ISSUE 224 • SUMMER 2017

www.chilternsociety.org.uk • CHILTERN SOCIETY MAGAZINE

Tiggywinkles wildlife hospital A Chiltern hero Summer walks

HERITAGE • CONSERVATION • ENVIRONMENT • WILDLIFE • LEISURE ISSUE 224 • SUMMER 2017 www.chilternsociety.org.uk • CHILTERN SOCIETY MAGAZINE In this

Tiggywinkles wildlife hospital A Chiltern hero Summer walks HERITAGE • CONSERVATION • ENVIRONMENT • WILDLIFE • LEISURE Juvenile muntjac with bandaged leg issue (Photo: Tiggywinkles)

NEWS & VIEWS

3 EDITOR

5 4 FROM THE CHAIRMAN

FOOD AND 4 SOCIETY GIN ANNOUNCED DRINK 15 NEWS IN BRIEF WALKS Building Design Awards, Bucks Open Studios

17 THE BADGER – VILLAIN OR VICTIM?

18 MEET OUR NEW TRUSTEES

18 HS2 – WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

19 NEW CHILTERN WAY GUIDEBOOK

20 AN INSPIRATION TO ALL Beekeeping demo at Raan’s Farm Peter Brown meets Peter the Pilgrim

24 CARE FARMING Introducing a unique local social enterprise 6-7 25 INSPIRATIONAL GARDENS 35 CYCLE FOR THE SAMARITANS TIGGYWINKLES HERITAGE

12 STUDHAM John Hockey explores another Chiltern village

21 STORYTELLER’S SOURCES REVEALED At the Roald Dahl Museum

26 A CHILTERN HERO Alison Beck remembers an ancestor’s self-sacrifice An unusual patient CONSERVATION

SPECIAL 28 SOCIETY CONSERVATION NEWS MEMBER OFFERS 19 ENVIRONMENT see page 40 NEW CHILTERN 14 DELIVERING MORE HOMES WAY GUIDE But at what cost, asks Mike Chadwick of the Planning Group

30 BUILDING A GREEN FUTURE Could Chesham lead the way, asks Michila Critchley

38 BREXIT STRATEGY Gill Kent hopes for more even-handed farming policies

39 DENDRO DAY The Bucks Tree Club enjoys a great Hedsor Tower start to 2017

2 Chiltern 224 Early birds From the Editor Richard Bradbury

It was a few minutes after 6am on a still morning in early spring. The chill in the air was clearing my sleepy head. I was deep in the woods on the Ashridge Estate, standing in silence listening to the birds. They were certainly in fine voice.

WILDLIFE ‘Hear that? Definitely a nuthatch,’ said our guide, my namesake Richard. I wondered 6 ANIMAL WELFARE 24/7 Bob Stuart visits Tiggywinkles at his ability to distinguish one trill from another. He explained that although the 16 OBJECT OF WONDER dawn chorus, which had started some time George Stebbing-Allen waxes philosophical about Vanessa atalanta before, was more spectacular, the resulting cacophony made it much harder to identify 36 JUST BEE CAUSE the individual birds contributing to it. Local brewer backs Friends of the Our small group, who’d been brought Earth campaign together by the Society’s walks designer 37 ELUSIVE EMPEROR FOUND IN BUCKS! Andrew Clark, wandered slowly through the woods, pausing regularly to listen when LEISURE Richard’s keen ear tuned into yet another different call. It soon became clear that, Long-tailed tit (Photo: Tom Stevenson) 5 LAND OF MEAT AND HONEY in terms of our knowledge of the subject, Walkers enjoy a taste of the we were a mixed bunch, from Richard Richard was able to fix him in the sights of Chess Valley and one or two others who had a high a powerful telescope, which gave several of 8 CHECKENDON WALK level of expertise, to those, like me, who us the chance to have a good look at this

10 SOCIETY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES could at best be described as ‘enthusiasts’. magnificent bird. Summer 2017 Consequently it was fascinating to listen to In the two hours or so that we spent at the exchanges between people who knew Ashridge the list of birds we encountered 22 FRINGE BENEFITS much more than I did. I found it particularly grew considerably, and included blackcaps, The work of PhotoGroup member Clive Ormonde helpful when a sound was described in tree creepers, great spotted woodpeckers, layman’s terms, such as Andrew likening the long-tailed tits and what was proclaimed the 23 PUZZLE PICTURE call of a great tit to a bicycle pump inflating ‘bird of the day’, a pair of willow warblers, as 27 THE MILK CART BOADICEA a tyre. I hope I’ll remember some of the well as several other species I’m sure most A heart-warming reminiscence things I learned, not only about how to spot of us see in our gardens on a daily basis, like from WWII birds from the way they look or sound, but robins and blackbirds. Eventually, as joggers 32 CHESS VALLEY WALK also from their movements and the location and dog walkers started to join us on the in which I see them. woodland paths, we headed to the National 34 PEACEFUL PEDALLING In the northeast Chilterns, with the As the sky brightened we began to rely Trust café for a well-earned breakfast. Cycle Group on our eyes as much as our ears. Again the I can’t recall when I was last out walking regular bird watchers had the edge. Not so early in the morning. To be frank, I’m 35 FLATTEN THE CHILTERNS only did they have better binoculars, they more of a night owl; but there’s something On an e-bike could train them more rapidly on what, to magical and restorative about that time of 40 MEMBER OFFERS the naked eye, were black specks flitting the day, especially when you experience it 42 WALKS PROGRAMME about 20 or more yards away. By the time in a setting that allows you to share it with I’d located the relevant branch – or even the the natural world. I realised afterwards that right tree – the little varmints had vanished. for a brief period all my petty day-to-day A wonderful exception, however, was a song concerns and worries about the state of

scan here for thrush, who obligingly sat on the same limb international politics had been forgotten. www.chilternsociety.org.uk for several minutes, singing his heart out. I’m so glad I went.

DEADLINES REPRODUCTION OF IMAGES It is not possible to guarantee that items received after The photographs in this magazine must not be the deadline will be included in the next issue, unless a reproduced elsewhere, except with the express prior arrangement has been made with the Editor. permission of the photographer via the Editor. If you do not wish your photographs to be used in other SENDING COPY AND PHOTOGRAPHS Published quarterly by The Chiltern Society Society publications, please make this clear when you Please email text as Word attachments. Pictures should send them. EDITOR: Richard Bradbury • 01494 793049 be sent as jpg attachments. High resolution images Email: [email protected] are required for publication, although low resolution The Society does not necessarily accept images can be sent as samples in the first instance, if responsibility for the views of contributors or the ADVERTISING: Sophie Elkan claims of the advertisers. Email: [email protected] preferred. Please indicate the quality of images sent, entitle your pictures and delete any numbers. DESIGN & TYPESET: Clickdraw • 01525 374270 PRINT: Hartgraph • Amersham on materials DEADLINE FOR ISSUE 225 (SEPTEMBER 2017) produced by environmentally friendly processes. Items to the Editor by: Monday 26 June • Published: Saturday 26 August email: [email protected] 3 Progress report From the Chairman David Harris

I’m pleased to announce the co-option of two new trustees, Bob Cartwright and Peter Duxbury. Bob will be getting involved with Gin’s a conservation on our sites and is seeking to develop a project based on the commons of the Chilterns. Peter’s taking up the role of Volunteer Co-ordinator and is helping Gavin Johnson, our tonic! Head of Conservation & Development, on the forthcoming Landscape Project – Health and Says Victoria Blane, Wellbeing, as well as supporting our health & safety regime. I’m confident that between them Head of Marketing they’ll enable the Society to make great strides in these areas. Read more and Membership about them on p 18. We’re thrilled to announce an exciting We’ve found it very difficult to replace Work continues in support of new collaboration with local gin Christine Breden, who used to be a the Chilterns Conservation Board’s distillery Wayfarers in Beaconsfield. trustee and for many years ran our Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bids Wayfarers have offered to distil our Central Conservation Group, meeting regarding Chilterns Hillforts and very own Chiltern Society seasonal on Saturday mornings and focusing on Chilterns Landscape. You’ll be hearing gin. maintaining ponds. Not only did she much more about these in the months lead, she also stored the tools for the to come. In addition we’re progressing What makes this gin extra special is Group. Consequently we’re not only with the development of our own that the combination of botanicals looking for a new leader, we’re also Education Project to involve schools incorporated into it have been desperate to find an additional storage in the countryside. If your local school sustainably sourced from wild plants facility in the central Chilterns area. would like to work with us on this found in the Chilterns. This means If you can help, or think you know of do get in touch. We’re hoping that that when you try it, you really someone who could, do get in touch. following a successful pilot, this will will be experiencing a taste of the We’ve recently embarked on a major also be the subject of a grant proposal Chilterns! What’s more, they’ve very fundraising and membership campaign, to the HLF so that the project can be generously agreed to donate profits leafleting areas around proposed new extended throughout the Chilterns. from the sale of the gin directly to us – developments. Our aim is to raise With regard to HS2, when all so when you buy it, you’ll be investing sufficient funds to pay for a fixed-term appears lost, they appear to have got in the preservation of the Chilterns professional planner, to supplement themselves in a contractual muddle, countryside. What better excuse do the efforts of our volunteers in this with all sorts of conflicts of interest you need for a drink? important period of consultations on and a threat of legal action. This, More details about the launch, Local Plans. We’re trying to influence compounded with the results from their where to buy the gin and the flavours those plans and lobbying hard for first boreholes, might just sow further used will be revealed shortly, so please lower development targets in AONBs doubt about the sense of this project as check the website for updates! We’re and green belt areas because of currently planned. very excited about this project and are their designation. We’re seeking to I hope you have a lovely summer and extremely grateful to Wayfarers for collaborate with other AONBs in this plenty of opportunities to enjoy the their support. endeavour. Chilterns.

PATRON: Rt Hon The Earl Howe HEAD OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT: Gavin Johnson PRESIDENT: Michael Rush HEAD OF MARKETING & MEMBERSHIP: Victoria Blane VICE PRESIDENTS: CHILTERN SOCIETY OFFICE: Tracey Read Lord Carrington KG PC CH KCMG MC White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham, Michael Colston Esq Bucks HP5 1AG Sir John Johnson Tel: 01494 771250 Geoffrey Legge • John Taylor Email: [email protected] CHAIRMAN: David Harris

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4 Chiltern 224 CHILTERNS FESTIVAL OF FOOD & DRINK Land of meat and honey (plus beer and watercress) Walkers enjoy a taste of the Chess Valley

Society walks designer Andrew Clark, and Paul Jennings, who produces lamb at Raans Farm, recently led two special interest walks in the Chess Valley as part of our contribution to the Chilterns Festival of Food and Drink. The two events focused mainly on local producers, but participants were also given insights into aspects of the area’s history, geography and wildlife, as well as environmental issues that have affected the river. The Beer and Watercress Walk From the starting point at Chenies Manor process, and why the Chess provides such a group of 15 walkers made their way to perfect conditions for growing watercress. Paradigm Brewery in Sarratt, which was Everybody was given a taste of freshly cut founded in 2012 and is already building a watercress and a free bag-full to take away. reputation for high quality beer under the One member of Andrew’s party, Mary Tebje, expert guidance of co-owners Neil Hodges Director of the Chilterns Tourism Network, and Rob Atkinson. Their products, with subsequently wrote in her blog: ‘The farm names like ‘low hanging fruit’, ‘win win’, and feels timeless, the tools, the terrain and the aptly titled ‘watercress ale’ (created to technology. And the flavour! Wow. Fiery, offer a distinctive taste of the Chess Valley), peppery and fresh.’ are generating increasing demand from The walk culminated back at Chenies local pubs and visitors to the brewery. Manor with a meal that featured Crestyl The second destination of the day was Watercress soup, Chess Valley-grazed slow E Tyler & Sons Crestyl Watercress beds cooked lamb, pea and mint pie, local beef at Sarratt Bottom. Watercress was once a from Blackwell Hall Farm and Paradigm Ale thriving industry, but proprietor John Tyler pie served with a fiery watercress salad, is now the last remaining cress farmer in followed by a dessert of Chiltern hills honey the valley. He took time out from his work and rhubarb. Afterwards the group enjoyed to talk to the group about the product, the a guided tour of the Manor. The Meat and Honey Walk The locations at the heart of this walk, production of honey, the visitors were which attracted 23 participants, were taken to the barn, where lambing was in Blackwell Hall Farm and Raans Farm. progress. ‘It was somewhat graphic as they En route, Andrew talked about the were being born all around us,’ Andrew history of Dodd’s Mill, the River Chess explained. The mothers were divided into and Latimer House, which was used different pens depending on how many From top: Raans Farm; Paradigm Brewery; as an interrogation centre in WWII. At lambs they were expecting. One mother Crestyl Watercress; enjoying the sunshine outside Paradigm Brewery Blackwell Hall Farm, David and Annabelle was being pestered by another sheep Photos: Keith Hoffmeister Briggs gave a talk about their farm and that was showing too much interest in her how they manage it in a traditional way. offspring, so her young were taken and these two will stand out in my memory as To the delight of the visitors a number of carried in front of her to encourage her to being very special indeed,’ said Andrew. calves were born while they were there. follow them to a new pen. ‘Thanks go to Paul Jennings and family for When the group moved on, everyone Chenies Manor was once again the all the hard work he put in to make them received a jar of Blackwell Hall honey as lunch venue, with a menu made up of the such a success, especially given the fact a parting gift. same local ingredients as on the Beer and that lambing is their busiest time of the More excitement awaited at Raans Watercress Walk, and, as with the first year. Thanks also to Chenies Manor for Farm. After Gordon Cutting had given a event, this was followed by a guided tour. hosting them, and Lucy in the Society office fascinating talk on keeping bees and the ‘I’ve led many walks over the years and who took all the bookings.’

4 Chiltern 224 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 5 Animal welfare 24/7 CHILTERN WILDLIFE The late Les Stocker (L) and colleagues rescue a deer Bob Stuart visits Tiggywinkles

Some are furry, others are feathery and many are positively prickly, but all receive the same loving care at Tiggywinkles, now Europe’s best known wildlife hospital. Here kites and kestrels, muntjacs and yes, even mice, are repaired and rehabilitated by a dedicated team of specialists and volunteers in a state-of-the-art environment.

Located in six acres near Aylesbury, extensive donations from several household- Tiggywinkles has been tending to the name companies, the wheels were set in medical needs of the country’s creatures, motion to build the new hospital. great and small, since 1991 when the current More than 25 years on, the casualties spacious premises were opened by Her keep coming as Tiggywinkles’ national – Royal Highness Princess Alexandra. and international – reputation has grown, and equipment, some items of which were The story began much earlier and more requiring an extra wing to be added just invented by Les Stocker himself, including modestly however, when in 1978 former to cope with the thousands of injured and bags to carry swans, a hedgehog unrolling accountant Les Stocker began caring for orphaned creatures that arrive every year. machine and Glop, the ideal food for sick and injured animals at his local semi- Overall, the hospital copes with up to 10,000 baby birds. Somewhat more sophisticated detached house. As word spread that there patients annually and on the day I visited, are other facilities and equipment more was at last somewhere to take injured nearly 1,100 animals and birds were being associated with hospitals for humans, wildlife, numbers continued to grow and treated. Among the roll call were no fewer such as an operating theatre, orthopaedic soon his home was bursting at the seams, than 582 hedgehogs, 12 muntjac deer, 24 red suite, X-ray room and a diagnostic lab with casualties being treated in the garden, kites, more than 60 tawny and barn owls, 21 with ultrasound equipment. Here multiple porch and kitchen – even the garage gulls, 2 frogs and toads, a heron and a newt! fractures of bones and beaks can be became an intensive care unit! Les, his wife Not surprisingly, treating such an successfully treated, from simple splinting Sue and son Colin soon became experts assortment demands specialist skills of the and casting to sophisticated pinning. in treating injured or orphaned birds and highest order, and at Tiggywinkles they’re Although many patients are brought in by mammals, but with the arrival of bigger provided by a team of trained veterinary the public, teams may be called out to deal patients such as swans and deer, more nurses and consultant veterinary surgeons. with emergencies, sometimes in the small space was urgently needed and a massive The ground-breaking treatments they’ve hours, thanks to the hospital’s policy of 24/7, fundraising drive began. The offer from pioneered are now used countrywide and year-round opening. These emergencies Bucks County Council of leasehold land in even worldwide – their techniques being can range from rescuing a deer trapped in Haddenham promised a firm foundation passed on through books, papers and a well or a badger in a swimming pool, to for the future. With this support, backed lectures to veterinary schools. Such skills animals involved in road accidents when the by huge nationwide public generosity and are accompanied by cutting edge facilities hospital may be called in by the police. On

