Appendix 2

Field Survey Sheet

Land Use Consultants

BUCKS LCA FIELD SURVEY FORM

LANDSCAPE TYPE:

DRAFT LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AREA:

DATE: TIME: WEATHER:

PHOTOGRAPH NUMBERS……………………………………………………………………...

LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES……………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

KEY WORDS/SUMMARY OF LANDSCAPE CHARACTER……………………………..... ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ...... ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ...... ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ......

PHYSICAL INFLUENCES

GEOLOGY......

SOILS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

ELEVATION

Lowland (under 50m) Transitional (50- Upland (over 200m) 200m)

LANDFORM

Flat Steep slopes Escarpment Broad Valley Shelving Gentle slopes Knoll Narrow Valley Rolling Floodplain Plateau Shallow Valley Undulating Hills Coomb Valley Deep Valley HYRDROLOGY …………………………………………………………………………………….…………………... ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Key physical characteristics (geology/topography) and their significance/ contribution to character: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

HUMAN INFLUENCES VISIBLE FEATURES

Motorway Farm buildings Earthworks Nucleated settle. Dual carriageway Manor/parkland Moats Linear settle. Rural road Landmark building Ridge and furrow Dispersed settle. Rural lanes/tracks Mills Tumuli Industrial workings Sunken lanes Church Hamlet Masts/Poles Bridleway Fortifications Village Telecom Masts Footpath Hill Forts Town edge Pylons Railway Ruins Suburb Other

LAND USE

Farmland Residential Commercial Natural Forestry/Woodland Industrial Transportation Military Historic Parkland Leisure/Recreation Mineral Working Other

LAND/VEGETATION COVER

Arable Amenity grassland Small farm woods Heathland Permanent pasture Conif.plantation Shelterbelts Scrub Ley/improved Christmas Trees Copses/clumps Wetland/Aquatics Paddocks Decid.woodland Woodland belt Gardens Rough grazing Mixed woodland Hanging woodland Common Wet meadow Parkland Scattered trees Green Chalk Grassland Avenues Hedgerow trees Other Set-aside Orchards Hedgerows Other

FIELD PATTERNS AND BOUNDARIES

Banks Fence – rural Geometric Small Ditches Fence – urban Sinuous Medium Walls – rural Hedge Irregular Large Walls – urban Hedgerow Trees Regular Other

Describe features, land use, field patterns and significance/ contribution to character: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ...... Tree cover: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

SETTLEMENT WITHIN THE LANDSCAPE

Pattern………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Density………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Style and materials…………………………………………………………………………...

Relationship to the landscape…………………………………………………………………….

Settlement edge character……………………………………………………………………….

RECREATION Evidence of recreational use/character…………………………………………………………

PERCEPTUAL CHARACTERISTICS [See definitions in p.35 of guidance] Focus on how specific elements contribute to the aesthetic characteristics

SCALE Intimate/ small/ large/ vast

ENCLOSURE Tight/ enclosed/ open/ exposed

DIVERSITY Unified/ simple/ diverse/ complex

TEXTURE Smooth/ textured/ rough/ very rough

FORM Vertical/ sloping/ rolling/ horizontal

LINE Straight/ angular/ curved/ sinuous

COLOUR Monochrome/ muted/ colourful/ garish

BALANCE Harmonious/ balanced/ discordant/ chaotic

MOVEMENT Dead/ still/ calm/ busy

PATTERN Random/ organised regular/ formal

Tranquillity Noise levels:

Perceived Naturalness:

Visible overt human impact:

Density of settlement/ diffusion of people:

Artificial lighting:

Overall tranquillity taking into account the above observations:

Views Views within:

Views to:

Views from:

LANDSCAPE CONDITION/INTACTNESS

DETRACTING FEATURES

PHYSICAL STATE OF INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS

VISUAL UNITY/INTACTNESS

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL SENSITIVITIES Consider: Scale Landform Landscape pattern and complexity Settlement and human influence Time depth and historic character Inter-visibility with adjacent landscapes Perceptual aspects (sense or remoteness and tranquillity) Habitats and Biodiversity ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

KEY ISSUES/ VISIBLE FORCES FOR CHANGE

Visible Past Change

Visible Present Change

BROAD MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE

LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Appendix 3

The Stakeholder Workshop

Land Use Consultants

Wycombe, and Landscape Character Assessment

Stakeholder Workshop Report

Prepared for County Council by Land Use Consultants

February 2011

www.landuse.co.uk

LUC SERVICES

Environmental Planning Landscape Design Landscape Management Masterplanning Landscape Planning Ecology Environmental Assessment Rural Futures Digital Design Urban Regeneration Urban Design

43 Chalton Street 37 Otago Street NW1 1JD Glasgow G1 (15.1)2 8JJ Tel: 020 7383 5784 Tel: 0141 334 9595 Fax: 020 7383 4798 Fax: 0141 334 7789 [email protected] [email protected]

14 Great George Street 28 Stafford Street BS1 5RH Edinburgh EH3 (16.1) 7BD Tel: 0117 929 1997 Tel: 0131 202 1616 Fax: 0117 929 1998 [email protected] [email protected]

DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET

Version Issued by: Approved by: Final Kate Milner Kate Ahern Landscape Architect Principal-in-Charge

16/14/11 16/14/11

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 EXERCISE 1: WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE WYCOMBE, SOUTH BUCKS AND CHILTERN LANDSCAPE AND WHY? 3

3 EXERCISE 2: TESTING THE CHARACTER MAPS AND DESCRIPTIONS 21

4 EVALUATION AND NEXT STEPS 43

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1 Introduction

1.1 Buckinghamshire County Council and Wycombe, South Bucks and Chiltern District Councils are currently working with Land Use Consultants to complete a Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) for Buckinghamshire. This study will tie in with existing Vale Landscape Character Assessment to provide a complete assessment for the County. The results of the study will help to guide future landscape management and planning decisions. 1.2 Understanding what is important about the landscape and the particular issues that concern the local community who live and work in Buckinghamshire is a vital part of this project. Effective stakeholder consultation is therefore key to the process and success of landscape character assessment, ensuring a wide range of views and values are represented. For the Wycombe, South Bucks and Chiltern District LCA, One participatory morning workshop was held on February 2nd 2011 at Missenden Abbey with the attendance of 40 participants and 6 facilitators (see Appendix A for full list). 1.3 The consultation technique aimed to achieve active participation and to generate information appropriate to inform the landscape character assessment which covers 3 districts. The overall aim being to allow people who live and work in the district to understand and contribute to the process of LCA, rather than simply being consulted on the final report.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOPS: 1.4 The objectives of the stakeholder consultation were to:

• Explain the process of Landscape Character Assessment and relevance to Buckinghamshire.

• Understand perceptions of what people value as important/special about Wycombe, South Bucks and Chiltern Districts and why.

• Validate the landscape characterisation map including character area boundaries, names, key characteristics and management needs.

WORKSHOP EXERCISES 1.5 Two exercises where carried out during the workshop, the results of which are presented in the following chapters of this report.

Exercise 1: Carousel: What Is Special About the Wycombe, South Bucks and Chiltern Landscape and Why? 1.6 The purpose of this exercise was to determine “what is special” about various aspects of the landscape and why. The information will be used to add local perspectives on the landscape to the report.

Land Use Consultants 1

Exercise 2: Testing the Character Maps and Descriptions 1.7 The purpose of this exercise was to seek participants’ opinions on the landscape character areas identified by the assessment, the boundaries, the area names/titles and the key characteristics. Participants were also asked what they value about the area, whether there are any particular issues within this landscape and how they would like this area to be in the future?

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2 Exercise 1: What Is Special About the Wycombe, South Bucks and Chiltern Landscape and Why?

2.1 The following tables show the features of the Wycombe, South Bucks and Chiltern landscape which participants consider to be important and why. These comments were prompted by the following headings:

• Views and Landmarks

• Heritage/Historic Places

• Access/ Recreation Spaces/Areas

• Natural Environment/Biodiversity

• Built Character and materials

• Perceptions/Experience

VIEWS AND LANDMARKS What is important Why is it important

Ridgeway Rolling hills leading up to escarpment on east side of A4010– gives perception of intrinsic Chilterns landscapes – often people’s first early impression of the AONB.

Bledlow Ridge Views both sides / vantage point. Few places to see along ridge.

Whiteleaf Cross View across .

Pulpit Hill Treeless feature.

Ellesborough Church Sits above the landscape impressively.

The Lee / Kingsash Fine views down and across upper Misbourne Valley.

Chartridge (North of View – can see all the way into London. ) – Chess Valley

Hyde End Views towards old .

Urban views Moving and transient as people travel, especially views down to valley towns and views up and down the valley, along market streets etc.

Great Missenden Abbey & View from road is pleasant and historical. Park

Painter’s views Stanley Spencer (from Cobham across the ).

Chiltern Hundreds -

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What is important Why is it important

Latimer – Across Chess Valley.

Latimer House Across valley.

Kings Ash wider view View from Harpenden Cross typical Chiltern Beech Woods – autumn colours.

View from M40 dropping Opens up different landscape types, Red Kites etc. down through chalk on M40

Fingest Attractive village and church nestling at head of tranquil valley – woodland on top.

Turville Windmill, very secluded but attractive view from village, classic Chilterns landform.

Biddenham Quintessential .

West Wycombe House and Very important landmark and historical resonance. Mausoleum

Hambleden Valley Distinct, enclosed.

Hambleden Mill Mill End – access to Weir – views across and along Thames Valley.

Shardeloes House Listed building and historic park. overlooking A413 near Amersham

Hughenden Manor Views.

High Wycombe Views from each side of the Wye Valley towards each other – some spoilt by unattractive suburban development.

Unspoilt views very attractive and precious.

West Wycombe park Historic parkland with intimate views. including monument on hill

West Wycombe Park – Designed landscape. house and park

Shardeloes View across parkland & lave to country house.

Views southwards over Cliveden Valley Views – historic. Thames Valley from Village (Conservation Area)

Cliveden Along river – historic associations.

River Thames Taplow Court has good viewpoint – view and landmark. Nationally important large river contrast with smaller chalk streams.

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What is important Why is it important

View of Cookham Winter - Hill from Bourne End area of Thames

Winter Hill views Panoramic view across Thames Valleys.

