CONSERVATION BOARD

2008/2009 A N N U A L R E V I E W O F T H E Chilterns Conservation Board Caring for the Chilterns

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD

y privilege as Chairman of the Chilterns People and Places of the Project which Conservation Board for the past year has been has recorded profiles of some of the famous people Mto see people working together towards who have lived in the area. The research work for this, common goals. There has been a close relationship together with that for the Special Trees and Woods between Board members and the Board's staff with the Project, has engaged many enthusiastic volunteers. latter operating as a well-honed team. Members visit our office in to talk through issues with the The Chilterns AONB, placed as it is on the edge of relevant officer and most do not restrict themselves to major conurbations, is seldom without challenges. our four meetings a year but attend many Board Much work has been done with The Chiltern Society to events. safeguard our streams in the face of increasing demand for water. New threats to the tranquillity of All helped with the big task of the year, the review of the AONB come from plans to re-route the flights of the Management Plan. We now have a Framework for aircraft using Heathrow and airports. The Action which will guide our work until 2013. It preferred line for the future rail link highlights the strength of the Board's partnerships with from to the is likely to pass through other bodies: The Chiltern Society, the , the Chilterns. the Wildlife Trusts, local authorities, parish councils and many voluntary bodies. Our principal funding source is Natural which has already been obliged to reduce our annual grant. Many local people and visitors are Undoubtedly, there will be draconian cuts in the interested in the historic environment future. We appreciate the help that they give to the of the Chilterns. To help them we want Board. And we are grateful for the prudent to promote greater awareness of our deployment of our limited resources by the rich heritage. We developed a new Chief Officer and Finance Officer. programme of guided walks which include Castle and Old Town. This builds on the success of the Sir John Johnson, Chairman

THE CHILTERNS - BARTON-LE-CLAY

Hexton AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY M1 Lilley

DUNSTABLE he Chilterns was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural LUTON Beauty in 1965, in recognition of its beautiful landscape

which is amongst the finest in the country. The nade TT Whips Ver Chilterns AONB covers 833 sq kms and stretches from

Aldbury Goring in south through Gade Gaddesden and to Hitchin in . It has a population of 80,000. M1 BERKHAMSTED Bulbourne PRINCES M25 RISBOROUGH

The primary duties of the Chilterns CHINNOR Gt. Missenden M40 Conservation Board are to conserve Hughenden Chess Colne and enhance the natural Stream AMERSHAM WATLINGTON Misbourne HIGH beauty of the AONB and, BENSON WYCOMBE in so doing, to increase WALLINGFORD Brook Wye the understanding and MARLOW M40 enjoyment by the public River Thames M25 of its special qualities HENLEY-ON-THAMES GORING and to foster the M4 economic and social well- being of local communities. M4 READING 0 5 10 Kilometeres [0 6 Miles

1 ISSUES AND TRENDS he term “natural beauty” has no legal The gradual loss of rural character can also be definition but is interpreted by the Board as caused by poor building design and what might be Tall those elements which make up a described as clutter. This includes everything from landscape so special that it is given legal protection an excess of road side signs and furniture to the as a national asset. One of these elements is conversion of farmland to gardens and pony tranquillity, however, it is apparent that the paddocks. Much of this change is piece meal and tranquillity of the Chilterns is being eroded rapidly. almost impossible to control. Traffic noise is ever present, but with low noise road surfaces and lower speed limits it is possible to The Board has been working to conserve those make improvements. Much more insidious and special qualities under threat. We have lobbied difficult to deal with has been the growth in noise against transport plans which will generate more pollution generated by all types of aircraft. There noise or intrusion in the landscape; we have was a massive and successful campaign to stop plans published technical guidance on design of buildings by the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) to route and management of the highway corridor; we have more planes at lower elevations over the Chilterns. undertaken a survey of how land use changes from Over 6,000 individual letters of objection were sent year to year; we are also preparing a State of the and NATS withdrew their plans, promising to consult Environment report which we will publish annually again in summer 2009. from 2009 onwards which will provide evidence of how the landscape of the Chilterns is changing. The Government announced that it would give its approval to the construction of a third runway at Any landscape will and must evolve. Some of those Heathrow. This will result in over 200,000 more changes are due to natural forces and, for the most flights over the Chilterns. There has already been a part, should be accepted, but many others are short considerable increase in overflying by Heathrow term and driven by changes in economics, aircraft in recent years to compound the increase in regulation, fashion and social trends. Where they air traffic using . Working with the are undesirable the Board will work with its aviation industry has been frustrating. Trying to get partners to bring about improvements. Despite the them to be clear about how they will conserve the problems there is a great deal of positive work tranquillity of an AONB is difficult. going on from management of woodlands and commons to enhancement of Sites of Special In early 2009 the government announced that it Scientific Interest and improved flows in the chalk intends to develop a high speed rail link between streams. The Chilterns is a complex landscape and London and , which will present a the Board's role is to make sure it remains special further challenge as it will almost certainly slice for future generations to enjoy. through the Chilterns.