6 Chiltern 224 one occasion, even the fire brigade were new arrivals to the visitors’ centre this year unable to rescue an injured red kite trapped are polecats. In their new enclosure they’ll atop a 60ft tree. Thankfully an agile tree have a secluded home to enjoy their quiet surgeon managed to rescue the bird, which daytime nap – and a large, viewable play was treated and released just a few days later area for when they feel like showing off! – none the worse for its experience! Very often the hospital’s permanent staff The successful reintroduction of these of 35, supported by more than 100 valued enigmatic birds means more are arriving volunteers, is augmented by young students at Tiggywinkles for treatment, some of on formal, City and Guilds-approved which recover in the huge kite aviary courses. Not surprisingly, Tiggywinkles is before being released back to the wild. justifiably proud of the number of students Such facilities offer a rare opportunity for who, over the years, have attained their visitors to get up close to these majestic animal welfare qualifications. Indeed, over creatures, thanks to the hospital’s unique the past three years some 90 per cent of ‘Red Kite Experience’. Visitors have become graduates have been in employment or Vet Steve examines a buzzard an important element in the hospital’s drive further education within four months of treated successfully and released back into to raise awareness of how wildlife can be completing their courses. the safety of their own habitats. Those that successfully treated. This year new and In 1991 Les was awarded an MBE for his can’t be released live out their lives in a enhanced facilities are allowing the public services to wildlife, and in 2002 the Royal natural garden environment. to get even closer, if not more personal, College of Veterinary Services recognised Visitors are welcome throughout the year with animals that normally shun human him as an honorary associate, although he and group visits can be arranged, with talks activity and attention. For example, in a new never had any formal veterinary training. and tours included. Children particularly specially designed building with improved Sadly, he passed away in 2016, but the enjoy the baby bird and baby mammal play area, badgers can happily live together hospital he founded is now the busiest nurseries, and can watch closely as the in near natural surroundings, where visitors of its kind in the world. Since it began, young are hand fed. Tiggywinkles is located can see them snuggled up in their setts, and Tiggywinkles has taken in and cared for more on Aston Road, Haddenham HP17 8AF. staff can keep a close eye on the patients. than 250,000 sick, injured and orphaned Telephone 01844 292292. For admission The ever-popular fox pen has also been creatures – at no charge to the general times and prices, refer to the website: improved, with more space for the foxes and public. No suffering British wild creature www.Tiggywinkles.com. a bigger (enclosed) viewing area. Among is ever turned away and the majority are Photos courtesy of Tiggywinkles

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Whitehall Checkendon Checkendon Checkendon A 3 walk Court 2 Larchdown A4074 Payables Farm With Farm Paul Weller to Wallingford

This is a very pleasant walk exploring the CORKER’S Bus LANE stops attractive woods and landscape in and around the Three Beech village of Checkendon in South Oxfordshire. Cornered Wood Wood Corker ’s Heath Farm End 1 4 START: The Highwayman Inn, Exlade Woodcote Exlade School 8 Street HOOKEND Street, Checkendon RG8 0UA. Walkers LANE may use the car park, and the Inn opens at School D Lower 9.30am to allow walkers to use the facilities. C Ward’s Farm If you wish to have lunch or dinner at the Inn, Farm Start/Finish B booking in advance is recommended, because 5 7 Ashlee Hook End it’s very popular Wood Hook End DISTANCE: 5.4 miles/8.7km, with 360ft/110m Farm Greenmoor Lackmore of ascent Hill Wood TERRAIN: A fairly easy walk which can be

muddy on the bridleways around Heath End. College There are two stiles and one climb up to Wood Birchen A4074 Greenmoor Hill. There are steep steps with Copse to Reading handrails each side of the A4074 just after The 6 North Oratory School 0 0.5 1km MAPS: OS Explorer 171, Chiltern Society 16 REFRESHMENTS: The Highwayman Inn, Exlade 0 mile½ Road and The Black Lion pub at Greenmoor Hill PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bus X40 runs between Photos: Colin Drake Reading and Oxford all week, and stops near Map: Glyn Kuhn Woodcote as shown on the map. Route From the Highwayman Inn car park turn left along the road for 500m as it winds through the wood, to reach an old concrete 40m to a footpath on the right just after Mulberry Cottage. paved area. Fork right to pass through an opening in a timber fence at a road. 1. Follow this footpath (often overgrown) for 100m to reach a field. 5. Turn right along the road for 70m and left onto a bridleway. After Keep to the right of the field close to a hedge and head uphill a short distance, cross straight over a busy road (A4074), go to the corner of the field. Take the footpath going half-right into through an opening in a timber fence and turn left along a well- a copse. Just before a fence, turn sharp left and after 30m pass defined path. At a crossing track, turn left and follow the path as through a kissing gate into a field. Follow the fence to the left it becomes a gravel track and head downhill on it, ignoring paths of the field for 390m to another kissing gate. Cross a bridleway, to left and right. Just before the bottom of the hill fork right through the next gate and bear half-left across a field towards and follow the white arrows for 220m to a crossing bridleway at another gate at a road. fence openings. 2. Turn right along the road to Checkendon church on the left and 6. Turn right and follow the path through a wood, keeping close to The Forge on the right. Just after The Forge turn right along an open field on the right for 600m, to reach a crossing track. a lane for 50m and turn left onto a wide footpath opposite a Turn right, and on reaching the houses, turn right along a gravel timber yard. Continue straight ahead, ignoring all crossing paths. drive passing Strings Cottage on the right. Stop and admire the After a metal kissing gate, bear left to cross a track to another extensive views from a couple of points along the way. Continue gate. Cross the field to a further gate on the far side of the field straight along a concrete drive to reach a road with The Black to reach a lane. Lion pub on the corner. 3. Turn right along the lane for 180m and turn right over a stile. 7. Turn right along the road, making use of the tarmac path lower Follow this footpath, keeping a fence bordering a field on the down on the left that runs parallel to it. Cross Grimmer Way and, left and a wood on the right. At the corner of the field turn left, after a further 180m, turn right to meet the road as it bends left. keeping close to fence and field, to reach a stile. Cross the stile, Cross the road and follow a tarmac drive with a golf course on the still with the fence on the left and the wood on the right, to a left. Continue along this drive past St Phillip House and follow the T-junction with a bridleway. Turn right along the often muddy waymark discs along the drive of The Oratory School. Pass to the track for 400m to two isolated houses. left of the Alf Gillham Range and at a ‘field gun’ bear right towards 4. The track bends right, but continue straight ahead following the grassed areas and a cricket scoreboard. Continue to a marker post bridleway past Beechwood Cottage on the left. Continue along beneath trees and straight on to a gate in the perimeter fence. the bridleway, ignoring crossing paths, to reach Lower Farm at a 8. Go through the gate and descend the steep steps to a road. road. Cross the road and stay on the bridleway to the next road. Carefully cross the road and climb the steep steps, passing Bear half-right over the road and follow the bridleway for 270m through a gate at the top. Continue straight across a field to to reach a wood. After a further 150m, turn right at an unsigned a kissing gate at a road. Turn right along it to return to The crossing path. Proceed slightly uphill and follow the path for Highwayman Inn.

8 Chiltern 224 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 9 Whitehall Checkendon Checkendon A 3 Court

2 Larchdown A4074 Payables Farm Farm to Wallingford

CORKER’S The Oratory School Views from Greenmoor Hill looking east Bus LANE stops Three Beech Cornered Wood Wood Corker ’s Heath Farm End 1 4 Exlade Woodcote School 8 HOOKEND Street LANE School D Lower Ward’s Farm C Farm Start/Finish 5 B 7 Ashlee Hook End Wood Hook End Farm Greenmoor Lackmore Hill Wood

Langtree Cottage St Peter & St Paul Church College Wood Birchen A4074 Copse to Reading 6 North

0 0.5 1km

0 mile½

The Highwayman Inn Beechwood Cottage Points of Interest The Highwayman Inn dates back to the 16th century and dating back to 1468. Opposite is the 12th century church of was previously called The Greyhound. It’s now described as a St Peter and St Paul, built by friars from the monastery at restaurant & café and won the Chiltern Society’s Walkers’ and Bec in Normandy. The lych-gate is the village war memorial, Cyclists’ Pub Award for 2015. with names engraved internally along the top beams. The Exlade Street: Evidence of early man being in the area was bell tower has a ring of eight bells, the earliest cast in 1765. found when a Neolithic flint tranchet axe dating from 3,000 Inside you can see dogtooth Norman arches and medieval BC was found in the garden of Mulberry House near The paintings around the altar. There’s also a Whistler window in Highwayman Inn. Until the 18th century Exlade Street was a memory of local artist and sculptor Eric Kennington. settlement of over 50 buildings including 6 barns, and several B. Hook End Manor southeast of Checkendon once housed a roadside ponds. It formed a major stopping place one day’s recording studio where bands such as Marillion, The Cure march from Oxford towards Reading. Musket balls have been and Manic Street Preachers made albums. The Manor is now found on the hillside, probably from a civil war position. Several owned by an absentee Russian oligarch and is falling into houses in the row have remnants of a medieval cruck frame style some disrepair. of construction. C. Woodcote: The walk passes the outer edge of Woodcote A. Checkendon Village: Records suggest that there’s been a village, one of the highest in the south Chilterns. It has continuous settlement in the area since the 7th century. The a number of listed buildings. The large mast just before current population of 500 has remained constant since the the village was erected after WWII to carry out radio and national census in 1931. After WWII Checkendon hosted a television experiments. camp for Polish war refugees displaced from the Middle East D. The Oratory School: The school moved to Woodcote House and Africa. It closed in the early 1960s. There are several in 1942, but was founded in 1859 by Cardinal Newman, at noteworthy properties in the village. These include the Grade the request of a group of eminent Catholic laymen. It’s an II listed Four Horseshoes pub (closed at the time of writing); independent Roman Catholic boarding and day school for Langtree Cottage which, although it appears older, is an boys. It now educates about 400 pupils from all religions. elaborate Arts and Crafts house built in 1907; The Lodge (15th century); and Foundry House, part of which is a two- These notes were drawn up with assistance of Tim Corbishley, bay cruck beam house typical of this area, with a timber ring a local resident and parish councillor.

www.chilternsociety.org.uk 9 CHILTERN SOCIETY EVENTS Events & Activities Summer 2017 Our events are open to everyone, but we offer our members discounted prices.

– plus a rare English brandy, Brightwell Botanical Illustration & Alpaca Fun with processes all the grapes grown at Three Course Lunch Cupcake Decorating the vineyard in its on-site winery. The wines frequently win awards in A course for those who’d like to try to & Needlefelting international competitions. The tour illustrate plants accurately. It will take you will start with a one hour guided walk Meet the alpacas and all sorts of other through the procedures used by botanical round the vineyard and a nature walk animals, including rare breed pigs, sheep artists to produce high quality, accurate to the Thames. You’ll then enjoy an and goats, at Abbotts View Farm. After the representative paintings. It’s intended as an hour’s tutored tasting of five of the tour, your child will enjoy either cupcake introduction to see if this kind of painting still wines produced in the winery, decorating (suitable for all ages) or a is for you, but people who’ve already where techniques of winemaking are needlefelting session (age 10+). Prices started and want to refine their techniques also discussed. The tour will last for include refreshments. are welcome too. Learn which materials approximately two hours and guests are to work with, how to construct drawings Sat 24 Jun 10.30am-12.30pm welcome to bring a picnic to eat in the from live specimens, how to create a Abbotts View Farm, Aston Abbotts, grounds either before or after the tour. design from your observations and how Bucks HP22 4NF Sat 24 Jun 2pm-4pm to use watercolour in a controlled way to Non-members Brightwell Vineyard, Rush Court, achieve precise effects. We’ll study one £12 per adult £10-£15 per child Shillingford Road, Wallingford, specific plant so the group shares common Members Oxon OX10 8LJ problems that arise, meaning any tips, £10 per adult £8-£12 per child techniques and demonstrations are relevant Non-members £12.50 per adult to everyone. At the same time individuals Members £10.50 per adult will work on their own specimen, making Brightwell Vineyard – their own observations and constructing Private Tour & Tasting their own painting. The tutor will provide help on an individual basis as the work One mile from Wallingford and eight Glow in the Dark progresses. The course will be led by miles from the city of Oxford, Brightwell (2 different dates) Roger Reynolds, a botanical illustrator, Vineyard abuts the south side of the If you’ve never seen glow-worms before, who works in watercolour and coloured Thames. The flinty chalk greensand come and witness this magical display of pencil. There are a number of items you’ll and gravel of the Thames Valley region nature’s very own fairy lights with expert need to bring. A list will be provided when provides ideal grapevine soil, while the John Tyler. Price includes a hot drink and you book. The price includes a three course upper Thames Valley bowl is sheltered a treat. lunch and all refreshments. by surrounding hills. Consequently it’s one of the driest areas of the Sats 1 & 8 Jul 9.45pm-11pm Fri 23 Jun 9am-5.30pm UK. Fourteen acres were planted with Whiteleaf and Brush Hill, Peters Lane, Missenden School of Creative Arts, c/o seven varieties between 1987 and Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 0RP Jessamine House, King Street, Tring, Herts 1990, and the vineyard was acquired Non-members HP23 6BE by the current owners in 1999. Now £8 per adult £5 per child Non-members £90 per adult producing nine different wines – five Members Members £80 per adult whites, a rosé, two reds and a sparkling £6 per adult £3 per child

10 Chiltern 224 email: [email protected] 11 Stowe House Private Tour

Join us on a private tour of this breathtakingly beautiful 18th century house. The powerful Temple- Grenville family chose to create an idyllic landscape filled with temples. In the large gardens they built the most lavish temple of all, Stowe House. Filled with rooms imitating ancient worlds and classical ruins, the House reflects the flamboyant and colourful characters of Ashridge House Storytelling in the its creators. Ceilings and walls decorated & Garden Private Tour Woods with hidden messages and mythology Join us on a private tour of Ashridge House Bring along your favourite teddy for a picnic hint at the family’s former power and and its beautiful gardens. The house tour while hearing woodland tales from Sarah glory. On arrival you’ll enjoy some will take in the main building as well as a Law, a professional story teller. pastries and refreshments in one of the couple of the outbuildings and will be state rooms (included in the price). Your Fri 18 Aug 12-2pm accompanied by a talk on the rich history ticket also includes an annual pass, so Wendover Woods, Wendover, Bucks of the property. A tour of the gardens will you can visit again and again within the Non-members £6 per child follow, with one of the gardeners as the tour year if you wish! Members £4 per child guide. The tour will end with tea/coffee and Fri 7 Jul 10.15am-12pm cake, which is included in the price. Stowe House, Stowe, Buckingham Thu 3 Aug 10am-12.30pm MK18 5EH How to book Ashridge House, Ashridge, Booking is essential, as we have limited Non-members £13 per adult Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1NS places available. For more information and Members £10 per adult Non-members £20 per adult to book please go to www.chilternsociety. Members £18 per adult org.uk, or call our office on 01494 771250. Alpaca Fun

Meet the alpacas and all sorts of other animals, including rare breed pigs, sheep and goats, at Abbotts View Farm. Prices include refreshments. Wed 26 Jul 10.30am-12pm Abbotts View Farm, Aston Abbotts, Bucks HP22 4NF Non-members £12 per adult £10 per child Members £10 per adult £8 per child

Society footpath maps – don’t leave home without them!

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

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

email: [email protected] 11 At large in Studham

CHILTERN HERITAGE Above & right: St Mary the Virgin (Photos: John Hockey)

John Hockey explores a village that’s anything but common

For those who don’t know Studham (the name means an enclosure where horses were bred), it lies on a slope of the Chilterns close to an upland plateau, about four miles from the conurbation of Dunstable, but totally different in character. Although it could be classed as a large village, partly due to several mature developments of spacious houses and bungalows some way from the village centre, it has a pleasant small village feel, particularly at the spot where a number of old roads come together near West Common where I’m standing now.

Gazing up over the 1951 Festival of Britain set in its own green-hedged space. There’s place of recreation and a haven for wildlife.’ village sign towards one of two public an appropriate verse carved on a stone The county in question is Bedfordshire of houses, the white-rendered Red Lion is plaque which reads ‘Time, like an ever rolling course, but until 1871 the village was partly in a delight, with many colourful hanging stream, bears all its sons away, they fly Hertfordshire, a distinction Studham shares baskets and tubs in summer, and I doubt forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening with other villages such as Kensworth and this scene has changed much in many a day.’ The verse is by Isaac Watts from the Markyate, which swapped counties. year. Narrow Dunstable Road still curves up hymn Oh God Our Help in Ages Past. The Common has over 200 plant species, ahead towards the second hostelry, The Bell, My gaze carries on past the war memorial 26 recorded types of butterfly and numerous a Grade II listed 17th century building with a to an information board which entices you birds, including the now rare skylark which large central chimney stack aligned with the to stray from the village centre. The board is nests in the grassland. It’s a great home main door (‘baffle entry’ architects call it), sited near an entrance to Studham Common, for mammals too – deer, hares, badgers, all under a clay tile roof. Halfway up the road a County Wildlife Site covering hundreds voles, mice and bats have all been recorded. on the right is a typical rural cottage built of acres, all within the Chilterns AONB. The It’s one of the few sites in Bedfordshire in 1828, yet even in a census of 1926 it had Friends of Studham Common, formed in where the hazel dormouse breeds. Living ‘water from village well’. On the left lies the 1997, do excellent work in scrub clearance to in hedgerows and shrub thickets, the 15th century Thatcher’s Cottage, a splendid keep the many paths open and the following dormouse feeds high in the trees on fruit example of an oak beamed dwelling, which quote comes from a leaflet available in and nuts, including not surprisingly, hazel. was once lived in by Jean Marsh of Upstairs, the village: ‘Studham Common, in South Add a kestrel or two and the now almost Downstairs fame, and yes, it’s handsomely Bedfordshire, has been used as common ubiquitous red kite and you have the perfect thatched, including the porch. land for centuries. Today this beautiful recipe for a lovely summer stroll. Turning round, I see a combined brick open space is a highly prized feature of To the left of my chosen vantage built war memorial and clock tower, neatly the village, valued by the community as a spot in the centre of this community

