foods. 13 May e nchanted Museum, Museums at Night 4-8.30pm The EU has banned the cultivation of GM (Museum closed during day) crops and the UK is currently bound by EU As part of the national after-dark experience ‘Museums at Night’, the Museum rules. The Government’s Chief Scientific will open for a unique and exciting family evening event, with a magical Adviser, Professor Sir Mark Walport, has enchanted theme. Families can meet our unicorn, and enjoy storytelling, recommended that the UK should take crafts and spellbinding activities in the Museum’s historic buildings and advantage of its world class science base to grounds, lit by candles, lanterns and fires. Fancy dress encouraged! develop innovations such as GM foods, which could help the whole world to overcome 28-29 May Roman Gladiators food deficiencies. He has stated that the Watch Roman gladiators in action as a team of criminals, barbarians and UK’s present food security may not last in other prisoners of war, disgraced soldiers and thrill seekers fight for the the light of global population increases and entertainment of the crowds and the Emperor. Who will live, and who will climate change, and it cannot be taken for die? You decide! granted. Dr Norman Borlaug, the American COAM marked their 40th anniversary in 2016 with a special celebration scientist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, has attended by about 250 guests, including founder members of the Museum said that ‘genetic modification of crops and Chiltern Society members. Speeches were made by Chair of Trustees is not some kind of witchcraft; rather, it is Verena Clark, the current High Sheriff Milly Soames and Patron Countess the progressive harnessing of the forces of Howe, praising the successes of the Museum over the last 40 years, and a nature to the benefit of feeding the human toast with a legacy pledge was raised by the Lord Lieutenant Henry Aubrey- race.’ Perhaps we should take some notice Fletcher. The Museum has a 40th Anniversary Appeal, which has raised over of this. £20,000 so far to ensure its future.

36 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 37 What’s special about the Chilterns? chiltern wildlife

Basil thyme (Photos Tony Marshall) Asks Tony Marshall

Given that we inhabit an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, separated clearly from surrounding areas as a distinct chalk ridge and its clay-topped dip-slope, it seems legitimate to ask what’s special about its wildlife and plants.

Some of the characteristic species that Ragpits being a prime example), as well automatically spring to mind – bluebells, as a high percentage of the British orchid beech, red kite – just will not do. Bluebells flora. But, species by species, with one are widely distributed over the country possible rather weak exception, there’s no and, although the Chilterns has its share of orchid which appears in the Chilterns that excellent bluebell woods, they’re actually isn’t present elsewhere in the country, or more common in wetter areas further west. where the Chilterns have the majority of Most of our beech trees were planted – as the population. The real centre for orchids Striped lychnis moth caterpillar a native species it was probably not all in this country, at least those on chalk, is that dominant – and in any case it’s more Kent and Sussex. So no, orchids will not do. them, and most are rarely seen. But they’re evident further south, the Chilterns more The exception? For a long time the ghost the true Chiltern specialities. or less representing the northern limit of its orchid had its only site in the Chilterns, but Let’s start with one that does at least natural spread after the last Ice Age. Red it has since disappeared – last seen in 1986. draw some attention, not least because kites were introduced quite recently, and This would have meant that it was extinct it’s even named after the area, the Chiltern while the Chilterns are one of their main in Britain, and it was officially declared gentian (see Chiltern News, March 2012). areas of concentration at the moment, so in 2005, except that one was found in Like the other 18 plants, it’s not endemic they’re spreading rapidly. When I saw Herefordshire in 2008, meaning that now to Britain – its Latin name (Gentianella one near Hull a few years ago I stopped we can’t claim it as a Chiltern speciality. germanica) gives that away; but in this thinking of it as a Chilterns bird! There’s I saw it once, in the last year it was ever country the great majority of its sites are actually more of a case to be made for seen in the Chilterns, and took a grainy in the Chilterns. At many of these sites muntjac and fat dormouse, but they’re photograph in very low light (which is it’s quite abundant. It’s responsible for located here not because there’s anything where it always grew). another species on our list – its hybrid with special about the Chilterns (apart from its Nevertheless, there are 19 plants autumn gentian – Gentianella x pamplinii, abundance of woodlands), but because it’s mainly restricted to the Chilterns, or most which occurs regularly where the two grow where they first escaped from captivity. common in the Chilterns. The majority lack together. There’s even another gentian Many of you may be suggesting the ‘pizazz’ of bluebell or cowslip, so don’t on our list, the very rare fringed gentian ‘orchids’. It’s true that the Chilterns contain receive any fanfares in the tourist literature. (Gentianella ciliate), which only grows in some great orchid sites (Aston Clinton You’ve probably never heard of many of one place in this country, slap-bang in the