Steve Rodrick, Chief Officer

View of Beacon

2 Conservation

s the most visited AONB in the country it is hardly surprising that visitor pressure continued to be an issue for managers of sensitive sites and habitats across the Chilterns. Uncontrolled dogs and path were Aamongst the concerns, with, for example, 12 sheep killed on and Downs over a six month period.

Sustaining grazing on conservation sites remained a priority, and while there was some welcome news for livestock farmers in the form of rising meat prices, the sector remained under pressure.

The need to restore, link and extend fragmented habitats continued as a high priority for all those concerned with nature conservation, particularly in the face of climate change.

This year's Chalk Grassland Day on the theme of The Board supported projects to restore, link and 'People, dogs and grazing – managing access on extend fragmented habitats, including: sensitive sites' brought together over 55 site managers Chalk grassland restoration from conifer and others to consider the latest thinking on access plantation at Bradenham. management on these sites, including positive approaches to working with dog owners. Heathland and acid grassland restoration at and Commons. The Board also contributed to a number of projects aimed at sustaining grazing on sites with high visitor Acid grassland restoration at . numbers, for example, by funding the purchase of Exmoor ponies to graze the National Trust's Coombe The Chilterns Commons Network continued Hill. to thrive with over 60% of the commons (by area) represented on the Commons forum. Network The Board supported various grazing initiatives activities this year included: including: Commons Day 2008: 'Local Involvement, Local SheepKeep - a free web-based scheme matching Heritage' was held at Highmoor, near , livestock to grazing (www.sheepkeep.co.uk) Henley and had over 40 participants.

Nude Ewe – a local grazing project led by There were Network visits to six commons Bedfordshire County Council. attended by 88 people.

Practical works to support and enhance grazing Over 400 copies of the Commons Network on a number of sites including Seer Wood, the newsletter were distributed. and Chorleywood Common. Development of initial proposals for a Chilterns Commons Project bid with community engagement and involvement at its core.

The Board published the Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008-2013 which highlighted the importance of monitoring the trends in condition of the AONB, including the condition of characteristic species and habitats. The Plan commits the Board to publishing a State of the Environment Report in 2009, and a new group – the Chilterns Environment Forum – was successfully established to develop this area of work.

The Chilterns Conservation Award went to David Passmore of Mays Farm at Nuffield, south Oxfordshire, for his measures to conserve arable flora and farmland birds on this mixed commercial farm.

Mays Farm near Nuffield, winning entry in the 2008 Conservation Award

3 Farming and Land Use

ollowing the record high world cereal and oilseed prices in 2007, prices dropped sharply in 2008. Poor summer weather led to many farmers losing their crops and planting for the 2009 harvest was delayed or Fmissed altogether. Following global food shortages, set-aside which had been set at 0% in 2007 was finally abolished by the EU in 2008. In response to this and the high prices in 2007, the Land Use Survey identified an increase in cropped and a corresponding decrease in uncropped arable land, including set aside and other fallow land. Despite being a production measure, it was acknowledged that appropriately managed set- aside could be of benefit to wildlife, particularly farmland birds.

