ISSUE 235 • SPRING 2020

www.chilternsociety.org.uk

High Heavens Our Living Village Spring events & activities

CAMPAIGNING • CONSERVING • PROMOTING ISSUE 235 • SPRING 2020 www.chilternsociety.org.uk In this

High Heavens Our Living Village Spring events & activities

CAMPAIGNING • CONSERVING • PROMOTING Heron at Rickmansworth Aquadrome issue (Photo: Colin Drake)

News & views

3 Editor

4 NO TIME TO STAND STILL Says our Chief Officer, Tom Beeston

5 SOCIET y launches new campaigns

7 BERKOFEST BOOK FESTIVAL

15 ACTING on climate Change 5 The work of Hope for the Future New 24 dON’T LET THE BUGS BITE! Campaigns Advice on Lyme disease

Launched 36 high speed two update

36 NEws in brief

18 Heritage MANIFESTO 12 CHIPPERFIELD COMMON FOR A story of survival from David Thomas CHILTERNS 20 SMALL BUT BEAUTIFULLY MARKED WILDLIFE John Hockey describes Stocks Dovecote

30 RAF HALTON – THE END OF AN ERA Visit it while you still can, urges Alison Beck

37 OUR LIVING VILLAGE Alan Kell introduces a fascinating new project

38 dAMSON HATTERS An old photo sparks George Stebbing-Allen’s curiosity

Conservation

32 STILL PLENTY TO SEE AND DO The latest from Ewelme

WILDLIFE

18 MANIFESTO FOR CHILTERNS 30 WILDLIFE

RAF 34 GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY Halton Tony Marshall reflects on the long history of a local wood

2 Chiltern 235 Ready for more From the Editor Richard Bradbury

A few weeks ago I gave a talk to Wycombe Wildlife Group. The title which I agreed with the ENVIRONMENT organiser, Inge Beck (a fellow Chiltern Society member), was ‘Why I Love the Chilterns’. When I began to think about the subject, however, I wondered whether I’d made a rod for my own back, 6 CLEANER, GREENER CHILTERNS because I was fairly sure that all those present would love the Chilterns for the same reasons as Are you willing to sign the pledge? I did. This caused me a degree of anxiety during the planning process, but in the end I decided that I could still try and make my presentation interesting, informative and entertaining, and 14 TALKING RUBBISH hope that the audience would take some pleasure from identifying with what I said. The Editor visits High Heavens Waste Complex As I brought the material together I realised that I loved the Chilterns for more reasons 28 SOWING THE SEED OF than I could cram into the time allotted for CONSERVATION the talk. Eventually I concentrated a few key Hypnos demonstrates its points under various headings. environmental credentials I discussed my ‘roots’ in Croxley Green; 33 A BEEF ABOUT VEGANISM how, from taking my surroundings for granted Gill Kent questions current trends as a child and adolescent, I developed a real appreciation of the region as an adult, exploring more and more of it, principally on Leisure foot, in what is effectively a walkers’ paradise with a wonderful network of paths, most of 7 MEAT-free recipe Croxley Common Moor (Photo: Colin Drake) them well waymarked, usable and increasingly 8 LANE END WALK accessible to people with disabilities. on a hillside in the Chess Valley, placed I reflected on the indisputable beauty there because he was afraid that come the 11 VITAMIN N EVENTS & ACTIVITIES – around us, and how I’ve benefitted from the resurrection he wouldn’t be able to identify SPRING 2020 insights and perspectives offered by others, his bones if they were interred near others; 16 A PERFECT SHOWCASE such as local artists, writers and naturalists. and the enormous fibreglass dinosaurs to be PhotoGroup News I talked about my fascinating encounters found lurking in a wood near Cholesbury. with wildlife and my slowly increasing Towards the end I drew on the joys of 17 PHOTOGROUP COMPETITION knowledge of Chiltern flora and fauna. Then being a grandparent to discuss the huge 19 BOOK REVIEW I emphasised how blessed we are to have variety of opportunities for children and such a rich heritage to enjoy in our buildings, young people to connect with the natural 22 EVENTS & ACTIVITIES – SPRING 2020 infrastructure and landscape, and their world in the Chilterns, and how organisations

26 A WALK WITH GORDON & DENNIS relevance not only to our past, but also to our like the Society can contribute to this present and future. I added that our towns, process. Finally, I paid tribute to all the 40 LET THE TRAIN TAKE THE STRAIN perhaps sometimes overlooked because of volunteers whose efforts testify to the Says Pete Bradshaw of the Cycle the beauty that surrounds them and the ill tremendous community spirit that exists in Group effects of planning decisions, are still worthy the region in various forms. of investigation, often with rewarding results. I hope the audience enjoyed my talk. They 42 wALKS programme Under another heading I drew attention were a friendly bunch, and it seemed to be to some of the more curious features quite well received. I concluded that the title that add colour to our experience of the wasn’t so bad after all – it made me stop and Chilterns, including ghostly apparitions; the think afresh about the many wonderful gifts shenanigans, centuries ago, of the Hellfire the Chilterns have given me. Perhaps I’m

scan here for www.chilternsociety.org.uk Club; the lonely grave of William Liberty greedy – but I’m ready for more!

DEADLINES REPRODUCTION OF IMAGES It is not possible to guarantee that items received after The photographs in this publication 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 preferred. Please indicate the quality of images sent, claims of the advertisers. Email: [email protected] entitle your pictures and delete any numbers. Design & typeset: Clickdraw • 01392 841100 Print: Hartgraph • Amersham on materials Deadline for issue 236 (JUNE 2020) produced by environmentally friendly processes. Items to the Editor by: Monday 30 March • Published: Saturday 30 May email: [email protected] 3 society NEWS No time to stand still HS2 is still a major concern, and we’ll continue our attempts to stop the project, or if it goes ahead, to mitigate the damage done. On a more positive note, work on the Chiltern Greenway has started. We’re hoping that within a year the first section will be open to walkers and cyclists, and later to horse riders (along some of its sections, at least). I believe that as time goes by you’ll hear more about the likelihood of the Chilterns becoming a National Park in the not-so- distant future. We think this is great news. We’ll keep you updated on progress, and endeavour to ensure a positive outcome for our members, as well as all who live and work in the area. If you want to know more about this or any other aspects of our work, please Bottom Wood, donated to the Chiltern Society in 1984 (Photo: John Morris) feel free to get in touch. Alternatively, visit our new roadshow which we hope will be in your part of the Chilterns soon. You’ll From the Chief Officer Tom Beeston be able to see dates and locations on the events page of our website. Needless My first full year working for the Chiltern Society is nearly over. It’s been a great 12 to say, your enquiry will be particularly months! Much has been achieved, thanks to our amazing volunteers, staff team and your welcome if you’re interested in helping us generosity as members. With help from Extinction Rebellion protests and Greta Thunberg, in any way! 2019 was the year the world truly woke up to climate change, and an increasing number As this issue goes to press we’re saying of us are campaigning for a greener planet. Rest assured that the Society’s team haven’t goodbye to the Chilterns Woodland Project, been standing still. after more than 30 years. John Morris’s last day working for the CWP will be 31 We’ve reworded our mission statement our staff and trustees have done so, and, as March. He’ll still be around the Chiltern to help focus and more easily explain what we a team, to start with we’re aiming to halve Society for some time to come, however, as do, so please expect to hear with increasing our paper use, think about the impact of our we make sure the great work he’s done is regularity that we are ‘Campaigning, diets, and drive less. continued, and woodlands become an even Conserving and Promoting life in the As part of the wildlife manifesto we’ve bigger part of our conservation activities. Chilterns’. We recently launched three new been able to launch the Chalk Rivers Action Shortly we’ll also be saying goodbye to campaigns which should encompass much Group (CRAG), which is involving people Vicky Askew, who’s been leading our of our work: Cleaner, Greener Chilterns, at senior level in industry and government marketing and fundraising, when she goes Manifesto for Chilterns Wildlife and Vitamin in efforts to protect our chalk streams on maternity leave in May. She too leaves N(ature). I’m delighted to see interest in all and make a big difference to our wider behind a great legacy, and an action plan three already building among our members Chilterns wildlife. Vitamin N family events for building on everything she’s done over and partner organisations. We hope you’ll sign have, meanwhile, already become a feature the last five years. our pledge to be even greener in future – all of our calendar. Have a cleaner, greener 2020.

PATRON: Rt Hon The Earl Howe Head of conservation & development: Gavin Johnson PRESIDENT: Michael Rush head of marketing & Membership: Victoria Askew VICE PRESIDENTS: Chiltern Society Office: Tracey Read Michael Colston Esq White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham, Mark Getty Bucks HP5 1AG John Taylor Tel: 01494 771250 CHAIRMAN: Simon Kearey Email: [email protected] Chief officer: Tom Beeston

Please re-cycle this publication RegisteredRegistered CharityCharity no.number: 1085163 1085163 Share it with family, friends and work colleagues - before recycling! Company limited by guarantor number: 4138448 A company limited by guarantee, Sonning no. 413448 Green Gym working at the Beds (Photo: Tom Stevenson)

4 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 5 society NEWS New campaigns launched At the 2019 AGM it was made clear that the Society intended to strengthen its campaigning credentials. This event, at the Beds, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust’s magnificent College Lake reserve near Tring, was evidence that words were being translated into action. It brought together representatives from many organisations with a serious interest in the Chilterns environment, and the means – in varying degrees – to have an impact on its future. Also present were a number of Chiltern Society staff members, volunteers and trustees.

Our Chief Officer Tom Beeston opened proceedings, emphasising the urgency, both at a local and global level, of the kind of initiatives being introduced. He acknowledged the contribution of Greta Thunberg in waking the world up to the dangers facing the planet, and showed a short video of Prince Charles’ speech at the World Economic Forum where he said ‘The only limit is our willingness to act.’ Tom then invited Vicky Askew, our Head of Marketing and Membership, and Gavin Johnson, our Head of Conservation and Development, to outline the three campaigns which will be operating under the banner ‘Love Where You Live’.* Vicky explained that children make some of their best memories when in contact with nature, and the positive effects on their physical and mental The Editor with Jake Rigg (Affinity Water) and Carys Goodwin (Ofwat) (Photo: Colin Drake) wellbeing can be considerable. She hoped bit’ for the environment, because small messages as widely as possible among that the programme of activities offered changes could make a huge difference. The their own members and contacts. by Vitamin N(ature) would help children campaign would be carried forward under Tom spoke briefly about the work of and their families to fall in love with their five headings: Water, Waste, Air, Earth, and the Chalk Rivers Action Group (CRAG), local environment. As part of the campaign Food. She quoted the example of water which had arisen out of the Society’s last Junior Ranger Memberships had been usage by Chiltern residents, which, at an AGM, and involved senior representatives created, complete with a special pack average of 151 litres per day (previously from bodies such as Water Companies and online portal designed to encourage 171), was the highest in Europe. As well and the Environment Agency. He was exploration of the countryside. as showing people how to reduce their expecting that before too long their Gavin quoted from the Glover report on water consumption, other measures being deliberations would produce some National Parks: ‘The way we protect and recommended were cutting back on car use proposals for counteracting the serious improve our landscapes needs to change and planting trees – something that Society threat to our rivers and the aquifers radically.’ He described the Manifesto volunteers had lately been doing on a large that supplied them. College Lake was for Chilterns Wildlife as a statement of scale. She was pleased to report that the a graphic illustration of the problems, responsibility and commitment; it would Society’s office staff had also been trying to because the water level was three metres be a catalyst for action and provide a practice what was being preached. lower than ten years ago, despite all the structure within which work to protect Tom agreed with an observation from recent rain. wildlife and habitats could be carried the floor that there was widespread At the end there was an opportunity out by the Society and its partners. The confusion about what could be recycled. to go outside and enjoy the fine winter challenges were undoubtedly growing This had become apparent at the two weather. Gavin led a group on a tour while the resources seemed to be recent Society Roadshows in discussions round the site, while Tom took some diminishing, but he was encouraged between our volunteers and members of members of CRAG to a vantage point that there was increasing awareness and the public. On the basis of this experience overlooking the lake, where they explored momentum on which to build. he suggested that, perhaps, ‘the new social water-related issues in a little more detail. The idea behind Cleaner, Greener media is talking to people.’ Vicky expressed *More information about the Chilterns, Vicky told the audience, was to the hope that all the organisations present campaigns can be found on pp 6, 10 encourage people of all ages to ‘do their at the launch would disseminate the key and 18.

4 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 5 CHILTERN environment Will you help create a Cleaner, Greener Chilterns in 2020?

Photo: Colin Drake We’re on a mission to get people of all ages to do their bit to improve their local environment.

By encouraging the public to make better connections between their habits and the consequences their actions have on the environment, we hope to help foster positive change and support people in making easy and innovative adjustments to limit their environmental impact.

One small change can make a huge 2 Go meat-free one day 4 Reduce your car difference if enough of us subscribe… will a week journeys you take part? Meat production is a major contributor to Is there one journey every week where you Here are five easy things you can do to climate change. By cutting back on your could walk instead of drive, or possibly use become more sustainable and give your meat consumption for just one day a week public transport? By making changes like local environment a boost. If you’re feeling and buying better quality, locally farmed this you’ll be cutting back on your carbon like a challenge, you can take them all on, meat, you’ll be helping to make a big emissions. If we all did it, even for just one and encourage others to take part as well. difference. journey a week, the impact would be huge!

Pick one (or perhaps more) that you’re And our bodies would thank us for the extra willing to try, and make your pledge 3 Cut down on your exercise. online at chilternsociety.org.uk/pledge. non-recyclable waste 5 Plant a native tree Every day approximately 900 tonnes of or shrub non-recyclable waste is collected from 1 Reduce your water Trees and hedgerows provide and purify our around the Chilterns – the equivalent of consumption air, clean and encourage water storage, give 150 elephants! Did you know that you our wildlife homes and lock up carbon, as well On average, each resident in the Chilterns can’t recycle takeaway coffee cups from as making our landscape green and beautiful. uses 151 litres of water every day – more than major high street brands? Some shiny By absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere trees anywhere else in Europe. Our chalk streams or glittery wrapping paper is also off help to combat climate change, so we need to are running dry as a result. Turning off the tap limits, as are tissues and kitchen roll. By be planting more of them. while brushing your teeth, taking a five minute making small changes to your shopping shower instead of a bath, only using your and consumer habits, you can easily Share your pledge on social media and washing machine and dishwasher when fully cut back on your household’s non- encourage others to take part using loaded, and watering your plants with your recyclable waste. If enough of us do this, the hashtag #LoveWhereYouLive. Don’t ‘dirty’ washing up water are all easy things you we’ll be sending a message to industry forget to tag us @chilternsociety. can do to reduce your water consumption. influencers!

6 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 7 MEAT-FREE RECIPE NEWS & Views Roasted Inspirational, cauliflower educational with tomatoes and fun and peppers By Martin Pearson BerkoFest Book Festival 9 & 10 May

Born out of the annual BerkoFest Music Festival, the book festival promises to be like its parent – quirky, fun and family-friendly. Moreover, it will feature a mixture of internationally acclaimed and local authors.