12 Chiltern 224 runs Church Road, aptly named as it first unusual is that when you open the passes the modern brick built Methodist two lower doors it reveals poignant church, complete with pink rose bush to photographs of those in uniform who gave greet visitors, and then continues on round their lives, all in their twenties and thirties, in a sweeping arc towards the 13th century and all named. St Mary the Virgin Anglican church, set Taking a fork off Church Road on the close to The Icknield Way Trail. Roses play edge of this delightfully rural village, you a part again here, because flanking the come to Studham Old School House, path to the south porch are, appropriately, erected in 1874 and paid for by Earl 12 standard roses that replaced oak trees, Brownlow of the nearby Ashridge Estate. the wood of which was used to make a It had a capacity of 140 children and is pulpit for nearby Kensworth church. St situated next to a large wheat field. You Mary’s is constructed from flint, rubble can only imagine what the children got up and Totternhoe clunch, a hard chalk that to at playtime in the adjoining pastures. A weathers none too well on the outside, further clue to the agrarian nature of these Dunstable Road but inside provides splendid carved ‘stiff- parts can be found in a small copse on the leaved’ capitals to the nave. The font is edge of the Common. Through the trees Norman and big enough to immerse a steep ‘marl’ pits can be glimpsed, where small baby, which was the practice when alkaline chalk was dug out to improve the it was carved. There’s a stained glass heavy acid clay soil that caps the land. window to St Alban (the church lies A lovely circular walk around Studham within the Diocese) complete with the is available, with suitable detours taking wheatsheaf signature of CE Kempe, taken in all the main features of the village and I from his coat of arms. As in many churches can do no more than suggest you visit this it’s the unexpected that stays in the charming spot. Your only problem as I see memory, and here is to be found one of it is ‘which pub do I choose for lunch?’ the most moving memorials I’ve ever seen. In a side chapel is a carved wooden Photographs of Studham can be board and cupboard commemorating found on our PhotoGroup’s website: those who died in WWI, but what is www.chilternphoto.org.uk Thatcher’s Cottage

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

12 Chiltern 224 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 13 PLANNING GROUP Delivering more homes – but at what cost? Mike Chadwick offers some thoughts on the recent Housing White Paper

February’s White Paper is wide-ranging, covering, for example, tenancy and leasehold to ‘build more homes’, the shortage and laws, construction methods, and homelessness – but with the biggest section by far under-delivery of which is seen as the being about planning rules. It’s not a ‘conventional’ White Paper restricted to policy prime cause of our housing woes. This pronouncements, but has a significant consultative element. Pointedly, it’s subtitled preoccupation unfortunately colours the ‘Fixing our broken housing market’. rest of the document, with every one of the large and very mixed bag of measures Something clearly needs fixing. In much growing population; and a particular need that follow seemingly having to justify of our area the median house price is over in the Chilterns for genuinely affordable itself in terms of its impact on delivery. ten times median earnings, and those housing for local first time home-makers. Although there are many proposals to owning a house in London gain wealth But also that this is not just a numbers game be welcomed (including encouragement more rapidly through house price inflation and that the nature of the need requires of small and custom-builders; greater than the average earner does in wages. more analysis. It’s certainly too nuanced (for emphasis on design standards; more There are also unimplemented permissions certain house types and tenures in certain support for providers of affordable houses; for some 400,000 dwellings; developers places for certain categories of home increased powers for local authorities regularly negotiate reductions in affordable seeker) to be delivered effectively by a self- to assemble land and deliver homes housing and other contributions on grounds interested free market. themselves; a hike in application fees to of viability; and eight out of ten local Secondly, and most importantly, that help cash-strapped planning departments, authorities in the Chilterns feel they have the provision of new homes should not be and the potential introduction of an appeal no choice other than to use Green Belt to at the expense of irreversible damage to fee), there is much else of real concern. meet ‘need’ – even though the Government the Chilterns, and the equally vital human This is because much of the White ‘remains committed’ to its manifesto needs they meet in terms of space, beauty, Paper still seems wedded to a surely promise to protect the Green Belt. ecosystem, services and quality of life. This mythical world view of a simple supply/ It’s clearly not an easy task to resolve all demands a carefully managed, strategic and demand relationship vis-a-vis house these issues – let alone to do so in a way proactive approach to housing provision and prices, and of incompetent local planning that strikes an appropriate balance between land-use planning generally, tailored to the authorities putting obstacles in the way of private profit and public good, and ensures needs and capacity of different areas; not a frustrated developers chomping at the bit equity between different sectors of society. one size fits all market-led approach, largely to build quality homes on brownfield sites. So what position should the Chiltern Society reacting to and perpetuating past trends. Consequently, on top of the sanctions take? What’s the view of ‘the average How does the White Paper already imposed on local authorities for member’ that must be taken into account? failing to maintain a five-year supply of Firstly, I guess, a ready acknowledgement measure up? available housing land, they’re being that there’s a national need for new houses, Mentioned four times before you even subjected to an additional housing delivery if only due to the simple arithmetic of a reach the Executive Summary is the need test, which seemingly ignores the fact that

14 Chiltern 224 email: [email protected] 15 NEWS IN BRIEF

the actual delivery of housing is almost wholly outside their control. Chilterns Building Moreover the baseline for these tests, Delivering more homes in the short-term at least, will be the Design Awards theoretical objectively assessed need (OAN) – in this area almost always greater After a year’s hiatus, the Design Awards are back with a vengeance! The Chiltern – but at what cost? than historic targets, sometimes by a Society and the Chilterns Conservation Board, who jointly run the Awards, were thrilled factor of two or three. Consultation on a to be inundated with a huge number of high quality submissions. standardised method of calculating OAN They include some inspiring buildings such schemes against criteria such as the is promised soon, but the deliberations as school arts centres, a new wing on a use of suitable materials, appropriate of an expert advisory group suggest gamekeeper’s cottage, a barn conversion, landscaping, sustainability, enhancement any new method is likely to inflate these a new winery, new houses and a number of of the site and above all, the way the figures further. There’s also no shift from extensions and conservatories. The judging building contributes to the special the requirement that every effort must be panel have been busy combing through all character of the Chilterns. made to meet OAN locally (or in extremis the entries in order to create a shortlist. Once the results have been announced, transfer it to neighbouring authorities), By now they will have visited and the presentations to the winner and two and that it can never be ‘written off’, scored each of the shortlisted building runners-up will take place on 15 June. irrespective of AONB, Green Belt or other constraints. This is why many local authorities are turning to Green Belt. The White Paper does precious little to High-vis arts! ameliorate the situation. On the one hand it suggests that authorities will be able Bucks Open Studios has announced that its 2017 event will be the biggest to date. A to amend Green Belt boundaries only record-breaking 335 entries have been received from 533 artists across the county. when they can demonstrate that they’ve examined fully all other reasonable options The annual event, which is already one exhibitions. Much more information can for meeting their identified development of the biggest of its kind in the country, be found at www.bucksopenstudios.org. requirements (including, for example, will include glass workers, ceramicists, uk. Copies of the directory featuring all the making effective use of suitable brownfield jewellery makers, photographers, painters artists and locations involved are available sites); but on the other, it makes it even and print makers. It runs from 10-25 from libraries, art centres and galleries, and clearer than before that once those June, during which time participants yellow signs can be seen by many roads, options have been examined, it’s legitimate will open their studios to the public for pointing visitors to Open Studios sites. to use Green Belt. free demonstrations, workshops and By the time you read this the consultation on the White Paper will have ended, and the Society’s response should be on our website. The needs assessment consultation may be live, however, and we’ll certainly be responding to that too. Although the views expressed above are partly personal, the Society’s formal response will be in line with the policy statement set out by Paul Mason in the last issue of Chiltern. Bledlow Ridge – Angela Fielder Haddenham – Damian Ward Photo: Paul Mason Do you know about these planning threats?

Local Planning Authorities are proposing a tidal wave of new dwellings around and across the Chilterns. Districts affected, with approximate dwelling numbers based on currently available data, include South Oxfordshire (15,500), Wycombe (13,000), Chiltern (6,500), South Bucks (6,500), Aylesbury Vale (19,000), Three Rivers (12,000), Dacorum (17,000), North Herts (13,500), Central Beds (29,500) and Luton (17,500).

Eight of these ten Local Planning but we don’t believe that the proposed Planning Field Officer. If you’re interested, Authorities are proposing to build on destruction of the Green Belt is warranted please contact our office on 01494 771250. Green Belt, thousands of acres of which to satisfy true local need. That’s why will be lost to housing development, with the Society is campaigning with other several incursions into the AONB. like-minded organisations such as the The Chiltern Society supports provision Campaign to Protect Rural England and of suitable new homes, indeed there are the London Green Belt Council to change particular issues for young people wishing the way housing targets are derived. to stay in the area in which they grew up; You can help by becoming a Society Protect the Chilterns Workshop

14 Chiltern 224 email: [email protected] 15 Object of wonder

CHILTERN WILDLIFE Above: Red admiral on sedum

Vanessa atalanta brings out the philosopher in George Stebbing-Allen

I’m writing this in August, although you may not be reading it in August. (If you aren’t, I hope it will evoke a warm summer day). I am, as usual, full of wonder at the natural world; and, coincidentally, consulting my collection of ‘memorable quotes’. Two are relevant to my present state of mind. Plato in his Republic (c380BC) wrote ‘Wonder is what the philosopher endures most, for there is no other beginning to philosophy than this.’ The English mathematician and philosopher, AN Whitehead (1861-1947) wrote ‘Philosophy begins in wonder; and, at the end, when the philosophic thought has done its best, the wonder remains.’ Hardly coincidence, Red admiral on marigold I think. Many have pondered deeply on this subject. Photos: George Stebbing-Allen

So, what is the object of my wonder? sure that I simply inherited mine from a But why red admiral? There are a The red admiral! grandfather who was passionate about number of possible explanations. One Every time I see this butterfly I’m butterflies. such considers that the word admiral is lost in wonder, especially when it visits The image of the red admiral on the a corruption of admirable, and this has my garden. Wonder at its beauty on my marigold is the more likely picture for had quite wide circulation. Admirable marigolds and my buddleia bush, wonder the casual photographer – you take it it certainly is! I personally prefer to at its greed when supping nectar, wonder when (and how) you can! If you’re very concentrate on the word admiral in a at its apparent fragility and wonder that lucky, however, you’ll find one basking naval context. By Elizabethan times the such fragility has allowed it to migrate so on a sedum plant in the late summer British navy had reached such a size that far to my Chiltern garden. Then I wonder sun. Its pose, with open wings held it needed to be divided into squadrons. that there are four such butterflies on motionless, allowed me to capture the They became those of the Admiral, this one bush, how long they’ll stay, how full astonishing and lustrous beauty of Vice Admiral and Rear Admiral, known many more I’ll see and if they’ll come its black-and-red-with-white colouring. respectively as the Admiral of the Red, back next year. Where do you suppose This in itself is surely sufficient to the Admiral of the White and the Admiral this ability to wonder comes from? Is seduce the most hardened nature- of the Blue. The premier squadron – that it learned or inherited? In my case I’m sceptic. of the Admiral – flew the Red Ensign. It

16 Chiltern 224 NEWS & VIEWS seems logical to me that a magnificent butterfly, with red in its colouration, migrating in across the sea (maybe even via Portsmouth) would become associated in the popular mind with the premier Admiral in the Navy – Red Ensign, Red Admiral: QED. Now let’s consider its ‘Latin’ (ie. scientific) name, Vanessa atalanta. Vanessa sounds Latin but it isn’t. It’s a name coined by Jonathan Swift, who in

1706 became tutor to one Esther van Photo: Mike Collard Homrigh, probably a young Dutch lady. We’ll never know if Mr Swift was more interested in the lady than in her studies; but ‘essa’ is a diminutive (possibly The badger affectionate) of Esther. The Van is self- evident; and, hey presto, we have Vanessa. – villain or victim? Swift later wrote a poem in 1726 which centred on ‘Vanessa’ – note that date. By contrast Atalanta was, according to Greek Buckinghamshire Badger Group respond to mythology, a huntress nymph dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. Gill Kent’s article in Chiltern 223 In 1758 when Carl von Linné, whom we all know as Linnaeus, was busily Gill suggests that bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is currently rampant across the country. This is cataloguing the natural world, he came not the case, and there are some areas of the country which have had no herd breakdowns. to the red admiral butterfly. No naval The Isle of Man, on the other hand, has had herd breakdowns, although there are no association in his naming, nor anything badgers there. admirable. Instead he chose Vanessa as the first part of his binomial classification. We think it’s appropriate to quote from The Badger Trust website (www.badger.org.uk): ‘The Why? A man as learned as Linnaeus (to Badger Trust believes that culling is not the answer to solve the tuberculosis issue, because whom Latin was the lingua franca of the there is overwhelming scientific evidence that it will not reduce disease and can actually scientific world) could only have chosen exacerbate the problem. a Latin-sounding name as a joke, or as ‘From 1998 to 2006 a lengthy study called the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT), a tongue-in-cheek allusion to Swift’s which was conducted under far superior control conditions than the current cull, culled more scurrilous poem. (Note how quickly it than 10,000 badgers and cost almost £50m of taxpayers’ money. The authors of this trial had reached Sweden; if it was translated concluded that culling could make no meaningful contribution to the control of bTB in cattle into Swedish, words fail me)! Reverting in Britain because of the ‘perturbation’ effects of disease spread when badger populations are to type, and no doubt to re-establish his disturbed and also because the costs of implementing the badger cull outweigh the economic classical credentials, he added atalanta in benefits gained due to a reduction in bTB. The previous Labour Government were wishing to a properly erudite fashion. (It must have press ahead with a range of cattle-based measures and badger vaccine trials. been fun being Linnaeus: ‘Now what shall ‘In 2013 the current British Government started its current campaign of badger culling I think of next?’). despite mass opposition. This highly contentious proposal was justified with a mixture of I want to end by reverting to the assumption and the distortion of peer-reviewed science. The Badger Trust have openly opposed word wonder, and consider it at a very the cull since its inception; fighting legal battles and calling for more scientific research.’ personal level. I’ve thought for a long Recent culls have claimed the lives of over 15,000 badgers in Gloucestershire, Somerset, time that we forget that we, Homo Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and Herefordshire. It’s a concern that not one of those badgers has sapiens, are an integral part of nature – been tested for bTB. not somehow separate from it. Yet it’s Gill mentions the cull will protect chickens, bumblebees and hedgehogs; hedgehogs very difficult to immerse ourselves fully and bees have their own set of problems and, although badgers may take a few, there’s no in nature. We view from the outside research which suggests it has a bearing on the population crashes we have seen. through binoculars, telescopes and Dominic Dyer’s book Badgered to Death; the People and Politics of the Badger Cull was camera lenses – yes, and through eyes, recently distributed to all MPs before a lively debate took place in Parliament in late March the best lenses of all. I believe that the 2017. Badgers and their setts receive full protection under the 1992 Act, which was brought concept of wonder, of completely losing in due to the persecution of the species, which, sadly still goes on in certain parts of the ourselves in an experience of the natural country. Populations in areas where persecution was previously rife will, we hope, have seen world – as when I watch the red admirals a population increase. Badgers, like other wild animals, can cause some damage, but this is on my buddleia – is the first step something that a caring society should surely be able to live with, when the alternative is a through some kind of mystical portal very bland countryside with little wildlife to enjoy. Moreover, outside the breeding season it’s to that wonderful other side where we possible to obtain licences to fill in sett entrances without causing the badgers any harm. properly belong. If this is verging on Local research over a number of years suggests that there’s no increase in the badger population philosophy, then I’m sure Plato and in our county; numbers are well controlled by motor cars (it’s estimated that at least two members Whitehead would approve. of every social group are killed on the roads each year), food availability and disease. www.chilternsociety.org.uk 17 NEWS & VIEWS New trustees Introduced by Peter Brown

The Chiltern Society has co-opted two new trustees to take on and develop the work so ably undertaken by Roger Newman and Geoff Wiggett.

Kim. He was born and brought up in High as that’s what the Society depends Wycombe, and one of his interests is the on. I cover all types of volunteering history of furniture making in the Chilterns. including Conservation, Rights of Way/ He’s currently writing a history of his own Path Maintenance, Heritage, walks/cycle family’s involvement in the industry, which leaders, office assistance and corporate lasted from 1869 to 1989. volunteering. I’m particularly interested ‘Despite having a desk job, I have always in promoting the physical and mental been a hands-on practical person and wellbeing aspects of volunteering, and have enjoyed participating in a number of increasing our diversity of volunteers.’ Society working parties,’ he said. ‘For 25 Peter’s keen to tap into the vast years I worked for a waste management experience many of our volunteers already company, raising finance to introduce more possess, and is going round to talk to all our Bob Cartwright will act as a contact point advanced recycling. In the UK that has group leaders to see how best he can help. between our site and working party co- included co-operating with local authorities As a chartered engineer, who has managed ordinators and the Society’s Executive. to raise hundreds of millions of pounds various projects and portfolios, he’s well ‘The hope is I can replace Roger and pick to finance the construction of mechanical equipped for the role. He’s also qualified in up some of the routine things that Gavin biological treatment plants under public- health and safety and in data protection… Johnson, our Head of Conservation and private partnerships. Working with projects ‘so some of the current debate about Development, does so that he has more to improve recycling rates has enabled me Chiltern Society professional standards in time for conservation work,’ he said. In to combine work with my interest in the these areas is very familiar to me,’ he said. addition, Bob’s researching commons environment.’ He lives in Beaconsfield and enjoys across the Chilterns with the aim of hands-on experience as a volunteer, having developing a new initiative to replace the Peter Duxbury is our new Volunteer Co- participated in Society conservation and Chilterns Commons Project, a Chilterns ordinator. ‘I’m sometimes referred to as path maintenance work parties. He’s now Conservation Board-led scheme that ended the new Geoff Wiggett, but I’m not sure I working with the Society’s officers, to see a couple of years ago. can live up to that one!’ he joked, adding how improvements can be made to the He’s a retired chartered accountant ‘my main focus is to make sure we are way we manage volunteer induction, data, who lives near Aylesbury with his wife effectively using and recruiting volunteers, health and safety, publicity and recognition. HS2 – where do we go from here? Asks Chiltern Society campaigner

John Gladwin Bottom House Farm Lane

The HS2 Bill received Royal Assent in late February, thus giving approval for the l Change our slogan to ‘HS2 Watch’ construction of Phase 1 to Birmingham through the Chilterns. l Encourage residents to keep us informed of HS2 Ltd’s activities From a number of recent meetings, it’s not yet carried out an operational safety l Share this information with others become clear that the design for HS2 is assessment to establish in particular, that through our HS2 email newsletter and incomplete. At one meeting an engineer the tunnel designs are safe in the event of Facebook page confirmed that the design is only 10% a catastrophic accident. l Meet with HS2 Ltd to understand any complete. In addition the bore hole drilling The Society has vigorously opposed changes being planned results will only be available towards the the building of HS2 across the Chiltern l Liaise with end of June, rather than the end of March Hills. Now that assent has been given, – HS2 Independent Design Panel as previously expected. Our concerns however, we’ve decided that it would be – HS2 Chilterns AONB Review Group relate to the geology of the Misbourne more productive for us to concentrate on – HS2 Colne Valley Regional Park Panel. Valley and the risk of losing the River getting the best mitigation possible. We Misbourne. Furthermore, HS2 Ltd has will therefore: Photo: Keith Hoffmeister

18 Chiltern 224 NEWS & VIEWS

Stonor House Cookham & Winter Hill Photos: Colin Drake New guide to Society’s millennium route Opened in 2000, The Chiltern Way (TCW) has become a popular long-distance trail, taking walkers on a fully waymarked circular route that passes through five counties: Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire. Later extensions stretched it further to the north and south of the region, encompassing the Barton Hills on the far side of Luton, a section of the Thames Valley, and the Berkshire Hills between Cookham and Henley. Its total length is now over 170 miles. Walkers are treated to the best that the Chilterns have to offer, including typical beech woodland, chalk downland, picturesque villages, ancient routes like The Icknield Way and Roman roads.