The livestock sector fared better than in previous years with rising prices, however the threat of increased EU regulation and blue tongue disease tempered expectations within the industry. Milk prices dropped from 2007 levels and an increase in the area designated as a nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ) was a concern for the area's declining dairy producers.

The area given over to horse pasture remained constant with almost a fifth of grazing in the AONB given over to horses, ponies and donkeys. The Board continues to work with the equestrian sector to minimise the landscape impact of this non-traditional land use.

Six Chiltern farms opened to the public on Open 40 farmers attended the Chilterns Farmers' Forum Farm Sunday on June 1st with over 5000 attendees. in February which focussed on the theme of Over 300 people attended 15 walks for the public held collaboration. Speakers included Poul Christenson, on a number of farms across the Chilterns. deputy chairman of the Natural England Board.

59 Chilterns Landowners' Guides were distributed Over 50 farmers, landowners, graziers and to landowners. conservation organisations attended a workshop on “Conservation Grazing – Making it Pay” in Tring. It was Advice was provided to 15 landowners and organised in partnership with the Grazing Animals managers on a variety of subjects including hedgerow Project, Hertfordshire County Council and establishment, management to increase wildlife Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. interest in horse pasture and pond restoration. 475 public information panels on different An on-farm training event for farmers and land aspects of farming and farm wildlife produced in managers on identification of farm wildlife was conjunction with the Linking Environment and attended by 20 farmers and landowners. Farming (LEAF) Project were distributed to 30 farmers A horse pasture management workshop organised for display on their farms. in conjunction with Bedfordshire Biodiversity The Chilterns Land Use Survey initiated in 2006 Partnership and Bedfordshire Wildlife Trust was continued with surveyors recording the different land attended by 35 horse owners and equestrian business uses in 105 randomly selected 1km squares across the managers. AONB.

The survey of hedgerow condition in a sample of the 105 squares used for the Land Use Survey, which started in 2006, continued in 2008.

Open Farm Sunday event at Hampden Bottom Farm near Prestwood

4 Woodlands

he Chilterns is one of the most heavily wooded areas in the UK with 21% cover, of which 59% is ancient. Based on a pilot survey in 2007 it is believed this figure may under represent the amount of ancient Twoodland by up to 18%. An aim of the Board, in partnership with Natural England and the Forestry Commission, is to undertake a full survey of all woodlands to determine a more update and accurate figure.

The economics of managing woodland did not improve and the problems of controlling pest species such as the grey squirrel and deer are persisting and possibly worsening.

One area which was more profitable was the supply of logs for domestic use, with increases in demand of 20% reported and a similar increase in the value of logs. Some suppliers reported problems in securing a suitable supply, especially with the prospect of a continued increase in demand.

The wood chip sector provided a potentially large market but with relatively high capital costs for heating systems, volatile oil and gas prices and uncertainty over the security of future supplies of wood chip the development of the sector was modest despite its potential.

Over 80 delegates attended the Woodland Forum The Board also supported the Special Trees and organised jointly with the Chiltern Woodlands Project Woods Project, managed by the Chiltern Woodlands on the subject of Woodland Pests and Diseases. The Project, which attracted a grant of £268,000 from the conference, addressed by speakers from the Forestry Heritage Lottery Fund to run until April 2010. Commission and The Deer Initiative, were left in no Highlights included: doubt that the range of threats is increasing. Identifying and recording over 500 trees; Over 1,500 visitors attended Woods at Work in in April, jointly organised with the Organising an annual conference attended by Chiltern Woodlands Project and the Forestry over 180 delegates addressed by Dr. Oliver Commission. Rackham, the renowned woodland historian;