38 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 39 middle of the Chilterns. Few people have seen it – there aren’t many plants (there never have been as far as we know), it flowers unpredictably and only opens in full sunshine. In the right conditions it’s a beautiful flower. Why it only occurs here, why it neither seems to spread nor quite die out, no-one knows. I secretly harbour a hope that I shall one day find it at another site – there’s probably a better chance of this than of finding another ghost orchid! I always think a plant is very vulnerable when it only grows in one small spot. The gentians are part of a suite of 11 chalk grassland plants on our list,

which shows how special our remaining Chalk eyebright Dense-flowered fumitory grasslands are, although many of them are under threat. The most common of these species is the clustered bellflower, which can be found on most good grassland sites. It occurs quite widely on chalk and limestone elsewhere, but nowhere near as commonly as in the Chilterns. The same applies to another of our special plants, dark mullein, which grows in rougher grass, often along roadsides, and can be quite abundant. It’s most famous as being the sole host of a rare moth, the striped lychnis – a National Biodiversity Action Plan species. Its caterpillars, which feed on the seed pods, and the host plant, are

intensively monitored throughout the Narrow-fruited cornsalad Squinancywort Chilterns. The remaining six grassland species of these plants, all of which are annuals, anomalous. It’s confined to a restricted are all quite rare. The most exotic, and able to seed before harvest and needing area of woodlands on the dip-slope in rightly celebrated, is the pasque flower, disturbance of the soil to germinate the the central southern Chilterns, centred a large-flowered purple anemone with following year. A few farms are assisted on the and Beaconsfield bright yellow stamens and showy white through Environmental Stewardship areas, where it can be quite abundant. feathery fruits, which is very limited in its to maintain unsprayed ploughed strips Its only other site outside the Chilterns distribution. Its best sites are along the where these plants can survive. The rarest is the Weald of Kent, but it’s much rarer Chiltern escarpment in Bucks and Herts ones typical of the Chilterns comprise there. It was a late immigrant from the (see Chiltern, summer 2014). In scrubby three fumitories – dense-flowered, fine- continent just before the land-bridge areas you may be lucky to find a clump leaved and few-flowered; corn cleavers; was inundated by the North Sea, and of deadly nightshade with its rather and narrow-fruited cornsalad. The last is at its northern limit – in fact rather sinister purple flowers and shiny black one, small toadflax, is quite frequently beyond it, because the climate in this berries, every bit as poisonous as its name encountered in the Chilterns and may country isn’t sufficiently warm for long suggests. The others are quite small, but all also occur in disturbed soil elsewhere, enough for it to set seed. Its only method are more likely to be found in the Chilterns even in built-up areas. All these plants of propagation is by small bulbils, than anywhere else – the pale pink stars need a close look to appreciate the produced at the base of the leaves, of squinancywort (especially on ant hills), beauty of their flowers – they don’t flaunt which fall off and produce plants, clones basil thyme, chalk eyebright (difficult to themselves like poppies. of their parents. This explains why it tell from common eyebright) and wild With all the woodlands we have, it’s doesn’t spread beyond its current range, candytuft. Most of them grow in the barer surprising that few Chiltern specialities although it must once have grown all patches in the grass, and the preservation grow in them, perhaps because of the the way from Kent to Bucks when the of such patches, especially by making new intensive management the woods have weather was warmer, and has since died ‘scrapes’ is an important chalk grassland received over the centuries. Neither of out in between. Climate change may management tool. the final two on our list are difficult to benefit it, but only if we get long hot Candytuft also grows in arable land find. Many of our ancient woods on chalk summers, and current indications are that on chalk, in field boundaries out of the harbour the tall spikes of wood barley, mild wet ones are more likely. Something range of herbicide sprays, an important our only special grass, very conspicuous about the Chilterns is just right for it, habitat for six other species on our list. and usually abundant where it occurs. however, and it could be considered The rarity of this habitat these days is Finally there’s the pink-flowered as strong a candidate for flower of the reflected in the extreme scarcity of most coralroot, whose distribution is quite Chilterns as the eponymous gentian.