Views from Ascot race course, hills next to Watership Down, ‘Wild ridge Wood’ (Wind in the Willows), Winter Hill, Ashley Forest (in Berks).

View from edge of Bloom Can see a large expanse of the Thames Valley. Applies to Wood, . top of dip slope all way from Flackwell Heath to – can see .

Disraeli Monument -

John Hampden Memorial -

Views of Shardeloes from The first tranquil, beautiful view on the journey north from the train. London.

Also views of Shardeloes Views of Shardeloes onto designed landscape. from adjacent post-palms

Gomm Valley, Tom Burt’s Views across . Hill

Farm Wood Woodburn, Bergers Hill looking back up the Wye Valley and down towards the Thames Valley.

View from top of Amersham Historic setting. on the Hill looking down towards Amersham Old Town (from north looking south across valley and up towards Coleshill

M40 cutting at Aston - Rowant

Views Bisham Abbey from - north of River

Views from escarpment e.g. Views across Vale and into intimate landscape of Chilterns. Whiteleaf cross, Brush Hill LNR

‘Surprise’ glimpsed views of Interesting work with landscape. intimate Chiltern landscape (e.g. when walking or driving)

Into district from Views across Colne Valley from slopes of Harefield.

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What is important Why is it important

Legacy of aggregate extraction across three counties.

Denham Listed buildings, historic town, views of buildings equally inspiring.

Views out from Cliveden -

Cliveden From Cookham.

Langley Park Views of Windsor Castle, historic parkland garden.

View across valley at Contrast between old town of Chesham with church and Chesham spire, old historic buildings and wooded hill sides.

West Wycombe monument - outlook, valley church, Lodge Hill outlook, Beacon Hill () outlook, Kings Ash view to Misbourne Valley

Coombe Hill Clear, width of view, everyone, highest point

Whiteleaf Cross Historic associations, built as landmarks. All important orientation points for finding way around. View – variety, West Wycombe Hill puts manmade things into perspective in the larger landscape view. Views of designed landscape (historic South Bucks terrace looking houses). southwards

HERITAGE/HISTORIC PLACES What is important Why is it important

Cliveden and estate House / gardens / woods

West Wycombe and village Landscape character

Burnham Beeches Historic woodland

Dorney Wood House / Garden

Chiltern Hundreds area -

Hughenden Manor and Historic house / garden and estate estate

Bradenham Manor and Woodland and village village

Watercress Beds in Chess -

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What is important Why is it important

Valley

South Bucks Health and commons

Stoke Common, Littleworth,

Historical / arterial lanes Lanes from the ‘Ends’ commons to river valleys

The distinctive character – a Dispersed scattered houses in complex track /road settlement / roads outside systems “wooden” landscapes. the main (valley bottom) ‘villages’ – town. Most high ground (plateau) in top half of dipslope

Icknield Way Recognise landscape as very different, link Chilterns – like AVDC to Vale.

Historic buildings - Old Grown up as staying posts relating to roads and railways Amersham, ,

Holloways / sunken lanes / - Ancient trackways

Cliveden Panoramic views of the Thames and also views from the Thames / to Cliveden.

Beech woods, various areas Furniture making of Chiltern escarpment

Heaths and Commons Biodiversity, historical uses, archaeology

Langley Park and garden Victorian Gardens

Ancient Lanes & Holloways - especially north west of Chesham

River Thames Valley River related heritage - transport / fishing etc and milling Corridor

River Corridor Parklands – - Cliveden etc

Cherries Manor Quintessentially English, villages – unspoilt. Vernacular buildings. Cherries Manor Garden Latimer Village

Denham Village Houses

Historic parkland in mid Park around . Colne Valley

Small ancient woodlands in - north of Denham Parish

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What is important Why is it important

SW -

Chiltern Beechwood Industrial legacy – furniture making etc

Lakeland landscape of the - Colne Valley

Historic Country houses Landscaped gardens, e.g. Hughenden Manor, West and their grounds Wycombe Harleyford

Prehistoric sites along chalk - streams river valleys, e.g. at Latimer and in towns e.g. Chesham BA Sites

Historic villages & churches Reflect our history. Fit well into landscape throughout

Sunken lanes Intimate views, typical for character all over the place.

Icknield Way

Mills, Wye Valley Historic land use.

Commons and historic - recreational areas, e.g. Slate Meadow (Bourne End) and similar sites

Beech woodland generally - throughout the county

Archaeologically important - sites, e.g.

Visible prehistoric Rare survivals in the region earthworks hillforts / Grims Ditch

Ancient woodlands and Both the trees themselves and linked cultural / beech woodlands archaeological heritage

Old Chalk workings -

Woodland banks -

Core village areas e.g. West - Wycombe and Amersham

South Bucks heaths and Historic landscape, long history of access, common usage, commons contain a range of archaeological features / evidence of peoples’ use, preserved by long periods of consistent land use e.g. Burnham Becks, , Cliff Worth Common.

Whiteleaf cross -

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What is important Why is it important

Designed landscapes Historical association. Aesthetic value

Historic land uses such as Reflects our history, shape the landscape – necessary for watercress beds, woodlands, keeping them throughout. commons

Hampden House Historic connections

Pattern of historic Sense of long human habitation, aesthetically pleasing. The settlement ordinary built home – with the best surviving

South Bucks Commons and Historical use of the landscapes and interaction with wetlands Stoke / Burham people

Vernacular architecture Celebrates the buildings of the ordinary people (all over)

Marlow – low grounds Neolithic settlement area

Earthworks in woodland e.g. - Common Wood, Reddingwick Wood, Frith Wood, Rook Wood, Colemans Wood, etc

Historic buildings Reflecting local geology

Marlow Bridge Historic landmark

Stone House & Gardens Physical presence, historic value, leisure and tourism, national value

Historic parkland South Old parkland landscapes. Fairly accessible Bucks, Dorm Wood.

Romano-British Villa sites - along the chalk valleys and Thames, e.g. Bucy Villa, Hatman villa Hambleden Valley form

Chequers PM’s country residence

Cliveden, Wycombe, Victorian culture, e.g. Bloomsbury set Cholesbury Mill.

Round Barrows, e.g Cophill - , Churches.

Taplow Court Views from Taplow Mill / Taplow Riverside

Cliveden Historic house and gardens

Abbots House (Devere Assembly / economic, views to , physical Conference Centre), Cryers value and historic merit

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What is important Why is it important

Hill

Gravel Pits Historic use Marlow Gravel Pits

Green Lanes Historic hedges

Hellfire Caves West Leisure, historic, tourism, part of West Wycombe, physical Wycombe presence, archaeology?

Lowlands of , Tranquillity and views , Marsh looking back towards the Chilterns

Parklands in South Bucks - including ones broken up but with remaining veteran trees in changed landscape

Pinewood Film Studios

Radnage as a traffic- free Quietness & tranquillity area

Ancient Surviving mediaeval earthworks – plentiful in Chilterns. Iron Age hill forts – at least 7 in Chilterns

Whiteleaf Cross Uncertain historical origin. On hillside above Risborough

Historic Gardens, National Parkland landscapes, Burnham Beeches, village centres rust properties,

Flint and brick Demonstrates the underlying geology. All over Chilterns

Parklands, Holtspur Chalk Surrounded by settlement but relatively untouched Valley, Common Relatively untouched considering surrounded by settlement

Grims Ditch, Lacy Green - Windmill, Mill, Saw Pits in Woodlands

Old rural Chiltern villages Easily identifiable human historic impact. In valleys across area

Thames Terrace Cultural landscape, woodland, heath, wood pasture – pastoral landscape, significant regionally and nationally

Shardeloes Park Importance of its designer, significance in the valley, pool of cultural history

Shardeloes Park / Lake -

Hughenden Manor and Important links to Disraeli and WWII heritage

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What is important Why is it important

Estate

Medieval sites associated - with villages, e.g. Lee

West Wycombe Hill Church, golden hall, hill fort. Views, heritage, links to several layers of history and culture

Coombe Hill Monument Important viewpoint. Important cultural history

The Ridgeway Britain’s oldest road, view, hill forts

Remnants of old landscape History of human habitation, adds variety and patterns distinctiveness, gives depth of ownership.

Langley Park Brown landscape, views, veteran trees, layers of history

Urban greenspaces along Important greenspace for town, ecologically and culturally River Wye, e.g. The Rye important, heritage (mills parkland)

Ancient woodlands, e.g. important for archaeology Pygote

Archaeology e.g. Sawpits, Association with important furniture industry chalk pits

ACCESS/ RECREATION SPACES/AREAS What is important Why is it important

Key routes along valley Historic routes to London bottoms

Ridge Way National Trail. - Icknield Way – Upper and Lower

Denham Country Park (LCA Access to other circular footpaths B2 (26.3))

Informal access (LCA O3 Footpaths, prow network, local woodlands (22.3))

Colne Valley Lakes (LCA B2 A combination of many characters (26.3))

(LCA N1 (19.2)) Good ‘escape’ from and Chalfonts built up area

(LCA N1 (19.2)) Footpath Very important views to experience along river

LCA N1 (19.2) Safe way to walk from to St Peter.