The Board's primary means of promoting woodland Organising an art exhibition in the River and management was by providing office accommodation Rowing Museum in Henley followed by The Hat and grant aid to the Chiltern Woodlands Project. With Factory in Luton which displayed the best 30 this support the Project: works out of 150 entries to a competition on art inspired by Chiltern woods; Gave advice to 40 owners covering 340 hectares of woodland; Recruiting Rachel Sanderson as Project Officer whilst Liz Manley was on maternity leave. Arranged seven walks attended by 150 people and eight talks;

Held three woodland archaeology training days attended by 34 trainees and a training day on N e t t l e b e d C o m m o n attended by 24;

Organised a workshop on the pruning and thinning of young broadleaved trees attended by nine people;

Published a book entitled The Cultural Heritage of Chiltern Woods;

Published three editions of News of the Woods.

Demonstrating forestry skills at Woods at Work 2008

5 Chalk Streams

fter the extremes of the drought of 2005-06, rainfall in the past two years has provided greatly improved flow conditions for the Chilterns' rivers. The winter of 2007-08 provided close to long term Aaverage recharge to the ensuring good flows for the year ahead and helped to return flow to most winterbournes. The wet summer helped to reduce the decline in groundwater levels, characteristic of chalk river catchments at this time of the year, which enabled flow in the middle section of the to continue and assisted the recovery of habitat that had been badly affected by the drought.

The Meades Water Gardens Regeneration Project A reedbed was planted in a restored section of the in Chesham was completed this year with the R. Bulbourne at St. John's Well in Berkhamsted by the refurbishment of footbridges, construction of new Environment Agency and the Chalk Streams Project. paths and installation of an interpretation board. The gardens were re-opened by the Mayor of Chesham in July. The Project won the Environment and Culture Award in the SE England Market Towns Awards 2008.

Over 50 delegates attended the 11th Annual Forum of the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project in St. Albans.

Over 18 walk, talks and related events were held along Chilterns' waterways by the Project and its partners.

Trout in the Classroom projects were run in Park School and Waterside School in Chesham. Pupils received approximately 250 brown Planting the St John's Well reedbed trout eggs in February and looked after them in aquaria as they hatched into fry, whilst learning about A project to enhance the R. Misbourne in Chalfont the lifecycle and chalk stream habitat of the brown St. Peter, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, brought trout. improvements to the river and over 90 people Tree management work was carried out at sites on attended two volunteer days. the R. Chess, R. Misbourne and R. Bulbourne. Water voles were found on the R. Misbourne for The Revive the Wye Partnership was launched in the first time. A survey revealed colonies between July and held two work parties utilising volunteers Chalfont St. Peter and Higher Denham. from local businesses. A survey of invasive weeds along the R. Wye found colonies of Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed throughout its length. The data collected will enable a strategy to be developed to control their spread.

The Project provided funding for the creation of a new walk along the R. Wye in and for the re-printing of the Chilterns Country Gade Valley Discovery Walk leaflet.

An angling day on the Rye at High Wycombe organised by the Environment Agency and a fun day at the National Trust's Hughenden Manor were supported.

Finished reedbed in the Bulbourne at Berkhamsted

6 Planning and Development

ince their installation the Board's solar panels have generated about 15% of the electricity used in the office and helped to stop the emission of more than a tonne of carbon dioxide. The Board attended a Smeeting with the Environment Minister, Jonathan Shaw MP, to discuss the proposals to change the use of airspace in , particularly around Luton airport, and subsequently submitted a strong response to the consultation. Closer working with Natural England (NE) took place throughout the year which was helped by the signing of a protocol for planning matters and the arrangement of a training event in the AONB for the local NE government team.

The overall winner of the Chilterns Buildings Design Awards was Holmwood near Penn, a new Arts and Crafts style house with associated landscaping and outbuildings. A highly commended award was given to a residential barn conversion at near Chesham. A special project award was given to the new sports hall for Moulsford Preparatory School. 23 entries were received for the competition which was jointly organised with The Chiltern Society. The two Buckinghamshire winners were visited by the Duke of Gloucester as part of an official visit.