38 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 39 You must present your valid membership card to take advantage of these offers. Member The membership card is not transferable. Members who pay an annual subscription to the Chiltern Society will receive their new cards when they renew their membership. For latest information on discounts offers please check our website: www.chilternsociety.org.uk. Chiltern Society sites Buckinghamshire Railway River & Rowing Museum l Single members get one free adult entry Centre Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, l Family members get free entry for two Quainton, near Aylesbury HP22 4BY Berks RG9 1BF adults and up to three children under 18. www.bucksrailcentre.org www.rrm.co.uk 01491 415600 Ewelme Watercress Beds 01296 655720 Two adult tickets for the price of one. Valid Two adult tickets for the price of one. Open High St, Ewelme, Oxon OX10 6HQ to 31/10/17 (excludes ‘Day out with Thomas’ daily, 10am-5pm. Three galleries dedicated Historic watercress beds and local nature events). to rowing, rivers and the history of Henley, reserve. Guided walks are held on the the plus Wind in the Willows exhibition. first Sunday of each month until April. Start Contemporary art and photography 10.30am. Open Days 2-5pm on the first Chiltern Open Air Museum exhibitions, and calendar of nature trails, Sunday of each month May-September. Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, craft workshops and family days. Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4AB Lacey Green Windmill www.coam.org.uk 01494 872163 Stonor Two adult tickets for the price of one. Open Lacey Green, Bucks HP27 0PG Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames, daily 10am-5pm, 1 Apr-26 Oct. (Closing at The oldest surviving smock mill in the UK. 4pm in Oct). Exclusions are Bank Holiday Oxon RG9 6HF Open 2-5pm on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays and Halloween Spectacular. Not to www.stonor.com Mondays from 2 Apr to 24 Sept. be used in conjunction with any other offer. 01491 638587 One of England’s oldest manor houses – 850 Other sites and Ford End Watermill years of family history. Two adult tickets for Ivinghoe, Bucks LU7 9EA the price of one. Open Suns from 27 Mar to attractions 25 Sept & Bank Holiday Mons. Also Weds & www.fordendwatermill.co.uk Thurs in Jun, Jul & Aug; Weds in Sept, Sats Amersham Museum 01442 825421 in Aug. House open 1.30-5.30pm, last entry Buckinghamshire’s only working watermill 4.30. Gardens, chapel & tearoom open 12- 49 High Street, Amersham, Bucks HP7 0DP with original machinery – milling 5.30pm. Gift shop 1.30-5.30pm. www.amershammuseum.org demonstrations. 01494 723700 Free entry for Society members. See website The Roald Dahl Museum Two adult tickets for the price of one. Free for next Open Afternoons. entry for children. Museum closed until late and Story Centre spring. Please check website for further Leighton Buzzard Railway 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, information. Bucks HP16 0AL Page’s Park Station, Billington Road, www.roalddahlmuseum.org Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 4TN Bekonscot Model Village 01494 892192 www.buzzrail.co.uk 01525 373888 Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2PL Two tickets for the price of one (cheapest One free adult, senior or child ticket with goes free). Award-winning museum for www.bekonscot.com 01494 672919 every full-paying adult. Not available on 6-12 year-olds and their families. Two fun ‘The world’s oldest model village’. One child special events days and Xmas trains in and fact-packed biographical galleries, ticket free with two full paying adults (one Dec. See website for details. A wonderful fantabulous interactive Story Centre. Not to per family) – a saving of £5.80. Valid 11 Feb example of low speed rail, ambling between be used in conjunction with any other offer. to 28 Oct. (Not to be used in conjunction the houses and out onto the Greensand Not valid for workshops. See website for full with concessionary prices). Ridge, with great views of the Chilterns. terms and conditions. British Schools Museum Pitstone Green Museum Wendover Woods 41/42 Queen St, Hitchin, Herts SG4 9TS Vicarage Road, Pitstone, Bucks LU7 9EY The Forestry Commission offer CS members www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk www.pitstonemuseum.co.uk a free parking voucher (see below). Please 01462 420144 01582 605464 cut it out and display it on your windscreen. The museum where learning comes to life. One child ticket free with two full-paying Members can also buy a Wendover Woods One free adult or child ticket when you adults (one per family). Open 11am-5pm, Discovery Pass for £33 (normal price £42), buy a full price adult ticket 17 Feb-27 Nov, 17 Apr, 1 & 29 May, 11 Jun, 9 Jul, 13 & 28 Aug, giving a year’s free parking plus other excluding special events/activity days. 10 Sept, 8 Oct. benefits. Details from www.forestry.gov.uk/ pass, 01296 625825, or Forestry Commission Office, Upper Icknield Way, Aston Clinton HP22 5NF.

VOUCHER FREE PARKING Wycombe Museum At Wendover Woods Priory Avenue, High Wycombe, Date this voucher & display clearly in your vehicle windscreen. Bucks HP13 6PX www.wycombe.gov.uk/museum Facebook.com/museum 01494 957210 Social history museum, with nine interactive galleries and beautiful gardens. One free hot drink with the purchase of a cake / /2017 or traybake on production of a valid CS membership card. Valid for card holder and Not valid unless dated. Not valid during school holidays. Valid for one use only. up to three guests. Opening hours: Mon-Sat

! 10am-5pm, Sun 2-5pm.