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What is important Why is it important

Tranquil

LCA N1 (19.2) Could be 2 Northern Park = more attractive areas from access point of view

LCA N1 (19.2) Local walks rather than experience

LCA K2 (24.2) ‘Go Ape’ at Attraction Butell Park

LCA 02 (22.2) issues: M25, Lack of connectivity of paths / bridle ways Noise

LCA 02 (22.2) Fragmented

LCA 02 (22.2) Gypsy activity, fly tipping, infringe type activities

LCA 02 (22.2) Some nice arable land but fragmented by roads / rail

(LCA 02 (22.2)) A412 On edge busy road, obstructs enjoyment

LCA K2 (24.2) For access north south from

LCA K2 (24.2) Lack of linear routes / access

LCA K2 (24.2) Langley Park, Good access, lots of open access land Stoke Common, Burnham Beeches, Beeches Way

LCA K2 (24.2) Good opportunities for horse riding

LCA K2 (24.2) Some lack of parking – local access only to some areas

LCA P1 (23.1) Good access but lack of linkages

LCA P1 (23.1) Good long distance paths Walkway

LCA P1 (23.1) Good general access to the river but lack of local linkages, e.g. circular walks near stations

General South Bucks. Water Canal, Thames, Jubilee River access

LCA K2 (24.2) 4 county parks over 100ha in LCA K2 (24.2) area, or near Langley, Thorney, , Denham Lake

General Deficit of general open spaces which are not National Trust or ‘semi’ private

General Golf courses important

Hughenden Valley Walk -

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What is important Why is it important

Thames Path -

Chiltern Way / Midshire Historic Assets Way. / Chinnor

North west of Windsor Olympic Lake

General – Forestry Woods Commission Woodlands

General – Denham Airfield, Recreation – air Boiler Airfield (Gliders)

LCA K2 (24.2) Some restricted access through historic parks

LCA K2 (24.2) Good general access but need links between

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT/BIODIVERSITY What is important Why is it important

Naphill Common and on scarp Rare junipers (Christmas Common)

Naphill Common Said to have several rare moths

Ponds For biodiversity but also their historical associations

Red Kites -

Beechwood Year round interest – glorious autumn colour

Sarcen stones, Pudding stone, Geological interest, e.g. flints lying on ground Chalk cliffs, e.g. Cliveden

Rivers that disappear, Winter Change and variety in landscape bournes

Chalk grassland Rich flora and fauna

Steep sides valleys / escarpment Intricacy of valley, close knit landform

Red Kites (23 - number relates - to map)

Chiltern Scarps (22- number Geological feature, distinctive topographical feature, relates to map) distinction between vale

Chalk Downland Views

Open (Beech) Woodland -

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What is important Why is it important

Dry valleys -

Surviving Heath -

Beech woodlands (3 number Diversity, link with settlements and wider countryside. relates to map)

Statutory designations SAC / Habitats SPA (Colne Valley Lakes), SSSI

Red Kites and healthy Adds to landscape value environment.

Bluebells (15 number relates to Heathy cover, aesthetic value – , map) and Snowdrops around settlements

Heathland and Wet woodland - (13 number relates to map)

Bledlow Great Park (17 Density of tree coverage, birdlife, setting to Chinnor number relates to map) and steam railway, gateway to Bledlow / Ridge

Reintroduce grazing (11 Wooded terrace strip number relates to map), wood pasture

Naphill Common (7 number Veteran trees / wood pasture relates to map), Burnham Beeches (6)

Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitats

Non-stat. habitat designation Local wildlife sites (all), Biological notification sites (of varying quality), Ancient woodlands (all)

Green Lanes and sunken roads Important local species, black poplar. in Chilterns

Beech Woodlands on the Historic landscape and relic management . Chalk streams and chalk grassland. Heaths & Commons in the southern districts

Langley park Fungal association

Mixed woodland and grassland Valued for recreational use along Ridgeway (2 number relates to map)

Burnham Beeches + Black Park Large stretch of natural woodland and water. (4 number relates to map) Biodiversity and recreation

Heathland associated with Import relic of historical management South Bucks commons

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What is important Why is it important

Beech woods (across Biodiversity, provides habitat for wildlife (too many Chilterns) fields mono culture)

BAP habitats – chalk rivers Local geological sites

SSSI Farms – assets not usually recognised by designations – managed when & to enhance in some cases. Local wildlife sites Higher level stewardship

Birds Talk to Bucks Bird club about their important areas

Hedgerows (historic especially), - Commons in the Chilterns, Red Kite across Chilterns

Woodland Ancient woodland at Burnham Beeches and spread all over.

Biodiversity Opportunity Areas -

Heathlands and commons of Reptiles, reduced habitat size South Bucks

Relict habitats (5 number Heathland / acid grassland e.g. and relates to map) Cholesbury Common.

Bluebell woods on hillsides (18 - number relates to map)

Naphill Common, Littleworth Orchids species Common

Chalk Rivers - Helps to create character through Little Missenden

Chalk streams, woodlands, Mosaic of different important habitats that support chalk grassland and scrub, many rare species (at chalk grassland on steep slopes). pasture Woodlands on top of hills

Mosaic of habitats Small patch sizes of habitats. Offer a wide range of habitats in one LCA.

Traces of juniper – Woodland Rarity illustrative of historic landscape Whiteley (19 number relates to map)

Biodiversity opportunity areas All of the above!

Langley Park (21 number International significance, Parkland trees relates to map)

Lowland heathland, lowland dry - acid grassland

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What is important Why is it important

Chalk streams -

Thames Corridor wetlands (12 Potential ‘living landscape’ number relates to map)

Dorney / Jubilee River

Little Marlow Grand Prix (13 Designated for Country Park, 210+ bird species, 6 bat number relates to map) species, butterflies and dragonflies in mid 20s.

Chalk streams Woodland

Burnham Beeches Wildlife Reserves e.g. Woodlands, farms

Chalk grassland areas e.g. Gomm Valley, High Wycombe (12 number relates to map)

Beech woodland, Penn Woods Forms character of the area

Commons e.g. Cholesbury Hawridge

Langley Farm, Burnham Nationally important Beeches (10 number relates to map) Cliveden

Black Park Crossbills

Wye Valley (14 number relates Recreational, accessible to map)

The Rye Woodland, historic park land

Suite of commons (Farnham Relict, , communities – distinct to area, Common Thames) (9 number parkland and old trees and species relates to map)

Saracen stones at Bradenham Geology

E.g. Naphill Common Ancient woodland, veteran trees

Wildlife Trust living landscape - areas

Beechwood land Characterised by single age over-mature plantation. Scattered over hill tops and hill sides.

Bluebell woodland (16 number Colour in May relates to map)

River valley of Colne (20 Cross countries. reed beds, wet woodland, variety of number relates to map) wetland habitat, accessible by people

Tree collection at Dropmore Thought into designed landscape

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What is important Why is it important

(21 number relates to map )

Scarp slopes of Chilterns and Scarp slopes of Chilterns specialised flora water cress beds Water cress beds – natural and managed

Biodiversity Opportunity Areas Have BAP habitats mapped with opportunities for identified in BAP delivery in habitat restoration and creation. County.

Chalk Streams BAP habitats, nationally recognised

Wye, Hambleden, Hughenden Through urban areas – important

Habitats in process of being - restored / recreated through agri-environment schemes.

Chess Valley Watercress beds, highland cattle, v attractive and varied landscape, floodplain – woodland

Farms in Countryside - Stewardship

Misbourne Valley Biodiversity, floodplain

Hambleden Valley Rural tranquillity

BUILT CHARACTER AND MATERIALS What is important Why is it important

Brick and Flint building Vernacular. Typical. materials Reflective of the local geology and land use. Scattered all over Flint provides evidence of a time when there was a lack e.g. Chenies Village (church, of stone for buildings. and manor house) and Hambleden They also blend in with the landscape.

Timber framed infilling of Represent some of the earliest buildings. E.g. Cheines buildings, with flint. Manor and Old Amersham

Farmhouses and barns spread Fit in with the landscape. Use traditional materials such all over as timber and clay tiles. Black weather boarding very distinctive.

Chiltern ancient sunken lanes – Distinctive character, deep and steep form. Illustrates Holloways ancient routes and droves for cattle.

Scattered all over the Chilterns, Winding and work with the topography. particularly the Chess Valley and the Scarp

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What is important Why is it important

Small rural winding roads which Represent history use of the landscape – Anglo Saxon. rise up through the valleys. Transport corridors follow the grain of the valleys.

Zig zag roads to Bledlow Ridge - from the west

Clay tile roofs – ‘Roofscape’ of They nestle into the landscape, and are not usually villages intrusive. The colours blend in.

White and black finger post Vernacular within the Chilterns AONB road signage.

Green village signage Sympathetic with the area.

Old Shire Lane Representative of a Roman footpath

Distinctive villages Amersham has a wealth of old building dating back to the 14th century, including a 15th century mill. Many Amersham Old Town buildings are made from local stone reflecting the local Old Town, , geology. Hambleden Hambleden is distinctive in its layout and materials, and isolated in the valley with surrounding Holloway tracks.

Mills. Characteristic of the history and concentrated along the River Wye. They show how the land use has changed over time.

National Trust properties. They sit within big landscaped areas, and are often close to London, demonstrating how wealthy people used to e.g. Hughenden Manor, live in these large houses close to London. Cliveden, Shardeloes, Bradenham Cliveden sits high above the valley, good views open to the public.

West Wycombe Owned by National Trust. Has an historical association. Distinctive Church and the Mausoleum. Flint houses are distinctive

Windmills Landmark features

Country Houses Demonstrate that we are near London and rich people were able to come and build and make landscapes.

Building Works at Maidenhead Building materials from here inform the local buildings (outside of the study site)

Bellingdon brick works. Local materials from here are reflective in the built structure of Chesham.

Railway bridges e.g. Taplow. 19th century and listed buildings. Distinctive historical features in the landscape.

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What is important Why is it important

Small bridges Remnants of older way of life, picturesque and in scale with the landscape.

Denner Hill stone (known as Buildings made from this show evidence of medieval clunch) Risborough, origin.

Houses along commons e.g. Act as village centres. Characteristic. Naphill

River corridor through High Acts as a valuable element of the urban landscape here. Wycombe

M40 Corridor in the west of Acts as a dramatic entrance into Bucks. Creates an the study site experience and great views open out.

Colne Valley lakes and Grand Built water featured and related infrastructure. Union Canal

Monument on Coombe Hill -

The Lee Ancient 11th century church and houses are distinctive buildings.

Riverside Wharfs -

A40, , West Trees line the road and enclose. Wycombe

Historic built heritage (manor Reflect the history. Work well with the landscape. houses, mills, old farms, villages)

Great Missenden Church Street (14th century to 18th century houses and Great Missenden Abbey (13th century remains and late 18th century house.