This year it’s been extended into two days. On Saturday 9 May there’ll be a cricket match at Berkhamsted Cricket Club between an Authors XI and a BerkoFest XI, followed in the evening by a panel involving authors who played in the game. Cauliflower has recently re-entered our food consciousness and is now bang on trend as a healthy On Sunday 10 May events will take place in two contrasting alternative to meat. Chefs are now finding more settings: Berkhamsted Town Hall and Rectory Lane Cemetery. The imaginative ways to prepare this creamy white member Town Hall will play host to the adults’ authors and Rectory Lane of the cabbage family, which was traditionally served Cemetery will be the venue for the children’s writers. The former steamed, boiled or baked with cheese. offers great charm, with its Victorian feel and modern accessibility, This dish can be served as a starter, a side, or as a hearty while the latter provides a pleasant and quiet green space with a main meal with pasta or sourdough bread. If you wish, beautiful natural ambience, where families can roam, as many did last you can give it a finishing touch by adding a scattering of year. toasted almonds or a handful of crumbly feta cheese. At both locations there’ll be author talks, readings, Q & A sessions and book signings, as well as interactive storytelling and a wide Ingredients – serves 4 range of workshops. An added attraction in the Town Hall will be l 1 large cauliflower, cut into small florets an antiquarian book stall, creating the festival’s very own version of l 6 shallots, peeled and cut in half an ‘antiques roadshow’, where you can have your own second-hand l 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced books valued. Refreshments can be purchased at both sites. l 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and sliced At the time of going to press an impressive array of talent l 400g mixed cherry and heirloom tomatoes has already been assembled: Alexei Sayle, Mike Brearley, Claudia l 2 cloves of garlic, finely grated l 1 handful fresh thyme Hammond, Natalie Haynes, Adele Parks, Lisa Jewell, AF Harrold, l 1 handful chopped rosemary AL Kennedy and Jenny Éclair. l 2 heaped tsp smoked paprika For more details, including ticket prices and timings, please visit l 100ml extra-virgin olive oil or rapeseed oil www.berkofest.com. l Juice of half a lemon l Salt and pepper Method l Preheat the oven to 2100C l Spread the peppers, tomatoes and shallots on the bottom of a baking dish l Spread the cauliflower florets on top l Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower l Scatter the chopped garlic, paprika, thyme and rosemary evenly over the vegetables l Add salt and pepper to taste l Bake in the oven for 25 minutes l Rest for five minutes, then squeeze on lemon juice l Serve with mixed leaves.

Photo: Martin Pearson

6 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 7 CHILTERN WALK • BUCKS Bolter End B482 Bus stops Start/Finish

Bolter End 3 Farm P Lane End Water Tower With Andrew Clark Fining Wood 1 Hanger 2 Farm Lane End A Map: Glyn Kuhn Fingest Photos: Colin Drake Optional Route 7 4 Muzwell Farm Mousells Wood

B C Goddards Moor Wood 5 Common 6 There are many paths and trails to explore from Lane End. Little This walk passes through a number of beech woodlands but, Frieth Frieth best of all, affords some outstanding views. The main route takes you 0 0.5 North 1km across country to the picturesque village of Fingest, while there’s also a shorter option that stays closer to Lane End. 0 ½ mile

Start: Lane End car park, High Street, Lane End REFRESHMENTS: Grouse & Ale pub, High Street, Lane End HP14 HP14 3ER. Grid ref: SU 806 918 3JG and Laceys Farm Shop, Bolter End Farm, Lane End HP14 3LP. DISTANCE: 5.9 miles/9.5km, with a shorter 1.9 mile/3km option. One On the route is The Chequers Inn in Fingest and The Prince Albert steep and one long easy climb with a total ascent of 590ft/180m pub in Frieth Terrain: A moderate walk on good surfaces, which can be muddy. Local transport: Bus 48 runs between High Wycombe & Care is needed when the chalk is wet or frosty. There are a couple of Stokenchurch Mon-Sat, and Bus 28 between High Wycombe & stiles and numerous gates Booker, Mon-Fri. Full details can be found on MAPS: OS Explorer 171, Chiltern Society 11 www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk Route From the car park entrance, cross over Finings Road to Church Path and continue past the houses to a green. Turn right, follow the rough lane to the right of the church and, where it ends, continue ahead, then left through two gates and a cemetery to a wide track. Proceed directly ahead and bear right past the works of E&R Meakes. 1. Take the first right to a path between Blacksmith Cottage and left across the field. Go past a field gate to a wide track. Bear left Spindleberry. Pass through the gate and stay straight ahead on a away from The Chiltern Way, walk along the track for 200m and path along the edge of the wood. After crossing two footbridges, turn sharp left through a gate. continue for a further 520m to a junction and keep straight on 5. Follow the path and wall round to the right and stay on the path down the hill. At the bottom, ignore the path that turns sharp for 830m as it drops down to a gate on the left at the bottom. left, continue along the bridleway for a further 30m and turn left. Ignore the gate, follow the path round to the right, go through a Just before a T-junction, turn left and go through a gate into a gate to join a concrete driveway and continue ahead towards a field. Walk along the right-hand edge and through a gate into road junction. the next field. *The optional shorter route starts here, see below 6. Just before the junction, turn left through a gate, walk down the for details. field and through the next gate into a lane. Turn right along it 2. Turn right uphill as the route passes through two gates and a towards The Prince Albert pub and take the first left onto a wide wood into a field. Stay in the same direction along the field edge, unsurfaced track. Stay on the track as it turns right uphill and go go through a gate onto a wide and sometimes slippery stony straight ahead on a narrower track just after The Old Cottage. track, and onwards to descend to a surfaced lane. Turn right Turn right along the gravel driveway to a road. Turn left up the along the lane and, at the right-hand bend, turn left down the pavement and verge, and left again on a path just after Rose steps and through a gate into a field. Cottage. Keep straight ahead to a path junction from which there 3. Follow the hedgerow round to the left and stay straight ahead. are wonderful views over the valley below. Cross a stile, pass two field gates and continue to where the 7. Turn right through a barrier and walk past the allotments to an track turns left downhill. Do not descend – stay directly ahead unsurfaced lane. Cross to the grass opposite, bear left and take along a path overlooking Hanger Farm. The path joins a wide the path up into the wood. After a few metres, fork left up to the stony track and, where that bears left downhill, go straight common and cross the access road. Walk alongside the church, ahead through a gate in the hedgerow, following the line of the turn left past its entrance, then right along the rough lane overhead cables. Go through the next gate and ahead down (Church Path) to return to the car park. to a lane in Fingest village. Turn left past the church to a road junction – The Chequers Inn is directly opposite. Turn left along *Optional shorter route – turn left along the field edge and up the lane and, a few metres after Fingest Farm, turn right through through a gate. Continue for 150m, turn left along the edge of the a gate to join The Chiltern Way. field for 150m and turn right. Follow the path to the right of the 4. Follow the path up the right-hand side of the field, pass through hedgerow as it descends then climbs up through a gate. Stay on the a gate and continue to climb to cross ‘Fieldfare’ stile into a wood. path to meet a major path junction at point 7 of the walk. Turn left At the top of the wood, go through a gap in the treeline and bear to rejoin the main route.

8 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 9 Leaving Fining Wood St Bartholomew’s Church

Holy Trinity Church, Lane End

The Chequers Inn View of Fingest Points of interest Lane End: The parish is made up of five ‘Ends’: Bolter End, A. Fingest: The unusual name comes from the Danish Thinghurst, Cadmore End, Lane End, Moor End and Wheeler End. The meaning meaning a wooded hill where there were public assemblies. The could come from places at the end of a road or track. Over the most notable building is Grade I listed St Bartholomew’s Church, centuries the main activities in the area have been agriculture, with its fine 12th century Norman tower and unusual twin gables. In brick making and woodwork. The village has a number of Grade II the grounds of Fingest Manor are the remains of a bishop’s palace, listed buildings dating from the 18th century onwards. The route and it’s said to be haunted by the ghost of Henry Burghersh, a 14th includes Holy Trinity, built in 1878 by the architect John Oldrid century Bishop of Lincoln. He enclosed common land for a deer Scott, son of Sir George Gilbert Scott, and the business of E & R park, causing the poor locals much hardship. His ghost haunts the Meakes who have been metal workers in Lane End for generations. area as penance for his misdeed. Common Land dates from the manorial system of medieval times, B. Fieldfare Stile is dedicated to the memory of Henry Bridges when poor quality land was allowed to be used by local people for Fearon, who, from the 1920s onwards, wrote a weekly column on activities such as grazing livestock and collecting wood. This was rural walks in the Home Counties in the Evening News, under the known as ‘Commons Rights’, but many areas were lost when they pen-name ‘Fieldfare’. were enclosed by landowners. Within Lane End parish there are C. Moor Common was once part of the lost village of seven commons, each with their own unique characteristics. This Ackhampstead. It was mostly used for the extraction of clay walk touches on three of them, Handleton Common located behind and gravel for brick making. Further south is the larger Moorend the car park, Ditchfield Common which surrounds Holy Trinity Common, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Church and Moor Common at Frieth.

8 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 9 Get your dose of... NEW Junior Ranger memberships for young nature explorers Encourage the little people in your life to love their local countryside and learn about the nature that surrounds them with these new immersive activity packs

Includes: l Wildflower seeds l Bug hunting kit l Nature diary packed with seasonal activities for the whole year l Free entry to our Vitamin N school holiday events l Exclusive access to online activity sheets

ONLY £22

Junior Ranger Nature Diary

Buy online at chilternsociety.org.uk/vitaminN Or call 01494 771250

10 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 11 Vitamin N Vitamin N Events & Activities Please note that for all Vitamin N Events children must be accompanied by an adult. Junior Ranger members can attend two Vitamin N events free of charge. Please see our website for further information. Spring 2020 Family Bushcraft Have fun in the woods, learning about campfires, baking bread, shelter building and other such bushcraft activities which will help connect your family more closely with nature. Led by David Willis, this woodland experience is aimed at families. The kettle will be simmering on the campfire, so you’ll have refreshments, Junior Rangers Family Bushcraft including hot chocolate and the tasty bread Pond Dipping Wildflowers & Bug Home that you’ve baked. Join us for a morning dipping for creatures Building Wednesday 27 May 10am-2pm Captain’s Wood, Chesham, Bucks HP5 2XJ of the deep at Chiltern Rangers’ Funges Get creative with nature at Whiteleaf Cross Child £12.50 Meadow Nature Reserve, which isn’t usually Nature Reserve, where we’ll be making Adult £15 open to the public. You’ll also be looking for wildflower seed bombs to disperse in your mini-beasts among the grass and flowers in garden, providing some beautiful nectar-rich Wildlife Treasure Hunt this beautiful little oasis, and enjoying some flowers for all the bees and insects that visit. To Bring the children and join us at Brush Hill arts and crafts. You’ll be making a beautiful give them somewhere safe to live, you’ll also be Nature Reserve on a ‘Wildlife Treasure Hunt’ dragonfly to take home. building your own bug hotel to take home. looking for signs of the creatures, plants Wednesday 8 April 10am-12pm Wednesday 15 April 10-11:30am and fungi that live in this special ancient Funges Meadow Nature Reserve, Whiteleaf & Brush Hill, Peters Lane, woodland. We’ll also be making animals out Bassetsbury Lane, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 0RP of clay, or using natural materials gathered Bucks HP11 1QX Child £9 along our walk. Child £7 Adult £2 Adult £2 Friday 29 May 10am-12pm Storytelling in the Woods Captain’s Wood, Chesham, Bucks HP5 2XJ The Giant Nest Build Child £8 Join us at our famous ancient woodland site, Adult £2 Come along to a morning of outdoor family Bottom Wood, with renowned children’s fun, where you’ll be immersed in nature in storyteller Jane Lambourne. The event will Captain’s Wood near Chesham. You’ll learn begin with a nature-based scavenger hunt all about nesting birds and build a giant nest around the woodland, before finally you in the woods. You’ll also discover how hard settle down to hear Jane’s very own tales our feathered friends must work to make from the trees, folk tales and animal stories. their own nests. Tuesday 26 May 11am-12:45pm Tuesday 14 April 10-11:30am Bottom Wood, Near Stokenchurch, Captain’s Wood, Chesham, Bucks HP5 2XJ Bucks HP14 3XD Child £7 Child £7 Adult £4 Adult £4 Wildlife Treasure Hunt

10 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 11 Chipperfield Common – a story of survival

CHILTERN HERITAGE

Above: Sweet chestnut tree Told by David Thomas Chipperfield has almost everything you could want in a village – three pubs with two more nearby, churches which still serve their congregations, a shop, a delicatessen and a restaurant, as well as a good café on the Common. The Common is the most significant houses. The effect of this grazing meant that feature of the village – it’s home to the Anglican church, a cricket pitch and, as we’ll see, as trees died off or were felled for timber, much else besides. replacements were prevented from growing. The Common became less wooded. In 1608 a Until the 19th century Chipperfield was a undergrowth, but not the trees. The precise royal survey noted that there were 512 trees hamlet of Kings Langley and part of its location of this wood isn’t clear, but it on the Common. A survey of 1619 by John manor; it had no churches and no separate presumably included the area now known Norden, the famous surveyor, showed that council. The manor was owned by the as Chipperfield Common. A survey of 1557 there were only 170 trees on the 70 acres English crown from the Norman Conquest referred to the Common ‘called Chipperfield of the Common. In the late 16th and early until 1629, when King Charles sold it to Wood’. 17th centuries, however, there was a rapid pay his debts. Edward I built a palace and Chipperfield manor and the Common rise in population, which meant that wood created a deer park at Langley. In 1276, remained in private hands until 1936 when was needed for housing. The number of the Constable of Windsor Castle was told the then owners, the Blackwell family of houses in Kings Langley increased by about to provide deer for the Queen’s park at Crosse & Blackwell fame, gave it to Hemel 40% between 1556 and 1619. At the same Langley. The park was greatly extended Hempstead Council for use as a public open time, there was demand for wood for other by Edward III and became a royal hunting space. They included provisions to protect purposes. In 1605, King James instructed the park; in 1557 it was measured at 697 acres. trees growing near the house and required woodwards of Kings Langley Park to sell 500 Chipperfield was just outside the park. that the Council consult local feeling beech trees fit for firewood to Jeffrey Drupa, The Ordnance Survey map shows Pale regarding the management of the Common. the King’s brewer. Farm, named because of its proximity to Commons were usually rough pieces As the trees declined, so the nature of the fencing of the royal park, while the old of land, too poor for ploughing, which the Common changed, with gorse, heather name of Chipperfield Manor House, Pyngell were used by tenants of the manor for and bracken becoming dominant, and so it Gate, refers to a gate in the park fence. grazing. They’re sometimes referred to remained until comparatively recently. The Chipperfield grew up in its own rather as the ‘waste of the manor’ or the ‘lord’s situation was described in 1902 by Herbert haphazard way – originally a collection of waste’. In Chipperfield, tenants could Tomkins who visited the Common: ‘for an scattered farms and cottages. graze two sheep for each cottage and eternity, forest trees and furze (gorse) have The other major establishment in one sheep for each acre of land they held. fought for supremacy of the soil and the great medieval Kings Langley was the Dominican They were also allowed to graze pigs, if battle of evolution is still waging.’ For a long Friary established by Edward II. In 1316, he the animals had rings in their noses and period it was probably an open space, with gave the friars the ‘vestures of the King’s wore yokes. Cows and horses had to be the yellow flowers of gorse and the purple wood which is called “Chepervillewode” accompanied by a keeper. The tenants heather. The Common continued to be partly to take at their will for firing and other also claimed the right to dig gravel, chalk grazed until the 20th century; as late as the necessaries’. The vestures comprised the and clay and to cut bushes to repair their 1920s, the Blackwell family kept a flock of