40 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 41

Theatre and dining The Ivy House Rowan Garden Centre London Road, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4RS Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Café in the Woods www.ivyhousechalfontstgiles.co.uk Bucks HP8 4AB Wendover Woods, Bucks 01494 872184 www.rowangardencentre.co.uk www.cafeinthewoods.co.uk 01296 620294 10% off total bill when you show your CS 01494 872335 Discount of 10% to Chiltern Society members membership card. Independent garden centre offering a large on production of their membership card. selection of quality plants, many grown on Retail site, and a range of products and services. Hartwell House, Hotel, 10% off all outdoor plants. Free refill of Restaurant & Spa Buckinghamshire Nurseries & tea or coffee in The Rowan Café. Excludes other offers. Dog friendly. Check website for Oxford Road, Aylesbury, Bucks HP17 8NR Garden Centre opening hours and directions. www.hartwell-house.com 01296 747444 Tingewick Rd, Buckingham MK18 4AE Magnificent stately home, just 2 miles from www.buckinghamgardencentre.co.uk The Mediterranean Nursery the town, within the Vale of Aylesbury and set 01280 822133 Flaunden Lane, Bovingdon, Herts HP3 0RL in 90 acres of parkland. Enjoy a 10% discount Independent garden centre offering a wide 01442 832482 on all lunches and dinners, excluding drinks. range of bare root hedging, trees and fruit Open 10am-4pm every day except (Offer does not apply to Sat dinner and Sun plus a superb selection of container-grown Wednesday. We can also be found every lunch). Please quote ‘Chiltern Society offer’ stock. Large garden shop and excellent Saturday at the Town Hall Market, Old when booking. restaurant/coffee shop. Dog friendly and fully Amersham, Bucks. CS members receive 10% accessible to wheelchair users. Mail order off all plants, shrubs and selected gifts from The Black Horse Inn available. 10% discount on all outdoor plants the new gift shop. Drinks and home-made The Vale, Chesham, Bucks HP5 3NS collected until end July 2017. cakes available at our café. Dog friendly. www.theblackhorsechesham.co.uk 01494 784656 Chilterns Electric Bike Tours Tring Market Auctions Your classic country pub! Traditional, hearty Hemel Hempstead, Herts Brook St, Tring, Herts HP23 5EF and wholesome pub food, great ales. Pies a electricbiketours.co.uk 0800 133 7674 www.tringmarketauctions.co.uk speciality. Discount of 10% on all food and 01442 826446 Explore the Chilterns by electric bike on our drink purchased at the pub, on production of Ashridge Tea Ride. Enjoy cream tea at a local Specialist Fine Art sales, 20th Century Arts valid CS membership card. vineyard. New for 2017 – our Henley Picnic & Decorative sales, regular general sales. Ride visits the beautiful Hambleden Valley, One year’s free subscription for CS members The Black Horse Pub and with a picnic lunch. Book two standard Henley to Fine Art & 20th Century sale catalogues Eating House e-tickets and save £20. (Mention the Chiltern mailed to your home. Please phone or email [email protected] quoting your Aylesbury Road, Great Missenden, Society when booking). Tours operate Apr-Oct. membership number, name & address. Visit Bucks HP16 9AX Limited places, so book early. Groups welcome. website for auction calendar. www.theblackhorsegreatmissenden.com Cotswold Outdoor 01494 862537 www.cotswoldoutdoor.com 01666 575500 Tastefully refurbished traditional pub, located on CS maps 8 & 12. Dog, child and muddy boots- Cotswold Outdoor provides the widest friendly. Large gardens, secure children’s play range of outdoor clothing and equipment area, five-a-side football pitch, two good-sized from leading brands such as The North Face, car parks, field for events and hot air balloon Berghaus and Rab. Receive 15% discount* by flights. CS members get 10% off lunches Tue-Fri. presenting your Society membership card in store, or online using the discount code – please call the Society on 01494 771250 The Chequers for the promotional code. *Not to be used in , Wallingford, conjunction with any other offer or discount. Oxon OX10 6JN JOIN US www.chequersberricksalome.co.uk Cycle Care 01865 891118 225 Desborough Road, High Wycombe, and get all this… A beautiful brick and flint pub in a delightful Bucks HP11 2QW l A free Chiltern Society footpath map and historic village. Dog and horse-friendly, www.cyclecare.co.uk 01494 447908 of your choice with a large garden, children’s play area and 10% discount on bikes/clothing/accessories/ l Chiltern magazine, exclusive to good-sized car park. CS members will receive energy food and drinks – basically 10% off members, packed with great features, a 10% discount on food orders. everything except for Garmin and GoPro news and views, delivered to your products. Please use our own free car park! The Chequers door four times a year 171 Sharpenhoe Road, Streatley, Beds LU3 3PS Dees of Amersham l Fantastic offers at over 30 visitor 01582 882072 39 Hill Avenue, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5BX attractions, pubs, cafes and shops l Local pub near Sharpenhoe Clappers, ideal for www.deescycles.com 01494 727165 A selection of walking and cycling walking in the north Chilterns. Complimentary 10% discount on all goods and cycles up to maps allowing you to discover the dessert and coffee with all main course meals. £2,200 inc. VAT. Over £2,200, 12% discount. beauty of the Chilterns The Crown Inn, Old Not applicable to sale items, but discount will l Early access to our exciting events be made up to 10/12% if sale reduction is less. programme and special member Amersham Discount applies to parts fitted but not to labour discounts 16 High Street, Amersham, Bucks HP7 0DH on repairs. Priority repairs for CS members. l The satisfaction that comes from www.thecrownamersham.com 01494 721541 Fox’s Outdoor knowing you are helping to conserve Locally-sourced food of fantastic quality, and care for the Chilterns. simply served. Seasonal produce from hand- London Road, Amersham, Bucks HP7 OHE picked suppliers dictates constantly changing www.foxsoutdoor.co.uk 01494 431431 To join, call us on 01494 771250, visit menus. Restaurant open for dinner Mon-Sat 15% off goods in store and online – quote our website www.chilternsociety.org.uk, and Sun lunchtimes. Receive a free bottle discount code CS-01 (online orders only) or come to see us during office hours of house wine on your first visit when you or present your valid membership card in at the White Hill Centre, Chesham – register for our loyalty card. Quote ‘Chiltern store. This offer does not apply to sale or address inside front cover. Society’ when booking. discounted lines.