The Board was consulted on 21 development plan documents and the Planning Committee submitted comments on 16 of them, including: five national Holmwood near Penn, winner of the 2008 Buildings consultations (draft plans to deal with noise, a Design Awards code in connection with telecommunications, undergrounding of overhead wires and statutory Training and other education work was undertaken consultees); one regional consultation (changes to the with talks being given to: Natural England; parish and South East Plan) and ten Local Development town councils; other local organisations and Documents. universities (Reading and Brookes) (in total The Board was consulted on 140 planning eight talks were given). The Board organised and ran applications and of these 18 of the more major or three successful training events for parish and town sensitive cases were the subject of formal councils which focussed on planning matters. 120 representations (17 of these being objections). These people in total attended the three events included applications for the following types of representing 50 parish and town councils throughout development: renewable energy; agriculture; the AONB. housing; leisure and recreation; equestrian; waste and New environmental guidance on the management transport. Of those determined 87% were in line with of roads in the Chilterns was published by a the Board's comments. p a r t n e r s h i p o f t h e c o u n t y c o u n c i l s o f Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire, supported by Professor Richard Allsop representing The Chiltern Society.

The Tranquil Project which covers parts of Wycombe District in the AONB erected many traditional finger post signs with funding provided by Wycombe DC and Bucks CC.

Loss of tranquillity from more overflying aircraft has become a major issue

7 Historic Environment

he Chilterns is a fascinating and complex landscape due in no small measure to its historic and cultural importance. The Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) has finally been completed after many years' Teffort and was complemented by a full programme of events to raise public awareness of what is special about the historic environment of the Chilterns.

The Walk Back in Time programme, led by a range The Board provided support to the Chiltern of partner organisations included 23 events ranging Woodlands Project which held three training courses from a walk around Benjamin Disraeli's estate at on woodland archaeology attended by over 30 Hughenden near High Wycombe to a visit to the trainees. archaeological sites at near Dunstable. The During the year the Board provided grant aid for the programme was so successful that it is being continued following: in 2009-10. Publication of a book on the archaeology of the The People and Places project, supported by a woodlands of the Chilterns. grant of £13,200 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, prepared online profiles of 37 locally notable people Creation of a time trail at College Lake nature including Enid Blyton, The Black Prince and Oscar reserve near Tring. Wilde. This project relied heavily on contributions An archaeological survey of part of the from 20 volunteers to do the research. Estate near Berkhamsted. The Board published the second edition of The recreation of a lambing fold at the Chiltern Chilternsaetna, a newsletter about the historic Open Air Museum. environment of the Chilterns. It was distributed widely to local organisations and individuals. New signage for the Tree Cathedral at Whipsnade. The Board continued to support the Special Trees and Woods of the Chilterns Project which has, with the Traditional building model kits for the Chiltern support of over 50 volunteers, identified and Open Air Museum. researched over 550 special trees and 150 woods for their social and historical associations. Training in archaeological surveying for volunteers from Nettlebed.

A profile of John Bunyan for the People and Places Project recorded his love of the Chiltern Hills north of Luton

8 Information and Interpretation

he Board distributed more information during 2008/09, in both printed and electronic form, than ever before. The demand for information, particularly on recreational opportunities such as walking and Tcycling, continued to grow.

The Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008-2013 Over 125,000 walking, cycling and general was completed and published in November. 500 copies information leaflets were distributed via libraries, of the full Plan and 3,000 summary leaflets were information centres, visitor attractions and at events. produced and an electronic version was added to the The Board had a stand at five major local shows AONB website. during the summer. There were 143,000 visits to the AONB website during the year, an average of nearly 12,000 per month. The number of downloads of leaflets and other publications was 41,200, an increase of 21% over the previous year. The homepage was refreshed and new pages on the AONB Management Plan, Historic Environment and the 2007 Visitor Survey were created.