PERCEPTIONS/EXPERIENCE What is important Why is it important

Chess Valley, The Pockets of tranquillity close to urban areas, e.g. Chesham Hampdens to Dunsmore, Valley below Bledlow Tranquillity Ridge (v enclosed), Note : a map of ‘tranquillity’ was produced as part of the – Cholesbury, workshop exercise. Turville – Moor End, Hambleden (but motorway), Bradenham Valley, Burnham Beeches (common, river views, beech trees) and Cookham – Thames area

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What is important Why is it important

Art, literature, music Inspiration:

Thames Wind in the Willows

River Valleys – Thames Winterbournes / waterscapes and Colne

Cliveden Astors

West Wycombe Park Bloomsbury set

Great Missenden Dahl

Langley Park Capability Brown

Generally Contrast between towns and villages and open countryside. Wildness, remoteness. Enclosed and open A landscape of ‘surprises’ Curiosities Can ‘see’ history and ‘read’ the landscape

Stoke Poges Gray’s Elegy

Charter House Repton

Hughenden Disraeli

Burnham, Burnham Mendelssohn / Betjeman Beeches Cultural landscape – traditional forms of management

Landscape away from Peaceful, quiet, ‘lost in time’. dominant roads.

Wide views, hidden valleys Secret, small features – intimate topography – get away from roads and noise

Glimpses, e.g. open glades Pulls you into the landscape in woodlands

A sheltered landscape Exciting weather, valuable microclimate, fog in valley, difference in vale, exposed areas.

Flat Vale & Chilterns Contrast

Accessibility - Rights of Offers wide variety of experiences in different areas. way

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3 Exercise 2: Testing the Character Maps and Descriptions

CHARACTER AREA NAMES 3.1 The following table summarises participants’ comments on the character area names and LUC’s response to these comments. Existing Name New Suggested LUC response LCA Name Number1 Chess Chalk River 13.5 Agree - A1 Valley Misbourne Upper 13.4 Agree - A2 Chalk River Valley Wye Valley Chalk 13.3 Agree - A3 River Valley 13.2 Agree although Retain name. ‘Stream valley’ Although the may be more Hughenden is a appropriate stream the character Hughenden Valley area has similar A4 Chalk River Valley characteristics to the other chalk river valleys and should sit within the same landscape type. Hambleden Valley 13.1 Agree - A5 Chalk River Valley B1 Thames Floodplain 26.1 Agree - Colne Valley 26.3 Agree - B2 Floodplain B3 Dorney Floodplain 26.2 Agree - 11.3 Too generic. Change to Coombe Coombe Hill / Hill and Whiteleaf Chiltern Scarp Whiteleaf Cross Escarpment. C1 Escarpment Escarpment / Risborough Escarpment C2 Wain Hill Escarpment 11.2 Agree - Risborough Foothills 10.6 Agree - D1 Scarp Foothills E1 8.11 Agree - Longwick Vale

F1 Great Hampden 14.1 Agree -

1 Numberings subsequently changed to tie in with Aylesbury Vale Landscape Character Assessment.

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Wooded Plateau Lee and Buckland 15.1 Agree - G1 Common Undulating Plateau 15.2 Rename Fawley Change to Fawley Southend Undulating G2 Undulating Undulating Plateau Plateau Plateau 16.2 Why Walter’s Change to Walter’s Walter’s Ash Settled H1 not Naphill (says Ash and Naphill Plateau Naphill resident!) Settled Plateau Settled 16.3 Agree - H2 Plateau Stokenchurch Settled 16.1 Agree - H3 Plateau Settled 16.4 Agree - H4 Plateau 16.5 Change to Ashley Settled H5 (Not Orchards) Green Settled Plateau Plateau Dipslope 17.2 Agree - I1 with Dry Valleys Bledlow Ridge 17.1 Agree - I2 Dipslope with Dry Valleys 18.1 Not discussed Change to Great Rolling J1 due to time Marlow Rolling Farmland Dipslope constraints Farmland 18.2 Not discussed Change to Penn Penn Settled Rolling J2 due to time Rolling Farmland Farmland Dipslope constraints 18.3 Dipslope should Change to Little not be used Chalfont Rolling Rolling J3 specifically for Farmland Farmland Dipslope this area as it is all dipslope. Codmore Rolling 18.4 Agree Change to Codmore J4 Farmland Dipslope Rolling Farmland Burnham Beeches 24.1 Agree - K1 Wooded Terrace 24.2 Should this be Retain name as this called ”Farnham character area is the and Stoke same landscape type Farnham and Stoke Common Heaths as K1 (24.1). K2 Common Wooded and Parklands”? Terrace This would relate to the biodiversity area of opportunity. L1 Marlow Floodplain 21.1 Thames Valley Change to Thames

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Fringe Slope Valley Slope 25.1 Take out ‘park’ – Retain name as both as don’t think Stoke Park and Langley park Langley Park are Stoke and Langley should be Registered historic M1 Park Lowland Fringe included in LCA parkland. and Stoke Park is a golf course now. 19.2 ‘Lower Retain name to Lower Misbourne Misbourne River distinguish from P1 N1 Settled River Valley Valley’ instead of (23.1) which is not ‘settled’? distinctly settled. High Wycombe Valley 19.1 Agree. - N2 Settled River Valley 22.1 ‘Terrace’ possibly Retain name misleading as it is geology based and doesn’t mean a lot to people. But, Terrace is a good description Beaconsfield Mixed for this area, as it O1 Use Terrace isn’t a plateau, but it a largely flat transitional landscape above other areas. ‘Mixed use’ good word to sum up the area. 22.2 ‘Chalfont St Retain name as Peter’ is doesn’t have same misleading? characteristics as ‘Terrace’ implies rolling farmland all the same and landscape type. flat but it is not. Better named Q/ J3 (18.3) Rolling O2 Mixed Use Terrace Farmland? General – Queries over O2 (22.2) and O4 (22.4) being in same category. O2 (22.2) should be more like ‘J’? Tatling End Mixed Use 22.3 Refer to ancient Retain name. Same O3 Terrace names? Should type as O2 (22.2)

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this be called O2 but geographically (22.2), not O3 separated by N1 (22.3)? O3 (22.3) (19.2) so is a distinct dissected by too area. many roads etc to have a real character. Iver Heath Mixed Use 22.4 Agree - O4 Terrace Alder Bourne River 23.1 Agree - P1 Valley 20.2 Burnham Retain name as same Burnham Undulating Undulating landscape type same Q1 Farmland Farmland and as Q2 (20.1) Parkland 20.1 St Giles Change to St Giles Layter’s Green Q2 Undulating Undulating Farmland Undulating Farmland Farmland

3.2 General comment: Should be sure that boundaries are visible in the landscape. Contours or geological changes may not be perceived and the boundary better defined by change in landscape pattern.

BOUNDARIES, KEY CHARACTERISTICS, PERCEPTUAL/ EXPERIENTIAL LANDSCAPE AND ISSUES/ VALUES 3.3 The following tables take each character areas in turn and details participants’ comments on boundaries, the key characteristics. Any issues, values relating to the landscape are also summarised.

Character Area A1 (13.5) Chess Chalk River Valley Boundaries Check boundary to Hyde Heath as landscape is different Extend up to Valley Key Characteristics 9 Add floodplain semi improved meadows. River itself is important habitat (Water voles). Water quality 11 Add Frogmoe – Roman Villa site Latimer = Roman NOT Medieval Plus , medieval flooded meadows Add watercress beds 13 Not all unspoilt – horse pasture – subdivided Valley sides: medieval terraces (Sarrat) Add conifer plantations are visually prominent Hall House Values

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Archaeological and historic interest of whole Valley Quiet tranquil character Biodiversity interest of the chalk river Intact river is still largely connected to its floodplain habitats Protected route Chess Valley Walk. Issues No comment The Future (Management Needs) Himalayan balsam Rare birds Ongoing management of floodplain habitat Horticulture Management of adjacent agricultural land – run off

Character Area A2 (13.4) Misbourne Upper Chalk River Valley Boundaries The boundary with Aylesbury Vale should be shown with a dotted line to emphasise transition over the boundary. Key Characteristics 1 Mention flint river gravels 1 Rises above the Missenden 1 Water companies pump out water and maintained as an artificial steam 1 Misbourne is ‘Perched’ - on valley side 5 Avoid use of ‘major transport corridor’ – dangerous in terms of HS2. The main road through the valley is narrow in places. This road is beyond capacity. 6 ‘Distinctive churches’ – need naming 11 Take out ‘remnant’ and ‘flint scatter’. Use e.g. Roman villas.. 11 Watermills are a feature 12 Historic routes down valley sides to villages – circular routes down slopes and back up again. Cycling centre, footpaths, bridleways. Values No comment Issues No comment The Future Refer to information on biodiversity opportunity areas (online) – management of grazing, chalk grassland.

Character Area A3 (13.3) Wye Valley Chalk River Valley Boundaries No comment Key Characteristics

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2 ‘chalk geology’ – pudding stone post glacial geology 2 ‘cornus’ – why highlight this above other species 4 Key north / south transport corridor 5 ’dispersed’ – Bradenham is nucleated village, linear, 5 ‘modern influence’ – what does this mean – where / why? 5 Highlight as being different from other settlements e.g. Bradenham 6 ‘visual feature’ – where? Be more specific 6 Can we note that pylons are detractors / intrusive features or come out altogether? Small amounts of open access land indicative of geology Should characteristic building materials be included in ALL descriptions Values No comment Issues No comment The Future No comment

Character Area A4 (13.2) Hughenden Valley Chalk River Valley Boundaries Split north and south to reflect wider valley landform to south and steeper tributaries to the north. Key Characteristics 1 Broad arable valley to south more open than pastoral in north. 8 Hughenden Valley – modern settlement in rural landscape. 9 Distinct council park on edge of High Wycombe. Recreational area adjacent to historic parkland of Hughenden. Values No comment Issues No comment The Future Grazing key on slopes - refer to BOA management of chalk grasslands.