Based on an idea of the late Jimmy Parsons, our regular Society photographers, Colin TCW was largely the work of two members Drake. The book divides the route into of the Society’s Rights of Way Group, Nick 47 sections, and there’s a table listing Moon and Rob Bethell, the former planning all the distances involved. At the If you’re the route and the latter ensuring it was beginning of each section users will walking TCW, implemented on the ground with suitable find information about the appropriate don’t leave home waymarking and path improvements. Ordnance Survey and Chiltern Society without this A comprehensive guidebook written maps, as well as parking locations. Chiltern Society Sites invaluable by Nick was published to coincide with It’s priced at £11.99 and is available HITCHIN 1 Bottom Wood, ancient woodland guide! the opening of TCW, and was updated 2fromBrush theHill Nature Chiltern Reserve Society website,

in 2010 to include all the extensions and 3www.chilternsociety.org.uk.Captain’s Wood, woodland & nature reserve Alternatively

the Berkshire Loop. Now he’s produced 4youCholesbury can ring Camp, the site ofoffice iron age hill on fort 01494 771250 HERTS DUNSTABLE LUTON a brand new full colour version, with 5toCobblers’ place Pits, your woodland order, near or Wend callov erin Arm at canalthe improved mapping and many photographs, 6WhiteEwelme HillWate rcreCentre,ss Beds Chesham& nature reserv duringe office BEDS 7 Hampden Monument, memorial to John Hampden some taken by him and others by one of hours.who opposed the King’s imposition of Ship Tax 8 Lacey Green Windmill, c.1650 BUCKS oldest smock mill in England TRING 9 Marlow Common (North) woodland common

10 Penn Jubilee Wood, meadow and woodland 5 HERTS on the Chiltern Way WENDOVER Chiltern Society11 Prestwood Nature Reserve sites BERKHAMSTED 12 Whiteleaf Hill, historic site, PRINCES 1 Bottom Wood, ancient woodland RISBOROUGH HEMEL chalk cross & nature reserve 4 HEMPSTEAD 2 Brush Hill Nature Reserve 12 Great CHESHAM 2 7 Missenden 3 3 Captain’s Wood, woodland and nature reserve 8 11 Prestwood AMERSHAM 4 Cholesbury Camp, site of iron age hill fort BUCKS RICKMANSWORTH 5 C obblers’ Pits, woodland near Wendover Arm canal 1 HIGH WYCOMBE Ewelme Watercress Beds and Nature Reserve River West 6 Thames Wycombe 10 CHILTERN OPEN 6 AIR MUSEUM 7 Hampden Monument, memorial to John Hampden who opposed the King’s BEACONSFIELD imposition of Ship Tax WALLINGFORD GERRARDS MARLOW CROSS 8 Lac ey Green Windmill, c1650 oldest 9 smock mill in England HENLEY GORING Key 9 Marlo w Common (North), woodland common Chiltern Society Area OXON Area of Outstanding 10 Penn Jubilee Wood, meadow and woodland River Natural Beauty Thames on the Chiltern Way Chiltern Way Chiltern Way Extension 11 Prestwood Nature Reserve CAVERSHAM River Berkshire Loop Thames North Chiltern Trail 12 W hiteleaf Hill, historic site, chalk cross and nature reserve Chiltern Cycleway email: [email protected] 19 NEWS & VIEWS An inspiration to all Peter Brown meets Peter the Pilgrim

camera and diary. Appropriately he followed The Chiltern Way and then The Ridgeway for the first part of the journey. He arrived at his destination, the 11th century cathedral of Santiago, 144 walking days later, to be greeted with a big hug from his wife Wendy, as well as the congratulations of his friends (and Chiltern Society members) Stuart and Margie Johnston, and Stephen and Liz Inchbald who had walked part of the route with him. He also earned the admiration of many hundreds back home. En route there had been tough days and emotional moments: an unexpected meeting with a lady from Sheffield, also suffering from Parkinson’s, who had sought him out; and an embrace from a lady from Barcelona whose father had the same condition. Then there was the French family who shared their picnic with him on a dreary, damp Brittany day; dinner invitations from complete strangers, inspired by this Long-standing Chiltern Society member Peter Charles enjoys a challenge, so the chance eccentric Englishman and his crazy mission; to undertake a 1,500 mile walk was met with his usual determination to succeed. Privately, and an interview with a French newspaper many would have thought this particular walk was a step too far for Peter. For a start he whose readers had spotted him on his weary was 70 years old. On top of that he suffers from Parkinson’s. way. But not once, he says, did he wake in the morning and think of giving up. However, with careful planning, sensible to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, He returned to a standing ovation from precautions and loads of support from northwest Spain. his church congregation and a £700 boost family, friends and businesses, Peter, from It took several months to plan because to the fund from regulars at his local, The Great Kingshill, completed his challenge everything had to be schemed to the Red Lion in Great Kingshill – money raised and has so far raised over £70,000 finest detail: a walking schedule of about from a competition to ‘guess the weight of for Parkinson’s UK. When he was first ten miles a day; a rest day after every six the beard’ he had grown during his journey. diagnosed with the condition seven years walking days, and then breaks of one, two Back in 2009, when the Government ago, Peter was faced with a decision. ‘You or three weeks at appropriate points. Then, first announced plans to build HS2 across either keep going or you give up,’ he said. of course, there were the overnight stops, the Chilterns, Peter joined the Society’s For Peter there was never any doubt. mainly hostels or B&Bs, although at one campaign group against the proposal and A former Executive Committee member point in Spain it actually meant a night wrote the first article on the subject for this of the Society, he’s always enjoyed walking locked in a local church. As word spread magazine, appropriately titled ‘We shall in the Chilterns. As an enthusiastic supporter of his challenge, the support grew. The fight them in the beeches’. The target may of our Donate-a-Gate scheme, he’s currently Amersham and High Wycombe branch of have changed, but Peter is still fighting, still arranging funding to convert seven local Parkinson’s UK helped enormously with the raising awareness and still campaigning… an stiles to gates. Since his diagnosis Peter organisation; the congregation at his church, inspiration to all. has founded two walking groups for those St John the Baptist in Little Missenden, with with Parkinson’s – the Chiltern Tremblers fundraising and encouragement. Businesses (nearly three miles, no stiles and a pub) and also helped: Fox’s of Amersham donated the Chiltern Striders (six or seven miles, equipment and much useful advice; Brittany including pub). It’s not surprising, therefore, Ferries offered free Channel crossings; that the idea of a long-distance fundraising Meindl donated walking boots, while walk began to emerge, partly as an act of Helpful Holidays and Wingrove Media made defiance to the condition; partly to raise significant contributions. awareness of Parkinson’s, and partly to raise Eventually, on Valentine’s Day last year, money for research and to help carers of immediately after the morning service at those suffering from the disorder. It was to St John the Baptist, Peter the Pilgrim set be called Peter’s Parkinson’s Pilgrimage, off on his epic adventure, armed with his a 1,560 mile trek from Little Missenden trusty iPad which would act as his navigator,

20 Chiltern 224 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 21 ROALD DAHL MUSEUM Storyteller’s sources revealed Isabelle Reynolds anticipates a Buzzyhumming Summer

Roald Dahl lived in the Chilterns for over 40 years and wrote all his famous children’s feature in Dahl’s fiction, but also inMy books in his little writing hut in Great Missenden. His stories were often inspired by the Year. In this book, published posthumously surrounding landscape. Dahl explained that, when looking for the plot for his next book, in 1993, he beautifully observes and he would ‘mooch around the house, the garden, the countryside, the village streets, describes the changing seasons with a searching and searching for this bright and fantastic new idea...’ real warmth and appreciation. This summer the Roald Dahl Museum It was while living in Old Amersham in revealed that the book originated as a and Story Centre in Great Missenden the 1950s that Dahl became friends with bedtime story for his children. ‘I used to invites families to explore the village, Claud, ‘a countryman who knew all about tell my children the story about Mr Fox and woods and fields that inspired the author. poaching.’ He recalled how they would go how he lived underneath a great beech Their ‘Buzzyhumming Summer’ features out into the woods looking for pheasants, tree which is at the top of our orchard.’ Guided Village and Countryside Trails adding that ‘it was really for the fun of it Great Missenden is also the home of every Tuesday from 25 July to 29 August, actually. And we never caught one. And some of Dahl’s other fictional characters. sketching walks on 20 and 23 August one day... I thought, I wonder if I could do a Matilda toddled down to the local library and a storytelling walk on 13 August. For children’s book on that because it would be every day when her mother went off to details of all Museum events and activities fun.’ He was speaking, of course, of Danny, play bingo in Aylesbury, and Sophie was visit the website www.roalddahl.com/ the Champion of the World. Another of plucked from her bed in a little house museum/whats-on. his books set in the Chilterns landscape on the High Street by The BFG. Great With thanks to Annie Price, former Archive is Fantastic Mr Fox. In a TV interview Dahl Missenden and the Chilterns didn’t only Assistant at the Roald Dahl Museum

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www.chilternsociety.org.uk 21 PHOTOGROUP NEWS

Above: Pyramidal orchids at Hartslock nature reserve, near Goring Right, from top to bottom: Sunrise at Shiplake, near Henley; All Saints Church in Dunsden, South Oxfordshire; Hambleden Mill and weir; Fringe benefits Bisham parish church, upstream of Marlow

From Barry Hunt

An album of 38 outstanding images depicting landscapes, wild flowers and butterflies was recently added to the ‘My Chilterns’ series in the PhotoGroup’s library. They were contributed by Clive Ormonde and explain why the Chilterns mean so much to him. Although he was born in Leicestershire, in his early 20s he began a career with the Met Office in Bracknell. Voluntary work with several conservation bodies included the southern fringes of the Chilterns. When he started writing and illustrating books on walks he began exploring other parts of the region, but as he says, ‘The Chilterns I know best are very much out on the fringes...’

As with all good landscape photography, sun. Similarly, Bisham church and the projects in the UK and overseas, especially Clive’s photos evoke the changing seasons surrounding foliage appear golden under in Africa where he leads photographic with their many contrasts in light and a wintry blue sky, while a near-still River safaris. His website includes many of the shade. The arbitrary selection shown Thames reflects them both. images shown at the meeting: here contrasts a mid-summer scene of Follow the link to www.chilternphoto. www.tomwayphotography.co.uk/gallery. pyramidal orchids on a chalk grassland org.uk/picture/8494/category/274 to see with the snowy scene of All Saints Church the album. in Dunsden, South Oxfordshire. His Diary dates photo of a striking winter sunrise taken One for the record The two remaining outings for this year on a Shiplake footpath adds a further will be held on Thursday 13 July and Friday dimension. A presentation in March by Tom Way, 22 September – details to be advised. As an autobiographical record, Clive’s an award-winning fine art wildlife Dates for Saturday indoor meetings are extended captions amply explain his photographer, attracted the largest ever 21 October 2017 – the PhotoGroup AGM choice of subjects. There are also clear attendance at any PhotoGroup event. followed by Keith Hoffmeister’s update themes. His enjoyment of photographing Around 30 members and guests heard a on HS2 photography; 13 January 2018 water prompted a book of riverside walks fascinating and informative account of his (details tba); 17 March, speaker Mark King, and several fine photos, such as the view of singular approach to a highly demanding a freelance photographer; and 20 October, Hambleden Mill illuminated by an autumnal aspect of photography. Tom undertakes PhotoGroup AGM.

22 Chiltern 224 email: [email protected] 23 Photogroup competition Puzzle picture: 85

The Falcon is a former coaching inn. Where is it situated? Send your entry to Ian Bullock, 11 The Willows, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5NT or to puzzlepic@ chilternphoto.org.uk. If using email, please include your postal address so that, if you win, your prize can be sent to you. The draw will take place on 17 June. The winner will receive £10. Photo: M Bowker Puzzle picture: 84 The answer

The picture shows an Edwardian Cabman’s Shelter. It used to stand on the forecourt of Hitchin Railway Station and was used as a shelter for cab drivers waiting for fares. After having several owners it was finally handed over to the Hitchin community and moved to its present position in Hitchin Market Place. There were eight entrants, only one of whom lives in Hitchin. The winner was John Ford of Amersham. Photo: Q Barrett

22 Chiltern 224 email: [email protected] 23 NEWS & VIEWS

Care Farming Introducing a unique local social enterprise

Working farms across the Chilterns make a huge contribution to conserving both our natural and built heritage and some, like Road Farm just north of Great Missenden, encourage educational visits and help those with special needs through Care Farming.

More seasoned Chiltern Society members Those who have autism or learning one farm helper’s mum: ‘He behaves may remember the keen involvement difficulties often thrive in the calm, natural, differently after visiting, he’d rather he of the late John Knight, ensuring Road open environment without judgements or could stay on and do more there!’ Farm was one of the first involved in crowds to distract. In fact everyone, care Schools and colleges are often keen to Higher Level Countryside Stewardship, workers too, enjoy space and feeling part come in spring to see the lambs and calves, committed to delivering a sustainable of something real.’ but there’s much more to the learning than variety of habitats for wildlife on the There are about 250 Care Farms in the purely the agricultural side. For example, farm. This included recreation of chalk UK, with many more across Europe, and Chiltern geology (chalk characteristics grassland and sensitive management of a growing number of research papers and flint fire lighting); geography and ancient woodland in conjunction with the detail the benefits and efficacy. Road social demographics (HS2 discussions – then Small Woodlands Project. The next Farm Countryways is an active member Wendy petitioned twice before the Select generation continue to be passionate of ‘Care Farming UK’, as well as ‘Farming Committee); understanding historic local about sharing the farm and countryside and Countryside Education’. Wendy says building materials (beautiful historic with others: David Knight (John and ‘It’s so special to watch people’s faces barns already restored); and, of course, Pat’s son) manages the working farm, brighten as they gain confidence through wonderful wildlife woven into everything. which now hosts Road Farm Countryways involvement here, whether filling a bucket, This feedback is typical: ‘The students and Community Interest Company (RFCCIC), coppicing a hedge, or just listening to I had an absolutely brilliant time and loved formed in 2014 to promote growth in the skylarks. They feel safe, included, every minute of it and really didn’t want learning, confidence and self-worth and develop new skills. We also have to go back to college,’ (Berkshire College alongside the working farm. His youngest educational visits and love the delight of Agriculture lecturer). Great Missenden sister Wendy Gray organises the daily from children experiencing the animals School children certainly enjoyed their running of this not-for-profit social and wildlife, not to mention fire lighting!’ Stone Age-linked visit last spring, learning enterprise with help from husband Duncan, Care farmers are involved in daily about ‘Farming, Fire-making and Foraging’! an experienced and qualified activity farm life, its animals, atmosphere and The farm hopes to start a regular instructor, and local Scout leader. surrounding countryside activities, ‘Countryman’s group’ for men with limiting Prearranged visits can be set up including maintaining and improving health conditions and/or isolation, and for, among others, schools or colleges, wildlife habitats on the farm to help are installing a small kitchen to facilitate scouts, the WI, community groups, or existing flora and fauna, such as barn owls, simple ‘Field to Fork’ cooking for all ages nature-based organisations like Bucks skylarks, pyramidal orchids, bee species and abilities, with help from the Rothschild Invertebrate Group, but especially for and harvest mice. RFCCIC work especially Foundation. Duncan is an experienced individuals of all ages with various special with young adults who have a range of butcher, which further increases the range health needs. Wendy says ‘Care Farming complex needs, but there are also very of opportunities that can be provided. combines care of the land and animals positive outcomes for those with mental RFCCIC is proud to share the glories of the with care of people as a kind of therapy. health and physical problems. To quote working Chilterns and is keen to hear from

24 Chiltern 224 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 25 NEWS & VIEWS Inspirational gardens

The National Trust are looking forward to welcoming many summer visitors to their gardens in the Chilterns, to enjoy vibrant colours, scented displays, relaxing spaces and breathtaking views. Greys Court in Oxfordshire, a site where Chiltern Society volunteers have worked in the past, boasts a particularly spectacular display of roses. Ramblers climb up the stonework of the mansion and wind round the bandstand; the Rosa Mundi hedge walk in the Walled Garden is ablaze with showy pink blooms in June. The Rose Garden ‘room’ in the series of walled gardens traces the history of the rose from early damask varieties to the modern hybrid perennials.