12 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 13 Top: St Paul’s Church; Above: The Apostles Pond

sheep on the east side of the Common, There are several ponds on the Common Why did the Common while on the west side people grazed including, in the southeast, the Apostles survive? horses and kept chickens, ducks and geese. Pond. This derived its name from the 12 We’re lucky to have Chipperfield Common. Residents could gather fallen wood for lime trees which surrounded it, believed Its survival is due to three factors. First, their fires and cut bracken in the autumn to to have been planted by John and Mary historical accident. The system of open-field provide bedding for animals. Marriott, lords of the manor. Lime trees farming which was widespread in much of Trees had been planted on the Common were probably chosen because their Europe in the Middle Ages was abolished in intermittently since the 18th century. The leaves don’t spoil water if they fall into it. Chipperfield at an early date, and by the 16th 1838 tithe map shows a plantation of Sadly most of the ancient limes have been century most open fields had been replaced conifers on the east side and a ring of lost, but new ones have been planted. It’s by small, rectangular shaped enclosures conifers opposite the manor house. Many sometimes claimed that this pond was worked by individual farmers. This meant conifers were felled during WWII to provide originally a fish pond belonging to the that Chipperfield wasn’t subject to the brutal pit props. Once grazing stopped in the Friary of Kings Langley. While this may be Parliamentary enclosures of the 18th century, 1930s the trees began to grow and the true, the fact is that the friars had a very when many commons were destroyed. nature of the Common changed. Hemel good fishery on the River Gade, which was Second, Chipperfield Common had a series Hempstead Council appointed a full-time much closer to their friary and probably of benevolent owners. From Thomas Houlker ranger in 1937, but after he retired in 1959 very much more productive. In the reign who probably planted the sweet chestnut and was not replaced, the trees started of Henry IV, Thomas Fisshere who ran the trees, to the Marriotts in the 18th century, and to dominate. In the 1920s you could see Gade fishery was prosecuted for taking finally the Blackwells who gave it to the local the church at Harrow on the Hill from trout from the river because they were the council, it’s been owned by people who were Chipperfield, but the view is now blocked king’s property. sensitive to its environmental value. Finally, by the trees. There are two circular barrows on the it’s been protected by vigilant local residents. east side of the Common, believed to be Until the 19th century it was guarded by What is there to see? Neolithic or Bronze Age (2400-1500 BC). the manorial court, which consisted of Apart from the simple pleasure of walking Such barrows usually contain the ashes of local farmers who ensured there was no through woodland, the Common has several a single cremation, often in a pottery urn over-grazing, insisting on tight limits on the features of interest. There’s the cricket pitch and accompanied by goods for use in the number of sheep which could be grazed, and the charming church, which was built in next life. They were frequently built on the preventing its use for commercial grazing 1837 with, unusually, its altar at the west end. boundaries between tribal areas; in this case and resisting attempts by greedy people to On the Common are six magnificent sweet between communities living in the Gade take parts of the Common for their own use. chestnut trees, three of which are still in and Colne valleys. More interesting, but In 1741, for example, they resisted an attempt good condition. Experts have dated them to less likely to be true, are the speculations by 11 people to enclose parts of it. between 1600 and 1620. I think they may be by some writers that these were archery Let’s hope that its current local authority later and date from the 1630s, when Thomas mounds. It’s said that Richard III marched owners and residents will continue to Houlker was the first private owner after the his troops up what is now King’s Lane to protect and preserve this wonderful place. manor had been sold by the crown. practice archery on them. Photos: Greta Vilidaitė

12 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 13 CHILTERN environment

l Other recovery – including anaerobic digestion and incineration with energy recovery Talking rubbish l Disposal – landfill and incineration without energy recovery. Richard Bradbury visits High Heavens High Heavens isn’t the final destination for the waste that’s brought there either Waste Complex by individual residents or council vehicles (which were streaming onto the site one after another during our visit). It’s a collection point, where a certain amount of sorting is undertaken before the waste is transferred to specialist facilities (most of them commercial operations) that are better able to deal with it. The site is divided into discrete sections where different categories of waste are deposited. The centrepiece is the Waste Transfer Station, opened in 2015, which is where the non-recyclable waste brought in on district council collection vehicles is loaded onto larger, more efficient lorries for transportation to Greatmoor Energy from Waste site in north Bucks. The capacity of these vehicles reduces the number of journeys that have to be made. Greatmoor, which was completed in 2016, is owned by BCC, generates heat and High Heavens electricity, and now processes waste from Tucked away on the other side of the M40 from High Wycombe is a site with the rather other parts of the UK. uplifting nomenclature ‘High Heavens’, (apparently so called because of its proximity On the other side of the site, meanwhile, to a wood of the same name). As many locals know, however, this fanciful title conceals can be found Garden and Food Waste a somewhat more mundane – but, in the 21st century, absolutely vital – purpose. Bulking. Here, compostable garden waste High Heavens is at the heart of Bucks County Council’s (BCC) waste management is unloaded. From High Heavens it goes to infrastructure. facilities such as Laverstoke Park organic farm, where it’s turned into a nutrient- On a grey day last December several l Household plastic packaging 13.5% rich compost, or is transported to the representatives of the Chiltern Society, l Mixed textiles and clothes, anaerobic digestion centre in Oxfordshire, myself included, donned hard hats and high household waste 6% and processed to generate electricity, with vis jackets and were given a guided tour l Aluminium cans, steel cans, a by-product called ‘digestate’. High quality of the facility by Andrew Jenkins, Waste foil trays 3% digestate is much sought after by farmers to Promotions Lead Officer for BCC. With the Andrew admitted that there’s more work to help them reduce cost, improve sustainability Society’s campaign for ‘A Cleaner, Greener be done to raise awareness and motivate and increase their crop growth yields. It’s Chilterns’ gathering pace, the aim of the some sections of the general public to an attractive alternative to petrochemical visit was to learn more about the handling take recycling seriously. For example, it’s fertilisers, providing vital organic nutrients of household waste. been estimated that as much as 60% of which restore depleted soils. Next to Garden The complex has been in operation since household food waste is avoidable. and Food Waste Bulking is the section where the late 1950s, and has developed to meet He identified the three key factors larger items like mattresses, sofas and garden the changing and increasing challenge behind the local authority’s drive for more furniture are shredded before being taken to of dealing with the mountains of waste efficient and effective action on waste: finite Greatmoor. Finally, there’s also a Household generated by Bucks residents. Household resources, financial pressures (in particular Recycling Centre, where members of the waste is defined by the Waste Framework a rapidly increasing landfill tax) and the public bring their rubbish. It houses one of Directive (2008) as ‘any substance or object climate crisis. He introduced us to the ‘waste the county’s two re-use shops, run by South which the holder discards or intends or hierarchy’ which underpins current strategy Bucks Hospice is required to discard’, and this amounts, for tackling the issue: I must admit that beforehand I wouldn’t on average, to a staggering 1,134kg per l Prevention – using less material in design have placed a waste site near the top of my list household per year. Multiply that by the and manufacture; keeping products of must-see Chiltern attractions, but Andrew number of residences in the area and you for longer; reuse; using less hazardous Jenkins’ knowledge of and enthusiasm for the have an idea of the scale of the problem. material work was impressive, not to say infectious, Recycling makes up about a quarter of l Preparing for reuse – checking, cleaning, and reinforced the importance and urgency of this waste. Its composition, if calculated by repairing, refurbishing whole items or what’s being done. A tour of the Greatmoor weight, is as follows: spare parts facility is being offered to Chiltern Society l Cardboard/mixed paper 55% l Recycling – turning waste into new members in late March (see p22), and I’ve l Mixed glass, bottles and jars 22% products, including composting already booked my place!

14 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 15 NEWS & Views Acting on climate change Hope for the Future brings politicians and constituents together, says Gemma Collins

Although constituencies are arguably the bedrock of our democracy, the relationship constituents and MPs, ensuring that the between Members of Parliament and their constituents is often mishandled and Government has a mandate to take steps to undervalued. Constituents are sometimes demoralised by what they regard as MPs not protect our beautiful planet. We’ve worked taking stringent enough action, while MPs are overwhelmed by their workload and unable with MPs who have a whole range of views to meet their constituents’ requests. on climate change – some for whom it’s their primary political focus, and others Hope for the Future is a small charity right support it’s possible to build effective whose main interests may lie elsewhere. based in Sheffield which works to equip relationships between constituents and MPs, We’ve found that by engaging with communities, groups and individuals across finding common ground on even the most MPs in a productive way and building a the country with the skills to communicate contentious issues. relationship based on common ground, it’s the urgency of climate change to their It’s more important than ever to protect possible to work together on a whole range local politicians. We’re currently running the beautiful British countryside and of climate issues. a fully funded project to provide training its biodiversity, and reaching net zero Anyone who wants to stop climate workshops in the Hemel Hempstead emissions by 2050 is a key way in which change or contribute to nature constituency for anyone who wants to work we can do this. Today, farming practices conservation can work alongside Hope for with their MP on this issue. The charity account for 75% of the total land in the the Future in Hemel Hempstead. Previous was started in the spare bedroom of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural knowledge of politics or climate change founder, and has since grown from the Beauty, making a major impact on the policy isn’t necessary. We’ll support you ground up to become a national charity appearance of the landscape. Without every step of the way in engaging with working in communities and schools all a programme of decarbonisation, the your MP, which can be done individually over the country. farming sector could become one of the or as a group. Hope for the Future has For the last six years a small and largest sources of UK emissions by 2050. funding to provide free training workshops dedicated team of employees and In recognition of this the National Farmers in the area. We use a wide variety of volunteers has successfully lobbied over Union has committed to net zero carbon disciplines, including conflict resolution, 100 MPs, each of whom has subsequently by 2040. A transformative nationwide climate communications research, and taken at least one tangible action on climate programme to plant more trees, restore counselling. We focus on areas such as how change. Jo Musker-Sherwood, Hope’s habitats and manage soils will not only cut to build alliances; conversation techniques director, states ‘our resources support those carbon emissions, but go a long way to to engage your audience; the practicalities who are disheartened by the progress they solving other problems like the decline of of setting up and preparing meetings, have made with their MP; those who want flora and fauna, poor air and water quality, and how to maintain a thriving working to support their MP even further in the and flood risk. relationship with key decision-makers. work they’re doing; or those who wouldn’t Hope for the Future wants to ensure If you want to be involved in this know the first steps to meet their MP in that there’s a much-needed dialogue project, please email us at [email protected], the first place.’ We’ve learnt that with the about environmental protection between expressing your interest.

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14 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 15 photogroup news

A perfect Above: Post-harvest sunset shadows, Whitwell, Herts (C Howe); inset: Little bird, big voice (J Hockey)

Opposite from top to bottom: Flour mill at Mapledurham, South Oxfordshire showcase (T Cherrill); Hambleden Mill (M King); Spectators at Wormsley cricket ground (K Hoffmeister); From Barry Hunt Gt Missenden poppy field (M Mee)

A commendable total of 34 authors submitted 314 images to the Online Photographic After many years creating hundreds of Exhibition 2020. Chilterns subjects (including those shown here) accounted for online albums comprising thousands of 46 per cent of them, while the remainder were taken throughout the UK. If you haven’t Chilterns-related pictures, we’ve run out of already done so, follow the link www.chilternphoto.org.uk/index/category/297 to see new places to visit. With members’ help, this year’s crop of excellent images. the plan is to increase the scope of the special albums which reflect interesting The Exhibition, which isn’t a competition, his critiques of selected photographs, aspects of Chilterns life and themes. offers the perfect showcase for Chiltern including the factors that influenced them. In a related vein, the updated website Society members to display their favourite Finally, as the year proceeds, remember to homepage makes it easier for browsers to photographs. Of the five categories, it’s put aside your favourite images for next find topics of interest. not surprising that ‘Landscape’ accounted year’s exhibition. As usual, check the information pages for nearly a third of the images submitted, on the website www.chilternphoto.org.uk closely followed by ‘Flora & Fauna’. In fact Changing the focus for details of all PhotoGroup events, many of the images of flowers, garden Of the three annual outdoor meetings, the including our next indoor meeting birds, butterflies and insects were taken in mid-July event is more about socialising in on Saturday 14 March at 10.30am at members’ own gardens. a café as a prelude to lunch in an appealing Amersham Community Centre. John Tyler We’re grateful to Damon Guy, an pub, rather than being project led! will describe the major changes that have experienced photographic judge and Following an important change of priorities, shaped the Chilterns landscape over lecturer who commented on more than this social approach will also apply to the millions of years. An on-the-door charge of 200 photos in this 16th edition. Don’t miss May and September meetings. £3 will be made.

16 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 17 Photogroup competition Puzzle picture: 96 The picture shows the interior of an ancient church in a Buckinghamshire village. Where is the church and for what in particular is it noted? Send your entry to Ian Bullock, 11 The Willows, Amersham, Bucks HP6 5NT or to [email protected]. If you use email, please include your postal address so that, if you win, your prize can be sent to you. The draw will take place on 15 March. The winner will receive £10. Photo: D Collier

Puzzle picture: 95 The answer

The subject is The White House in Bradenham. The house dates variously from the 16th to the 19th century. The winner was Margaret Lunn of Berkhamsted. Photo: J Harrison

16 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 17 CHILTERN wildlife Manifesto for Chilterns Wildlife From the Society’s Head of Conservation and Development, Gavin Johnson Last year felt like a turning point in our attitude towards the natural world. We saw the publication of the State of Nature 2019 report, a comprehensive scientific assessment of the condition of nature in the UK, which painted a bleak picture for our wildlife. It showed continued dramatic declines in species and habitat quality since the 1970s – particularly over the last ten years. In addition, the Glover Review took a detailed and honest look at our protected landscapes (AONBs and National Parks) and came to similar conclusions with regard to their ecological condition.

and particularly our proximity to London. plan – whether that’s through raising Against the backdrop of the reality of the awareness, lobbying government, global climate emergency finally being forging new cross-sector partnerships, or acknowledged you’d be forgiven for supporting local people in restoring and feeling defeated, but there’s still reason to protecting their part of the Chilterns. be hopeful. We’re committed to restoring the Last year a new, ambitious management wildlife of the Chilterns, ensuring plan for the Chilterns AONB was published it’s always a thriving and resilient by the Chilterns Conservation Board, landscape. We want to see our unique with broad cross-sector support. It sets and internationally important habitats out an important strategic framework – ancient woodlands, chalk streams and laying the foundations for tackling the grasslands – positively and sustainably challenges ahead over the next five years managed to support the abundant and beyond, but with a recognition that diversity of wildlife for which they’re we need a step change in the way we do famous. We need to give space to nature things in order to respond effectively. by connecting these habitats across the While there’s no easy fix, the solutions are landscape with hedgerows, verges and very much within reach – not least uniting local parks and reserves. Despite considerable efforts by the round a common cause and working Our manifesto will set out our shared conservation sector, landowners, farmers, collaboratively across the Chilterns wildlife priorities for the Chilterns and public bodies and volunteers, the overall landscape as a whole. our commitment to achieving them. We picture isn’t good and is deteriorating. The In support of this plan, this year we’ll hope it will also be a catalyst for action, Chilterns is no exception and, if anything, be launching our Manifesto for Chilterns by encouraging all those with a love of these challenges are exacerbated by a Wildlife, in which we recognise our the Chilterns to join the efforts to make a higher level of pressure on the landscape, responsibility for facilitating the necessary difference – we all have a role to play, but by virtue of our location in the Southeast changes to deliver the objectives of the we need to do it now!

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18 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 19 BOOK REVIEW The Best of Chilterns Wildlife

Pete Hawkes & Matt Kirby Hawkes Design & Publishing Ltd 92pp £9.95 ISBN 9 781999 833572

Inspired by co-author Matt Kirby’s facebook page ‘Chiltern Wildlife’, this book showcases the work of many local photographers who have contributed to the page over the years, and is packed with stunning images of flora and fauna that can be found in the Chilterns. It doesn’t claim to be a comprehensive field guide – the subjects chosen represent the most regularly sighted species, together with others that are particularly admired. The authors call it ‘a useful resource’ for people enjoying the Chilterns countryside, and hope that it will ‘increase and gives insights into the techniques and awareness and understanding of our wildlife’, and ‘deepen our respect for nature and the equipment they use. There’s also a page countryside’. listing a selection of relevant publications and the websites of a number of Chiltern wildlife After a brief overview of the Chiltern most likely to see them, plus other interesting and environmental organisations. landscape and the habitats it sustains, the information – for example, the fact that This book is something of a little gem – it’s book is divided into several sections, each hedgehogs are now a priority species under inexpensive, and has the added virtue that it with its own introduction: Woodlands; Rivers, the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, or that will easily fit into the pocket of many outdoor ponds & lakes; Fields & hedgerows; Chalk volunteers assist common toads in their jackets and waterproofs, although, because grassland; and Parks & gardens. Some of the migration across the Henley to Marlow Road, it’s far from exhaustive, you won’t necessarily plants and creatures that may be encountered to minimise the number killed by passing be able to use it to identify everything you in these various environments are then traffic. see. I also feel that there might be a case for featured, complete with a colour photograph At the end is a section called ‘Photographic a larger format version which would do full and a short description. This often includes advice’, which introduces several of the justice to the excellent photographs. suggestions about the sites where you’re photographers who have contributed images, Review: Richard Bradbury

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18 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 19 CHILTERN HERITAGE Small but beautifully marked

Bourne Leisure (Warner Leisure Hotels). It’s currently occupied by Harris’ daughter, the widow of jockey Walter Swinburn. The grounds are now an exclusive golf course. The brickwork of the dovecote is particularly interesting. The southern corner is built of bull-nosed bricks to avoid damage by vehicles, presumably on the basis that if the corners are likely to get damaged, you might as well knock them off before you start! The main elevations are in a very unusual bond which, according to the National Trust’s archaeologist is not commonly found. It appears to be based on what is called English Garden Wall Bond (normally a row of headers then three rows of stretchers), but in this case the stretchers are replaced with an infill of Flemish Bond. Despite this, it presents delightful pattern – the glazed headers on the side that faces the mansion working perfectly alongside the red bricks. A truly beautiful edifice for such a humble but necessary purpose. The building is Grade II listed and was gifted to the National Trust in the 1980s. It’s occasionally open to visitors, the next date being Sunday 5 July 2020 (11am-3pm). For those in the north Chilterns, there’s another well-known Grade I listed dovecote at John Hockey describes Stocks Dovecote, Willington near Bedford, and this larger edifice near Aldbury (also National Trust owned) catered for an astonishing 1,500 birds. Dovecotes come in all shapes and sizes, and were a necessary part of life for the well-to-do A typical recipe for pigeon pie, from The from as early as the 17th century, ensuring there was food on the table for most of the year. Cook and Housewife’s Manual by Margaret Dods in 1826 is as follows: Originally, the name dove meant pigeon, some 964 birds. The floor is of beaten earth. Clean and season the pigeons well in the and both the meat and eggs would be a The roof was relaid in 1975 and rafters were inside with pepper and salt. Put into each bird valuable source of food for the ‘big house’. replaced. a little chopped parsley, mixed with the livers Young birds or squabs were highly sought This dovecote near Aldbury is relatively parboiled and minced, and some bits of butter. after and could be reared by the parents from small (5m x 4m), but as can be seen from Cover the bottom of the dish with a beef- incubated eggs in as little as four weeks. The the photograph, beautifully marked, with the steak, a few cutlets of veal, or slices of bacon supply was not year-round, however, peaking date of construction (1753) clearly picked which is more suitable. Lay in the bird; put from April to October. In addition to the meat out in glazed headers on the wall that faced the seasoned gizzards and, if approved, a few and eggs, feathers and manure were also Stocks Farm. The farm was owned by the hard-boiled yolks of egg into the dish. A thin gathered and put to use. Why did the birds Duncombes from 1503, and this branch slice of lean ham laid on the breast of each in question return to roost in these attractive of the family started life in nearby Barley bird is an improvement to the flavour. Cover edifices? The answer is simple – they were End, further along the Aldbury to Ivinghoe the pie with puff paste. A half hour will bake it. fed and so came back to be fattened before road in a delightful valley below Ashridge. Observation: It is common to stick two or their inevitable fate. Dovecotes are almost Arnold Duncombe was responsible for the three feet of pigeons or moorfowl into the always associated with a luxurious way of life construction of a new mansion 200m to the centre of the cover of pies, as a label to the and high social status, and for this reason are southwest of the dovecote and this property, contents, though we confess we see little use often attractively designed and prominently Stocks House, has a fascinating history. It’s and no beauty in the practice. Forcemeat- situated near roads leading to the big house. been home to an author, a girls’ finishing balls may be added to enrich the pie. Some Internally, Stocks Dovecote has 482 double school, Playboy owner Victor Lownes, English cooks lay the steaks above the birds, which is nesting holes, each with a ledge on which the cricketer Phil Edmonds and latterly Peter sensible, if not seemly. birds can settle, thus providing a home for Harris, a retired horse trainer and owner of This may not suit the 21st century palate!

20 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 21 Join us for a day of fun-filled prehistoric celebration at our

Whiteleaf Hill Nature Reserve Saturday 30 May £3 per 10am – 4pm child Activities will include: Churning butter l Grinding flour making pots l fire building feasting celebration face painting chalk carving

Purchase tickets at chilternsociety.org.uk/event/stoneagecamp 20 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 21 chiltern society events Events & Activities Spring 2020

Our events are open to everyone.

Nature Sense Chocolate Workshop Greatmoor

An Introduction to Luxury Chocolate Egg Chess Valley & Surrounding Map Reading Making Workshop Areas Trail Run This ‘learning by doing’ course is aimed at Join us for an evening at the famous Rumsey’s In this second guided run of the year novice map readers who want to explore the Chocolaterie! With careful instruction from exploring Chiltern Society sites, we’re off to Chilterns, confident that they won’t get lost. their expert chocolatiers, you’ll create and the Chess Valley. The route starts at Chesham You’ll be taken on a very scenic five mile decorate your very own Easter Egg and Station, from where you’ll quickly make your walk around the National Trust Ashridge chocolate surprise to go inside it – an egg way to the River Chess, one of the Chiltern Estate, led by Dick Chapman, author of 60 you’ll be proud to show off! While it’s setting chalk streams. From here you’ll head up Choice Walks in the Chilterns. Map skills will you’ll enjoy a delicious hot drink from the café. through the ancient beech woodland of be learnt by following the Ordnance Survey You’ll then wrap your chocolate masterpiece Captain’s Wood and visit the impressive map in the book, a copy of which is included to take away with you. prehistoric settlement of Cholesbury Camp. The route loops back into Chesham, where in the price (RRP £7.99). Wednesday 25 March 6:30-8pm you’re welcome to join everyone for some Wednesday 18 March 10am-2pm Rumseys Chocolaterie, 26 High Street, post-run refreshments. There’ll be two Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, Wendover, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 6EA separate route distances, so you can choose Moneybury Hill, Ashridge Estate, Price £55 per adult on the day to run either the 16km (10 mile) or Ringshall, Herts HP4 1LX the longer 20km (12 mile) loop. Price £13 per adult Energy from Waste Facility Saturday 4 April 10:45am – Overview & Tour Nature Sense Session Chesham Station, Chesham, Bucks HP5 1DA Greatmoor Energy from Waste takes household Price £10 per adult – Sensing Spring non-recyclable waste from throughout To welcome the arrival of spring in the Buckinghamshire, diverts it from landfill and Springtime Stroll & Tour of Chilterns, we’ll be taking to the hills with uses it to generate enough electricity to power Redbournbury Watermill Andy Shipley of Natural Inclusion, immersing 18% of the homes in the county. This visit will ourselves in the season’s sounds, smells and begin with a presentation in Greatmoor’s fully Join us for a beautiful spring country stroll, followed by a tour of Redbournbury sensations. Building on his perspective as a accessible Visitor Centre, which is designed to Watermill with its 1,000 years of milling visually impaired person, Andy works with promote and inform visitors about the benefits history. This is an easy walk of about 3 groups and individuals in natural settings to of using waste to produce renewable energy, miles, starting at the mill and offering explore the power of their non-visual senses, as well as educating about waste reduction, plenty of views of the River Ver and the to open a deeper connection with nature. reuse and recycling. This will be followed by surrounding landscape. Refreshments will The very act of closing our eyes ignites our a tour where you’ll see waste being delivered, be served on your return to the mill, and other senses, setting the stage for them to giant grab cranes moving the waste and then the tour will follow. On the ground floor come into their own. We’ll take time out from the waste burning in the grate, before visiting you’ll hear a brief introduction to the mill, the daily hurly-burly to refocus our attention the turbine hall and experiencing the draught followed by a tour of the top/second/ on the textures beneath our toes, the chatter under the condenser fans. and first floors to see the machinery of the birds and the breath of the breeze. Friday 27 March 10am-12pm or 2-4pm and historical display. You’ll also see the Saturday 21 March 10-11:30am & Monday 20 April 10am-12pm processing of grain through the mill. This Whiteleaf Hill (car park), Peters Lane, Greatmoor Energy from Waste, Greatmoor delightful event will end with a short stroll Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 0LH Road, Woodham, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0QE to see the waterwheel close up, which may Price £20 per adult Free of charge be working depending on recent rainfall.

22 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 23 Mapledurham Watermill Gin Tasting

Thursday 23 April 10:30am-12:45pm Wild Foraging which is still produced there. The tour Redbournbury Water Mill, Redbournbury will be followed by a traditional English Springtime walks will never be the same Lane, St Albans, Herts AL3 6RS cream tea at The Coach House Tearoom, again if you come to our foraging day including scones made with flour from Price £15 per adult with Fred Gillam (aka Fred the Forager). the watermill, freshly baked and served He’s been foraging for his supper for Campfire Bread Baking more than 30 years and will show you by the miller’s wife. Join us for a day outdoors in ancient exactly what you can safely pick, what Tuesday 19 May 2-4pm woodland, learning how to bake a variety to avoid, how to prepare your harvest Mapledurham House, Mapledurham Estate, of breads. Led by David Willis, this course and, most importantly, how to make sure Mapledurham, Reading, Berks RG4 7TR will introduce you to the art of making this is all done sustainably so that other Price £20 per adult traditional breads over a campfire. You’ll also creatures also get their fair share! Fred learn about campfire management, how to has made appearances with BBC’s Jeremy ensure the fire is hot enough for baking, and Vine and on ITV’s Countrywise, foraging Gin Tasting the use of various pots, pans and improvised and cheffing in the woods with Gino Join us at this special tasting event at ovens. All recipes will be provided, and you’ll D’Acampo. His foraging courses also come Puddingstone Distillery near Tring. Learn be able to experiment by adding herbs and recommended in the BBC’s Countryfile about the history and background of the spices to your bakes. You’ll have a chance Magazine. distillery, the gin making process, how to enjoy the delicious bread you bake Tuesday 15 May 11am-3:30pm botanicals are used, and how best to taste throughout the day and we’ll also cook a Marlow Common, Marlow, Bucks SL7 2QP and serve gins. The session includes two light lunch over the campfire! Price £27 per adult delicious cocktails from the Campfire Gin Saturday 25 April 10am-2pm menu, plus additional samples, and you’ll Captain’s Wood, Chesham, Bucks HP5 2XJ Private Tour of be given your very own branded Campfire Price £40 per adult Mapledurham Watermill, Gin glass to use throughout the evening and to take home. Nether Winchendon House Turbine & St Margaret’s Church Thursday 28 May 8-10pm Private Tour Puddingstone Distillery, Artisan Unit 1, Mapledurham House is an Elizabethan Join a tour of this enchanting medieval Lower Icknield Way, Wilstone, Tring, stately home in Oxfordshire. It’s a Grade and Tudor manor house deep in the Herts HP23 4NT I listed building, first listed in October Buckinghamshire countryside. Feel free to Price per adult 1951. Join Mapledurham’s miller for £19.50 stay for the day and enjoy the beautiful this guided tour, which includes the gardens and the 13th century church. Price beautiful St Margaret’s Church, the includes a tea or coffee and biscuits. How to book impressive Archimedes screw hydro Thursday 30 April 11am turbine and Mapledurham Watermill. Booking is essential as we have limited Nether Winchendon House, Near Thame, Once inside the mill, the miller will detail places available. For more information and Bucks HP18 0DY its history, provide an explanation of to book please visit www.chilternsociety.org. Price £17 per adult how it works and talk about the flour uk/events or call the office on 01494 771250.

Nether Winchendon House Wild Foraging

22 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 23 News & views Don’t let the bugs bite! Lyme disease and how to avoid it

If you’re one of the many Chiltern Society members who like to spend time out in the countryside, you may have noticed that Lyme disease is increasingly being mentioned in the media as a public health issue, and one which isn’t only confined to wilder parts of the UK. Public Health England estimates that there are between 2,000 and 3,000 cases (the equivalent of about 8 per day) in England and Wales each year. It’s possible, however, that the true figure is much higher, because current NHS tests aren’t 100 per cent accurate.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread paying special attention to their favourite to humans by blood-feeding insects, feeding places: particularly deer ticks. Grassy and wooded l The backs of knees areas in southern England, including the l Around the groin Chilterns, are considered to be in the l Under the arms high-risk category. Although usually much l The hairline and scalp, especially on lower-risk, even urban gardens aren’t small children. Deer tick immune. With this in mind, it’s advisable to If part of the tick breaks off or you think any acquaint yourself with the salient facts, and part of it may be left in your skin, wash the take sensible precautions when out walking site thoroughly. Don’t worry about digging or participating in other activities that put with a needle as that may do more damage. you in direct contact with nature. Chiltern Your body will deal with any embedded Society volunteers have already been given remains. Consult a doctor if the small area advice on how to mitigate against the of redness gets worse. possibility of catching the disease. There’s no need to panic, of course. Only Symptoms and ticks that have bitten an infected animal can treatment pass the disease on, and fortunately their At first, it’s very easy to mistake Lyme numbers remain small. disease for other less serious complaints – it’s known as ‘the great imitator’, Precautions because it shares symptoms with more Bucks County Council offers the following familiar illnesses. Initially victims will The characteristic rash advice, particularly if you’re expecting to probably experience flu-like symptoms, pass through areas of dense vegetation: such as a fever, headache, fatigue, disorders, and depression. Sometimes l Wear trousers and long-sleeved shirts. muscle and joint pain, and a stiff neck. serious complications occur several Keep cuffs fastened and trousers tucked They may also develop a characteristic years later, including arthritis, heart into socks ‘bull’s eye’ rash, erythema migrans, which problems, nervous system problems and/ l Wear shoes or boots rather than open is a clear indication that the tick was or neurological abnormalities. sandals infected, although this doesn’t appear Although this may sound very alarming, l Use an insect repellent that can protect in all cases. It can be as short as three nobody is suggesting that people should against ticks for several hours days or as long as three months before curtail their outdoor activities. The chances l If you find a tick, remove it quickly, the symptoms show, but when they do of catching Lyme disease in the Chilterns preferably with a specially-designed early treatment is important. At this are still quite small, and will be further tick removal tool. These are better than stage a course of antibiotics may well reduced if you remain aware, sensible and household tweezers as they avoid the be sufficient to get rid of the infection. vigilant. risk of squashing the tick and releasing Its similarity to other illnesses can lead Further information on tick bites and fluids into your skin. In an emergency, to misdiagnosis, however, the symptoms Lyme disease can be found on various very you can use a thread of cotton looped often being attributed to fibromyalgia, helpful websites, including: www.nhs.co.uk; around the tick’s mouthparts, which you chronic fatigue or psychiatric issues. www.gov.uk; www.breakspearmedical.com; then pull steadily upwards If not promptly and appropriately and caudwellyme.com. l Dogs are also vulnerable to ticks. Consult treated it can become a long-term and I’d be interested to hear from you if your vet for insect repellent or a tick very debilitating condition. This may you’ve been infected with Lyme disease collar involve – among other things – eye in the Chilterns, or know anyone who has. l After your walk, carefully brush all problems, numbness, weakness, inability You can email me at rbradbury.cnews@ clothing and examine yourself for ticks, to concentrate, memory and sleep btinternet.com. (Editor)

24 Chiltern 235      

           

              

     

© 2019 The Chiltern Society. All rights reserved. Registered Charity no. 1085163. A company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales registration no.4138448. White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1AG Tel: 01494 771250 | Fax: 01494 793745 CHILTERN WALK • HERTS

to Dagnall Great Gaddesden Bus A walk with G stops Start/Finish

A Longford Gordon & Dennis Farm B440

F

This special walk, about four miles in length, from St John the Baptist Church, Great Gaddesden HP1 3BY, to Little appears in the Society’s latest guidebook, More Great River to Hemel Gaddesden Hempstead Walks in the Chilterns. Gade Nettleden B The late Gordon Beningfield was an artist with an House international reputation for his beautiful depictions of the Nettleden natural world. He spent many happy hours wandering Nettleden Farm through the countryside with his close friend, naturalist and broadcaster Dennis Furnell. This route in the Gade C to Water End Valley was one of their favourites. The points of interest Friethview are described by Dennis. Farm Holly Bush Farm

Deep down, almost everyone has a need to know that Crossways Farm they live in a world where the natural landscape and everything that belongs in it can flourish…

Gordon Beningfield E D

North to Hemel Hempstead 0 0.5 1km Map: Glyn Kuhn 0 ½ mile Potten End Photos: Colin Drake

to Berkhamsted Route & points of interest From the lych gate entrance to the church, walk down the lane and bear right to the road T-junction. Turn right for a few metres and cross both the road and the stile opposite into a meadow. Follow the path to the river, and after walking beside it for 50m bear right up towards the right-hand corner of the meadow. A. Water meadow: The River Gade rises from springs further along and large insects. Primary scavengers, they’ll share territory, and it’s the valley and creates a valuable habitat all year round. It’s one of not uncommon for several pairs to nest together. Buzzards, round- the few chalk streams suitable as a spawning ‘redd’ for rainbow winged predatory birds of prey, need a large territory and drive out trout. Our native species, the brown trout, also thrives here. The interlopers. quality of this mineral-rich water encourages large shoals of Ignore the path on the left and stay straight ahead to a path minnows and sticklebacks, food for kingfishers, grey herons and junction next to a deep pit. Turn left to stay inside the wood and little egrets. It supports frogs and newts too, and a host of insects walk along for 150m to the next junction. Turn left as the path in summer, including the beautiful demoiselle; dragonflies include descends to another junction and bear right out of the wood. chaser, hawker and various migrant species. In the meadow the Follow the path down the middle of the field to a road (Nettleden unsprayed grassland is alive with grasshoppers and crickets in Road). summer, and the ever-changing flowering plants and grasses provide C. Open fields by Nettleden Road: In late July, the ripening crops habitats for meadow brown, gatekeeper and ringlet butterflies, while give the land a golden hue. Gordon wasn’t a fan of monoculture, but marbled whites broadcast their eggs over the grasses that are their he enjoyed the subtle colours against the green and lilac tones of larval food plants. During June and July hawthorn hedges along the distant hill. Woodland was a favourite with Gordon and in spring the margin are a festival of bramble flowers, nectar for colourful red these woods are rich with flowering ground cover like bluebells, admirals, peacocks, comma, small tortoiseshell and sometimes the primroses, yellow archangel, bramble and dog’s mercury – indicators beautiful, fast-flying migrant painted lady butterfly – these beautiful of ancient woodland. Hazel and hornbeam coppice stools show insects were subjects for Gordon’s superb paintings. In winter, heavy where felled trees grow new shoots. The poles were a source of rain can turn the meadow into a flood plain supporting duck, grey natural materials for over 1,000 years for sheep hurdles and fence wagtail and some waders. You might disturb a snipe feeding on panels. Hornbeam charcoal was ground for gunpowder. Beech, ash, water shrimps at the stream’s edge. oak, yew and the late-lamented elm were used for furniture. Walk through into a field, follow its left-hand edge, pass a metal Cross Nettleden Road to the path opposite. Walk along the field gate and turn immediately right uphill towards the overhead right-hand field edge to a path junction at the end. Turn left along cables. Go through the gate on the right, turn left and continue to the edge of the same field for 110m and follow the fence round climb up into a wood (High Park Wood). to the right. Stay on this path as it climbs up between field and B. High Park Wood: Let your eyes rest on the gently folded land, the hedgerow. oaks and willows framing the sky, and the red kites. These elegant, D. Hedgerow towards Potten End: The footpath is bordered by an fork-tailed birds seemingly float over the fields, searching for carrion ancient bank where badgers and foxes have dug setts and earths.

26 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 27 The Gade Valley Kingfisher

Peacock butterfly River Gade water meadow

The land has been grazed for many years, as can be seen from the At Nettleden Road, turn right and take the first left towards presence of the anthills of yellow meadow ants. Gordon painted a Frithsden and Ashridge House. Walk past The Alford Arms, turn green woodpecker investigating these anthills. In winter you might immediately right down the lane and go straight on at the bottom. see migrant redwings and fieldfares. In spring and early summer This is often referred to as the ‘Roman Road’ or ‘Spooky Lane’. the bank is a picture, with wild dog rose and the ground cover Climb past the vineyard to the top of the steep hill and stay dominated by garlic mustard, so-called for its scent. It’s the larval straight ahead to drop down under ‘The Devils Bridge’ to meet a food plant of orange tip butterflies – look for the females whose road at the bottom in Nettleden. Turn left along the road for a few wings are tipped with black; both sexes have a lacy pattern on the metres then turn right on a path signposted to St Margaret’s. Walk underwings a little like lichen. She lays an individual yellow egg and past the barriers, climb up the hill following the right-hand field when the caterpillar hatches it imitates the developing green pods. edge. You should see these remarkably camouflaged larvae in June and F. Path to St. Margaret’s: This hedge is obviously very old; it has July. a rich mixture of native shrubs, one of which is the seemingly Continue up past a disused gate and through the next one. After delicate spindleberry. It’s becoming rare, because the spindles a few metres turn right, following the line of the overhead power are no longer needed for spinning wheels. In winter it’s decorated cables, to a road. Walk along it and, where it bends up to the left, with bright, almost plastic-looking poisonous pink berries on turn right directly downhill to a T-junction at the bottom. Turn right greenish yellow twigs. Past The Alford Arms the fields have been along the wide path. managed sensitively, and a pair of barn owls hunt at dawn and E. Path from Potten End to Nettleden Road: Twenty years ago you dusk. The Romans once grew vines in the Gade Valley. Further up, a wouldn’t have seen the silver-washed fritillary here. One of Gordon’s considerable growth of wild honeysuckle winds round the hazel. favourites, he would be thrilled to know that they’re flying around Stay on the path for nearly 1km until it reaches a road. Turn left the honey-scented buddleia. In early spring the first butterfly is along the road past the entrance to Amaravati Buddhist Monastery the brimstone. It can be seen flying in every month of the year. and turn right through a gate signposted to Great Gaddesden. The male’s sulphur-coloured wings are quite startling. Brimstones Go through the next gate into a field and follow the path down hibernate in thick ivy in winter but come out when the sun is warm. through a further gate to the left of an electricity pole. Buckthorn is their sole larval food plant; it produces long straight G. Path from St. Margaret’s to Great Gaddesden: Where you twigs that were burned to make artists’ charcoal. Blackthorn was descend to the churchyard buddleia grows in the hedge and, when used to make stock-proof hedges – a vegetable barbed wire! It in flower, is full of the butterflies Gordon loved to paint. Churchyards also provides nest sites for migrant songbirds, blackcaps, garden themselves are peaceful places for wildlife and contemplation, and warblers, whitethroats and willow warblers, as well as being the for listening to the winter song of wrens and robins. larval food plant for the rare black hairstreak butterfly. In winter Bear half-right down the field. Pass under the overhead cables you may see a hunting sparrowhawk. In autumn we often stopped to a gate in the bottom right-hand corner. Go through, follow to look at fungi. These fascinating organisms are neither plant nor the wall on the left for a few metres and go through a gate in the animal, but have characteristics of both. Without their abilities as wall into the churchyard. Follow the path past the church and out natural composters and recyclers our world would be uninhabitable. through the lych gate to finish the walk.

26 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 27 CHILTERN ENVIRONMENT Hypnos sows the seed of conservation Local business demonstrates its environmental credentials Buckinghamshire-based bed manufacturer and Royal Warrant holder, Hypnos Beds, has donated and planted 200 tree saplings in Castlefield Wood in partnership with Queens Award-winning Chiltern Rangers, a social enterprise committed to protecting the Chilterns landscape.

As the world’s first carbon neutral bed of Hypnos Beds, said: ‘As one of ‘We’re incredibly delighted by Hypnos’ maker, Hypnos is fully committed to the region’s most environmentally- donation, and the relationship and sustainability and preservation of the local conscious manufacturers, we understand commitment shows great promise for the environment. The Castlefield Wood project the necessity to protect our local future. As an organisation that focuses on is part of the Hypnos carbon offsetting environment. Since becoming the world’s sustainable environmental programmes, we programme, which has seen the company first carbon neutral bed maker nine years knew that Hypnos Beds’ core values align gift more than 1,500 trees to date. ago we’ve been committed to providing implicitly with our own.’ Throughout the course of the event the very best in sustainability to our By donating and helping to plant the on 14 January volunteers from Hypnos, customers.’ trees, Hypnos is hoping to encourage other Chiltern Rangers, and local school children John Shaw, managing director of manufacturers to invest in the physical from Castlefield School, were tasked with Chiltern Rangers, said: ‘Protecting and landscapes surrounding them, and take raking, cutting back trees and litter picking. enhancing the Chilterns environment an interest in the importance and upkeep Much of Castlefield Wood was destroyed in and landscape with the help of our local of local biodiversity as part of their storms during 1990, but with a programme communities are our priorities. This community. of replanting and regeneration it’s become includes ensuring sites like Castlefield For more information about the Hypnos a much-needed Local Wildlife Site. Wood are home for all types of wonderful commitment to the environment, please James Keen, managing director wildlife for many years to come. visit www.hypnosbeds.com. Inspired by nature

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NURSING • RESIDENTIAL • DEMENTIA • RESPITE RAF Halton – the end of an era

CHILTERN HERITAGE

Above: Tornado Visit it while you still can, urges Alison Beck

This year is the centenary of RAF Halton, one of the largest RAF stations in the UK, and since it’s scheduled for ‘phased withdrawal’ with ultimate closure by 2025, the Chiltern Society PhotoGroup felt we should record some of the old buildings for our archive. We already have an album on Halton House, now the Officers’ Mess (see www.chilternphoto.org.uk).

I visited several times with Bob Smith, and at Halton by 1926. Subsequent events proved although we were escorted throughout, we him right, with many Halton apprentices were free to photograph anything, including playing a part in the Battle of Britain and the some of the oldest buildings, the 1960s defeat of the Luftwaffe. church with its lovely stained glass, the Over the years, thousands of apprentices Clinton. The company was renamed Air splendid museum, the airfield with its huge were trained on either a three year course Trainers Ltd and moved to Aylesbury in 1946, hangars, and a practice for the next passing- (males only, aged 15-17), or a two year Craft subsequently employing about 1,200 people. out parade. Apprenticeship course. It was interesting to The firm eventually became a subsidiary of Halton’s history, as with so much in this learn that the RAF actually assumed legal the Rediffusion organisation, was renamed area, starts with the Rothschilds. Alfred guardianship of the boys, so parents had Redifon Air Trainers, and production was invited the Army to use his land for summer to give formal permission for their sons to transferred to Crawley. The precision and manoeuvres in 1913; at the outbreak of WWI smoke, and if the apprentices wanted to go technical complexity of the old and new flight the estate was offered to Lord Kitchener for into town to meet girls on a Saturday night, simulators is amazing, and if you’re lucky and military training; in 1917 Halton became the they had to apply for a ‘love chit’! Those who pick a quiet time to visit you can have a go. main training unit for aircraft mechanics for completed the three year course were known The Museum contains uniforms, the Royal Flying Corps, and in 1919, a year as the ‘Trenchard Brats’. The last three year photographs, equipment, work logs and after Alfred’s death, his nephew Lionel sold entry, the 155th, finished in June 1993. even details of the food. Being the daughter the estate to the War Office for £112,000. The Trenchard Museum and the James of a book binder at Hazell, Watson and By the end of the war, the Royal Air McCudden Heritage Flight Centre are full of Viney, I especially liked the text books which Force had been formed, and the Chief of fascinating items. Of particular interest to were awarded to apprentices as prizes and the Air Staff, Hugh Trenchard, recognised me, being born in Aylesbury, were the Link beautifully rebound for their passing-out the need for trained specialist ground crew flight simulators which were manufactured parades. Their titles included Modern Gas as well as pilots. There was considerable there in my youth. The D2 trainer was Turbines and Elements of Aerodynamics and opposition to his idea, because many people acquired for the RAF by a company called Supersonic Flows, which sound like good felt that too much money was going into JVW Ltd. This company had been formed cures for insomnia. We thought Romance work on the ground rather than in the air, by Air Commodore Fellowes (who we of the Indian Frontier sounded a bit more but he prevailed, and in 1920 he set up the believe to be a relative of Julian Fellowes promising. Aircraft Apprentice Scheme at No1 School of the peer, actor, novelist and creator of Walking round the station now is a slightly Technical Training. This was fully established Downton Abbey), and was based in Aston sad business. Some readers may have seen the

30 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 31 Duchess of Cornwall there in July in her role – many local babies were born there. The as Honorary Air Commodore, celebrating the hospital was only the second unit in the UK centenary by walking through the trenches to have a renal facility, developed a cure for used to train the troops, and no doubt these sandfly fever, and was the first hospital in were spick and span for her visit. Many of the the world to use penicillin on a large scale buildings are now unused however, and no in the 1940s. Situated close to the hospital maintenance is being carried out to preserve was the Institute of Pathology and Tropical them. Some are being put to other uses – the Medicine, which provided an excellent seaplane hangars on the airfield are often general and specialist service. All that used for films and TV programmes. We asked remains now is a small memorial in Fleming why there were seaplane hangars so far from Road, and the street names on the estate the sea, and the answer seems to be that reflect their RAF history. they had the materials for those to hand, so Although most of the rest of the buildings must be full of memories for the countless that’s what they built. We don’t think they face an uncertain future, St George’s Church personnel who were based at RAF Halton over ever housed seaplanes, and now they’re home will remain. It has a beautiful window the years, many of whom still return to visit. to Halton Aeroplane Club’s training fleet, commemorating every annual intake of It’s possible that the Trenchard Museum the Chilterns Gliding Club, Halton Aeroplane apprentices, and also has some poignant and the James McCudden Heritage Flight Club and the Model Aircraft Society. Every individual memorials, such as that to Harry Centre will eventually be transferred to one single building on the site has a number, the Clack who started his training at Halton aged of the other bases, such as RAF Cosford or architectural styles reflect the span of years 15 in 1939. He was transferred to Cambridge RAF Cranwell. A visit can be arranged, free of over which they were built, and the whole the following year and was electrocuted charge (although donations are welcomed), area is much larger than you would assume when a crane jib touched some overhead via the website at www.trenchardmuseum. from driving past. cables while a shot-down Dornier was being org.uk. Don’t be put off by the form-filling and Princess Mary’s Hospital is long gone, salvaged. He thus became the youngest security: you’ll be made very welcome, and and is now the Princess Mary Gate estate. airman to die in WWII as a consequence of both places make a fascinating visit. You may It’s strange driving round, trying to imagine enemy action. have to go twice to see it all, so don’t miss where the buildings were, remembering The Art Deco Astra cinema looks your chance to appreciate something that’s visiting friends and relatives in hospital – especially forlorn. It was still in use a few been part of our local area for a century. If Princess Mary’s always took a proportion years ago, but no more, and presumably it’s you’d like to see the photos that we took, go of local civilian cases and had a very good now deteriorated too much to be preserved. to www.chilternphoto.org.uk. reputation, especially the maternity unit Each building has its own history, and Photos: Alison Beck

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30 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 31 Still plenty to see and do

Ewelme Watercress Beds • OXON

Above: Moorhen and water rail Right: Little egret Tom Stevenson and Keith Tibbs report

Regular readers of this column will notice a new name paired with Tom Stevenson. After many years keeping you well informed about what’s happening at the watercress beds Ann Truesdale has relinquished joint authorship. She will, however, continue to play a very active role as a volunteer.

We’re happy to report that the major on blackberry seeds is always enjoyable – autumn task, the mowing of the top they must need lots to make a meal! One meadow, was successfully carried out. This or sometimes two little egrets are usually was followed by a well-attended volunteer present, and the secretive water rail has day, when the arisings from the cut were made a number of appearances, becoming barrowed onto the spoil heaps. This annual more frequent as winter continues. It’s cut is the one job where you can very clearly interesting to note that, although sightings see the ‘before and after’ effect of our of little egrets this year have about efforts. Thank you to everyone who turned average, grey heron numbers have been up to help – young and old – not forgetting much lower than normal. This might be due the providers of the wholesome lunch. to the very low water level reducing the Although we could heave a sigh of relief that quantity of larger prey, whereas the smaller this major task had been completed, there invertebrates favoured by the egrets aren’t was no time to rest on our laurels. There’s so affected by this. plenty to do on site right through the winter, The pressure on the chalk stream so the regular work mornings continue flow seems to be over, with a significant every month on the first Saturday and increase recently as the autumn rain filters third Wednesday, 9.30am-12.30pm. Please down through the chalk. We were luckier contact Tom on 01491 836888 or thomas. than most because the brook flowed [email protected] for more details, uninterrupted, unlike many others. or to be added to the email circulation list. Even if you’ve visited the site yourself, Grey wagtail Alternatively just turn up any time during please tell others who haven’t. It’s the morning. surprising how many people who have In addition to the guided walk round the Although winter is a quiet time on lived locally for some time come along upper and lower sites, we show a film the nature reserve, there’s still lots to and say they’ve been meaning to visit for shot in the 1960s, about the production see. In October there was a big influx of ages, but haven’t got round to it. At this of watercress at Ewelme. Tea, coffee and redwings, together with some migratory time of year guided walks take place on biscuits are available for a modest sum, as song thrushes and blackbirds, but they the first Sunday of every month starting well as postcards and books featuring the quickly stripped the hawthorn berries and at 10.30am. Visitors get excellent value for watercress beds. moved on. Watching bullfinches feeding their £3 (free to Chiltern Society members). Photos: Tom Stevenson

32 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 33 CHILTERN FARMING A beef about veganism Gill Kent questions current trends Out of the frying pan into the fire! This phrase summarises the feelings of farmers at the moment. Having defended the industry against charges of excess emissions of carbon dioxide in the climate change debate, we now face an even more serious problem with the rise of veganism. Fortunately there’s no scientific evidence in favour of a meat-free diet, although many dietary experts think that the western world eats too much of it. In fact, some animal protein is essential for the healthy growth of young children, and our dentition exhibits both meat-eating and vegetable-grinding teeth. None of these factors seem to influence committed vegans. Grazing beef cattle

Why do people decide to become vegans? ‘could you eat these’ captions will foster will degenerate, as will bird life which relies Today’s mass media will latch onto anything vegan ideas, particularly in the younger on insects whose larvae depend on dung which can be sensationalised, so pictures generation (who’ve probably never seen for their food. In addition, the Chilterns of huge beef feed lots in the USA, where a dead body of any kind). Veganism then and similar landscapes aren’t suitable for thousands of cattle are fattened in restricted becomes the ‘in thing’, food manufacturers growing vegetable or salad crops, so more spaces, is bound to antagonise British climb on the bandwagon and the market for veganism would increase the need to viewers. Similarly, Channel 4’s documentary beef and lamb collapses. import these products, with a consequential Apocalypse Cow, which ended with It’s not surprising that farmers are upsurge in greenhouse gases. George Monbiot, the veteran left-winger, concerned about the present situation, In order to compensate for the lack of predicting the end of farming, alarmed but why should you as a member of the grazing animals George Monbiot advocates not only farmers but a large proportion Chiltern Society be worried? As I’ve stated ‘rewilding’, which has been successfully of the thinking public. The programme previously, the landscape of the Chilterns is introduced in the Netherlands and also also falsely claimed that when it comes to mostly covered by a mixture of grassland on the Knepp Estate in West Sussex. Both the generation of greenhouse gases, the and woodland, both of which contribute ventures rely on the general public paying for production of 4kg of beef is as bad as a to the beauty of the area, as well as acting a ‘safari’ to see the naturalised farms. I can’t flight from New York to London and back. as carbon sinks. If cows and sheep are believe that there’s room in our economy for Pictures of cuddly lambs and calves, with removed for whatever reason, the landscape more than a limited number of these. Hampden Herdwicks Herdwick hogget with superior flavour Our flock of Herdwick sheep graze the rich chalk grasslands of the Chiltern Hills near Great Missenden. They form an integral part of our arable farm’s management. Herdwicks grow slowly. The lambs, known as hoggets, are typically a year old before they are ready. As a result the meat is full of flavour and very tender. Our hogget is now available most of the year and is perfect for winter roasts and stews as well as summer barbecues.

Hampden Hogget Boxes We supply whole and half hogget freezer boxes, vacuum packed and labelled, direct from the farm. Insulated with wool liners, they can be recycled or returned. A half hogget will weigh about 10kg, will fit in one freezer drawer, and comprises: 2 x half legs 2 x half shoulders Mince 7-8 best-end cutlets 6-8 loin chops 3-4 leg steaks 2-3 neck cutlets or kidney and liver We can also provide whole leg and shoulder joints and racks on request.

We can also provide whole joints and other cuts on request. For more information contact Ian & Fiona Waller 01494 488567 or 07973 676891, or email [email protected]

32 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 33 CHILTERN wildlife Growing old gracefully Tony Marshall reflects on the long history of a local wood

‘... never vanquish’d be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come ...’ starched collar, flat cap and stout boots, I’d say it was taken in about 1910-20. It does There’s a beech woodland near me of just over 40 acres, almost a perfect equilateral triangle have a title, though – ‘The Pine Woods, with one corner pointing south. It’s a ‘Local Wildlife Site’; it ticks all the boxes with its abundant Prestwood’. The man is standing to one bluebells and ancient woodland plant indicators – primrose, wood spurge, woodruff, sanicle, side of the path, in low undergrowth which wood melick, wood speedwell, yellow archangel, yellow pimpernel, common and southern I assume is bramble, while all round him woodrush and red currant – although it’s not extraordinary as Chiltern woodlands go. There’s tower slim evergreen trees. In the distance an old record of yellow bird’s nest orchids, which might still be skulking somewhere. There may the path leads to a spot of light at the still be woodcock here too, roding along the edge. Grass snakes have been seen. There are a wood-edge, contrasting with the darkness couple of large badger setts. It’s a pleasant place for a walk. of the rest of the scene dominated by close- set trunks. The girth of each trunk indicates I’m looking at an Ordnance Survey map from land. The path that currently traverses the that, despite their height, these fast-growing 1898. There it stands, this wood, the same middle of the wood is still there, but half of trees are no more than 20 years old. ‘The size and shape – except that out of one it is along the edge of a field. Pine Woods’, also called ‘Cathedral Woods’, corner is carved another equilateral triangle, I have an old black-and-white postcard. were a local landmark at the beginning of extending halfway along one side, with its As usual it has no date, but from its look and the 20th century, praised for their religious apex reaching to the centre of the wood. the dress of the man standing in the middle grandeur and awe-inspiring gloom. People According to the map this is agricultural distance in country jacket, waistcoat, high made trips to see them, so different were

Photo: Tony Marshall

34 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 35 they from the soft leafiness of the usual The scrub wasn’t the result of tree felling, In the early 19th century, and for as long local deciduous woods. but of the disuse and neglect of agricultural as can be ascertained before that, certainly These larches, mixed with some land – very unusual in this part of the 19th back to Anglo-Saxon times and earlier, our Austrian pine (whose dark bark only adds century when land was in high demand and wood (equivalent only to the western half of to the vault-like blackness), were planted you didn’t forego income by letting your what exists today), wasn’t a distinct wood around the turn of the 20th century in that assets go to waste. at all. It was part of a continuous line of triangular incursion I noted on the 1898 The story switches to the grand house woodland stretching far to the north and map, thus completing the current shape of a certain noble family. In 1794 local lady the south along the east side of a dry valley of the wood. They were cut down at about Jane Waldo married James Nanfan, from running all the way from Great Hampden to the time of WWII, when no doubt there was a well-connected Cornish family. She was Hughenden. On the upper slope these were a market for the timber, although the odd a widow and both were in their sixties. beech hangers and the woods were known Austrian pine was left to stand. They were They settled at Jane’s residence, Hampden as the Hangings, a name enshrined today in replaced by beech and wild cherry. When Farm, in a large house built only 30 years Hangings Lane running through the woods you walk through it today, eastwards from before, replacing a humbler farmhouse. close to our wood, Lower Hangings Field the older part of the wood, you notice the The house became known as Nanfans. where part of the woodland by this lane was change when you get to this ‘secondary Despite appearances they were in reduced cleared in the 19th century, and in the name woodland’ of younger trees, with a economic circumstances. Much of their of a farm to the south – Collings Hanger. scattered undergrowth of red currant large estate was sold off in 1797. By 1806 The name of our wood? A bit irrelevant and gooseberry bushes, which provide both were dead and the estate fell to James really. It’s known as Nanfan Wood, the name disappointingly little fruit nowadays in the Nanfan’s daughter Mary, who had been it acquired when that ill-fated family lived gathering shade. So was this an example widowed in 1800. She soon died and her there for just over a decade. of clear-felling of ancient beech woodland unmarried daughter Mary continued to live We can end on a high note, however. to make way for a fashionable quick-buck at the house, while the remaining estate was When the then owners began to clear many plantation? We can look further back shared between herself and a maiden aunt, of the old trees in the 1930s, the Davis in older maps. Nowhere do we find the Sarah, who didn’t live locally. Mary seems family at Collings Hanger Farm, whose triangular wood we have today. The tithe to have lived off her inherited wealth and to lands extended to and beyond the wood, map and apportionment of c1837 show that have taken little interest in the farm, several bought it purely to protect what was left. the whole eastern half of the current wood fields being left uncultivated. She died in The wood’s history of economic exploitation Watfordwas Ad Nov16.qxp_Layout‘furze’, what we would 1 28/10/2016 now call scrub.10:07 Page1849 1 and the house and land was bought by and neglect is over, and it rests now to grow Before that the land here was still patently an unrelated family. The fields left to scrub old gracefully, loved and cared for in its unwooded, almost certainly arable fields. over were those neighbouring ‘our’ wood. wildness.

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34 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 35 HIGH SPEED two NEWS in Brief The fight goes on An update from Peter Brown

It’s likely that by the time this issue of Chiltern is published, the Government will have made a decision about HS2 following Communi-tree publication of the Oakervee Review into the project. spirit The Society has opposed HS2 crossing the Chilterns ever since the On 16 January CS volunteers were busy planting eight new project was first announced more than 10 years ago. The letter we trees – a mixture of acer and rowan – along the bank of the sent to Douglas Oakervee outlining our concerns can be read on River Chess on the Moor in Chesham, as part of the Town the Society’s website. If our protestations to stop the railway being Council’s ‘Communi-Tree’ project. The Council have allocated constructed across the Chilterns fail, we’ll continue to do all we can £5,000 for new trees, focusing on more urban areas. It’s to mitigate its environmental impact. hoped that additional funding will be provided through other In January we sent a letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps organisations such as the Woodland Trust. highlighting two specific concerns. A copy of this is also on the website. The first involves the 2.9 degree incline the HS2 trains will climb from beneath Shardeloes Lake, near Amersham, to the Chiltern Tunnel north The show is on the road portal near Great Missenden – the steepest mainline incline in the UK, The centre of Chesham was and one that’s very inefficient from a railway perspective. We’ve pointed the location for the inaugural out that by lengthening the tunnel by about a mile, it would reduce CS Roadshow, an initiative the incline and avoid the removal of a substantial amount of spoil intended to raise public arising from the creation of a major cutting after the portal. Secondly, awareness about the Society, we reiterated our worries about tunnel safety. We held a meeting with its campaigns and all the the Head of Safety for HS2 last May, and were promised responses to work it carries out in the concerns we raised in the event of a catastrophic incident in one of the region, as well as to recruit tunnels. Despite several reminders we haven’t yet received a reply. new members. Among the On the controversial issue of costs, we pointed out that the total first volunteers to brave the estimated expenditure – including Lord Berkeley’s suggestion that the January weather – on a dry Saturday, thankfully – and engage cost will be around £108bn as opposed to the official figure of £88bn passers-by in conversation about what we do, were (left to – doesn’t include the £15bn required to build a medium-sized power right) Geoff Wiggett, Andrew Clarke and Katy Todd. station to generate the energy needed to operate the railway. On other matters, Transport Minister Paul Maynard told Chesham and Amersham MP Dame Cheryl Gillan that three badger setts in the way of the proposed HS2 line have recently been fitted with one-way gates, so that when the badgers leave the setts they can’t get back into them. The setts are subsequently destroyed. He also told her that HS2 Ltd was putting in additional measures to ensure there was no repeat of contractors carrying out clearance work on land without permission. This followed an incident where HS2 Ltd cleared shrubs and trees on Calvert Jubilee Nature Reserve, owned by the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, without permission, destroying the habitats of wintering Eurasian bittern, other wildfowl and rare bats. Happy birthday Cic! Cic Upcott, long-serving editor of this magazine in the days when it was still called Chiltern News, recently celebrated her 90th birthday. She and her late husband Derek were very active members of the Chiltern Society, as well as being heavily involved with the White Hill Centre and other Chesham organisations. I’ll always be grateful to her for the help and advice she gave me when I succeeded her as editor. On behalf of the Society and myself, I’d like to wish her belated many Our geology adviser, Haydon Bailey and John Gladwin, leader of our HS2 project happy returns! (Richard Bradbury) team (in blue helmets) visited a test piling site in the Colne Valley Regional Park to ensure that the local water supply would not be polluted. (Photo: Keith Hoffmeister)

36 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 37 CHILTERN HERITAGE Our Living Village Alan Kell introduces a fascinating new project

Every community in the Chilterns has a history that’s well worth recording, from the tiniest of hamlets to the most thriving of towns and villages. Indeed, in many communities there are local organisations striving to capture knowledge of their past in order to enlighten the present and provide a valuable platform for future decision-making and action.

This was certainly the case in the two deliver this project. Since it was launched in villages of Seer Green and Jordans, which spring 2019, more than 100 people and over lie adjacent to one other in the Chiltern a dozen local organisations have committed district just a couple of miles to the east to supporting it, demonstrating an extensive of Beaconsfield. On the face of it these base of community interest and ownership two communities have little in common: in the project. Our aim is to deliver a ‘deep’ Seer Green was for centuries just a tiny history of our communities, equivalent agricultural hamlet, but has now expanded to producing a multi-layered historical into a thriving modern village; and Jordans is cake with alternating layers of maps and the world famous focal point for Quakerism population data, marbled and enriched by with its idyllic village centre built just over a detailed information about activities in the century ago. But some 60 years ago, active villages. The Our Living Village model will members of the two communities saw the provide rich information about who was value of establishing the Seer Green and doing what and where over a period of many Jordans Society (SG&JS), a civic group centuries. focused on identifying and protecting As a starting point we’re fortunate to the most valued aspects of our two have a detailed map of Seer Green dating communities. from 1753, and our technical working group Over the decades, we collected a mass of is currently downloading the relevant OS historical material on each village, ranging maps and consolidating them with other from family recollections and vintage photos old maps obtained from the National to census data, local maps and specialist Library of Scotland. For population data, booklets. Eventually the question arose another group is analysing the census as to how best we could consolidate and data from 1841 onwards and augmenting share this information for the benefit of this with information from more unusual the residents of the two villages, as well sources, such as the Posse Comitatus List as for a wider audience. The traditional of 1798, the Lloyd George Register of 1910, answer, of course, would be to write a local and the 1939 WWII Register. At the same history book, as has been done by several time, another six community working Top: James Picton at Peaceful Cottage villages in the Chilterns; but with such rich groups are pulling together all the available Above: Seer Green enclosure 1831 material available and the tremendous information on historical village themes, power of current information technology, we including education, religion, culture, natural Chiltern Society’s Heritage Festival in concluded that there must be a better way. environment, the built environment and September/October 2020. After that, our On this basis, the Chiltern Society’s employment, trade and industry. goal is to complete the project by mid-2021, Heritage Group agreed to partner SG&JS on The icing on the cake is that we’re liaising handing over a template that the Society can the Our Living Village project, which aims with the Chilterns Conservation Board to offer to other communities in the Chilterns, to produce a comprehensive computerised incorporate data from their LiDAR survey and establishing future ownership within the history of the two villages using Geographic of the Chilterns. This has already thrown up villages of Seer Green and Jordans so that Information Software (GIS) which will two really exciting local finds: a potential Our Living Village has an enduring life and present this history dynamically on the web, medieval moated villa and the route of a value. allowing villagers to access directly and much sought-after Roman road running If you’re interested in learning more about augment this historical information online. through Seer Green. this exciting project, please feel free to Even more important than the technology There’s still a lot more work to be done to contact [email protected]. platform, however, is the active involvement achieve our short-term aim of demonstrating Alan Kell is Volunteer Project Manager for of people in our two communities to help the Our Living Village model during the the Chiltern Society and SG&JS.

36 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 37 Damson hatters

CHILTERN HERITAGE

Above: The fruit in question Right: Damson tree An old photograph sparks George Stebbing-Allen’s curiosity

Let me introduce you to my Granny, Nancy Oldaker (see opposite). Note the hat – it’s important. The rather grainy photograph was taken on the family farm at Wickhamford in Worcestershire’s beautiful and fertile Vale of Evesham, where a large and varied plum orchard was the mainstay of the farm. Worcestershire is, admittedly, a far cry from the Chilterns – but bear with me.

As a child growing up in the 1940s it The crop was abundant and the payment for seemed to me that most ladies of a certain my efforts was a large bucketful. We lived age sported black (or maybe purple) straw on bullace jam for a year! Tart and delicious, hats, as redolent of pre-1950 fashions as equally at home with toast or meat. fox furs and (pre-AGA) coal-fired cooking Old Arthur told me something very ranges. I observed and noted this in passing interesting. He said ‘In the old days before and then – with the exception of the family all this was built up, the sides of the Gade land that we have in England.’ Even before photo albums – completely forgot about it. Valley hereabouts were covered with fruit Cobbett, in the late 18th century Hemel Until, that is, I first moved into the Hemel orchards. My bullace tree is a mere relic.’ Hempstead’s grain market was one of the Hempstead area. I came from the east, Intrigued, I investigated further, and in largest in the country, and in 1797 there Ware to be precise, and spent many happy Warners End up the other side of the valley were eleven watermills in the vicinity. hours driving west along the A414. The I discovered Bullace Close; some older Corn (aka wheat?) is not germane to significance of this route is that I would residents could recall old bullace trees in my story, however, whereas the straw first encounter Chiltern hills and valleys as ancient hedgerows. In this same area the left behind when the corn is threshed is I approached Hemel Hempstead. Still not lady who was to become my wife lived relevant. Why? Because, in the wake of this thinking about Granny’s hat. in Peartree Close – clear evidence of a extensive corn growing, there grew up a In due course I met an old gentleman thriving orchard economy, not plums alone. busy and thriving cottage industry of straw who lived in Alexandra Road (probably The bullace trail had the effect plaiting – hence Plaiters Close in Tring and established in the reign of Edward VII), on of sparking my interest in the wider Plaiters Way in Houghton Regis, significantly the east side of what is now Marlowes. He agricultural history of the area. In my closer to Luton. I have to admit however, invited me to his house, and to reach it I research I stumbled on this passage from that at this stage Granny’s hat was still far had to drive up ‘Hillfield’ Road, suggesting William Cobbett’s Rural Rides of 1822, from my mind – until, that is, the various a steep agricultural past. He had asked me where he wrote this of the countryside strands of my investigations suddenly to help harvest the crop of bullaces from round Hemel Hempstead: ‘... the land here coalesced in an unexpected way. I was an old tree in his garden. I’d never heard is very fine: a red tenacious flinty loam driving up the Leighton Buzzard road north of them before, but they turned out to be upon a bed of chalk at a yard or 2 beneath, of Eddlesborough, and in the village of small green plums, the size of a damson. which, in my opinion is the very best corn Northall I noticed a particularly fine weather

38 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 39 vane depicting, if memory serves, ducks. which its manufacturers are best known, I stopped and asked the householder if I and it’s almost certain that it was Luton could take a picture of it. He gladly agreed, where Granny’s purple straw hat was made. and we got talking. It was spring and the Produced, moreover, from interesting local small orchard next to his house was in full agricultural products, some might even say blossom. It transpired that he owned the by-products, because straw is waste from orchard, and I asked what the old, stunted the corn process and skins are waste from trees were. He told me they were damsons. the jam-and-pie process. When I expressed pleasure at finding All this conjures up a picture in my mind damsons in the area, he said ‘Nowadays we of frantic seasonal activity, because straw can’t give them all away, not even to the WI is only available after the harvest. Imagine to make jam.’ Then came the killer! He said a cottage industry humming throughout ‘In the old days the skins were sent to Luton the area – a good plaiter could in fact to dye the straw hats.’ How about that for earn more than an agricultural worker. serendipity? This had been the last thing on Seasonal also, because damsons only my mind that day, but here I was, out of the ripen in the autumn. The picking of the blue, completing the trail that explained how fruit must have been labour intensive. Did Granny’s hat came to be. they shake the trees, as with olives, or was Luton is, of course, famous for the this a ladder and bucket job? I’m also left manufacture of straw hats – indeed Luton trying to picture the extraction process Town FC is known affectionately as The that separates from the stone the skin of Hatters. There’s a Hat Trail in the town the damson for dye and the pulp for jam. these days. It starts in George Street, where What did they do with the stones? Or, for in 1840 the Plait Market was to be found, that matter, all that jam? And remember, an and continues via 64 Bute Street, where in individual damson is less than an inch long 1889 Walter Gurney and Sons established and difficult to handle. their hat factory. I could find no mention, Isn’t it wonderful where old photographs however, of a damson dye market, although in an album can lead you? Thank you, there obviously was one. Granny – and your hat. Luton is famous for a wide range of Top right: Nancy Oldaker straw hats, but it’s ladies straw hats for Colour photos: John Hockey

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38 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 39 Cycle group Let the train take the strain Says Pete Bradshaw

Was your New Year resolution to get out and about more on your bike? Are you tired of Chiltern Railways runs local services from the same old routes? One option is to join a Chiltern Society cycling group; another is to London Marylebone through the central load your bike into the car and drive to a new area. A third option is to go by rail, but what Chilterns to Aylesbury, Princes Risborough, are the rules about taking your bike on a train? The answer is – it depends. The fragmented High Wycombe, Bicester and Oxford. Longer nature of the UK railway system means that it’s not always that straightforward to work out distance routes go to Birmingham, but are when and where you can take your bike. I’ll try to simplify the matter for the Chiltern area also considered to be ‘local’ trains and don’t and provide links to other resources. require a bike reservation. The general rule for Chiltern Railways is To begin with, we need to consider the to company and from route to route, and that you can go on any train except those type of bike. Folding bikes are always although an overview is provided here that arrive in London Marylebone, Oxford or allowed, with certain provisos. The ‘National it’s always prudent to check your specific Birmingham Moor Street between 7.45 and Rail Conditions of Travel’ state that you journey before you travel. The National Rail 10am or leave those stations between 4.30 can take up to three items of luggage, of website, the PlusBike app or train operating and 7.30pm. Chiltern Railways is unusual which a folding bike is considered to be company website are probably the best among our local operators in having the one, provided there’s room and it doesn’t ports of call. Links to these are given at the restriction both ways at peak times, except cause nuisance or damage and doesn’t end of the article. Note that where a time for services that don’t travel between the block doorways, gangways or corridors. restriction exists it applies to the service for three main termini. Technically this means Ordinary bikes are subject to the conditions the entire journey, whether or not you’re that if your train is not terminating at, or of the train operating companies and are travelling into or out of London. leaving from, any of those stations you can considered in the main part of this article. The diagram shows all the local routes take your bike at any time subject to space. Tandems are generally considered to be in the Chiltern area. Long-distance routes For example, the morning peak service ordinary bikes, but you’d expect them to aren’t included even though in some cases from Aylesbury that terminates at Princes be more likely to fall foul of the regulations. they follow the same lines. Taking bikes on Risborough isn’t restricted, except by Chiltern Railways prohibit them completely. long-distance trains normally requires a space. It also means that you can get a So what about ordinary bikes? This reservation and spaces are very limited. local train northbound in the morning, and includes any normal sized electric bike – not In our local Chiltern area we have five southbound in the evening, as long as it’s the ones ‘without traditional cycle-style train operating companies: Chiltern Railways, not going to or from Oxford or Birmingham. pedals, or with oversized dimensions’, to London Northwestern Railway, Thameslink, These Chiltern Railways services, with their quote the conditions of travel. Essentially Great Western Railway and TfL (Transport unique restriction pattern, are shown in blue they can be carried at all times subject to the for London). The last of these operates both on the diagram. Aylesbury via Amersham operator’s conditions but with certain peak Underground and TfL Rail services. Each of services have the more normal pattern that time restrictions. These vary from company them will be considered in turn. you can travel northbound in the morning

40 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 41 peak and southbound in the evening peak. (see below). They do, however, run the It is perhaps worth noting that evening short Thames Valley branches to Marlow restrictions last until 7.30pm, which is later via Bourne End, Henley-on-Thames, and than other train operators. Windsor and Eton Riverside. There’s no time London Northwestern Railway’s trains restriction on these services, but bikes are have dedicated space for two bikes per train, limited to two per train subject to space with more being carried at the discretion of being available. (Note: some services are staff. It runs local and long-distance stopping made up of more than one train). services out of Euston, as well as the St TfL run two services in or near our Albans Abbey branch. Slightly further afield area. The Metropolitan Line and the TfL it also runs the branch line from Bletchley to Rail line to Reading, which will eventually Bedford. There’s no peak time restriction on become the Crossrail Elizabeth Line either of these branches, and bikes can be through London. On the Metropolitan Line, carried subject to space. On the main line bikes can be taken anywhere at any time from Euston to Tring, Leighton Buzzard and except in the peak periods (7.30-9.30am and storage) and cycle hire facilities. beyond you can’t take a non-folding bike on and 4-7pm), including right into the City National Rail: cycling overview, including any train that arrives at Euston between 7am of London, where interchange is possible PlusBike: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ and 9.59am and any train that leaves Euston with Thameslink at Farringdon. On TfL Rail cyclists between 4pm and 6.59pm. bikes can be carried on any service except Chiltern Railways: https://www. Thameslink operates both Thameslink those arriving at Paddington between 7.45 chilternrailways.co.uk/customer-service/ and Great Northern services out of St and 9.45am and those leaving Paddington travelling-your-bike Pancras/King’s Cross towards Luton and between 4.30 and 7pm. London Northwestern Railway: https://www. Bedford. This operator has no limit on the londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/travel- number of bikes, subject to space, and Resources information/onboard-facilities/cycle-spaces provides dedicated spaces on its services. Many cycle forums and clubs have pages Thameslink: https://www.thameslinkrailway. South of Luton Airport you can’t take a bike dedicated to the issues of taking bikes on com/travel-information/on-board/bringing- on services scheduled to arrive in London trains. There are many things to consider. a-bike between 7am and 10am, or leave between Each train operating company has Great Western Railway: https://www.gwr. 4pm and 7pm. Note that for this purpose information on its website and will be only com/plan-journey/journey-information/on- ‘London’ is deemed to be West Hampstead too happy to answer questions by ‘phone board/cycles Thameslink or Finsbury Park. or via its social media channels. National Transport for London: https://tfl.gov.uk/ Great Western Railway now operates Rail’s Plusbike app and website that brings modes/cycling/cycles-on-public-transport very few local trains to Reading, because together information about cycles on trains, Tandem Club: https://tandem-club.org.uk/ these have been taken over by TfL Rail cycle facilities at stations (including parking files/information/trains/index.html Future Thursday Group Rides

We normally meet by 10am to place food orders and start the rides at 10.30am. If numbers are large, or an alternative longer ride is planned, some riders will often leave at 10.15, with the main group following at 10.30. We aim to return to the start by about 1pm for lunch. If you’re considering joining one of the rides, please contact the ride leader a few days beforehand so that they know to expect you, and can advise you of any special arrangements.

5 March the start. The longer ride follows the same starting at 10.15am. Meet at The Three Horseshoes, Wycombe route to just beyond Cookham Dean, but Ride leader: David Batchelor 07966 492589. Rd, Marlow (Grid ref: SU 855 891, postcode then heads for Pinkneys Green, Burchetts SL7 3RA). There are two rides planned, Green and Hurley, before rejoining the 7 May one of 20 and one of 24 miles. Both shorter route near Temple. Meet at The Full Moon, Hawridge Common include a short amount of track which Ride leader: Pat Treanor 01628 520467 (Grid ref: SP 936 069, postcode HP5 2UH). may not be suitable for lightweight road and 07512 192623. The ride will pass through St Leonards, bikes. Most of the route is on quiet lanes, then go along Bottom Road down to but there are a couple of stretches along 2 April Aston Clinton via Dancers End. It will busier roads. Both rides have lovely views Meet at The Cross Keys, Ballslough Lane, continue via Wilstone Green, Marsworth, of the countryside and the Thames. The Gustard Wood, Wheathampstead (Grid Pitstone and Aldbury before climbing to shorter ride goes through Bourne End, ref: TL 174 164, postcode AL4 8LA). The Wigginton and returning to Cholesbury via Cookham and Cookham Dean, along 20 mile ride is all on quiet lanes between Hastoe. The distance is just over 20 miles. the new bridleway/cycle path to Temple, Luton and Stevenage, and has c1,000ft Ride leader: Penny Nokes 01494 864681 Bisham and Marlow, before returning to of ascent. There’s also a 24 mile option and 07842 289516.

Rides are open to Society members and non-members. All ride at their own risk and should be 14 years or older unless accompanied by an adult. Bring a drink for roadside stops. It is strongly recommended that riders wear a helmet for all rides and carry their own first aid kit.

40 Chiltern 235 www.chilternsociety.org.uk 41 SOCIETY WALKS

SUNDAY Walks start at 10am, unless stated. All participants walk at their own risk and must follow any advice Usually about 5 or 6 miles, allow 2.5 hours. and instructions from the Walk Leaders. Participants must be WEEKDAY Walks start at 10.30am. About 5 or 6 miles, allow 2.5 hours. equipped with appropriate clothing and footwear, and are also NB. Variations from this will be indicated in the walk description. advised to carry a first aid kit and water. Walk Leaders have the Enquiries regarding the walks should be directed to: authority to refuse those who in their opinion are inadequately 1) Walk leader where telephone number is given, or equipped or unfit to undertake the walk. To avoid disappointment, 2) Paul Cooke 01494 778024 contact the Walk Leader in advance if you’re unsure of the CS = Chiltern Society Map No. suitability of the walk. PLEASE NOTE: Walks may occasionally be changed or cancelled at short notice. If you can, please check our website for updates. In times of ice and snow call the Walk Leader before leaving home in case the walk is cancelled.

march O/S Grid ref APRIL O/S Grid ref Sun 1 Meet at Pishill church car park RG9 6HS, off Explorer 171 Wed 1 Meet at the car park adjacent to the recreation Explorer 171 the B480 at Pishill. Donations to the church are GR 726898 ground at Checkendon RG8 0SR. A 6 mile walk GR 664830 suggested as a parking fee. This 4 mile walk CS Map 9 heading north then west to take in Brazier’s CS Map 15 Common and Ipsden. Hilly, but with some fine heads north on The Oxfordshire Way, then along Oxon Oxon scarpland views. 174m of ascent. Suggested pub: The Chiltern Way to Pishill Bottom and Russells The Highwayman at Exlade Street. Water. Return to the start via Pishill Bank. Mostly Bob Parry 0118 9620405 (Mobile on the day a woodland walk, with good views of Stonor 02277 350210) House and across Maidensgrove Common. Two Sun 5 Meet at Watlington Hill car park, Hill Rd, Explorer 171 moderately steep sections (one ascent, one Watlington OX49 5HS. A 5.3 mile stile-free GR 710935 descent). No stiles. Dogs welcome. walk through woodland, before enjoying some CS Map 9 Jane Pryce 01189 475915 breathtaking views. One long and one short Oxon Wed 4 Meet at the Hellfire Caves car park (free), Chorley Explorer 172 steep climb. Road, West Wycombe HP14 3AP. A 5.5 mile GR 826947 Andrew Clark (Mobile on the day 07935 875403) Wed 8 Meet in the car park adjacent to the pavilion on Landranger walk through woods and fields via Downley to CS Maps Harpenden Common AL5 1DT. A walk through 166 Hughenden Manor, returning via Downley Common 7, 12 Rothamstead Estate to The Chiltern Way, then GR 137135 and (optionally) the Dashwood Mausoleum on Bucks along the disused Nickey Line towards Redbourn, CS Map 27 West Wycombe Hill. No stiles, but several quite returning via Hammonds End. One or two stiles. Herts challenging climbs. Reasonably flat terrain with some inclines. David Vick 01494 673875 Rob Saunders 07885 663816 Sun 8 Meet at the free public car park behind The Stag Explorer 171 Sun 12 Easter Day – no walk and Huntsman, Hambleden RG9 6RP. A 5.7 mile GR 785865 Wed 15 Meet at The Red Lion in Longwick HP27 9SG. Park Explorer 181 walk to Medmenham, along the Thames to Mill End CS Map 11 in the pub car park or in adjacent Chestnut Way. GR 790047 and back to Hambleden. One stile, one longish Bucks The 6 mile walk is flat and takes in part of The CS Map 3 ascent and one fairly steep descent. Phoenix Trail, plus the villages of Horsenden and Bucks Alex Barr 01628 476187 Saunderton. There are 4 stiles and fine views of Wed 11 Meet at The Red Lion, Dagnall HP4 1QZ. Park in the Landranger the Chiltern escarpment. A highly recommended pub lunch can be ordered from The Red Lion rear pub car park if staying for lunch. A 6 mile walk 165 before departure. up to Beacon Hill (Ivinghoe Beacon) via Gallows GR 990164 Trevor Chandler 07973 886648 Hill, then along The Ridgeway to Crawley Wood CS Map 19 Sun 19 Meet at Christmas Common, at junction of B481 Explorer 171 and, at Duncombe Terrace, turning back down to Herts and Northend Road/Watlington Hill OX49 5HL. GR 714933 Dagnall. If it’s a clear day, there should be some Walk c6.9 miles to Pishill and Russells Water. Mostly CS Map 9 good views. Could be a bit muddy, especially on level woodland walking – we may be lucky and see Oxon the climb to Beacon Hill. bluebells. Well-behaved dogs welcome. Coffee is David Betterton (Mobile on the day 07899 available from an honesty box at Pishill church, and the nearby Fox and Hounds at Christmas Common 798840) serves snacks and Sunday lunches. Sun 15 Meet on the common at Cholesbury by The Full Explorer 181 Deirdre Philpot 01628 483700/07973 271474 Moon HP5 2UH. Parking is available in the pub car GR 936070 Wed 22 Meet at The Red Lion, Kings Walden Road, Great Explorer 193 park for those having lunch there, otherwise park CS Map 8 Offley SG5 3DZ. A 5 mile walk exploring the north- GR 147267 on the roadside. Cholesbury is at the western end of Bucks east corner of the Chilterns. This walk is based on CS Maps the picturesque Hawridge Common, near Chesham. a shortened Walk 8 in the 50 Great Walks book. 26, 29 & 30 This 5 mile walk, which takes in an ancient fort and Start easily accessible off A505 Luton/Hitchin Herts a section of Grim’s Ditch, is relatively flat with two road. Park on village street close to pub. No stiles, modest inclines (total ascent 220ft). No stiles. but may be muddy in places. Richard Skepper (Mobile on the day 07772 Nigel Seabrooke 01727 850334/07747 552378 Sun 26 Meet at The Swan, Little Kimble HP17 9TR. A 7.2 Explorer 181 214503) mile walk via Ellesborough church to Coombe Hill. GR 819065 Wed 18 Meet at Startops End car park HP23 4LJ. There’s a Explorer 181 Back via The Ridgeway, passing Chequers. Great CS Map 3 charge for the car park (approx. £1.50). This is an GR 919141 views across the Vale of Aylesbury, 829ft of ascent. Bucks easy 4.7 mile waterside walk with 160ft of ascent. CS Map 18 Mike Fox 07836 262766 John Rowe 01442 862619/07816 654982 Herts Wed 29 Meet at the Le De Spencers Arms HP13 5YQ Explorer 172 Sun 22 Meet in the car park in front of Chesham Station Explorer 181 (found along an unmade track at Downley GR 849958 HP5 1DA. An easy 5 mile walk via Blind Lane and GR 961016 Common), where parking is available. A scenic CS Map 12 Herbert’s Hole. No stiles. CS Map 8 undulating walk with no stiles, via West Wycombe Bucks Bob Fish 01494 774145 Bucks and Naphill Common, where hopefully the Wed 25 Meet at Studley Green Garden Centre HP14 Explorer 171 bluebells will be out. The pub car park is available to those staying for lunch, which needs to be 3UX (on the A40 between Piddington and GR 783954 ordered before setting out. Stokenchurch). The café opens at 9am, so there’s CS Map 7 Patricia Boxell 01494 438968/07847 869506 plenty of time for refreshments before setting off. Bucks Please park in the car park near the road. A walk May of about 5 miles going south past Dell’s Farm Sun 3 Meet at Chesham Station, Station Approach, Explorer 181 down to Leygrove’s Wood. A few stiles and a hill or Chesham HP5 1DA. Park in any of the public car GR 961016 two. There’ll probably be some muddy stretches. parks nearby. A moderate 5.6 mile stile-free walk on CS Map 17 Clive Knapman 07811 707918 good paths, but can be muddy. Three climbs, total Bucks Sun 29 Meet at the public car park behind The Stag and Explorer 171 ascent 560ft/170m. The walk explores the paths Huntsman, Hambleden RG9 6RP. An easy 5.5 mile GR 784866 between Chesham and Ley Hill, an area so quiet it’s hard to believe you’re so close to a major town. walk along the Hambleden Brook to the weir, then CS Map 11 Frank Auton 07785 276095 following The Thames Path, going past The Flower Bucks Wed 6 Park at The Highwayman Inn, Exlade Street RG8 Explorer 171 Pot to a high ridge path with great views of the 0UA, just off the A4074, Wallingford to Reading GR 659819 Hambleden valley. The route descends to Remenham road. A 6.5 mile mainly woodland walk towards CS Map 16 church where we’ll rejoin The Thames Path and Stoke Row, where we should see some bluebells Oxon return past Temple Island. One hill and no stiles. and other spring flowers. Very few stiles or hills. Sue Brinn 01628 483639 Susan Maguire 07835 872791/01491 680109

42 Chiltern 235 email: [email protected] 43

These walks are open to all members. Non-members are welcome to join us as guests for two or three walks, though if you walk with the group regularly you will be expected to join the Chiltern Society to support our work in caring for the Chilterns.

May O/S Grid ref Sun 10 Meet at The Kings Hotel, Stokenchurch HP14 Explorer 171 Society 3TA. Park in the public car park adjacent to the GR 761963 hotel, or kerbside nearby. A gently undulating 6.1 CS Map 14 mile walk through mainly beech woods and open Bucks footpath maps fields. Some excellent viewpoints. No stiles. Dogs welcome. As tranquil as it gets! – don’t leave home without them! Dick Chapman 01923 231754 Wed 13 Meet at the public car park at the end of Hurley Explorer 172 Our 32 footpath maps give comprehensive coverage of the High Street SL6 5NB. Walk through the pretty GR 825840 village of Hurley, before climbing to High Wood CS Map 31 Chilterns, from Hitchin and Hexton at one end to Goring and and then turning west to join the Knowl Hill Bucks Mapledurham at the other. Bridleway Circuit. The walk then descends to the Thames and heads east back to the car park. No stiles and one brief climb near the start. Every kind of footpath, bridleway and other right of way is VERY Stephen Groves 01494 684880/07843 381971 clearly picked out, so you can get the most out of walking, riding Sun 17 Please note this walk starts at 10.30am. Park in Explorer 182 the overflow car park at the British Garden Centre GR 031114 and running in the Chilterns. (formally Wyevale) Pipers Hill, Great Gaddesden 1 CS Map 20 The maps are 2 /2 inches to 1 mile (approx. 1:25000) scale, HP1 3BY. Gates open at 10am. A 5.1 mile walk Herts taking in three houses. Initially we walk along the and even come with up to four walks detailed on the back. Most River Gade, before ascending past Gaddesden of them are in colour, and prices range from £1.95 to £2.99. The House and The Golden Parsonage. We return via the grounds of The Hoo. One stile. Walk 3 in the maps are available direct from the Society and in outlets across 50 Great Walks book. the Chilterns, including garden centres, pubs, shops and tourist John Lavender (Mobile on the day only 07546 245847) information centres. Wed 20 No walk arranged at present. Please check the Society website for updates. Sun 24 Meet at the lay-by in Little Hampden, at the top Explorer 181 of the hill, HP16 9PS (opposite the red-brick GR 857040 houses). A lovely 6.25 ridge walk with woodland CS Map 3 Reporting path problems sections, via Dunsmore. Great views from Bucks In normal circumstances please report any path problem to our Coombe Hill. One short ascent at the beginning Rights of Way Group Area Secretary covering the parish, who of the walk. No stiles. will then either take remedial action or prompt the appropriate Sue Brown 07815 310552 Wed 27 Meet at The White Hart, Whelpley Hill (nr Landranger Highway Authority to do it. Information about the Area Chesham) HP5 3RL – good parking at the pub. 165 Secretaries is shown on the Society’s website. A 5.8 mile walk, mainly over open fields to Lye GR 999039 If however you come across something which you feel is a Green then Tylers Hill, Ley Hill, Jasons Hill and CS Map 17 safety hazard needing to be handled with special urgency back to Whelpley Hill. Contrary to the place Bucks please make that known direct to the Highway Authority names, this is a very flat walk with no stiles and responsible for the location (their details are shown below). If the usual lovely countryside. Paul Cooke 07901 516342 you do inform the Highway Authority direct, it would greatly Sun 31 Park roadside in Wilstone village and meet Explorer 181 help if you also informed our Area Secretary. outside The Half Moon HP23 4PD. An easy 6 mile GR 903142 Central Bedfordshire CC 0300 300 8308 walk with no stiles, along the Aylesbury Canal to CS Map 18 Marsworth, the main Grand Union, Wendover Arm Herts Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ and Wilstone Reservoir. If you wish to eat in the Preferably report online: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov. pub, please book a table for 1pm (01442 826410). uk/leisure/countryside/rights-of-way/public.aspx, identifying This walk is also being offered to the Chiltern the path number by use of the map on that site; otherwise by Walking Festival. email to [email protected]. Peter Hetherington 07767 647714 Luton BC 01582 510333 Fax: 01582 547177 JUNE Highway Maintenance, Luton Borough Council, Town Hall, Wed 3 Meet outside the café at the National Trust Visitor Explorer 181 George Street, Luton LU1 2BQ Centre, Ashridge HP4 1LX – café opens at 10am. GR 971131 [email protected]. There’s a car park adjacent to the café. The 6 mile CS Map 19 walk to Ivinghoe Beacon and back visits historic Herts Hertfordshire CC (excluding Dacorum) 01992 555279 Bronze Age Barrows and an Iron Age Hill Fort. Rights of Way, County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8DN Spectacular views and geology. No stiles, but [email protected]. some steep ascents and descents. Brian Bowman 01844 290346 Hertfordshire (Dacorum BC) 01442 228356 Sun 7 Meet at small lay-by on left on approach road Explorer 181 Countryside Access Officer, Cupid Green Depot, into Henton just off B4009, near OX39 4AQ. GR 763022 Redbourn Rd, Hemel Hempstead HP2 7BA Allow a couple of hours for this very easy circular CS Map 14 walk round the outskirts of Henton and then Oxon [email protected]. towards Forty Green. Some stiles and farm tracks. Excellent views of the Chiltern escarpment and the Buckinghamshire CC 0845 230 2882 opportunity to visit one of the quietest Chiltern Rights of Way (Operations), County Hall, hamlets on the border between Oxfordshire and Walton St. Aylesbury HP20 lUY Buckinghamshire. Dogs are very welcome, but but if at all possible online at: need to be on a lead because we’ll probably transportforbucks.net/report-it-prow.aspx encounter lambs and possibly game birds. Alan Brawn 07909 056337 Oxfordshire CC Wed 10 Meet at The Flower Pot Hotel, Aston RG9 3DG – Explorer 171 Path and bridleway problems should be reported using the best reached down Aston Lane from the A4130 GR 784843 online interactive reporting system: Henley road past Hurley. Park in the hotel car park if CS Map 11 http://publicapps.oxfordshire.gov.uk/content/publicnet/ eating, and arrive in time to order before the walk. Oxon council_services/environment_planning/countryside/Map/ Otherwise park sensibly along the narrow lanes. A ROW/row.html, or use the quick link: www.tinyurl.com/ gentle 5 mile stile-free walk over Remenham Hill, gsbpw4y. then on flat terrain along the Thames. General Rights of Way enquiries 01865 810226 Peter Hill 01494 864878

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