Character Area A5 (13.1) Hambleden Valley Chalk River Valley Boundaries Frieth towards Skirmett – ‘seat’ of land should be included Key Characteristics 1 Large tributary not appropriate – upper parts Winterbourne 2 Irregular rather than geometric

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5 Hambleden Brook meanders in part and is realigned for a short distance 6 Holloways - going up the slope should be included ‘local transport corridor’ rather than minor. 8 Omission of Turville Windmill – view to Thames Valley 10 Landscape is not ‘simple’ – complex mixture of landscape elements – boundary is v. irregular Emphasise footpaths and rights of way among the most popular in Bucks. Values No comment Issues Perception as idealised ‘iconic’ English countryside - ‘typical’ valued by film / media Change of agricultural use The Future No comment

Character Area B1 (26.1) Thames Floodplain Boundaries Agree Key Characteristics Several historic locks and wharves, e.g. Hambleden, Marlow, Hedson Managed waterways 2 Mention marshy areas in addition to arable (wetland habitats) Marinas - watersports Values No comment Issues No comment The Future No comment

Character Area B2 (26.3) Colne Valley Floodplain Boundaries Boundary should reflect that the Colne Valley recreational park does not follow administrative boundaries – It extends into and north and south. Key Characteristics Underused asset for London residents Local heritage is undervalued River is still valuable in this context

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Recreation features should be picked up more – country park, sailing, canal, River Colne, cycling. Wording should ‘sell’ the area better – too many negatives, need positives (important to resist development pressures) Some early historical features exist (not necessarily visible) – how do we deal with / depict these on maps? (Hidden areas can be important characteristics) Colne Valley attributes to be prioritised – this can then be used against planning pressures. Bird watching important Values No comment Issues No comment The Future No comment

Character Area B3 (26.2) Dorney Floodplain Boundaries Agree. Key Characteristics Add in that there is excellent access along the flood alleviation scheme (Jubilee River) and along the Thames footpath Mention Dorney Common, good access, and open views to Windsor Castle. Also, the road leading into Dorney Common from has a distinct character, and retained cattle grids and an historic character. Values Wildlife (particularly Bird life) along the rivers. It is of recognised biodiversity importance. Access Openness –A contrast to the northern wooded character areas, which are more enclosed. Issues No Comment The Future No Comment

Character Area C1 (11.3) Chiltern Scarp Escarpment Boundaries No comment Key Characteristics 7 ‘possible’ – avail at very key points and describe them

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Chalkland grassland should also feature as a characteristic feature not only ecology feature. Need to list Coombe Hill and Whiteleaf Cross as important landmarks / features. Values No comment Issues No comment The Future No comment

Character Area C2 (11.2) Wain Hill Escarpment Boundaries Boundary with C2 (11.2) follows contour line but would have no clear boundary on the ground. Key Characteristics 6 Historic long distance footpaths 9 ‘human influence’ – is built form recent? Human influence is everywhere 9 ‘high levels of perceived rural naturalness’ – not a useful phrase – too flakey! 10 ‘possible’ – need to be more specific about key views so they can be defended. Is this escarpment significantly different to C1 (11.3) – difficult to know without detail but look similar from this info. Values No comment Issues No comment The Future No comment

Character Area D1 (10.6) Risborough Foothills Scarp Foothills Boundaries Flat area of land might better fit into E1 (8.11) than D1(10.6) Key Characteristics 5 ‘modern’ – historic? 6 ‘lanes’ – roads 6 More description of rural lanes req. – e.g. run at right angles to A4010 Values No comment Issues

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No comment The Future No comment

Character Area E1 (8.11) Longwick Vale Boundaries Significant “vale facing” features of Whiteleaf Cross and Coombe Hill monument - the views to these features as landmarks are significant from vale. Question boundary of E1(8.11) / D1 (10.6) – should it be brought in further as landscape open / agricultural as in E1(8.11). Key Characteristics 8 Views up to escarpment Need to see commonality with adjacent Haddenham vale in AVDC 8 Views up to escarpment as well as from it. Values No comment Issues No comment The Future No comment

Character Area F1 (14.1) Great Hampden Wooded Plateau Boundaries No comment Key Characteristics 5 Views out from edge (scarp) Simple landscape of woodland & arable: 2 landowners 11 Dense network 12 + intrusive features 9 Hampden House (not Hall) 7 Low scrub – ancient coppice stools Values Need managed woodland Views Rights of way network Issues (Management) Well managed woodland + farmland Commons – secondary woodland removal (not priority) The Future No comment

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Character Area G1 (15.1) Lee and Undulating Plateau Boundaries No comment Key Characteristics 9 Deserted medieval site at The Lee 11 Very accessible from station at Great Missenden 4 Small area of acid grassland and heath at Cholesbury 9 Picks out main characteristics Values No comment Issues No comment The Future (Management) Footpaths Secondary woodland on open habitats Minor area of historic hedgerows Management of small areas of woodland

Character Area G2 Southend Undulating Plateau Boundaries Question as to whether the character area continues into Oxon? Part of a wider area - clarify. Key Characteristics 2 More emphasis on woodland rather than arable 3 Concentration of woodland should read south eastern Values No comment Issues Land management – wire fences – private land ownership Intensification – arable farming (potential) The Future No comments

Character Area H1 (16.2) Walter’s Ash Settled Plateau Boundaries No comment Key Characteristics 1 ‘Clayey’ – real word? 2 ‘Modern’ – 20th century better, or post war.

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2 ‘Distinctive brick and flint’ – historic or modern or both? Materials not mentioned in other descriptions, need to be consistent 7 ‘common land’ – very important feature needs prominence raising 7 ‘recreational opportunities’ – haven’t mentioned recreational opportunities in other descriptions – need to be consistent throughout, e.g. Coombe Hill, Whiteleaf Cross 9 ‘RAF High Wycombe’ – needs more description and expand on its influence. Values No comment Issues No comment The Future No comment

Character Area H2 (16.3) Great Kingshill Settled Plateau Boundaries Agree Key Characteristics 3 Suburban type. Mock brick with flints – poor modern replication. 3 Influence of edge of Wycombe 10 ‘strong sense of movement’ too generic Values No comments Issues Poor replication of brick and flint on modern buildings. The Future Refer to Biodiversity Opportunity Area info for .

Character Area H3 (16.1) Stokenchurch Settled Plateau Boundaries Not happy with the reasons for lumping together Stokenchurch & Lane End – appropriate? Key Characteristics 1 No comments Values No comments Issues No comments The Future No comments

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Character Area H4 (16.4) Hyde Heath Settled Plateau Boundaries The boundary should be extended south eastwards to include Amersham and the heathland to the east of Amersham. The boundary should be on the western edge of Little Chalfont Key Characteristics 1. Openness is important 2. Small historic core to Hyde Heath and South Heath with modern development edge 2. Importance of heathland and connection to villages -HLC 6. Archaeology not distinctive in this area 7. Pylon line is a localised impact Add ‘metroland’ to description of Amersham on the hill. Amersham old town is in valley. Must distinguish between these two. Values No comments Issues HS2 and mitigation The Future HS2 and mitigation

Character Area H5 (16.5) Orchard Leigh Settled Plateau Boundaries No comment Key Characteristics 7 Brick works at Leyhill Add: Formerly – area of orchards (some remnants) and market gardens Orchard layer from NE Horses & paddocks 7 Recreation = golf course Values / Management Needs Look at orchards – traditional? Important for historic and biodiversity Hedgerows – restoration of boundaries Issues No comment The Future No comment

Character Area I1 (17.2) Bellingdon Dipslope with Dry Valleys Boundaries

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See boundary with Chess Key Characteristics Pre 18th century hedgerows (v valuable) – important historic feature and biodiversity value. Linear woodland marks Parish boundary between Cholesbury and Bellingdon Brick kilns and brick walks Lowland meadows at Hawridge Ct Farm Dry valley – (wet valley included in Chess) No routes across Values Hedges Acid / healthy remnant commons Up and town topography ridge and valley = distinctive Dry valleys Hawridge Common linked to Cholesbury – 1 unit Hawridge – relict acid grassland / heathland – now wooded (Langley) – retraction? Issues Non-traditional species farms & assorted infrastructure – changing landscape character The Future (Management) Hedges need management – turning into rows of trees Nutrient levels in soils next to hedge = high

Character Area I2 (17.1) Bledlow Ridge Dipslope with Dry Valleys Boundaries No comment Key Characteristics 7 ‘good’ network of footpaths – not a helpful word – extensive? 7 ‘notable audible and visual impact’ – highlight this in other descriptions too or not at all. 8 ‘yew woodland’ – typically the understorey rather than the dominant species 9 ‘uniform and simple’ – more varied with complex features 9 ‘sense of rural naturalness’ – not helpful phrase, too vague 10 ‘contains views’ – offer / presents 10 ‘Vistas towards Hambleden Valley’ – is this true? It’s miles away Need to mention in all descriptions whether valleys are dry or wet Include ref to urban fringe aspects in A3 (13.3), H1 (16.2), I2 (17.1), and any others about H. Wycombe Views of W Wye from H1 (16.2) and I2 (17.1).

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Values No comment Issues No comment The Future No comment

Character Area J1 (18.1) Great Marlow Rolling Farmland Dipslope Not completed due to time constraints

Character Area J2 (18.2) Penn Settled Rolling Farmland Dipslope Not completed due to time constraints

Character Area J3 (18.3) Little Chalfont Rolling Farmland Dipslope Boundaries The boundary of H4 (16.4) should be extended south eastwards into what is currently J3 (18.3) to include Amersham and the heathland to the east of Amersham. The boundary should be on the western edge of Little Chalfont. Key Characteristics 1 Add ‘metroland’ to description of Amersham on the hill. Amersham old town is in valley. Must distinguish between these two. 3 Woodland boundary to north along valley top influences character 5 Not relevant with boundary change ‘rural naturalness’ not an accurate description due to busy roads. Away from A404 it is quieter. Accessible woodland Recreational links with the Chess Valley. Values No comment Issues No comment The Future No comment Character Area J4 (18.4) Codmore Rolling Farmland Dipslope Boundaries No comment Key Characteristics Are there any ancient lanes?