Roses are not the only show of colour at about gardening.’ For more information go Greys Court. The peony border comes to nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court. to life in summer with blooms from pure Among other sites in or close to the white to dark, rich reds, while in the Chilterns that are well worth visiting orchard ox-eye daises and wild flowers are Hughenden Manor, just outside Photos courtesy of Care Farming surround the fruit trees. High Wycombe (nationaltrust.org.uk/ anyone who may be interested or able to Visitors can learn from the National hughenden), and Cliveden, near the help (details below). Planning approval has Trust’s gardening and wildlife experts, and Thames at Little Marlow (nationaltrust.org. been given to install an all-weather room take home some inspiration for their own uk/cliveden). At Hughenden the gardeners and ‘Terrific Toilets’, so that hand washing gardens. ‘Gardens need structure, colour have taken inspiration from three former hygiene will be much easier and even the and scent to excite and uplift, and also resident peacocks for the summer most disabled people can be included with beautiful natural environments that allow bedding designs. Cliveden is famous for their families/carers. Securing sufficient people to relax and enjoy the peace,’ said its stunning bedding displays, including funding is the only issue! The improvements Head Gardener, Adam Ford. ‘I speak for 27,970 bedding plants on the parterre, and will give decades of access to working my own team at Greys Court, but I know in the Long Garden the penstemons and Chilterns countryside for many, influencing that all National Trust garden staff and salvias in the borders will have a backdrop both education and ongoing wellbeing volunteers are passionate about their work of climbing sweet peas and roses along for over 750 people each year. Visits are and are always happy to chat to visitors the wall. strictly prearranged so that the real farm atmosphere is maintained. The farm also participates in National Open Farm Sunday (11 June) and invites everyone interested to join them on this afternoon, which includes farm walks and a sheepdog demonstration. RFCCIC is grateful to all individuals and organisations who’ve so far helped raise £11,500, including the first five ‘Super Sixty Supporters’: Sweet Charity, the Mobbs Memorial Trust, CLA Charitable Trust, Roland Callingham Foundation and Great Missenden Rotary, who have each contributed over £500. Wendy Gray can be contacted on 01494 862413, www.roadfarmcountryways.com or Roses at Greys Court Hughenden Manor at [email protected]. Photos: National Trust images/Hugh Mothersole cholesbury tree fellers local family business established 30 years chesham based • all aspects of tree surgery undertaken • • woodchips supplied • • contractor to local authority • mulch supplied, ideal for water retention tel: and01494 weed suppressor 771180 mob: 07939 135056 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 25 A Chiltern hero

CHILTERN HERITAGE Above: 1st Bucks Battalion Alison Beck remembers an ancestor’s self-sacrifice

Passchendaele: I’ve known that name forever, a foreign, frightening word like Auschwitz and Guernica. As a child, I didn’t understand the meaning of the words but felt their vague, unspecified terrors. Only in recent years have I realised the full extent of that horror: Passchendaele, or the Third Battle of Ypres, resulted in the slaughter of 245,000 men under the command of the Allies, and 215,000 Germans, between the months of July and November 1917. In 100 days of fighting, the front line moved just 8 kilometres. This year we’re commemorating the 100th anniversary of this, one of the worst battles of WWI.

My maternal grandfather, Robert Henry blockhouse ‘Mon du Hibou’ carried out on Payne, who served with the 1st Bucks that day, when the tanks intended to support Battalion, part of the Oxford and Bucks the assault failed to materialise, bogged Light Infantry, was killed in that battle. down in the mud. Robert is commemorated Robert’s father, also Robert Payne, had at Tyne Cot, the memorial to those who previously served with the 4th Hussars as have no known grave, in Holy Trinity kiddies if anything does happen, and you a trumpet major. His son was a bugler and Church, Walton and on the War Memorial and they shall be the last in my thoughts.’ He also a stretcher bearer, a role customarily in Aylesbury’s Market Square. I went to was killed a week later, aged 31. His widow filled by musicians. Tyne Cot in February 2000. No-one from Edith brought up their two daughters, Doris Robert Henry worked at Hazell, Watson the family had ever been there before: my then aged seven and Constance aged three. and Viney in Aylesbury, and married grandmother would have loved to visit, but Doris died from pneumonia in 1933 at 22 my grandmother, Edith, in 1910. When in her lifetime a trip to Belgium was about as years of age, and Edith aged 79 in 1966. My he enlisted in 1914, they had two small likely as a trip to the moon. I recall standing mother Connie died at 64 in 1978. daughters, Doris aged four and my mother, there beneath his name, wondering what he Robert Henry Payne has been part Connie, who was one year old. I have a would have thought of the middle-aged only of my life for as long as I can remember. postcard showing the battalion leaving daughter of his youngest child travelling via a The photograph of him in uniform was Chelmsford, where they trained, for France tunnel under the Channel, to pay her respects always on my gran’s wall, in pride of place in March 1915. He survived some of the worst to him and thank him for his sacrifice. above the sideboard. We share a birthday, actions of the Somme: Ploegsteert Wood, I have his medals, some postcards and which must have been bittersweet for Hebuterne and Poziers. photographs, and his poignant last letter her, celebrating her only granddaughter’s My mother was three years old when her home to his wife, when he tells her that they birthday and thinking of her late husband. father was killed on 16 August, 1917 at St. were ‘going into it rather hot shortly’ and he My grandfather is also commemorated on Julien. Researching the details of that time, exhorts her to be brave until she hears from his elder daughter’s grave in Aylesbury it seems very likely that he was killed in the him again. He concludes the letter ‘Now I cemetery, and my gran lived in Albert Street, near suicidal attack against the German must finish my duck, God bless you and the close by. Every week when I visited her, we

26 Chiltern 224 CHILTERN MEMORIES The milk cart Boadicea Keith Fountain remembers his first crush

It must have been the summer of 1943, in Beaconsfield. I was seven, and remember a succession of long, warm days, though this may be the nostalgia of middle age. My family didn’t travel far during the war, and when the school holidays began I looked for entertainment and diversions close to home.

One morning I heard the sound of trotting farmhouse of the same name. hooves. Round the bend in the road She (I never knew her name) showed appeared a small pony and trap, driven me how to give an apple to her pony. ‘Put by a Land Girl. She stood with the reins the apple on your palm and keep it flat,’ in her hand, wearing a green sweater, she said. Once, the horse took my thumb and corduroy trousers stuffed into thick in his mouth and I was afraid he would socks. Her blond hair trailed behind her. bite it off. Some days I overslept and my I remember her bright eyes and rosy mother had to tell me, through my tears, cheeks, sunburnt from working in the that she’d seen the cart go past. At these fields. She was the loveliest woman I’d times I was inconsolable, and angry with ever seen, and I was completely smitten. my heroine for not waiting at the gate or Boadicea in her chariot couldn’t have been even knocking at the door. I was too young bolder or more commanding, though her to realise how one sided this seemingly work was more prosaic: she delivered milk mutual friendship was. to several nearby houses. We became One week she disappeared and I friends and she let me ride in the trap to never saw her again. I hope that she gave the end of the road, where she dropped another child, in another place, as much Top: Bugler Payne Bottom: Connie and Alison me off and trotted away. I walked home delight as she gave me. happily in the dew along a green lane Although he now lives in Sydney, Keith would cross the road to the cemetery, and called Seeleys Walk, beside a 16th century remains a loyal Chiltern Society member. walk to the grave. My gran kept an empty jam jar there, and in the summer I would skip around picking wild flowers, especially to take them. I’m going back to Tyne Cot to King and Country, left all that was dear to ox-eye daisies, to fill the jar for him. This lay a wreath in July and have also applied them, endured hardness, faced danger, and year I’m 70 years old, no longer prone to for tickets for the special ceremonies for finally passed out of the sight of men by skipping, and my mother and grandmother descendants to be held at the Menin Gate, the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving are long gone. I have neither siblings nor Ypres and Tyne Cot. up their own lives that others may live in children, so the future of those special All my life the scroll commemorating his freedom. things, like that letter, the postcards and his sacrifice has been on my bedroom wall, and Let those who come after see to it that his medals, was causing me some concern. I’ve the beautiful wording reads: name be not forgotten.’ contacted the splendid Museum of Oxford ‘He whom this scroll commemorates was This is all I can do. Please remember him Soldiery in Woodstock, and they’ve agreed numbered among those who, at the call of with gratitude, and the thousands like him.

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email: [email protected] 27 Let there be light

SOCIETY CONSERVATION NEWS

Wendover Arm Canal below Cobblers’ Pits Transforming Cobblers’ Pits

Cobblers’ Pits is a long, narrow area of woodland running between The Upper Icknield Way and the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal. It’s the site of a series of long- abandoned chalk pits, where fine old yew trees cast dark shade and broadleaf species like ash and beech let in light – the contrast of light and shade giving Cobblers’ Pits its distinctive character. The Chiltern Society took over its management in February 2015.

An ancient sunken track runs through the biodiversity of the wood. Ivy has been wood, but it’s not known if it was part of cut away from many of the trees. The a trade route connecting The Upper and team monitors the box trees and shrubs, Lower Icknield Ways, or merely a local track looking for signs of blight (which has badly used to carry marl down to the canal. The affected nearby Wendover Woods), and the Sunken track wood was originally part of Sir Anthony de deadly box moth caterpillar. ‘We’re keeping Rothschild’s Aston Clinton Estate in Green a close watch on the relatively young box,’ public footpath with the new permissive Park. At the top end there’s a concealed says David. path. reservoir that was thought to supply Aston Two permissive paths have been The efforts of the volunteers seem to be Clinton House with fresh water collected created. The first is designed to lead paying dividends in terms of wildlife being at the top of Wendover Woods and piped visitors away from the public footpath attracted to the site, including muntjac, down to the house. to other areas where Corsican pine, yew, fox, badger and roe deer. As reported in Since the Society acquired Cobblers’ box, American redwood and a fine walnut Chiltern 223, there are bird boxes, and Pits, volunteers led by Site Co-ordinator flourish. The path takes visitors through quite recently a successful bird ringing and David Lawrence have been making a new woodland glade, made by clearing identification session was held. progress on a number of fronts. Most of low growth and felling young trees. Work Measures have been taken to discourage the conservation and site management on the second one involved carving a unwelcome intrusions, including the work is done in the winter months to wide path along a steep, sloping section installation of new fencing. All forms of lessen the impact on wildlife. In the early around the edge of some of the original cycling are banned, as are trail bikes, days undergrowth and brambles were pit workings. Habitat piles and beetle and on one infamous occasion a semi- cleared, and a number of trees felled banks were constructed from the cuttings. permanent wild campsite was discovered (with the assistance of a Chiltern Society Marker posts and direction discs were hidden on the edge of the wood – needless Director wielding a chainsaw), to create positioned to highlight the route. New to say it was immediately removed. glades, thereby allowing more light onto steps were built to enable the public to It’s been a busy two years, but, as on our the woodland floor and increasing the negotiate the steep bank that connects the other sites, there’s still plenty to do!

28 Chiltern 224 Meanwhile on other sites… Photographer Colin Drake has been out and about recently to watch some of our volunteers in action as you can see from the bottom two pictures taken at Cholesbury Camp, and the top three on a site near Latimer where the Herts Conservation Volunteers were joined by members of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.

Ewelme Watercress Beds Local Nature Reserve OPEN AFTERNOONS First Sunday of the month 4 June, 2 July, 6 August, 3 September Visitors welcome between 2 and 4.30pm Relax with a cup of tea and cake beside the stream Take a walk round the nature reserve – either self-guided or with one of our guides Adults £3, members of the Chiltern Society and accompanied children free. No need to book No dogs please, except guide dogs Sensible footwear is advisable

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BedZed, Sutton, London One Brighton Photos courtesy of Tom Chance/Bioregional (L); Bioregional (R) Could Chesham lead the way, asks Michila Critchley

I missed the consultation for the 900 proposed houses to be built on part of the Metropolitan by the local plantation)? Green Belt in Lye Green, Chesham. As someone who has moved into the town from a densely Energy efficiency:What if Chesham populated part of London, I can well understand the pressure for many more new homes. achieved significant reduction in energy What is less easy to see is why new housing is being proposed on green belt land, without use in its homes and workplaces, becoming ensuring that all old and unused sites are redeveloped first. a hub for electric cars and bicycles, and reinvigorated bus services? The ‘Brown not Green’ petition sets out We’ve already been pipped to the post for Enterprise: What if the innovative use of the arguments against the Lye Green several titles of ‘first’: brownfield sites and variety of new eco- proposal and clearly states the impact for l One hour away in Bicester, eco-dreaming builds put us on the map as one of the the community there and for the whole of is becoming reality in the first eco-town top places for people to enjoy a practical, Chesham, including infrastructure overload, in the UK, Elmsbrook. The initial 393 sustainable lifestyle and encouraged the increased congestion and pollution. Reading ‘true zero carbon homes’ are already on setting up of related enterprises? this one lunchtime, I found myself thinking sale and before long the town will have Expertise: What if there was a commitment about this question: would I feel differently 6,000 homes and all the thought-through to developing an expert workforce in our if the 900 dwellings in and around Chesham amenities to go with it area that helped meet a ‘green’ skills gap in were built using all the best available l A train ride to Brighton & Hove and you’ve the UK-wide economy? approaches to sustainable living? reached the first ‘One Planet City’ with its Finally, what about this for a strap-line for I for one would feel incredibly proud and ambitious sustainability action plan, and 2036: ‘Chesham: first for sustainable living in excited if we seized this chance and turned real examples of successful eco-blocks of the Chilterns’? a pressing need for more homes into an starter studios and affordable apartments Sources: opportunity to become a leader in forward- within walking distance of the station www.petitions24.com/stop_plans_to_build_ thinking development. This is where I came l A trip to Aston Hayes in Cheshire brings homes_on_green_belt_at_lye_green_nr_ up against two tough ‘m’s to crack: money you to an award-winning village well chesham and motivation. From my experience of on the way to becoming England’s first www.bioregional.com/exemplar-becomes- working with charities over many years, it’s carbon neutral community, complete with elmsbrook-as-first-nw-bicester-super- almost always the motivation to do things their own community-owned renewable sustainable-homes-go-on-sale/ differently, to change things for the better, energy company. www.bioregional.com/one-planet-brighton-hove/ that comes first. The money usually follows if What would it mean to our own lives and www.goingcarbonneutral.co.uk/ the motivation is strong enough. to our children’s opportunities if the historical Michila has been working with international So what would motivate Chesham to four ‘b’s of Chesham (boots, beer, brushes and UK charities for over 20 years, specialising become a leader in sustainability? I don’t and Baptists) were transformed into four in project development and funding. As well as believe that guilt works – that we’ll all forward-looking ‘e’s? doing advisory work, she coordinates a climate be doomed if we don’t do more for the Eco-building: What if every new dwelling in change project with secondary students and environment! What might work is seeing the the area used zero-carbon building processes delivers workshops on resource use within tangible differences that can be made if a and integrated the best of new technologies businesses at ‘Your Green Future’ careers fairs. group of people decide to put into action what from remediation of brownfield sites to water She lives in Chesham with her husband and can often be viewed as wildly unrealistic (and harvesting, solar photovoltaic panels and two young children and is a trustee of two local seemingly wildly expensive) daydreaming. tiles, and biomass heating (perhaps fuelled charities (Elmtree PTA and Workaid).

30 Chiltern 224 Bury yourself in the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside! Chesham Bois Burial Ground offers formal and woodland burial areas, a garden of remembrance, 2017 and a pretty chapel all in a peaceful setting surrounded by fields and woodland. Open to all faiths, residents and SOMETHING N non-residents of the Parish. EW IS COMING

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email: [email protected] 31 CHILTERN WALK • BUCKS & HERTS Chess Valley walk With David Hanson Sarratt

Latimer Baldwin’ s Wood 7

F E D 9 Mount G Chenies 8 Wood Sarratt Bottom Bottom 1 4 C 6 Church 3 B A 2 End Chenies A404 5

Start/Finish Bus stops

North 0 0.5 1km Little Chalfont Photos: Colin Drake 0 mile½ Map: Glyn Kuhn

A slightly amended version of a walk in the Society’s book 50 Great Walks in the Chilterns. It explores the picturesque Chess Valley and the pretty village of Chenies, with its Tudor manor house, 15th century church and village green. The route climbs to Church End, Sarratt, passing through the churchyard of the 12th century church. There are fine views of the valley and the River Chess.