37 profiles of famous people were researched and written up for the People and Places of the Chiltern Hills Project with 20 volunteers getting involved. 15,000 promotional leaflets and 500 posters were produced. Conservation Board stand at 2008 Henley Show 15,000 each of two editions of the Board's magazines Chalk and Trees and What's On in the 25 press releases and five letters were sent to the Chilterns were distributed. local media, generating at least 100 press articles and 130 delegates representing 49 organisations mentions, 13 radio interviews and four TV interviews. attended the Chilterns Annual Forum in November 11 articles written by the Board were published in the 2008 at the Green Park Conference Centre near local media. Aylesbury. Five electronic Board newsletters were circulated. 60,000 households across the Chilterns received a Two editions of the Farming and Land Use Bulletin, one copy of a newsletter promoting the AONB and the edition of the Commons Network Newsletter and one Board during spring 2009. edition of the Chilternsaetna newsletter on the historic environment were distributed.

The Board joined the Green Tourism Business Scheme and its office and operating activities were assessed in March, which subsequently resulted in a Silver award.

The AONB Parish Fund was offered again this year: 15 grant offers totalling £5,211 were made to Chilterns parishes for local projects to help protect and promote the AONB.

The Board continued to support the National Association of AONBs and contributed articles for its Outstanding magazine and information for the campaign to promote the 60th anniversary of the AONB and National Park Michaela Strachan interviews Cathy for an edition of BBC designations. Countryfile

9 Activities and Learning

uring the year the profile of the Government's 'Every Child Matters' programme and 'Learning Outside the Classroom' manifesto were raised significantly. The manifesto states: “Every young person should Dexperience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability and circumstances.”

Whilst the Chilterns Conservation Board is not an education provider in the traditional sense, it strongly supports the need for good quality outdoor learning in the Chilterns. To this end it produced a directory of 25 outdoor education providers across the Chilterns with useful information for teachers planning educational visits in the area.

Red kites continued to be a popular subject with the public, with a strong demand for talks to groups, both local and from beyond the Chilterns. However, a second consecutive wet spring and summer in 2008 led to the failure of many nests including two that were the focus of the popular red kite 'Nestwatch' initiative. Red kite enthusiasts were still able to watch internet footage of red kites in an aviary prior to their relocation to Aberdeen.

The Activities and Learning Officer contributed to Over 200 people attended guided walks with three whole-day events aimed at schools across the themes including woodlands, red kites and chalk Chilterns. streams. A new series of walks based on the historic environment of the Chilterns was launched. Talks and educational activities were provided for 10 schools and four Bucks Adult Learning lectures were 17 'Wildlife on the Move' events were held in given. conjunction with Hobbs of Henley Ltd, Chinnor and Railway and Country Ways Horse Over 3,500 visitors attended the second Chilterns and Cart Rides. Over 600 people attended these trips. Countryside Festival at the Ashridge Estate, jointly organised by the Board and the National Trust. The range of red kite-themed merchandise generated a net income of almost £3,000 which was Over 450 people attended the music and nature invested in wildlife awareness-raising work. event ‘Sounds like Summer’ at Nature Reserve, organised in partnership with Natural The 'Friends of Red Kites in the Chilterns' donation England. scheme, combined with donations from walks and talks, generated a net income of nearly £4,000. Over 900 people attended 27 red kite talks given to local organisations.

Family enjoying the Sounds Like Summer event at Aston Rowant

1010 Recreation and Access

lthough there is good provision and spread of open access land in the Chilterns, public awareness of it (where it is, what it means, how to access it) is still quite low. Accessibility of open access land is also Apatchy (including physical access, signage and information). Natural England undertook a review of National Trails, including the and . It has been recommended that national standards are set for routes other than National Trails. There may be scope to link the National Trails more fully to local routes such as the and with initiatives such as Countryside Close to Home.