40 Chiltern 223 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 41 SUNDAY Walks start at 10.00am, unless stated. SOCIETY WALKS Usually about 5 or 6 miles, allow 2.5 hours. WEEKDAY Walks start at 10.30am. About 5 miles, allow 2.5 hours. These walks are open to all members. Non-members are welcome to NB. Variations from this will be indicated in the walk description. join us as guests for two or three walks, though if you walk with the ENQUIRIES regarding the walks should be directed to: 1) Walk leader where telephone number is given, or group regularly you will be expected to join the Chiltern Society to 2) Paul Weller 01628 486328 support our work in caring for the Chilterns. CS = CHILTERN SOCIETY MAP NO.

MARCH O/S GRID REF APRIL O/S GRID REF Wed 1 Meet at The Crown, Ley Hill, Chesham HP5 1UY Landranger Sun 2 Meet at Prestwood Nature Reserve car park, near Explorer 172 (plentiful parking on the green). A 5.8 mile 165 the junction of Perks Lane and Hampden Road GR 866991 circular walk through ancient woods and open GR 989021 HP16 0JD. It’s a small car park, so please car share CS Map 12 rolling hills taking in Cowcroft Wood, Tyler’s Hill, CS Map 17 or park nearby on the road. A moderate 5.8 mile Bucks Cadmore Wood, the golf course and Jason’s Hill. Bucks walk around Longfield Wood, Great and Little Six stiles, but no big hills and usual pub lunch on Kingshill, and Peterley Manor. Four stiles and 110m offer at the finish. of ascent, mainly at the start. Paul Cooke 07901 516342 Frank Auton 07785 276095 Meet at Nettlebed Common near the brick kiln Sun 5 Meet in the parking area at Cowleaze Wood Landranger Wed 5 Explorer 171 RG9 5AA, for a walk to Park Corner and back HP14 3YL. A hilly walk of about 5 miles, with 165 GR 702868 along The Chiltern Way. Good views and a stile- CS Map 2 spectacular far-reaching views (weather GR 726956 free walk. Oxon permitting), taking in a section of CS Map 9 Stephen Fox 01491 681646 (Mobile on the day and the medieval Sheepcote Lane. Dogs welcome. Oxon only 07816 289503) Allow 2 hours. Two stiles near the beginning. Meet at The Fox and Hounds, Christmas Common Maggie Templeman 01491 637942/07831 878679 Sun 9 Explorer 171 OX49 5HL. Roadside parking opposite the pub GR 714932 Wed 8 Meet at The Boot, Bledlow Ridge HP14 4AW. Hilly Explorer 171 unless you’re eating there. Walk to College Wood, CS Map 9 walk incorporating Lodge Hill. Great views, several GR 792982 , returning by Holland Ridge Lane. Good Oxon stiles and some steep, muddy paths. Please CS Map 7 views. No stiles on this easy walk. Bucks patronise the pub if you use its car park (orders in Peter Hetherington 07767 647714 advance on the day). Check CS website if weather Wed 12 Meet at Harpenden Common car park opposite Landranger is wintry. The Silver Cup AL5 2JF. Walk south over 166 Juliet Weale 07932 637701 Harpenden Common, then towards Redbournbury GR 136138 Sun 12 Park in the free car park behind The Stag and Landranger Watermill and Hammond End, returning via CS Map 27 Huntsman, Hambleden RG9 6RP. A 5.7 mile walk 175 Rothamsted Estate and The Chiltern Way. Herts to Medmenham, along the Thames to Mill End and GR 785865 Reasonably flat, with one or two stiles. returning to Hambleden. One stile, one longish CS Map 11 Rob Saunders 07885 663816 ascent and one fairly steep descent. Bucks Sun 16 Easter Day – no walk Alex Barr 01628 476187 Meet at The Lions of Bledlow, Church End, Bledlow Wed 15 Meet at The Crown, Penn HP10 8NY. A scenic walk Landranger Wed 19 Explorer 181 HP27 9PE. The pub car park is small, so if you park of approx. 