START: Lay-by in Stoney Lane, Latimer (nearest postcode is Latimer MAPS: OS Explorer 172, Chiltern Society 28 village, HP5 1TY). Grid ref TQ 005 982. An alternative start point is REFRESHMENTS: The Cock Inn at Church End; The Bedford Arms Chalfont & Latimer Underground Station1 (see opposite) and The Red Lion in Chenies DISTANCE: 6 miles/9.5km with 450ft/140m of ascent PUBLIC TRANSPORT: None at the start. Bus 336/X336 runs between TERRAIN: A generally level route with one stile that’s currently High Wycombe and Watford (Mon-Sat) and stops 400m away at the easily passed and one short, steep hill. A few short sections can be end of Stoney Lane. Close by is Chalfont & Latimer Metropolitan Line boggy after wet weather! Station (direct trains to Baker Street and London Marylebone). Route From the lay-by cross the road and take the bridleway in the hedges to arrive at a further kissing gate in front of the Church of wood. The path emerges onto a straight open path and after the Holy Cross. The Cock Inn is 60m ahead. 450m reaches the edge of a wood, where the main path bears 6. The main route continues through the churchyard to the left of right. Do not follow this, instead continue straight ahead through the church entrance and passes through an old kissing gate and a the kissing gate into the wood. Follow the wide path, ignoring metal gate. Take the left path along the side of the field for 200m side turnings, for 350m to meet a T-junction at a fence. to the next gate beside a large farm gate. Go through and continue 1. Turn right through wooden barriers and follow the track uphill, ahead down an avenue of old sycamore trees (signed ‘Dawes entering a section bordered by high brick walls to the entrance Lane’), emerging into an open field after 200m. Bear slightly left, to Chenies Manor. Turn left along the gravel drive to the village crossing the field diagonally, aiming for a gate 80m down from the green with its bus shelter, phone box and pump. Straight ahead top. Walk through it and continue ahead along the left side of the up Latimer Road are The Bedford Arms and The Red Lion. field to the far corner, to pass through a kissing gate and emerge 2. Take the tarmac drive opposite the village green, immediately onto Dawes Lane. Turn left past Cakebread Cottage and shortly to the right of May Cottage. After 400m pass through the gates reach a T-junction with Sarratt Bottom. Turn right and follow the of Mountwood Farm. After a further 300m, keep to the right of lane for 200m to a right-hand bend. wooden fencing and follow a path passing to the right of the 7. Turn left onto a concrete track signed ‘Latimer’ to arrive at the farm. Continue along this for 200m (ignoring the path to the watercress beds. Do not continue ahead over the little bridge. left) and at the corner of a wood pass through a kissing gate and Instead take the path on your right by the waymark post. Follow follow the edge of the wood round to the right. the fenced path, which is partially a boardwalk, for 300m to 3. On reaching a hedge, turn sharp left behind it along the top of arrive at Frogmore Meadow viewing area. Bear right along the field for 200m following the line of wooden posts. At the the fenced path to enter a small patch of woodland. Emerge end of these, turn diagonally right across the middle of the field from this through a kissing gate into an open meadow. Cross it, and walk straight down to the field corner, passing through keeping well to the left if the ground is boggy, to another kissing a gate to meet another path. Turn left, almost immediately gate hidden in the far corner. Follow the narrow path between meeting another gate by a wooden fingerpost. Continue wooden fencing to reach a gate at a lane (Chenies Hill). Follow straight ahead (signposted ‘Sarratt Church’), first crossing a the lane left to the entrance to Mill Farm on the right. small footbridge and then a larger one over the river. You then 8. Turn right through a metal gate and walk past the farm buildings come to a Chess Valley Walk signboard, a kissing gate and a to pass the next gate in the far left corner. Follow the enclosed metal fingerpost. path beside the stream for 300m to a gate leading to a meadow. 4. Turn right here (marked ‘Chorleywood’) and continue for 350m Ignoring the gate and path on the right, continue ahead along to a wooden kissing gate beside a pair of cottages. the right side of the meadow past William Liberty’s tomb. Soon 5. Immediately after the cottages, turn left and climb steeply uphill go through another gate and onward above the water meadows. following the fence line. As the path levels out, it bends to the left Just before a road, take the gate on the right. Cross the road and through a kissing gate, crosses a track and passes between two go through the gate opposite.

32 Chiltern 224 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 33 View across Chess Valley towards Latimer House Church of St Michael, Chenies

Chenies Manor House Chess Valley below Church End

Neptune Waterfall Swans near Chenies Bottom

9. Bear left diagonally across the meadow to meet the river again 1 From Chalfont & Latimer Station: Turn right from the ticket after 150m. Follow the path beside the river until you reach a gate hall down Station Approach to a small green. Continue straight opening onto a track, where you turn left over the bridge. Continue ahead along the pavement of Amersham Road for 330m and ahead past the Neptune Waterfall, through a kissing gate and cross turn left into Chessfield Park. Where it bears right, continue the small paddock to arrive at Latimer Road. Cross and follow the straight ahead to the right of No 27 into playing fields and along path up the left side of the meadow to a gate leading into West the left of a hedge to meet a wide bridleway just inside the Wood. Turn half left after the gate to follow a path climbing gently wood. Turn right to join the main walk and continue ahead to through the wood, ignoring all side turnings. Reach the top of the reach Stoney Lane. To return to the station, retrace your steps wood after 220m and turn left along the bridleway to emerge into when reaching the wide bridleway at the top of the wood as Stoney Lane. Turn right uphill to return to the lay-by. described at the end of point 9. Points of Interest A. Chenies Manor and the Parish Church of St Michael: A Tudor watercress and, in the Victorian era, used to supply the London hotel manor house set in attractive gardens, believed to be haunted by trade. This, however, is the only watercress farm still working on the Henry VIII who visited many times, as did Elizabeth I. Note the 22 Chess and fresh watercress can be purchased here. unusual, individually cut brick chimneys, echoed throughout the E. William Liberty’s tomb is a brick-built tomb surrounded by metal village. The church dates from the late 15th century and has a fine railings. Liberty was a brick maker from Chorleywood who died in 12th century ‘Aylesbury’-style font and medieval brasses. 1777, aged 52. B. River Chess is a chalk stream rising in the hills beyond Chesham F. Latimer is made up of a number of 17th and 18th century houses and flowing down to join the Colne at Rickmansworth. Chalk streams round a village green. Latimer House (Place) was built in 1863 after are typically shallow and narrow, with gravel beds and clear, warm the original Elizabethan house was destroyed by fire. Once the seat water. They are fed by groundwater, which is stored in the aquifer – of the Cavendish family, during WWII it became an interrogation layers of chalk rock which work like a sponge, soaking up water until centre for senior prisoners of war, including Rudolf Hess. It’s now a it emerges at ground level. conference centre and hotel. C. Church of the Holy Cross: This picturesque church dates from G. Neptune Waterfall: This dam (on the site of a medieval mill) was 1190 and has a rare saddleback roof, 14th century wall paintings, a built in the 1750s to form lakes that could be seen from Latimer House. 15th century stained glass window and fine Jacobean carvings on the pulpit. Photographs of Chenies & Latimer can be found on our D. Watercress Beds: The chalk-filtered water is ideal for growing PhotoGroup’s website: www.chilternphoto.org.uk

www.chilternsociety.org.uk 33 OS 1:50k - Great Britain. Copyright © 2009 Crown Copyright; Ordnance Survey, Licence Number PU 100034184 www.memory-map.co.uk

CYCLE GROUP

Cycling in Hitch Wood (Photo: Graham Trent) Peaceful pedalling in the northeast Chilterns By Dennis Keeling

The Society’s Cycle Group ride in different locations every Thursday throughout the year. One of our members from the NE Chilterns devised a splendid route for us along some very quiet roads, and passing through beautiful villages. This was a complete change from our normal rides – we didn’t see a car for the first hour! The circular route from Gustard Wood, north of Wheathampstead, was 19.7 miles long and had a total ascent/descent of 1,130 feet. The route lies between Welwyn, Stevenage, Hitchin, Luton and Harpenden, without getting near any of them. Future Thursday Group Rides

If you’d like to join one of our popular cycle rides, come along to one of those listed WD3 4NS). The ride will be c20 miles with below. We usually start at a pub and return there for lunch. typical Chiltern undulations. It goes north We meet at 10am to place food orders, for a 10.30 start. If numbers are large, some riders through Bovingdon and Whelpley Hill to will often leave at 10.15, with the main group following at 10.30. the outskirts of Berkhamsted, and returns through Ashley Green, Ley Hill and Flaunden. 1 June It’s mainly on quiet lanes and suitable for Meet at The John Bunyan, Coleman Green c20 miles long but a shorter alternative is all types of bike. There are opportunities to Lane, St Albans (Grid ref: TL 188 126, available. short circuit the route if need be. postcode AL4 8ES). The large car park is Ride leader: Roger Bangs 01923 720143. Ride leader: Andrew Bailey 01923 282605 available for use by those who will be using and 07561 364253. the pub, and other cars should be parked in the road nearby. The ride will be on 6 July 3 August lanes and roads around Wheathampstead, Meet at The Plough, Belsize, near Meet at The Cross Keys, Ballslough Hill, Peters Green, Whitwell and Codicote. It’s Chipperfield (Grid ref: TL 034 009, postcode Gustard Wood, near Wheathampstead (Grid

34 Chiltern 224 email: [email protected] 35 NEWS & VIEWS

We started from The Cross Keys pub at Gustard Wood and followed the route in an anticlockwise direction. We passed through Ayot St Lawrence, where George Bernard Shaw lived for 44 years, then went downhill into the River Mimram valley, upstream for a mile and left up the hill to Couch Green. We then cycled The devil joins High Wycombe Cycle Club to promote the through very peaceful countryside to St Samaritans Cycle’s Dashwood and Hellfire Challenges Pauls Walden and across to Hitch Wood. We were too early for the bluebells, which are quite spectacular here. Cycle for the Samaritans We cycled across to Preston and stopped for a break on the green, where Chilterns Samaritans help nearly 30,000 people a year through their 116 123 freephone The Red Lion pub is still community number, their email address, [email protected], and face-to-face support at their branch managed. On the other side of this at 149 Station Road, Amersham. beautiful green is an old well built by the owner of Temple Dinsley in 1872 during This year, with the support of High a medal, a free hot lunch, a pint of beer a very long hot spell. Two people were Wycombe Cycle Club, they’ve decided to (subject to the rider’s age!) courtesy of Malt needed to operate the well and it took raise funds with a cycling event on Saturday The Brewery in Prestwood, and free entry to five minutes to get the water to the 1 July. The circular Samaritans Cycle routes the Hellfire Caves at West Wycombe. top. Preston pre-dates 1,000AD and the will begin in the picturesque grounds of Entries cost £15 for the Dashwood Knights Templar came to the area in the historic West Wycombe House. There will Challenge and £30 for the Hellfire 50 or middle of the 12th century. be a 25 mile Dashwood Challenge, as well 80, but anyone who raises at least £100 in Duly refreshed we headed out towards as the more challenging Hellfire 50 and sponsorship for the Chiltern Samaritans the side of Luton Airport. The westerly Hellfire 80, all of them passing through the will be refunded the cost of their entry wind meant that planes landing at Luton majestic Chiltern Hills, with breathtaking fee. For more information go to www. were directly above our route – a bit views. All finishers taking part will get samaritanscycle.com. noisy at times and frightening how low they get on their approach! The route to the airport perimeter took us down a very ELECTRIC BIKE TOURS long hill, so of course we had an equally high hill to climb towards the airport. On reaching the airport perimeter we took a Flatten the Chilterns left turn towards Harpenden. At the top of the hill the views are spectacular. We on an e-bike turned left before Harpenden, staying on top of the plateau, and returned to The Chilterns are now accessible using a new and modern form of transport – the electric Gustard Wood. bike, which assists cyclists by boosting their pedal power when going up hills, allowing Graham Trent, who designed the route, lapsed or infrequent riders to rediscover the charm of cycling. is leading a first of the month ride along it on 3 August. Why not come along and It only takes a few minutes to accustom enjoy this great ride with us? yourself to this new way of travel. Whatever people may say, it’s not cheating – you have to keep pedalling. Consequently you ref: TL 174 164, postcode AL4 8LA). The get plenty of exercise while enjoying the ride is in the northern Chilterns on quiet pleasures of outdoor life. The real bonus lanes between Luton and Stevenage, and is is that an e-bike dismisses the head winds just over 20 miles long. We start by riding and flattens the hills. In fact, there isn’t a through Ayot St Lawrence, before heading to single hill in the Chilterns that it won’t cope Preston and returning through Peters Green. with. You conquer each and every one of Ride leader: Graham Trent 01727 833771 them, not with brute force but with superior and 07806 667915. ingenuity. The battery life is pretty good too experience the outdoors and visit interesting – up to 30 miles from one charge. places like Turville, the Hellfire Caves or Rides are open to Society members Electric Bike Tours (0800 1337674), based Berkhamsted Castle. During each tour you’ll and non-members. All ride at their own in Berkhamsted, offer guided tours and have plenty of things to do, see and eat. risk and should be 14 years or older e-bike hire in the northern Chilterns. Visitors The convenient delivery service means unless accompanied by an adult. Bring and residents can now hire an e-bike and that families or groups can have electric a drink for roadside stops. It is strongly have it delivered to a postcode address. The bikes delivered to a ride location or place, recommended that riders wear a company also operates three tours from such as The Phoenix Trail, a hotel or a B&B. helmet for all rides and carry their own Henley, Wycombe and Berkhamsted. Every Helmets and locks are also supplied. first aid kit. tour follows quiet country lanes or off-road There are special rates for Chiltern paths, making them safe. It’s a great way to Society members (see p 41). email: [email protected] 35 CHILTERN WILDLIFE Photo: D Jeffrey Just Bee Cause A local brewer is backing a vital Friends of the Earth campaign

There’s no doubt that bees play a critical role in sustaining food supplies. Worldwide, bees pollinate 75% of our main food crops, and scientists estimate it would cost £1.8 billion per year to pollinate UK crops by hand. According to Friends of the Earth, however, bees have lost 97% of their natural habitat over the last 60 years, 20 species of bees have become extinct, and 25% of those left are on the endangered species list – that’s why the Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies (centre) organisation launched its ‘Bee Cause’ campaign. This struck a chord with Henley-based with Friends of the Earth’s Caitlin Nisos (left) and Adam Scott (right). Photo courtesy of Henley Herald. brewer and pub operator Brakspear which has a bee on its logo, courtesy of a centuries- old connection to Nicholas Breakspear, the only English Pope and a distant relative of the Brakspear family. Elected as Pope Adrian IV in 1154, his papal seal included a bee, awareness of the plight of the humble apparently as a reminder of the ‘B’ at the beginning of his name. bee. People can enjoy a pint of Honey Bee and know they are helping these precious In 2015 Brakspear’s head brewer, Malcolm patios and window boxes. Brewing a honey pollinators, which are currently facing Mayo, created Honey Bee, a 4.4% ABV beer and supporting the Bee Cause are enormous threats, such as habitat loss, honey beer brewed using Maris Otter and naturals for Brakspear. Not only do we have pesticide use and climate change.’ Crystal malts, as well as malted oats, First a bee in our logo, but most of our pubs This year Brakspear pubs will also Gold and Willamette hops. According have gardens or outdoor floral displays be encouraging customers to take part to the company it has ‘delicate, subtle that depend upon bees, which is why so in the Great British Bee Count (www. honey notes, with a bracing delivery of many of our licensees and their customers greatbritishbeecount.co.uk) from 19 May-30 hops on the follow through.’ In 2015 beer supported the campaign in previous June. This initiative by Friends of the Earth sales raised £1,300 for the charity, and in years. We’re sure that Honey Bee will once encourages the public to get outdoors recent months it’s again been available in again be popular among our customers and and do some bee-spotting with a free Brakspear pubs, with every pint sold raising we look forward to presenting Friends of smartphone app. It’s a fun way to learn 10 pence for the campaign. the Earth with a sizeable donation later this more about bees and provides some easy Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies year.’ steps that can be taken to protect them. said: ‘We are very proud of Honey Bee and Friends of the Earth chief executive The data from the sightings will also help delighted to be continuing the partnership Craig Bennett said: ‘We’re extremely experts build a better picture of how our with the Bee Cause that we started in 2014, grateful to Brakspear for their fabulous bee populations are faring. As well as the when many of our pubs planted bee- support for our Bee Cause campaign, honey bee, Britain is home to some 225 friendly flowers and shrubs in their gardens, and their tremendous efforts in raising species of solitary bee and 25 bumble bees.

36 Chiltern 224 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 37 CHILTERN WILDLIFE Easy ways to help bees Elusive emperor Grow bee-friendly plants Bees visit plants for their nectar and pollen, and may visit a plant for one or both of these. found in Bucks! As a general guide, bees see purple and One of Britain’s most elusive butterflies has been spotted at the National Trust’s blue better than other colours. Different bee Bradenham estate near West Wycombe. Butterfly experts from the National Trust (NT) species prefer different flower shapes, so aim spotted the larvae of the rare purple emperor caterpillar overwintering on a sallow for a range from tubular-shaped flowers like twig. Four caterpillars were spotted during the survey – the first time the insect has snapdragons and wallflowers, to open-headed been seen at the site. flowers like daisies, yarrow and verbena. It’s

not just flowers like these that bees love – try NT butterfly specialist Matthew Oates, who shrubs, herbs, trees (hazel, pussy willow) and has spent almost 50 years chasing purple fruit and veg (strawberries, blueberries, beans, emperors around the country, said ‘We were peas, peppers, onions). Spring and autumn at the estate to look for the rare Duke of flowering bulbs like crocus are also suitable. Burgundy butterfly, when I saw the purple Plant through the seasons emperor caterpillar on a sallow branch. It was Bees need food through every season, not just just waking up from its winter hibernation. the summer. Friends of the Earth offer a free Bradenham used to be clogged with conifers, seasonal guide to 28 great plants for bees. but over the last quarter century we’ve cut Short of space? back lots of the non-native trees and restored Even if you don’t have a garden or much the chalk grassland. It’s had an incredible space, a few plants in a window box or effect on the butterflies.’ Bradenham is also home to one of pots will help bees. Try lavender, heathers, Purple emperors are Britain’s second Britain’s fastest declining butterflies, the nasturtiums, sunflowers and bulbs like largest butterfly, with a wingspan of over Duke of Burgundy. The orange speckled crocuses. Herbs are great for containers too. 8cm. The butterflies, which are listed as ‘of insect was successfully reintroduced to the Enjoy fresh herbs conservation concern’ in the UK Biodiversity scrub woodland at Bradenham in 2010 in Herbs provide a valuable source of food for Action Plan, are mostly found in the south of a joint project with Butterfly Conservation. bees – and great flavours for your cooking. England, but now seem to be moving north. The site is now managed and cared for by Chives, sage, marjoram, mint and thyme are Matthew added: ‘The purple emperors seem a team of NT Rangers and volunteers, who good if you have limited space. to be one of the few species that are on also monitor the butterflies. Neil Harris, Learn to love a few weeds the up. It’s never been seen at Bradenham the NT’s countryside manager in the If you have a lawn, let some dandelions and before. They are probably benefiting from Chilterns, said: ‘The Duke of Burgundy is a clover flower for the bees. A ‘messy corner’ changes in commercial forestry and more very picky butterfly. They need a sheltered with a pile of old wood and leaves will help awareness of the species from rangers.’ spot because they don’t like the wind; a bees and attract other wildlife too. Notoriously enigmatic, purple emperors bit of scrub, but not too much, and plenty Avoid using pesticides spend much of the time flying around the of cowslips to eat. The males like to patrol Help wildlife thrive by putting away chemical tree tops. They feed on rotting animal flesh a sunny clearing and wait for females to pesticides, especially those containing bee- and animal faeces. Fans of the butterfly wander into their territory.’ harming neonicotinoid pesticides. have gone to great lengths to attract them, The Bradenham butterfly trail can Buying a gift? including putting out rotten squid slices and be downloaded from the NT’s Chilterns Bee-friendly plants or a bee hotel make a banana skins. Countryside website: www.nationaltrust. lovely gift. How about a patio fruit tree like a It’s hoped that the butterfly will breed in org.uk/chilterns-countryside/trails/ crab apple or cherry (wild, sour, bird or plum the woodland at Bradenham this summer. It bradenham-butterfly-trail. cherries) for a special anniversary? emerges from its pupa to fly in early July. Photo: National Trust images/Matthew Oates

Manufacturers & Suppliers of Quality Fencing & Garden Buildings to the Trade & DIY Fence Panels & Posts Closeboard for these locally sourced products Trellis & Palisade Concrete Posts Chiltern Rapeseed Oil Buckinghamshire Ice Cream Entrance & Side Gates • Decking & Sleepers Chiltern Natural Foods • Chiltern Ridge Apple Juice Field Fencing Chainlink Local Free Range Eggs • Buckinghamshire Honey Sheds & Garden Gem’s Dry Skin Cream Buildings Friendly Advice 01296 623139 Large Stocks Delivery Service Aston Hill, Aston Clinton, HP23 6LD www.cheshamfencing.co.uk

36 Chiltern 224 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 37 Brexit strategy

CHILTERN FARMING Above: Roadside hedges Gill Kent hopes for more even-handed policies

In common with all other businesses in the UK, farmers are worried about the effects of Brexit. Unlike other commercial enterprises, however, their worries are not so much about possible trading difficulties but the fact that government support for agriculture may be curtailed. Very few politicians have any knowledge of the countryside, let alone farming, so they don’t realise that if payments were removed 50% of farmers would become insolvent, according to DEFRA’s own figures. All developed countries, with the exception of New Zealand, support their agriculture, the net effect being that the consumer has cheaper food. Oak tree and wild flowers

Currently, under the Common Agricultural payment. There are 13 management options, The handbook describing the Policy, all farmers in the EC receive an annual some of which are set out below in a management options is 158 pages long payment. In the UK approximately 2/3 is paid simplified manner. and is being replaced by an even more on an acreage basis and 1/3 for environmental l For maximum points, hedgerows must complicated set of regulations. This penalises work, regardless of the productivity of the be cut only every three years to leave smaller farms where farmers haven’t got land or the size of the farm. This arrangement fruits for birds. Roadside hedges are enough spare time to complete complicated results in about 30% of farmers receiving excepted as they must allow clear visibility application forms. 70% of the payments. Assuming that our for drivers – that’s why you’ll see many Another worry for the agricultural industry government continues to support cheaper lopsided hedges! (not just fruit and vegetable growers) is food and ‘greening’ of the countryside, then l Field margins (edges) must not be labour. Many British workers won’t accept perhaps after Brexit a fairer distribution can fertilised or sprayed so that grass growth long hours doing dirty jobs! We all rely be introduced so that large farms which have is not encouraged, allowing insect on immigrant labour, and although our the advantage of economies of scale receive populations to increase, providing more agricultural colleges are now attracting plenty relatively less support. bird food of students, they’ll be hoping for managerial As readers of Chiltern, you’ll be interested l Floral meadows must not be fertilised or jobs not just mucking out calf pens! to know how the ‘greening’ part of the cut before July, to allow plants to drop Brexit has one big plus, like much of the payment is allocated. The aim is to promote their seeds and ground nesting birds to rest of the food producing world, we should biodiversity. The good management of, for fledge their young be able to grow GM crops; that, coupled example, hedgerows, trees, floral meadows l Individual trees in the middle of a field with climate warming (and assuming there’s and field margins, earns points which must (which cause problems during cultivation) sufficient rain) will mean increased production add up to the required total to qualify for foster insect populations and will earn points. and hopefully slightly increased profit!

38 Chiltern 224 email: [email protected] 39 BUCKS TREE CLUB

ACE DENTURE QUALIFIED DENTURE EXPERTS NEED NEW DENTURES? • We supply private natural looking dentures direct to the public at affordable prices. • Sunken features can be supported to return to your natural appearance. GOLD• On site laboratory. 12 MONTH NO DEPOSIT UNCONDITIONALGOLD A great start MONEY BACK GUARANTEE PAYMENT ON COMPLETION DENTUREGOLD REPAIRS WHILE-U-WAIT to the year ToFROMpPrices £30 Paid 7 DAYS In Cash A FoWEEKrYour ScrapPrecious Metals Including ECONOMYUnwanted (FULLJewe SET)llery, Coins£380 &Watches. Merelene Davis reports STANDARDPar (FULLtExchange SET) £500Available SPECIAL (FULL SET) £750 FREE on Dendro Day DELICATE CHROME PLATE £530 CONSULTATION

PHONE FOR A FREE INFORMATION PACK & FULL PRICE LIST Undeterred by the weather forecast for heavy rain and high winds, 174 Desborough Road, High Wycombe HP11 2QA The Bucks Tree Club met at Little Friars Arboretum, near Chesham on Dendro Day, the start of the tree year – always the first Sunday www.acedenture.com in March. First promoted by The Dendrologist, the now defunct CALL 01494 520515 24HR HELPLINE quarterly that provided news and information for tree enthusiasts YOUR DENTURE PROBLEMS SOLVED for over 30 years, DENDRO is the useful acronym for what needs to be done for trees at this time of year so they become lovely Mr P. Caira has a Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology R.C.S (ENG). G.D.C Reg No. 118974 adornments to the places where we live and work:

Do any late planting, if ground not frosty or waterlogged Examine tree ties, loosen or remove as necessary A Note tree work you cannot complete today to finish later B C Damaged branches after winter weather, should be pruned Remedy any loosening of soil around all new tree planting AYLESBURYBULLION COMPANY Organise your calendar to enjoy, care and learn about trees. The FamilyofJewellers

Endangered in its natural habitat, the rare Chilean tree 11a, High St AylesburyBuckinghamshire HP201SH Fitzroya cupressoides was chosen by members of the Bucks Tel: 01296423198 Tree Club to be planted at Little Friars. Named by Charles Darwin in honour of the captain of The Beagle, Robert Fitzroy, it’s a monotypic species, meaning that there’s only one. It has an extraordinarily ancient lineage pre-dating dinosaurs, when the earth had just two continents, Gondwanda and Laurasia, 600 million years ago. The planting was marked with a toast of Jewellery designed and produced to your specifications, or choose sparkling wine and warming refreshments. We also celebrated from our extensive range of new, secondhand and antique pieces. the fact that, although the site is small, the collection of nearly l Diamond merchants l Valuations: insurance and probate 200 species at Little Friars Arboretum this year merited an (certified stones always available) (carried out on the premises) l Antique restorations l Insurance claims advisors article in the journal of The International Dendrology Society. l Hand engraving l Complete repair service It was great start to 2017 for the local society as it also Servicing of Rolex, Tag, Omega, Raymond Weil, Gucci etc. planned its events for the rest of the year, with visits to Batteries fitted and waterproof testing carried out on the premises. collections and private arboreta both within Buckinghamshire and the adjoining counties. Members also liaise with each Top prices paid in cash for antique and modern jewellery, other if there are talks or issues that arise during the year. For watches (especially Rolex), example, at this Dendro Day event we learned that the well- coins, gold, silver, platinum and scrap precious metals. known Punch Bowl in the Valley Gardens near Windsor was Part exchange available. being cleared of its famous azalea collection after flowering this year. Once replanted it will be a decade or more before the 11a High Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1SH famous spectacle of colour will be seen again. Tel: 01296 423198 Photo: Merelene Davis www.aylesburybullion.co.uk

email: [email protected] 39 YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR VALID MEMBERSHIP CARD TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE OFFERS. Member The membership card is not transferable. Members who pay an annual subscription to the Chiltern Society will receive their new cards when they renew their membership. For latest information on discounts please offers check our website: www.chilternsociety.org.uk. www.bucksrailcentre.org 01296 655720 Leighton Buzzard Railway Chiltern Society sites Two adult tickets for the price of one. Valid Page’s Park Station, Billington Road, l Single members get one free adult entry to 31/10/17 (excludes ‘Day out with Thomas’ l Family members get free entry for two events). Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 4TN adults and up to three children under 18. www.buzzrail.co.uk 01525 373888 Ewelme Watercress Beds Chiltern Open Air Museum One free adult, senior or child ticket with Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St every full-paying adult. Not available on High St, Ewelme, Oxon OX10 6HQ Giles, Bucks HP8 4AB special events days and Xmas trains in Dec. Historic watercress beds and local nature www.coam.org.uk 01494 871 117 See website for details. A wonderful example reserve. Open Days 2-5pm on the first Sunday of low speed rail, ambling between the houses Two tickets for the price of one. Open daily 10am- of each month May-Sept. Guided walks are and out onto the Greensand Ridge, with great held on the first Sunday of each month Oct- 5pm, 1 Apr-26 Oct. (Closing at 4pm in Oct). Excludes Bank Holiday Mondays, Halloween views of the Chilterns. Apr. Start 10.30am. Spectacular and Enchanted Museum. Not Pitstone Green Museum Lacey Green Windmill to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer valid on full price adult or child Vicarage Road, Pitstone, Bucks LU7 9EY Lacey Green, Bucks HP27 0PG admission prices (cheapest goes free). www.pitstonemuseum.co.uk 01582 605464 www.laceygreenwindmill.org.uk One child ticket free with two full-paying The oldest surviving smock mill in the UK. Chinnor & Princes adults (one per family). Open 11am-5pm, 29 Open 2-5pm from 2 Apr-24 Sept on Sundays Risborough Railway May, 11 Jun, 9 Jul, 13 & 28 Aug, 10 Sept, 8 Oct. and Bank Holiday Mondays. Adult: £2.50; Chinnor Station, Station Road, Child: £1. Free to Chiltern Society Members. Chinnor, Oxon OX39 4ER River & Rowing Museum www.chinnorrailway.co.uk 07979 055366 Mill Meadows, Henley-on-Thames, Other sites and See website for events and timetables. Berks RG9 1BF attractions Two adult tickets for the price of one on www.rrm.co.uk 01491 415600 presentation of valid membership card. Offer Two adult tickets for the price of one. Open Amersham Museum valid until 29 Oct, excluding special events in daily, 10am-5pm. Three galleries dedicated to July and Santa trains. 49 High St, Amersham, Bucks HP7 0DP rowing, rivers and the history of Henley, plus www.amershammuseum.org 01494 723700 Didcot Railway Centre NEW! Wind in the Willows exhibition. Contemporary Two adult tickets for the price of one. Free art and photography exhibitions, and calendar Didcot, Oxon OX11 7NJ entry for children. Please check website for of nature trails, craft workshops and family days. www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk further information. 01235 817200 Stonor Two tickets for the price of one on Bekonscot Model Village Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames, presentation of a valid Chiltern Society Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2PL Oxon RG9 6HF membership card. Not valid for ‘Day Out with www.bekonscot.com 01494 672919 Thomas’ events or Gala events advertised www.stonor.com 01491 638587 ‘The world’s oldest model village’. One child on our website. See the website for more One of England’s oldest manor houses – 850 ticket free with two full paying adults (one information and opening times. years of family history. Two adult tickets for per family) – a saving of £6. Valid 11 Feb-29 the price of one. Open Suns from 2 Apr-24 Oct. (Not to be used in conjunction with Ford End Watermill Sept & Bank Holiday Mons. Also Weds, Thurs concessionary prices). Ivinghoe, Bucks LU7 9EA and Sats in Jul & Aug. House open 1.30-5.30pm, last entry 4.30pm. Gardens, chapel & pantry British Schools Museum www.fordendwatermill.co.uk 01442 825421 Buckinghamshire’s only working watermill with open 12-5.30pm. Gift shop 1.30-5.30pm. Offer 41/42 Queen St, Hitchin, Herts SG4 9TS original machinery – milling demonstrations. not applicable on any events. www.britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk Free entry for Society members. See website 01462 420144 for next Open Afternoons. The Roald Dahl Museum and The museum where learning comes to life. Story Centre One free adult or child ticket when you buy a Frogmore Paper Mill & 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden, full price adult ticket 17 Feb-27 Nov, excluding Visitor Centre Bucks HP16 0AL special events/activity days. Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP3 9RY www.roalddahl.com/museum 01494 892192 Buckinghamshire Railway www.thepapertrail.org.uk 01442 234600 Two tickets for the price of one (cheapest goes Open for ‘drop-in’ visits and pre-booked free). Award-winning museum for 6-12 year- Centre groups every Thursday and 1st Sunday of the olds and their families. Two fun and fact-packed Quainton, near Aylesbury HP22 4BY month. Two adult tickets for the price of one. biographical galleries, fantabulous interactive Story Centre. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Not valid for workshops. VOUCHER FREE PARKING See website for full terms and conditions. At Wendover Woods Wendover Woods Date this voucher & display clearly in your vehicle windscreen. The Forestry Commission offer CS members a free parking voucher (see left). Please cut it out and display it on your windscreen. Members can also buy a Wendover Woods Discovery Pass for £33 (normal price £42), giving a year’s free parking plus other benefits. Details from www.forestry.gov. / /2017 uk/pass, tel. 0300 067 4160, or Forestry Not valid unless dated. Not valid during school holidays. Valid for one use only. Commission Office, Upper Icknield Way, Aston

! Clinton HP22 5NF.