The draft Chilterns Cycleway route was tested and Six Chilterns Country Walks were updated and improvements to the route were identified to increase reprinted plus the popular leaflet Cycle, Ride, Walk in its amenity value and to avoid busy roads. The final the Heart of the Chilterns. Chiltern Railways funded 170 mile on-road route takes in the best of the an additional 10,000 copies each of the West Chilterns scenery, linking in with villages, towns and Wycombe and Bradenham Walks and and places of interest along the way. Chiltern Society and Beaconsfield Walks as well as Cycle Ride or Walk Heart CTC volunteers researched shorter circular routes of the Chilterns. They have been distributing the from towns along the route, to be promoted as part of three leaflets at local stations. the overall project. A leaflet with five new cycling routes in and The Countryside Close to Home project developed around the National Trust's Ashridge Estate was a new interactive map-based walks and rides section launched in July. Some of the routes are suitable for on the AONB website to encourage people to explore families while others are more challenging and all the countryside around where they live (rights of way, except one pass the Visitor Centre. The leaflet and open access and promoted routes). This project two information boards are products of the Ashridge received a special grant of £10,000 from Natural Cycling Strategy. England along with funding from local authorities. Over 20 members of the Disabled Ramblers took The annual Chilterns Access Conference was held part in a walk organised by the Board along the Grand in February 2009 at Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, Union Canal to College Lake Nature Reserve in August. attracting 90 delegates from 30 different organisations. Topics included Natural England's National Trails Review, improving access for horse riders, attracting new audiences and updates on the local authority Countryside Access Improvement Plans.

Children's quiz sheets were produced for two Chilterns Country Walks (Nettlebed stile-free walk and Views of the Vale Coombe Hill walk), to make the walks more fun and interactive for all the f a m i l y. T h e s e a r e downloadable from the Chilterns AONB website.

A Disabled Ramblers walk by the Grand Union Canal

11 FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2008/2009 This report is based on the Financial Statement approved by the Board on 24th June 2009. The Audit Commission had not completed its audit at the time of publication of this Annual Review. A copy of the auditor's report will be available from the Board when it is published and will be posted on the Board's website.

Expenditure Income

Countryside Management £199,803 Natural England £506,688 Recreation and Access £ 69,496 Local Authorities (3) £123,663 Planning and Development £132,174 Natural England -SDF (4) £ 65,400 Promotion and Awareness £169,322 Other (5) £129,835 Governance(1) £ 48,021 Management and Administration (2) £179,606

Total £798,422 Total £825,586

The expenditure includes VAT which the Board is not Balance carried forward £27,164 able to reclaim. To Restricted and Earmarked Reserves £ 4,227 To General Reserve £ 22,937

Notes (3) Local authority contributions to core costs (1) Includes members' allowances, personnel and legal (4) Grant aid from Natural England for the Sustainable costs Development Fund (SDF) (2) Includes premises, office costs, IT and finance (5) Includes local authority and others contributions to charges projects

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FUND he Chilterns AONB Sustainable Development Fund supports projects which enhance the Chilterns and people's enjoyment and understanding of the area. During 2008-09 it made grants totalling £59,240 to Tsupport 28 local projects. The monies in the Fund are provided by Natural England. The total value of the projects supported was just under £200,000.

Examples of projects supported include:

£3,000 to the Food and Drink £1,750 to Harlington Parish Council to help with Festival, organised by Groundwork Luton and South the purchase of an area of neglected woodland which Bedfordshire, to promote local food via a series of they plan to turn into a local amenity for wildlife and events such as a healthy picnic for young children and people. cookery demonstrations. £8,940 to the for the construction of a traditional lambing fold which is part of a project to demonstrate the farming skills and equipment that were once common in the Chilterns.

£980 to Sustainable Wallingford for the production of a leaflet promoting three new family-friendly cycling Planting vegetable seeds at the Dunstable Downs routes from Wallingford Food Festival into the Chilterns £2,500 to Lane End Youth and Community Centre countryside. to help produce a booklet of walks around Lane End parish, from a two mile stile-free route to a six mile The traditional lambing loop. fold at COAM

1212 Members of the Conservation Board pay a visit to the Chilterns in February 2009 CONSERVATION BOARD MEMBERS FOR 2008/2009