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OK Values No comment Issues No comment The Future No comment

Character Area K1 (24.1) Burnham Beeches Wooded Terrace Boundaries In the south on the lower eastern boundary, move all the fields on the east of Cliveden Road to Q1 (20.2), and keep the wooded edge part of K1 (24.1). As the landscape here is similar to the landscape surrounding Dropmore Road in Q1 (20.2). Key Characteristics 10 Highlight Cliveden Park. Values Wooded and intimacy Cliveden Park and landscape. Issues No Comments The Future No Comments

Character Area K2 (24.2) Farnham and Stoke Common Wooded Terrace Boundaries Langley Park should also be in K2 (24.2) (or M1 (25.1) “Lowland Fringe”)? Or is this correct from a historical view? K2 (24.2) / M1 (25.1) boundary. Why cut across? Key Characteristics 2 ‘pockets of heathland’ (65ha in total) is misleading – there are more than just pockets 5 Roads / lanes form a north – south divide. Values Not so much development pressure? Variation – open nature, woodland, heathland Close to settlements for access Constraints on development of Green Belt designation (and all areas) Issues No comment The Future

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No comment

Character Area L1 (21.1) Marlow Floodplain Fringe Boundaries Agree Key Characteristics Agree Values No comment Issues No comment The Future No comment

Character Area M1 (25.1) Stoke and Langley Park Lowland Fringe Boundaries Langley Park is dissected between two LCAs should be included within one (possibly K2 (24.2)). Extend the boundary east, to include the orchards and smaller fields. K2 (24.2) / M1 (25.1) boundary. Why cut across? Key Characteristics Add in famous views to Windsor Castle from Langley Park. Mention and good access along here. Mention memorial Possibly mention the settlement edge of Slough and the urban fringe, and its affect on the landscape. Large houses scattered along the southern edge, with wealthy owners. Demonstrate the close proximity to London. Values No comment Issues No comment The Future Maintain and enhance hedgerows, that link through t to the wooded areas (K1 (24.1) and K2 (24.2)) in the north. Maintain or reinstate the orchards.

Character Area N1 (19.2) Lower Misbourne Settled River Valley Boundaries West boundary in Chalfont? Key Characteristics

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Description does not pick up river characteristics and water meadows etc 4 A40 not in this area 8 Gerrards Cross not in N1 (19.2) – Chalfont St. Peter only Values No comment Issues No comment The Future No comment

Character Area N2 (19.1) High Wycombe Valley Settled River Valley Boundaries Should encompass built environment in J1 (18.1) Key Characteristics 1 Include containing the River Wye, its tributaries and back streams. 3 Valley sides are more open in the east Parklands that border the River / The Rye, etc 4 Start with trees and woodlands 7 High levels of activity…in built up areas Values No comment Urban development – expansion of HW opportunities to open river out – culverted by Mills etc Importance of wooded valley sides Lack of opportunity wildlife because of development. The Future No comment

Character Area O1 (22.1) Beaconsfield Mixed Use Terrace Boundaries Bulstrode Park shouldn’t be dissected and split into two separate LCA’s. It should be wholly within O1 (22.1) or P1 (23.1) (ideally P1 (23.1)). Key Characteristics 5 Highlight and name the specific groups of National Trust woods in the north west. Also mention the orchard in the north west. 6 Add railway line and A40 which cross the area. Also the A355 which cuts through in a north, south direction and is particularly busy (It has been highlighted by the DC and CC as a problem road) Mention the common areas that are present along the edge of Beaconsfield Old Town.

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Values Access to open countryside for the town of Beaconsfield. Well used footpath across the golf course in the north (elsewhere poor access) Issues No comment The Future Management of industrial areas in the future.

Character Area O2 (22.2) Chalfont St Peter Mixed Use Terrace Boundaries No comment Key Characteristics Some open fields – definition confusing to some? Values Openness Footpath Ancient woodlands Chiltern open air museum Issues No comment The Future No comment

Character Area O3 (22.3) Tatling End Mixed Use Terrace Boundaries Boundary crosses over M40 / M25 - straight boundaries better here? Footpath down Brokengate Lane (Tatling End / Bakers Wood – O3 (22.3) / N1 (19.2)) Key Characteristics Denham Country Park is in B2 (26.3), not O3 (22.3). Values No comment Issues No comment The Future No comment Character Area O4 (22.4) Iver Heath Mixed Use Terrace Boundaries Alter the south west boundary, by including the orchards and smaller scale fields with M1 (25.1)

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Key Characteristics Agree that the Key characteristics sum up the area – definitely a large scale, developed landscape. Values No comment Issues No comment The Future No comment.

Character Area P1 (23.1) Alder Bourne River Valley Boundaries M25 / M40 Junction within O3 (22.3) or P1 (23.1)? Settlement boundary description is confusing Need for all little areas (contours) at western end? Bulstrode Park (west of Gerrards Cross) – is this a parkland rather than river valley? Boundary crosses the park. Key Characteristics 8 No need for word ‘isolated’ Values Good views of valley from M40 (south of Gerrards Cross) Issues No comment The Future No comment

Character Area Q1 (20.2) Burnham Undulating Farmland Boundaries Consider changing the northern boundary to include to golf course parkland and surrounding fields with K1 (24.1), due to underlying historical wooded pastures, and historical affinity with K. Or move the boundary in the west, to incorporate strip of fields to the west of Cliveden Road, which have a similar character as the fields either site of Dropmore Road, so that both these areas are included within Q1 (20.2). Key Characteristics 5 Remove or change the word ‘overt’. Golf courses and paddocks and close to Slough. Maybe should just highlight that there are few people and little movement instead. Highlight the affinities of this landscape with the northern K1 (24.1), in terms of the underlying history of pasture? Should Cliveden be a LCA on its own? Values

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Views the south Buffer area, stopping the expansion of Slough to the north into wooded terrace. A lot of trees along roads and fields, but still manages to maintain an openness. Issues No comment The Future Enhancing. There is grazing in K1 (24.1), possible link through this area, so it has a closer affinity with the grazed areas there.

Character Area Q2 (20.1) Layter’s Green Undulating Farmland Boundaries Quaker Meeting House on the boundary and should be pulled into this character area. The northern part of Character Area P1 (23.1) and part of J2 (18.2) and O1 (22.1) should be included in this area. North western boundary should be A355 and south western boundary the Road. and Jordans should wholly be included with Bircher Spring and Birchland Wood included to the west and south respectively. Key Characteristics 4. Layter’s Green is not a village. 4. Jordans is an early 20th century planned village. Jordans is a notable centre for Quakerism with a Quaker Meeting House. 6. could be confused with one in the Chilterns. Values The adjacent Alderbourne Valley Issues No comments The Future No comments

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4 Evaluation

4.1 Following the workshop, participants had the opportunity to make additional comments which were forwarded to LUC (refer to Appendix B). Comments made by workshop participants were incorporated and integrated into the final Landscape Character Assessments for each District. 4.2 Land Use Consultants would like to take this opportunity to thank all participants for their attendance and the provision of extremely useful information.

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Appendix A

Workshop Participants and Facilitators

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Character Areas Group 1 - Chiltern: Facilitator Kate Ahern (LUC) Cllr Nicholas Rose – CDC G1 (15.1) Sarah Scott - Environment Agency A1 (13.5) Kath Daly- Chilterns Conservation Board I1 (17.2) Jez Elkin - Bucks Biodiversity Partnership H5 (16.5) Yvonne Edwards - Chess Valley Archaeological Society J4 (18.4) Mike Walker - BCC F1 (14.1) Cherry Aston - Buckinghamshire Rural Advisory Group

Group 2 - Chiltern: Facilitator Kate Milner (LUC) Heather Lewis - Berks Bucks Wildlife Trust A4 (13.2) Cllr Martin Tett - BCC Q2 (20.1) David Waker - CDC H4 (16.4) Sarah Wright - Natural England A2 (13.4) Mark Bailey - BCC J3 (18.3) Neil Jackson - Chilterns Conservation Board H2 (16.3) Mike Farley - Bucks Archaeological Society J2 (18.2)

Group 3 - South Bucks: Facilitator Simon Gray (SBDC) Cllr Roger Reed - SBDC O3 (22.3) Stewart Pomeroy - Groundwork Thames Valley/Colne Valley Park B2 (26.3) Peter Beckford - SBDC N1 (19.2) Chris Kenneford - BCC O2 (22.2) Robert Reeves - Hillingdon District Council P1 (23.1) Martin Hartup - City of London K2 (24.2) Sandy Kidd - BCC

Group 4 - South Bucks: Facilitator Hannah Leach (LUC) Chris Marchant - SBDC O1 (22.1) Andy McVeigh - BCC Q1 (20.2) Nigel Boden - National Trust K1 (24.1) Peter Miller - HS2 Ltd B3 (26.2) Graham Fairclough - English Heritage M1 (25.1) Jon Clark - BCC O4 (22.4)

Group 5 - Wycombe: Facilitator David Green (BCC) David Dewar - WDC H3 (16.1) Barbara Wallis - Little Marlow Parish A5 (13.1) Haidrun Breith - WDC G2 (15.2) Mai Nielsen - BCC N2 (19.1) Colin Berks - Marlow Archaeological Society L1 (21.1) Lesley Sproat - Environment Agency B1 (26.1) Mike Overall - Chilterns Society J1 (18.1)

Group 6 - Wycombe: Niki Huijer David Broadley - AVDC E1 (8.11) Bettina Kirkham - Chilterns Conservation Board C1 (11.3) Phil Simpkin - WDC I2 (17.1) Vicky Wetherell - BCC C2 (11.2) Marian Miller - Chiltern Society H1 (16.2) Marcus Rogers - BCC A3 (13.3) D1 (10.6)

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Appendix B

Post-Workshop Comments from Participants

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Wycombe, South Bucks and Chiltern Districts Landscape Character Assessment

Follow-up thoughts from stakeholder consultation workshop

General Maps The topographically drawn maps do not always reflect the perception of the landscape on the ground e.g. boundaries are drawn through woodland and edges of large settlements. Key characteristics It would be useful if there were the same number for each area and they were identifiable – perhaps what we looked at in the Carousel exercise, but expanded to 10? These could be 1. Topography and underlying geology and general description. 2. Agriculture including historic field patterns and hedgerows. 3. Woodland. 4. Any other landscape features e.g. gravel pits and commons. 5. Built characteristics and extent of settlement 6. Heritage Assets. 7. Views and perceptions of tranquillity 8. Toads and paths. 9. Biodiversity 10. Recreation.

It is also important that descriptions should not be ambiguous.

Using this scheme I have looked at the 3 areas J1 (18.1), B1 (26.1) and L1 (21.1) that I know best. Unfortunately I only have the small scale maps so I may be wrong about some of the details that are near the boundaries.