5 miles through attractively undulating 175 GR 776021 on the road please think about local residents and CS Map 14 countryside, alternating between woodland and GR 917934 park considerately. An approx. 5 mile mixed walk Bucks open fields. Breathtaking views. Two stiles and CS Map 6 of fields and woodland, passing through the nature two steady, but not too demanding, ascents. Bucks reserve and touching The Icknield Way. Views from Ken Steward 01494 775935 Chinnor Hill. Six stiles and a steep hill. The ground Sun 19 Meet outside The Three Horseshoes, Seer Green Explorer 172 is likely to be slippery in places. Because many HP9 2XX. Walk north from Seer Green via Three GR 966920 fields contain sheep, any dogs on this walk will Households and Hodgemoor Woods, taking in CS Map 13 need to be on a lead at all times. part of The Chiltern Way. Varied walk, good views, Bucks Clive Knapman 07811 707918 a few stiles and mainly flat. Sun 23 Meet at Lane End public car park HP14 3ER, next Landranger Sue Brown 07815 310552 to the controlled crossing. A hilly 6 mile walk 175 Wed 22 By popular request, meet at The Red Lion, Landranger through woodland and across open countryside. GR 807918 Studham LU6 2QA. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN 166 Walk to Fingest, then along part of The Chiltern CS Map 11 THE PUB CAR PARK. A ‘ziggy zaggy’ 5.5 mile GR 022157 Way to Little Frieth and Parmoor, before returning Bucks walk around Studham, on sections of The Chiltern CS Maps across Moor Common. Way and The Icknield Way, and visiting Clements 20, 21 Sue Brinn 01628 483639 End and Whipsnade Zoo. No stiles. Beds Wed 26 Park in road alongside Hampden Common, near Explorer 181 David Betterton 07899 798840 (Mobile on the Great Hampden HP16 9RQ. It may be possible GR 845015 day only) to use car park of The Hampden Arms pub, if CS Maps lunching there. A 5.5 mile walk taking in Hampden 3, 12 Sun 26 Meet by the National Trust Visitor Centre at Landranger Monument, Pepperboxes Wood, Hampden House Bucks Ashridge HP4 1LX. A 5.5 mile walk up Princes 165 and the churchyard of St. Mary Magdalene. Some Riding to Ashridge House, then along Capability GR 971131 hills, no stiles. Brown’s Golden Valley, returning via Berkhamsted CS Map 19 David Vick 01494 673875 Common, Enjoy views of Aldbury. No stiles. Bucks Sun 30 Meet at Cowleaze Wood car park HP14 3YL on Explorer 171 John Lavender 07546 245847 the Stokenchurch to Christmas Common Road. GR 726956 Wed 29 Meet at The Spade Oak car park SL8 5PS. Park at Explorer 172 A 6.8 mile walk with 300m of ascent. A mixture CS Map 9 the pub if you’re eating lunch, otherwise there’s GR 884875 of woodland and downland, plus the Wormsley Oxon a free public car park just after the pub on the CS Map 13 Valley. Excellent views across the Oxfordshire plain. right. Walk beside the Thames, cross on the Bucks Mike Fox 01844 344356 (Mobile on the day only footbridge, then up a long, medium incline to the 07836 262766) top of Winter Hill. Return via Cookham Marsh. Spectacular views from Winter Hill and lovely MAY walks next to the river. Apart from the one long Wed 3 Meet at Peppard Common, parking close to The Explorer 171 climb, the walk is flat or downhill, except for fairly Red Lion RG9 5LB. A 6 mile walk through a mixed GR 709818 steep steps at the footbridge. No stiles. Approx. landscape of woodland, arable fields, common CS Map 4 5.3 miles. and pastures. A few hills and mostly stile-free. Oxon Mary Nash 07982 246667 Bob Parry 0118 9620405