40 Chiltern 224

Wycombe Museum lunchtime offers. Family, dog and horse used in conjunction with any other offer friendly, with enclosed children’s play area and or discount. Selected lines are exempt. For Priory Avenue, High Wycombe, good-sized car park. (Closed all day Tues). CS personal purchases only. Not to be shared Bucks HP13 6PX members will receive a 10% discount on food with third parties or used against business www.wycombemuseum.org.uk orders. purchases. Offer expires 31/12/17. Cotswold Facebook.com/museum 01494 957210 Outdoor – stores nationwide. Social history museum, with nine interactive The Chequers galleries and beautiful gardens. One free hot 171 Sharpenhoe Road, Streatley, Cycle Care drink with the purchase of a cake or traybake Beds LU3 3PS 225 Desborough Road, High Wycombe, Bucks on production of a valid CS membership card. 01582 882072 HP11 2QW Valid for card holder and up to three guests. Local pub near Sharpenhoe Clappers, ideal for www.cyclecare.co.uk 01494 447908 Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm, Fri walking in the north Chilterns. Complimentary 10% discount on bikes/clothing/accessories/ 10am-4.30pm, Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm. dessert and coffee with all main course meals. energy food and drinks – basically 10% off Last Thurs of every month 10am-9.30pm. everything except for Garmin and GoPro The Museum is open on some Bank Holidays. The Ivy House Pease check the website for information on products. Please use our own free car park! upcoming Bank Holidays. London Road, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4RS Dees of Amersham www.ivyhousechalfontstgiles.co.uk 39 Hill Avenue, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5BX Theatre and dining 01494 872184 www.deescycles.com 01494 727165 10% off total bill when you show your CS 10% discount on all goods and cycles up to Café in the Woods membership card. £2,200 inc. VAT. Over £2,200, 12% discount. Wendover Woods, Bucks Not applicable to sale items, but discount www.cafeinthewoods.co.uk 01296 620294 Retail will be made up to 10/12% if sale reduction is less. Discount applies to parts fitted but not Discount of 10% to Chiltern Society members Auberge du Chocolat NEW! on production of their membership card. to labour on repairs. Priority repairs for CS 28, Chess Business Park, Moor Rd, Chesham, members. Hartwell House and Spa Bucks HP5 1SD www.aubergechocolat.co.uk 01494 774179 Fox’s Outdoor Oxford Rd, Aylesbury, Bucks HP17 8NR 10% off award winning, fairtrade chocolate London Road, Amersham, Bucks HP7 OHE www.hartwell-house.com 01296 747444 bars and chocolate models from Auberge www.foxsoutdoor.co.uk 01494 431431 Magnificent stately home, just 2 miles from du Chocolat, including pre-personalisation the town, within the Vale of Aylesbury and set 15% off goods in store and online – quote (in store only, when you show your CS in 90 acres of parkland. Enjoy a 10% discount discount code CS-01 (online orders only) membership card). on all lunches and dinners, excluding drinks. or present your valid membership card in (Offer does not apply to Sat dinner and Sun Buckingham Garden Centre store. This offer does not apply to sale or lunch). Please quote ‘Chiltern Society offer’ discounted lines. when booking. Tingewick Rd, Buckingham MK18 4AE www.buckinghamgardencentre.co.uk Rowan Garden Centre The Black Horse Inn 01280 822133 Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, The Vale, Chesham, Bucks HP5 3NS Independent garden centre offering a wide Bucks HP8 4AB www.theblackhorsechesham.co.uk range of bare root hedging, trees and fruit www.rowangardencentre.co.uk plus a superb selection of container-grown 01494 784656 01494 872335 stock. Large garden shop and excellent Your classic country pub! Traditional, hearty Independent garden centre with a large restaurant/coffee shop. Dog friendly and fully and wholesome pub food, great ales. Pies a selection of plants. Knowledgeable staff to accessible to wheelchair users. Mail order speciality. Discount of 10% on all food and help you choose. Delightful rural views from available. 10% discount on all outdoor plants drink purchased at the pub, on production of collected until end July 2017. the Rowan Café. 10% off outdoor plants. Free valid CS membership card. refill of tea or coffee in the café. Excludes Chilterns Electric Bike Tours other offers. Dog friendly. Check website for The Black Horse Pub opening hours and directions. and Eating House Berkhamsted, Herts electricbiketours.co.uk 0800 133 7674 Aylesbury Road, Great Missenden, The Mediterranean Nursery Explore the Chilterns by electric bike on our Flaunden Lane, Bovingdon, Herts HP3 0RL Bucks HP16 9AX Ashridge Tea Ride. Enjoy a cream tea at a www.theblackhorsegreatmissenden.com local vineyard. New for 2017 – our Henley 01442 832482 01494 862537 Picnic Ride visits the beautiful Hambleden Open 10am-4pm every day except Tastefully refurbished traditional pub, Valley and includes a picnic lunch. Until Wednesday. CS members receive 10% off all located on CS maps 8 & 12. Dog, child and July 2017, use our voucher code ‘Chiltern’ to plants and shrubs. Drinks and home-made muddy boots-friendly. Large gardens, secure receive a 10% discount. Tours operate Apr- cakes available at our café. Dog friendly. children’s play area, five-a-side football pitch, Oct. Limited places, so book early. Groups two good-sized car parks, field for events and welcome. Tring Market Auctions hot air balloon flights. CS members get 10% Brook Street, Tring, Herts HP23 5EF off food Mon-Fri (lunch and dinner). Cotswold Outdoor www.tringmarketauctions.co.uk www.cotswoldoutdoor.com 01666 575500 The Chequers 01442 826446 Outdoor clothing and equipment from leading Specialist Fine Art sales, 20th Century Arts Berrick Salome, Wallingford, brands such as The North Face, Berghaus and & Decorative sales, regular general sales. Oxon OX10 6JN Rab. Receive 15% discount* by presenting your One year’s free subscription for CS members www.chequersberricksalome.co.uk Society membership card in store, or online to Fine Art & 20th Century sale catalogues 01865 891118 using the discount code – please call the mailed to your home. Please phone or email A beautiful brick and flint country dining Society on 01494 771250 for the promotional [email protected] quoting your pub in a delightful, peaceful village. Seasonal code. membership number, name & address. Visit and fresh Michelin-recommended food with *Full terms and conditions apply. Not to be website for auction calendar. www.chilternsociety.org.uk 41 SUNDAY Walks start at 10.00am, unless stated. SOCIETY WALKS Usually about 5 or 6 miles, allow 2.5 hours. WEEKDAY Walks start at 10.30am. About 5 miles, allow 2.5 hours. These walks are open to all members. Non-members are welcome to NB. Variations from this will be indicated in the walk description. join us as guests for two or three walks, though if you walk with the ENQUIRIES regarding the walks should be directed to: 1) Walk leader where telephone number is given, or group regularly you will be expected to join the Chiltern Society to 2) Paul Weller 01628 486328 support our work in caring for the Chilterns. CS = CHILTERN SOCIETY MAP NO. JUNE O/S GRID REF JULY O/S GRID REF AUGUST O/S GRID REF JOIN US Sun 4 Meet at The Red Lion, Britwell Salome OX49 Landranger Sun 9 Meet at the northern end of Little Hampden HP16 Landranger Wed 9 5LG. A 5 mile circular walk, mainly over 164 9PS, parking opposite the former Rising Sun pub. 165 and get all this… farmland. It can be muddy in places when wet. GR 675935 Head to Hampden Bottom, before progressing GR 857040 l One stile. CS Map 10 to Cockshoots Wood via Cobblershill. Return to CS Maps Jane Aitken 01491 575881/07817 582065 Oxon the start via Scrub Wood. A 5 mile walks with 4 3, 12 l modest climbs, a stile and several fine views. Bucks Wed 7 Meet at the top of Ferry Lane opposite The Dog Explorer 172 Stephen Groves 01494 684880/07843 381971 Sun 13 and Badger, Medmenham SL7 2HE. Parking is GR 805845 Wed 12 Meet at The Farmers Boy, Common Road, Landranger allowed at the pub, if lunching. A 5.5 mile walk CS Map 11 l Kensworth LU6 2PJ for a 6 mile walk to Church 166 with a steep hill at the start, continuing down Bucks through woods to Hambleden. Returning through End and Kensworth Quarry – possibly the largest GR 029183 meadows and along the Thames to Ferry Lane. man-made hole in the Chilterns. Continue to CS Map 21 l Elizabeth Kerry 01494 812926 Dunstable Downs enjoying far-reaching views Beds and returning via Whipsnade Tree Cathedral l Sun 11 Meet at 11am in front of The Hampden Arms pub, Explorer 181 and Whipsnade Heath. May be muddy in places. Great Hampden HP16 9RQ. A 5.5 mile circular GR 846015 No stiles. If pub car park full, please park walk exploring the nearby hamlets of Speen, CS Map 3 considerately in service road opposite. l Upper North Dean and Denner Row. Delightful Bucks Nigel Seabrooke 01727 850334/07747 552378 wooded countryside, with some stiles and a few steep but short slopes. Bring a packed lunch or Sun 16 Park alongside Great Hampden Village Hall Explorer 181 snack. Dogs welcome. and cricket pitch HP16 9RF. A circular walk via GR 846014 John Briggs 07742 918642 Parslow’s Hillock and Redland End, following The CS Maps Chiltern Way to Hampden House and returning 7, 12 Wed 14 Meet at The Black Horse, Chesham Vale HP5 3NS Landranger across open fields. An easy 5 mile walk, mostly Bucks (please phone 01494 784656 and book for lunch if 165 through woodland. planning to eat after walk). A fast-paced hilly circular GR 963046 Sue Brown 07815 310552 walk towards Hawridge and up to Ashley Green. CS Maps Reporting path problems Some stiles. Farmland and woods, can be muddy. 8, 17 Wed 19 Park in the lay-by on A4010 in Great Kimble Explorer 181 Melissa Laing 01494 778518 Bucks HP17 0XS for a 5.6 mile walk rich in history and GR 825058 archaeology. Head to the fort at Pulpit Hill and CS Map 3 Sun 18 Meet in Little Hampden HP16 9PS. Park in lay-by Explorer 181 continue through the grounds of Chequers, Bucks opposite red brick houses (formerly Rising Sun GR 857040 returning via Beacon Hill and the Aylesbury Ring. pub) just before the road ends. A 5.3 mile walk CS Map 3 A few hills and stiles. Based on Walk 14 in ‘50 through Little Hampden, Dunsmore and Coombe Bucks Great Walks’ book. Hill. Fairly level, but with one short steep ascent Brian Bowman 01844 290346 M near the start. Total ascent 480 feet. A beautiful walk with magnificent views and some woodland. Sun 23 Meet at Cow Common car park, Ewelme, near Explorer 171 Frank Auton 07785 276095 OX10 6PG. A great walk for spotting butterflies GR 648912 and yellowhammers. We start/finish by Cow CS Map 10 Wed 21 Meet at Amersham Old Town car park, The Explorer 172 Common in the pretty village of Ewelme and Oxon Broadway, Old Amersham HP7 0HL. An easy GR 959972 follow good paths and tracks across open 6 mile walk with stunning views. Climb out of CS Map 6 farmland, climbing onto Swyncombe Down to Amersham towards Coleshill, then join The Bucks enjoy the views. We also follow part of the Danish Chiltern Way over open fields, before dropping Intrenchment, an ancient earthwork thought to be back down to the start. Around 100m of ascent. associated with the Danes and King Alfred. There are plenty of cafes and pubs in Old Philippa Sanders 01189 478026 Amersham for refreshment. Andrew Clark 01494 783035 (Mobile on the day Wed 26 Meet at the public car park by The Stag and Landranger only 07935 875403) Huntsman, Hambleden RG9 6RP. Walk through 175 meadows and fields, with fine views of the GR 785865 Sun 25 Meet where footpath Chinnor 31 meets Chinnor Explorer 171 Thames, taking in Aston and Remenham. About CS Map 11 Hill, opposite Drifts House OX39 4BS. An easy 5/6 GR 757991 6 miles. Bucks mile circular walk with some moderate climbs. CS Map 14 Juliet Weale 07932 637701 Approx. 100 yards to be walked on a minor road. Bucks SEPTEMBER Enjoy some of the best views in the Chilterns. Sun 30 Meet at The Chequers Inn, Redbourn AL3 7AD. Explorer 182 Alan and Linda Brawn 01844 352753 The entrance is off the old A5 next to the Shell GR 110118 petrol station. Park at the bottom of the car park CS Map 27 Wed 28 Meet at The Green Dragon, Flaunden HP3 0PP Explorer next to the grass. A 5 mile walk via Hammonds Herts for an undulating walk of just over 5 miles, 181, 172 End and Redbournbury Mill, with one hill. via Ley Hill and through the pretty village of GR 014008 John Rowe 01442 862619/07816 654982 Latimer. Views of the Chess Valley. Some lane CS Maps walking and 3 stiles. 6, 17, 28 AUGUST Patricia Boxell 01494 438968/07847 869506 Herts/Bucks Wed 2 Meet at The Crown, Pishill RG9 6HH. Please Explorer 171 JULY patronise the pub. A hilly 6 mile walk via GR 724900 Maidensgrove, Stonor, Southend and Turville CS Map 9 Sun 2 Meet in Ringshall NT car park, Beacon Rd HP4 1NE, Explorer 181 Heath, with splendid views over the Stonor Valley. Oxon about 300m NW of junction with B4506 (opposite GR 982143 Stephen Fox 01491 681646 (Mobile on the day Trust cottages). Walk about 5.5 miles around CS Map 19 07816 289503) Ashridge via Golden Valley, Coldharbour Farm and Herts Berkhamstead Common. No steep gradients, no Sun 6 Meet at The Plough, Cadsden HP27 0NB. A 6 Landranger stiles but possibly some muddy paths. mile walk with 800 feet of ascent through beech 165 Phil Cummings 01296 668621 woods across the Hampden Valley, past Chequers GR 826045 Wed 5 Meet by the church at Checkendon RG8 0SR. An Explorer 171 and Ellesborough church, returning through CS Map 3 easy 5 mile walk, mainly to the east of the village, GR 664830 one of the biggest boxwood plantations in the Bucks taking in some attractive woodland with a few CS Maps country and along a section of The Ridgeway. Call areas of pasture and using some ancient tracks. 15, 16 the pub on 01844 343302 if you’d like lunch. No stiles, but may be muddy in places when wet. Oxon Mike Fox 01844 344356 (Mobile on the day only Bob Parry 0118 9620405/07722 350210 07836 262766)

42 Chiltern 224 All participants join the walks at their own risk and must ensure that they are SOCIETY WALKS adequately equipped with appropriate clothing and footwear, fit enough to undertake the walk, and follow any advice and instructions issued by the Walk Leaders. Participants are also advised to carry their own first aid kit and water. Walk Leaders have the authority to refuse participants who, in their opinion, are inadequately equipped or unfit to undertake the walk. To avoid disappointment, please contact the Walk Leader in advance if you are unsure of the suitability of the walk. JUNE O/S GRID REF JULY O/S GRID REF AUGUST O/S GRID REF JOIN US Sun 9 Wed 9 Meet at The Black Horse Inn, Chesham Vale HP5 Explorer 181 3NS. This 5 mile varied circular walk takes in GR 963045 and get all this… ancient field patterns and hedges, old earthworks CS Maps l A free Chiltern Society footpath map of your choice and the home of a famous author. An easy walk 8, 17 with two gentle climbs and one steep descent. Bucks l Chiltern magazine, exclusive to members, packed with great Ken Steward 01494 775935 features, news and views, delivered to your door four times a Sun 13 Meet at the small parking area on Gray’s Lane Explorer 171 year near junction with Ibstone Road, Ibstone, near GR 753937 l Fantastic offers at over 30 visitor attractions, pubs, cafes and HP14 3XT. A 7.5 mile undulating walk via Turville CS Map 9 shops Heath, Pishill and Northend with 3 stiles. Bucks Valerie Friend 07848 690032 l A selection of walking and cycling maps allowing you to Wed 16 Park by the roadside near the church and the Explorer 181 discover the beauty of the Chilterns Crown Inn, Sydenham OX39 4NB. A 6 mile slightly GR 730018 l Early access to our exciting events programme and special undulating walk to Lower Icknield Way, Fiveways, CS Map 14 member discounts Copcourt, Chalford and Kingston Stert. Some Oxon deserted open countryside. Good views of the l The satisfaction that comes from knowing you are helping to Chiltern ridge. Two stiles. conserve and care for the Chilterns. Sun 16 Peter Hetherington 07767 647714 Sun 20 Meet on the green beside The Kings Hotel, Explorer 171 To join, call us on 01494 771250, visit our website www. Stokenchurch HP14 3TA. A 6.2 mile circular walk GR 760963 chilternsociety.org.uk, or come to see us during office hours at via Sprig’s Alley and Radnage. CS Map 14 the White Hill Centre, Chesham – address on p 4. Richard Boas 01628 527978/07549 883962 Bucks Wed 23 Meet at The Bedford Arms, Latimer Rd, Chenies Explorer 172 WD3 6EQ – plenty of parking at the hotel if GR 019983 Reporting path problems Wed 19 lunching, otherwise on-road parking. A 5.7 mile CS Map 28 walk along the Chess Valley to Sarratt Bottom, Herts In normal circumstances please report any path problem to our passing Chenies Manor, Latimer House and the Rights of Way Group Area Secretary covering the parish, who watercress farm. Lovely views and scenery, no will then either take remedial action or prompt the appropriate stiles or steep hills (based on Walk 29 in the ‘50 Highway Authority to do it. Information about the Area Great Walks’ book.) Secretaries is shown on the Society’s website. Paul Cooke 07901 516342 If however you come across something which you feel is a Sun 27 Meet at Binfield Heath village shop RG9 4DU. Park Explorer 171 safety hazard needing to be handled with special urgency in the small village car park or park on road. A GR 747785 please make that known direct to the Highway Authority gently undulating 6.5 mile walk across arable fields, CS Map 4 responsible for the location (their details are shown below). If through Crowsley Park, Bones Wood and High Oxon Wed 21 Wood. Part of walk is on The Chiltern Way. Good you do inform the Highway Authority direct, it would greatly paths and tracks and some short sections of road. help if you also informed our Area Secretary. Optional refreshments at The Bottle and Glass Inn. (Option to shorten route at end to 5.5 miles). Central Bedfordshire CC 0300 300 8308 Philippa Sanders 01189 478026 Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ Preferably report online: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov. Wed 30 Meet at The Black Horse Inn, Chesham Vale HP5 Explorer 181 uk/leisure/countryside/rights-of-way/public.aspx, identifying 3NS. Please park at the far end of the pub’s GR 963045 the path number by use of the map on that site; otherwise by car park. An easy 5.8 mile walk to Hawridge, CS Maps Wed 26 email to [email protected]. Bellingdon and Captain’s Wood. Two gentle 8, 17 climbs and one steep descent. (Walk 25 in the ‘50 Bucks Great Walks’ book ) Luton BC 01582 510333 Fax: 01582 547177 Sun 25 Di Stevens 01494 758553 (Mobile on the day Highway Maintenance, Luton Borough Council, Town Hall, only 07799 530611) George Street, Luton LU1 2BQ [email protected]. Sun 30 SEPTEMBER Sun 3 Meet at The Five Horseshoes Pub, Upper Explorer 171 Hertfordshire CC (excluding Dacorum) 01992 555279 Maidensgrove RG9 6EX for a hilly walk with great GR 711890 Rights of Way, County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8DN Wed 28 views (weather permitting). Dogs welcome. CS Map 9 [email protected]. Please only park in the pub car park if you have Oxon booked lunch. Plenty of parking space along the Hertfordshire (Dacorum BC) 01442 228356 edge of Maidensgrove Common. Countryside Access Officer, Cupid Green Depot, AUGUST Maggie Templeman 01491 637942/07831 878679 Redbourn Rd, Hemel Hempstead HP2 7BA [email protected]. Wed 2 Wed 6 Meet at The Royal Oak car park at Bovingdon Green Explorer 172 SL7 2JF. If staying for lunch please arrive early to pre- GR 835870 JULY order. A 6 mile circular walk with some lovely views Buckinghamshire CC 0845 230 2882 CS Map 1 Rights of Way (Operations), County Hall, Sun 2 across the rolling countryside. We’ll follow the Marlow Bucks Common ridge, then go down to Munday Dean Walton St. Aylesbury HP20 lUY Lane in the valley and up to Copy Farm, returning to but if at all possible online at: explore Marlow Common. A very undulating route, transportforbucks.net/report-it-prow.aspx Sun 6 with one stile if farmer’s gate locked. Mary Nash 07982 246667 Oxfordshire CC Sun 10 Meet at the Café in the Park, Rickmansworth Explorer 172 Path and bridleway problems should be reported using the online interactive reporting system: Wed 5 Aquadrome, Frogmoor Lane, Rickmansworth GR 055938 WD3 1NB. Park in Aquadrome car park. A stile- CS Maps http://publicapps.oxfordshire.gov.uk/content/publicnet/ free 6.2 mile walk through the Colne Valley on 22, 28 council_services/environment_planning/countryside/Map/ good surfaces, with one climb through Old Park Herts ROW/row.html, or use the quick link: www.tinyurl.com/ Wood. A total of 230 feet of ascent. gsbpw4y. Frank Auton 07785 276095 General Rights of Way enquiries 01865 810226

email: [email protected] 43 CARE FEES PLANNING

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