B1 (26.1) Thames Floodplain Note: the boundary of Bucks County and Wycombe District is the River Thames. The landscape extends into Maidenhead and Windsor and Wokingham Districts. Key Characteristics 1. A flat, low lying floodplain, with very slight local topographic variation, underlain by a mix of alluvium, head and gravel formations, with free draining soils. Defined by the locks and pounds in the river (see Lesley Sproat’s comments) 2. Arable cultivation dominates along the northern fringe of the area, combined with smaller field of rough grazing. Fields near the river are liable to flooding- some have been historic water meadows. A mixed field pattern with enclosures from irregular pre 18th century though regular parliamentary enclosures to 20th century extended fields and horse paddocks. Hedgerows and wooden fencing define fields. 3. Scattered or clumped trees along field boundaries, isolated trees and small pockets of trees are dispersed occasionally across the area particularly along the smaller water courses, but overall woodland cover is sparse. 4. The River Thames flows along the southern boundary. A network of open water bodies lying just north of the river, occupy former mineral extraction pits. 5. The town of Marlow is the prominent settlement in the landscape with a strong historic character that is shared with villages such as Little Marlow and

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Medmenham. Bourne End in the east has grown up in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A number of minor historic houses are built along the Thames. 6. There is a very long history of settlement adjacent to the river Thames – see C. Birk’s comments for the archaeology. Outside Marlow and the historic villages, the historic buildings include Fawley Court in the west, Danesfield House and Harleyford Manor in the middle and Westhorpe house and House towards the east. 7. The low-lying, flat and open landscape allows for occasional long views and panoramic vistas particularly north towards the higher sloping topography of the lower dip slope. Some pockets of tranquillity and calm associated with area of water and away from roads and settlement. 8. The east of the area is cut by the busy A4155 and the A404 which has a strong visual and audible impact. Apart from the A404, the only road bridge over the Thames is in Marlow. The Thames Path National trail follows the river between footbridges at Temple (west of Marlow) and at Bourne End railway bridge. The Bourne End to Marlow railway runs through the eastern part of the area providing a link to Maidenhead and thence London. 9. The interesting flora and fauna are water based. There is a gravel-pit lake nature reserve at Spade Oak, Little Marlow and some wet woodland nearby (see M. Overall’s comments) Loddon Lilies grow wild in the western water meadows. 10. Numerous recreational opportunities are often associated with areas of water including the Thames Path National Trail, water sports and marinas, fishing and bird watching.

Low Grounds is a very significant element of the areas character. So far revealed:

3 Barrows (Neolithic < Bronze Age 2 Mortuary enclosures (probably Neolithic) An intact Neolithic Tannery. A large Neolithic ditch enclosure (possible house) Paleo channel Evidence of settlement / agriculture Much other evidence still under investigation

Attached is a location plan (red line) and a record drawing showing the most significant features.

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Appendix 4

Values Recorded at the Stakeholder Workshop by Character Area

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Landscape Character Area Type STAKEHOLDER VALUES • Views across the valley from Latimer to Chenies. • Chenies and Latimer Village are quintessentially English and unspoilt with vernacular buildings. • Brick and flint in Chenies village. Timber framed infilling of buildings, with flint represent some of the earliest buildings e.g. Chenies Manor. • Chenies Manor Garden. • Prehistoric sites along chalk streams river valleys, e.g. at Latimer. • Archaeological and historic interest of whole Valley. A1 Chess • Ancient sunken lanes/ holloways with a (13.5) distinctive character, deep and steep form. Illustrate ancient routes and droves for cattle. Winding and work with the topography. • The Chess Valley Walk, a protected route. • Bluebell woods on hillsides. • Biodiversity interest of the chalk river. • Watercress Beds. • Intact river is still largely connected to its Chalk River floodplain habitats. A Valley • Quiet tranquil character despite proximity to built up areas. • Very attractive and varied landscape from floodplain to woodland. • Views of Shardeloes from the train. The first tranquil, beautiful view on the journey north from London. • Shardeloes House listed building and historic park. The importance of its designer and significance in the valley as a pool of cultural history. Views across parkland & lake to country house. • Great Missenden Abbey & Park – attractive historical view from the road is pleasant. A2 Misbourne • Great Missenden where Roald Dahl lived (13.4) Upper and wrote for 36 years. • Historic buildings in Little Missenden, Great Missenden Including Great Missenden Church Street (14th century to 18th century houses. • Great Missenden Abbey (13th century remains and late 18th century house. • Wealth of old building dating back to the 14th century, including a 15th century mill in Old Amersham. Many buildings are made from local stone reflecting the local geology. • Timber framed infilling of buildings, with flint in Old Amersham represent some of the earliest buildings. • Biodiversity of the floodplain. • River Misbourne through Little Missenden. Helps to create character. • West Wycombe Hill a landmark and orientation point. • Outlook from West Wycombe Hill. • West Wycombe Park, House, Church and Mausoleum. Designed historic landscape with historical resonance, distinctive features and intimate views. Heritage, links to several layers of history and culture. A3 Wye Valley • Character of West Wycombe and village. (13.3) Flint houses are distinctive. • Hellfire Caves important for leisure, history and tourism. • Associations of West Wycombe with the Bloomsbury set and Victorian culture. • Bradenham Manor and Village - quintessentially English and tranquil. • Saracen stones at Bradenham. • Views from Hughenden Manor. • Disraeli Monument – a monument to the Disraeli family, whose seat was at nearby A4 Hughenden Hughenden. (13.2) Valley • Hughenden Manor. Historic house, garden and estate with important links to Disraeli and WWII heritage • Hughenden Valley Walk. • Valley has a distinct, enclosed character. • Classic Chilterns landform. • Rural, tranquil, secluded. • Hambleden village is distinctive in its layout A5 Hambleden and materials, and isolated in the valley with (13.1) Valley surrounding Holloway tracks. • Brick and flint buildings in Hambleden. • Views from Turville Windmill. • Attractive village and church at Fingest. • Romano-British Villa sites • Views down to valley towns and views up and down the valley, along market streets etc. • Historical / arterial lanes - lanes from the ‘Ends’ commons to river valleys. General • Key routes along valley bottoms. Historic routes to London • Small rural winding roads which rise up through the valleys. Represent history use of the landscape – Anglo Saxon. Transport corridors follow the grain of the valleys. • Rivers that disappear, Winter bournes Change and variety in landscape. • Chalk streams. • Romano-British Villa sites along the chalk valleys and Thames, e.g. Bucy Villa, Hatman villa Hambleden Valley form • Views of Bisham Abbey from north of River Thames. • Hambleden Mill, access to Weir and views across and along Thames Valley. • River related heritage – transport, fishing and milling. • Harleyford historic country houses and grounds. B1 Thames • Neolithic settlement area at low grounds. (26.1) • Marlow Bridge historic landmark. • Historic use Marlow Gravel Pits. • The Thames Path. • Association with Wind in the Willows. • Heathland and wet woodland. • River Thames - nationally important large river contrast with smaller chalk streams. • Tranquillity. • Views across Colne Valley from slopes of Harefield. • Legacy of aggregate extraction across three counties. B Floodplain • Historic parkland in . • Denham historic town with inspiring views of buildings. B2 • Lakeland landscape - a combination of many Colne Valley (26.3) characters. • Denham Country Park and access to other circular footpaths. • Denham Airfield. • Reed beds, wet woodland, variety of wetland habitat, accessible by people. • Small ancient woodlands in north of Denham Parish. • Dorney Common - relatively untouched considering surrounded by settlement. • Dorney Lake – 2012 Olympic venue. • Jubilee River. Wildlife (particularly Bird life) along the rivers. It is of recognised B3 Dorney biodiversity importance. (26.2) • Good long distance paths - Jubilee River Walkway. • Openness – A contrast to the northern wooded character areas, which are more enclosed. C Escarpment C1 Coombe Hill • View across Aylesbury Vale and into (11.3) and intimate landscape of Chilterns from Whiteleaf Whiteleaf Cross and Brush Hill LNR. • Distinctive topographical and geological feature, contrasts with the vale. • Pulpit Hill, a treeless feature. • Coombe Hill - clear, width of view, everyone, highest point • Coombe Hill Monument - important viewpoint and important cultural history. • Whiteleaf Cross – built as a landmark and historic associations • Traces of juniper at Whiteleaf - rarity illustrative of historic landscape. • Beacon Hill outlook. • Specialised flora on scarp slopes. • Ancient sunken lanes and Holloways. Distinctive character, deep and steep form. Illustrates ancient routes and droves for cattle. Winding and work with the topography.

• Distinctive topographical and geological C2 feature, contrasts with the Vale. Wain Hill (11.2) • Outlook from Lodge Hill. • Specialised flora on scarp slopes. • Church which impressively sits above the landscape. Scarp D1 D Risborough • Denner Hill stone (known as clunch) in Foothills (10.6) Risborough. Buildings made from this show evidence of medieval origin. • Lowlands of Longwick, Meadle and Marsh E1 looking back towards the Chilterns. E Vale Longwick (8.11) • Tranquillity and views. • Contrast of vale and escarpment • John Hampden Memorial. • Hampden House - historic connections. • Chequers – the Prime Minister’s country residence. Wooded F1 Great F • Hampdens to Dunsmore – very enclosed Plateau (14.1) Hampden and tranquil. • Rights of way network. • Well managed woodland and farmland. • Commons. • Fine views down and across the Upper Misbourne Valley from The Lee and Kings Lee and Ash. G1 Buckland • Ancient 11th century church and houses are Undulating (15.1) G Common distinctive buildings at The Lee. Plateau • Houses along commons which act as village centres. G2 Southend (15.2) • Lacy Green Windmill. • Houses along Naphill Common which acts as the village centre. H1 Walter’s Ash • Naphill Common - Rare moths, rare (16.2) & Naphill junipers, ancient woodland and orchard species. • Beech woodlands provide link with settlements and wider countryside. • Abbots House (Devere Conference Centre), H2 Great - physical value and historic (16.3) Kingshill merit (assembly / economic centre) and views to the Hughenden Valley. Settled H • Trees line and enclose the A40. Plateau • acts as a dramatic entrance H3 Stokenchurc into Bucks. Creates an experience and great (16.1) h views open out. • Red kites near Little Studdridge • Views towards old Amersham from . H4 • View from top of Amersham on the Hill Hyde Heath (16.4) looking down towards Amersham Old Town (from north looking south across valley and up towards Coleshill). Historic setting. H5 Ashley • Orchards - historic and biodiversity value. (16.5) Green • Hedgerows – restoration of boundaries. • Views from Chartridge (North of Chesham) from here you can see all the way into London. • Cholesbury Mill. Victorian culture, e.g. Bloomsbury set • Ancient Lanes & Holloways especially north west of Chesham. • Hawridge Common linked to Cholesbury form character of the area. I1 Bellingdon • Heathland / acid grassland relict habitats on (17.2) commons. • Tranquillity, Chartridge – Cholesbury. Dipslope • Bellingdon brick works. Local materials from I with Dry here are reflective in the built structure of Valleys Chesham. • Hedges. • Up and down topography ridge and valley is distinctive. • Dry valleys. • Views from Bledlow Ridge, one of the few places along the Rideway where long views are afforded either side. I2 Bledlow • as a traffic- free area - quietness & (17.1) Ridge tranquillity. • Zig zag roads to Bledlow Ridge from the west. • Bledlow Great Park - Density of tree coverage, birdlife, setting to Chinnor and steam railway, gateway to Bledlow / Ridge. • Bledlow Ridge / Chinnor - historic Assets. • Round Barrows, e.g Cophill Bledlow, Churches. • Views from Flackwell Heath ridge – can see J1 Great Ascot race course, hills next to Watership (18.1) Marlow Down, ‘Wild Wood’ (Wind in the Willows), Winter Hill, Ashley Forest (in Berks). Rolling J2 • Beech woodland at Penn Woods J Farmland Penn (18.2)

J3 Little (18.3) Chalfont J4 Codmore (18.4) • Cliveden sits high above the valley - panoramic views of the Thames and also views from the Thames / Maidenhead to Cliveden. • Cliveden - historic landscape, house and gardens. • Ancient woodland, veteran trees at Burnham Beeches. Important for biodiversity and recreation. • Burnham Beeches and Littleworth Common - heath and commons. Historical use of the landscapes and interaction with people. K1 Burnham Cultural landscape – traditional forms of (24.1) Beeches management • Good access, lots of open access land – The Beeches Way. • Tree collection at Dropmore. Thought into designed landscape Wooded • Orchids species at Littleworth Common K Terrace • Wooded enclosure and intimacy • Astors at Cliveden and Bloomsbury set association. • Burnham Beeches association with Mendelssohn / Betjeman. • Tranquillity at Burnham Beeches (common, river views, beech trees). • Stoke Common - heath and commons. Relict heath, historical use of the landscapes and interaction with people. • Parkland and old trees and species. • Bluebell woodland at Rowley Wood. Farnham and K2 • Crossbills at Black Park. Stoke (24.2) Common • Black Park - large stretch of natural woodland and water. Biodiversity and recreation value. • Variation – open nature, woodland, heathland. • Accessible country parks. • Lots of open access land. • Close to settlements for access. • Good opportunities for horse riding. • ‘Go Ape’ at Butell Park attraction. • View from edge of Bloom Wood, Little Marlow. Can see a large expanse of the Valley L1 L Thames Thames Valley. Applies to top of dip slope all Slope (21.1) way from Flackwell Heath to Handy Cross – can see Windsor Castle. • Views of Windsor Castle from Langley Park • Langley Park, a Capability Brown landscape, views, veteran trees, layers of history are important. • Parklands with remaining veteran trees in Lowland M1 Stoke and M changed landscape Fringe (25.1) Langley Park • Parkland trees and fungal association at Langley Park. • Wood pasture • Good access, lots of open access land • Gray’s Elegy association at Stoke Poges • Good ‘escape’ from Gerrards Cross and Chalfonts built up area. • Footpath along river, important views to N1 Lower experience. (19.2) Misbourne • Safe way to walk from Chalfont St Giles to St Peter. Tranquil • Local walks • Views from each side of the Wye towards each other – some spoilt by unattractive suburban development. Unspoilt views very attractive and precious. • Gomm Valley, Tom Burt’s Hill - Views across High Wycombe. • , Woodburn looking back up the Wye Valley and down towards the Settled Thames Valley. N River Valley • River corridor through High Wycombe. Acts as a valuable element of the urban landscape High here. N2 Wycombe • Archaeologically important sites, e.g. Gomm (19.1) Valley Valley • Urban greenspaces along River Wye, e.g. The Rye. Important greenspace for town, ecologically and culturally important, heritage (mills parkland). • Mills, characteristic of the history and concentrated along the River Wye. They show how the land use has changed over time. • The Rye, woodland, historic park land. • Recreational, accessible. • Holtspur Chalk Valley - Surrounded by settlement but relatively untouched. • Gomm Valley chalk grassland. • Importance of wooded valley sides. • Chiltern Hundreds. • Access to open countryside for the town of O1 Beaconsfield Beaconsfield. (22.1) • Well used footpath across the golf course in the north. • Some attractive arable land but fragmented O2 Chalfont St Mixed Use by roads / rail O (22.2) Peter Terrace • Informal access. O3 • Footpaths, PROW network. Tatling End (22.3) • local woodlands.

O4 • Pinewood - film Studios. Iver Heath (22.4) • Good general access to the river but lack of local linkages, e.g. circular walks near P1 Alder P River Valley stations (23.1) Bourne • Good views of valley from M40 (south of Gerrards Cross) • Views southwards over Thames Valley from Taplow Village (Conservation Area). • Taplow Court has good viewpoint – view and landmark. • Views from Taplow Mill / Taplow Riverside. Q1 • Railway bridges e.g. Taplow. 19th century Burnham (20.2) and listed buildings. Distinctive historical Undulating Q features in the landscape. Farmland • Buffer area, stopping the expansion of Slough to the north into wooded terrace. • A lot of trees along roads and fields, but still manages to maintain an openness. • Access to the adjacent Alderbourne Valley Q2 St Giles • Jordans is a notable centre for Quakerism (20.1) with a Quaker Meeting House.

Appendix 5

The Full Buckinghamshire Classification

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Landscape Type Landscape Character Area 1.1 Silverstone Race Track 1.2 Forest High Ground 1.3 Wood Green Wooded Farmland 1 Wooded Ridge 1.4 Stowe Registered Parkland

1.5 Lillingstone Wet Farmland 1.6 Oatleys Plateau 1.7 Plateau 2.1 Ouse Valley 2.2 Valley 2.3 Valley 2 Incised Valleys 2.4 Stowe Park Approaches

2.5 Foxcote Valley 2.6 Barrett’s End Open Farmland 2.7 Upper Great Ouse Valley 3 Valley Bottom 3.1 Lower Great Ouse Valley

4.1 Plateau 4.2 Plateau Edge 4.3 Ridge Thornborough- 4.4 Great Ouse Tributaries 4.5 Grove Farm Shallow Valley 4.6 A421 Ridge 4.7 Whaddon Chase

4 Undulating Clay Plateau 4.8 Horwood Claylands

Newton Longville-Stoke 4.9 Hammond Claylands

4.10 Greenway Open Farmland 4.11 - Claylands 4.12 Winslow Ridge 4.13 - Wing Plateau 4.14 - Ridge 4.15 Weedon Ridge 5.1 Valley 5.2 Ouzel Valley 5.3 Ouzel Valley Lower Slopes 5 Shallow Valleys 5.4 Twyford Vale 5.5 Tributary 5.6 Claydon Valley 5.7 Claylands Undulating 5.8 Claylands 5.9 Westcott Claylands 5.10 Crawley Narrow Valley 5.11 Valley 6.1 Brickhills Scarp 6 Greensand Ridge 6.2 Stockgrove Wooded Slopes 7.1 – Settled 7.2 Hills Wooded Rolling 7.3 Calvert Clay Pits 7 Lowlands 7.4 Claydon Bowl 7.5 Kingswood Wooded Farmland 7.6 Bernwood Forest 8.1 Vale 8.2 Kingsbridge Valley 8.3 Ouzel Valley Catchment 8.4 - Slopes

8.5 Northern Vale 8.6 Vale 8 Vale 8.7 Vale 8.8 Panshill Vale 8.9 Haddenham Vale 8.10 Southern Vale 8.11 Peppershill Arable 8.12 Pastoral Vale 8.13 Longwick 9.1 Finemere Hill Low Hills and Ridges 9.2 Hill

9.3 -Whitchurch Ridge 9.4 - Parkland 9.5 Brill and Muswell Hill 9 9.6 Ridge 9.7 Ridge 9.8 Chilton Ridge 9.9 A418 Ridge 9.10 Hartwell House & Golf Course 9.11 Ridge Chalk Foothills 10.1 Cheddington Hills 10 10.2 Hills and Pitstone Chalk 10.3 Quarries 10.4 Wendover Foothills 10.5 Drayton Manor chalk Slopes 10.6 Risborough Chalk Escarpment 11.1 Chiltern Scarp 11 11.2 Wain Hill 11.3 Coombe Hill and Whiteleaf 12 Chalk Dip Slope 12.1 Chiltern Dip Slope 13.1 Wendover Gap 13.2 Hambleden 13.3 Hughenden 13 Chalk River Valley 13.4 Wye 13.5 Misbourne Upper 13.6 Chess 14 Wooded Plateau 14.1 Great Hampden 15.1 Lee and Buckland Common 15 Undulating Plateau 15.2 Fawley 16.1 Stokenchurch 16.2 Walter’s Ash & Naphill 16 Settled Plateau 16.3 Great Kingshill 16.4 Hyde Heath 16.5 Ashley Green 17.1 Bledlow Ridge 17 Dipslope with Dry Valleys 17.2 Bellingdon 18.1 Great Marlow 18.2 Penn 18 Rolling Farmland 18.3 Little Chalfont 18.4 Codmore 19.1 High Wycombe 19 Settled River Valley 19.2 Lower Misbourne Undulating Farmland 20.1 St Giles 20 20.2 Burnham 21 Valley Slope 21.1 Thames 22.1 Beaconsfield 22.2 Chalfont St Peter 22 Mixed Use Terrace 22.3 Tatling End 22.4 Iver Heath 23 River Valley 23.1 Alder Bourne 24.1 Burnham Beeches 24 Wooded Terrace 24.2 Farnham and Stoke Common 25 Lowland Fringe 25.1 Stoke and Langley Park 26.1 Thames 26 Floodplain 26.2 Dorney 26.3 Colne Valley