42 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 43

Chiltern_223_44pp_A4_v1.indd 42 07/02/2017 12:53 NEWS IN BRIEF

All participants join the walks at their own risk and must ensure that they are BERKHAMSTED WALK adequately equipped with appropriate clothing and footwear, fit enough to undertake the walk, and follow any advice and instructions issued by the Walk Sunday 14 May Leaders. Participants are also advised to carry their own first aid kit and water. Choice of The Bluebell Walk (12 miles), The Challenge Walk Leaders have the authority to refuse participants who, in their (18 miles) or The Fun Walk (6 miles). All routes are through opinion, are inadequately equipped or unfit to undertake the walk. To avoid the bluebell woods of Ashridge and the beautiful Chiltern disappointment, please contact the Walk Leader in advance if you are unsure of the suitability of the walk. countryside. Register for the 12 & 18 mile walks at the Court House, St. O/S GRID REF MAY Peter’s Church, High Street, Berkhamsted HP4 2AX between Sun 7 Meet in the car park by the roundabout at the Explorer 166 10 and 11.30am. Register for the 6 mile walk at Ashridge junction of B4540 & B4541 at Whipsnade Heath GR 016180 Management College HP4 1NS between 11am and 2pm. LU6 2LL. Walk to Dunstable Downs. Five miles CS Map 21 and no stiles. Beds For full details and to download a sponsor form see Greta Brown 01442 891800/07866 951914 www.berkhamstedwalk.com or call 01442 864968 Wed 10 Meet in the public car park beside The Stag & Explorer 171 All proceeds go to The Children’s Society. Huntsman, Hambleden RG9 6RP. A 5 mile circuit GR 785865 via Pheasant’s Hill, Rockwell End and Rotten Row. CS Map 11 Richard Boas 01628 527978 (Mobile on the day Bucks only 07757 482293) Sun 14 Meet at Christmas Common crossroads, near Explorer 171 OX49 5HL. There’s usually room to park at the GR 714933 side of the road from Northend. An approx. 7 CS Map 9 mile walk taking in Russell’s Water, Pishill and Oxon Northend, with sections of The Oxfordshire Way. Largely keeping to high ground, but with 120m of ascent. Deirdre Philpott 01628 483700/07973 271474 Wed 17 Meet at the canalside car park at Marsworth Landranger HP23 4LJ (charge £2.50 for half a day). Walk 181 across fields to Wilstone Reservoir and to Drayton GR 919141 Beauchamp church, return along the Wendover CS Map 18 Arm Canal. Five miles of level walking. Bucks Reporting path problems John Rowe 01442 862619/078166 54982 In normal circumstances please report any path problem to our Sun 21 Meet at The Crown, Ley Hill HP5 1UY. Free Landranger Rights of Way Group Area Secretary covering the parish, who parking nearby. This is an easy walk of 5 miles 165 will then either take remedial action or prompt the appropriate heading towards Cowcroft Wood and Green GR 989021 Highway Authority to do it. Information about the Area Lane. CS Map 17 Secretaries is shown on the Society’s website. Bucks Bob Fish 01494 774145 If however you come across something which you feel is a Wed 24 Meet at Ballinger Common/cricket ground HP16 Landranger safety hazard needing to be handled with special urgency 9LQ. Park in the car park beside the cricket 165 please make that known direct to the Highway Authority ground. A 6 mile walk from Ballinger Bottom GR 913031 responsible for the location (their details are shown below). If towards Chartridge, through the woods to Lee CS Map 8 you do inform the Highway Authority direct, it would greatly Clump, with glorious views towards Buckland. Bucks help if you also informed our Area Secretary. Continue to Lee Gate and return to Ballinger via Pednor. Some hills and stiles. Fast-paced walk. Central Bedfordshire CC 0300 300 8308 Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ Melissa Laing 01494 778518 Preferably report online: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov. Sun 28 Park at Marlow Common/Pillingshill Wood Explorer 172 uk/leisure/countryside/rights-of-way/public.aspx, identifying where the road crosses The Chiltern Way, near GR 822865 the path number by use of the map on that site; otherwise by SL7 2QP. Walk from the Common to Hambleden CS Maps email to [email protected]. village along The Chiltern Way, returning via 1, 111 Pheasant’s Hill. A 6 mile walk with some lovely Bucks Luton BC 01582 510333 Fax: 01582 547177 views. Paths are generally good. Some stiles and Highway Maintenance, Luton Borough Council, Town Hall, moderate hills. George Street, Luton LU1 2BQ Paul Weller 01628 486328 (Mobile on the day [email protected]. only 07961 227140) Hertfordshire CC (excluding Dacorum) 01992 555279 Wed 31 Meet at Wendover Woods car park HP22 5NF, Landranger Rights of Way, County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8DN near Café in the Woods. (Pay and display £3.30 165 [email protected]. for 4 hrs or use free parking voucher from GR 890090 Chiltern magazine). Approx. 5.5 mile walk through CS Map 18 Hertfordshire (Dacorum BC) 01442 228356 the Woods incorporating part of The Ridgeway. Bucks Countryside Access Officer, Cupid Green Depot, Hilly and maybe muddy. Lunch at café or in Redbourn Rd, Hemel Hempstead HP2 7BA Wendover (selection of pubs). [email protected]. Diana Shaw 07799 530611 Buckinghamshire CC 0845 230 2882 JUNE Rights of Way (Operations), County Hall, Sun 4 Meet at The Red Lion, OX49 Landranger Walton St. Aylesbury HP20 lUY 5LG. A 5 mile circular walk, mainly over 164 but if at all possible online at: farmland. It can be muddy in places when wet. GR 675935 transportforbucks.net/report-it-prow.aspx One stile. CS Map 10 Jane Aitken 01491 575881/07817 582065 Oxon Oxfordshire CC Path and bridleway problems should be reported using the Wed 7 Meet at the top of Ferry Lane opposite The Dog Explorer 172 online interactive reporting system: and Badger, Medmenham SL7 2HE. Parking is GR 805845 http://publicapps.oxfordshire.gov.uk/content/publicnet/ allowed at the pub, if lunching. A 5.5 mile walk CS Map 11 council_services/environment_planning/countryside/Map/ with a steep hill at the start, continuing down Bucks ROW/row.html, or use the quick link: www.tinyurl.com/ through woods to Hambleden. Returning through gsbpw4y. meadows and along the Thames to Ferry Lane. General Rights of Way enquiries 01865 810226 Elizabeth Kerry 01494 812926

42 Chiltern 223 email: [email protected] 43

Chiltern_223_44pp_A4_v1.indd 43 07/02/2017 12:53 CARE FEES PLANNING

A compassionate approach to Care Fees Planning

We all face many nancial problems during our lives but the prospect of paying for care, whether for ourselves or our loved ones, has the potential to diminish nances like almost nothing else. Paying for care is an open-ended nancial commitment – no one has any idea at the outset for how long care will be needed. If you are in this situation, it is more important than ever to make sure that you take advice by discussing your circumstances with an expert who understands the issue in its entirety. ”Paying for care can be costly, complex and emotional. We bring experience (a lot of it), simple solutions, and a high level of support.”

Rosebank Care Fees Planning is a very experienced care fees planning team and we will do everything in our power to help Whether you are planning you to understand your options, protect your capital, and achieve your own care arrangements the best possible care for you or your loved ones. or helping out a loved one, we’re here to help. Considered and clear guidance • Achieve the best possible care from quali ed experts • Protect your capital We always ensure that our advice ts your needs. • Show you the options available 1. Firstly, we’ll make sure we fully understand your situation. • Offer friendly, expert advice

2. We’ll check to see whether you need to pay for care To nd out more, simply call us on (not everyone does by any means). 3. We’ll check that you are receiving ALL of the State Bene ts to which you are entitled. 01442 861662 [email protected] 4. We shall work out exactly what your care funding problem is. www.rosebankcarefees.co.uk 5. We shall help you to understand the WAYS OF PAYING FOR Caroline Grif ths – Principal CARE and help you to choose the option that works best for you. Chartered Financial Planner. Fellow of the Personal Finance Society. Member of the Society Paying for Care of Later Life Advisers and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. The good news is that there are not dozens of options to consider – just a handful. The only problem is that it is rarely the case that just one The Old Coach House, Rosebank, Gravel solution in isolation is right, and no one solution is right for everyone. Path, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. HP4 2PF A key part of our role will therefore be to help you to decide Rosebank Care Fees Planning is a trading name of Rosebank Wealth which combination of solutions works best for you. Management which represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) Above all, we never forget that care fees planning can be for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s a dif cult time for all involved. Our team will always offer website at www.sjp.co.uk/products. Rosebank Care Fees Planning also offers introductions to other professionals (eg Solicitors) and other services friendly support when you or your loved ones need it most. not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

7746 Rosebank Advertorial_A4.indd 1 15/04/2015 10:55