Sir John Johnson* Chairman Appointed by the Secretary of State Cllr Mr W A Storey* Vice Chairman Dr H Barrett-Mold Mr K Mayne* Mr M Fox Dr S Mortimer Appointed by Local Authorities Sir J Johnson Dr M Render Cllr Mr R Goodwin* Bedfordshire CC Mrs B Kirkham+ Mr J Willson+ Cllr Mr R Pushman* Buckinghamshire CC Cllr Mr W A Storey+ Hertfordshire CC Elected by Parish Councils County Cllr Mr D Nimmo-Smith Oxfordshire CC Mrs M Goldsmith Bedfordshire Cllr Mr C Richards+ DC Mrs S Judges* Buckinghamshire Cllr Mr J Ryman Chiltern DC Mrs B Wallis+ Buckinghamshire Cllr Mr I Reay BC Mrs M Jarrett+ Hertfordshire Cllr Mr D Worlding Luton BC Mr J Griffin* Oxfordshire Cllr Mr B Golby+ Mid Beds DC Mrs J Wells Oxfordshire Cllr Mr D Barnard+ North Herts DC Cllr Mrs M Mustoe* South Beds DC Executive Committee Cllr Mr A Walters* South Bucks DC Board members marked with an asterisk * plus: Cllr Mr G Andrews South Oxfordshire DC Steve Rodrick Chilterns Conservation Board Cllr Mr B Norman Three Rivers DC Mike Woods Buckinghamshire County Council Cllr Mr R Emmett+ Wycombe DC Planning Committee Board members marked with a + plus: Mike Stubbs National Trust Richard Bossons Architect Gill Gowing Council

OFFICERS Chief Officer Steve Rodrick Strategic Access Officer Annette Venters Finance Officer Chris Smith Farming and Land Use Officer Tracy Adams Planning Officer Colin White Chalk Streams Officer Allen Beechey Countryside Officer Kath Daly Office Manager Roelie Reed Activities and Education Officer Cathy Rose Administrative Assistant Donna Hunter Information and Interpretation H R Advisor Sally Charman Officer Claire Forrest Clerk to the Board Maureen Keyworth

CONSERVATION BOARD Caring for the Chilterns

13 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in South East England

London and the South East Region MILTON Banbury KEYNES National Park

South Downs National Park, designated but not yet confirmed Cotswolds Aylesbury Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

OXFORD Chilterns Main Urban Areas Amersham Abingdon High Wycombe GREATER 0 50km North LONDON READING Gravesend Margate

Downs Bracknell Chatham Newbury Canterbury Woking Aldershot Maidstone Deal Reigate Basingstoke Guildford Andover Surrey Hills Royal Ashford DOVER Tunbridge Cranbourne Wells Chase Folkstone Winchester and High Weald West East Downs Hampshire Sussex New Southampton Chichester Downs Hastings BRIGHTON Bognor Worthing Eastbourne PORTSMOUTH Regis This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. ©The Countryside Agency 2003 Licence No. 100018881

There are 47 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK The majority of funding for AONBs is directed via Natural and they show huge diversity, from the to the England, the Government body which conserves and extensive moors of the . 2009 is the 60th enhances the natural environment. anniversary of the legislation which established the AONB and National Park designations. The National Association for AONBs is an independent body which promotes the family of AONBs in The National Association for AONBs England and Wales. Cymdeithas Genedlaethol AoHNE www.aonb.org.uk www.naturalengland.org.uk

CONSERVATION BOARD

Chilterns Conservation Board office The Lodge, 90 Station Road Chinnor Oxon OX39 4HA Tel: 01844 355500 Fax: 01844 355501 Email: [email protected] Website: www.chilternsaonb.org

The Board’s office at The Lodge, Chinnor

Download copies of this report from the website www.chilternsaonb.org

This report is printed on FSC certified paper

Photos supplied by: c Chilterns Conservation Board, Gerry Whitlow, John Morris, Chris Smith, Paul Keene, Tina Stallard / Natural England Cover photos (front) - Orienteering on the Ridgeway, Ivinghoe Hills, Red kite (back) - 14 An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty