Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2014-2019 A Framework for Action

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2014 - 2019

This Management Plan complies with the Chilterns Conservation Board Contents following legislation and guidance: The Lodge, 90 Station Road • The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, Part 4 Section 89 Page • The Strategic Environmental Chinnor Assessment Regulations (SI 1633) 2004 Ministerial Foreword 2 • The Conservation (Natural Habitats Oxon OX39 4HA etc.) Regulations 1994 (as amended Foreword 3 by The Conservation (Natural Habitats Tel: 01844 355500 etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007) Vision 4 • Guidance for the Review of AONB Email: [email protected] Management Plans published by The Introduction 6 Countryside Agency 2006 Website: www.chilternsaonb.org Section 1 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty 15

Landscape 16

Farming, forestry and other land management 29

Biodiversity 39

Water environment 50

Historic environment 59

Development 70

Section 2 Understanding and enjoyment 80

Section 3 Social and economic well-being 90

Section 4 Integration of cross-cutting themes with Management Plan policies 96 Cover image: Sheep at Aston Rowant Section 5 Engagement Plan 98 National Nature Reserve, Oxon Section 6 Implementation and monitoring 106 Photo credits: Chilterns Conservation Board, Chris Smith, Clive Ormonde, John Abbreviations 110 Morris Glossary 111

ISBN 978-1-908277-03-9

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2014 - 2019 Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2014 - 2019 Page 1 Ministerial Foreword Foreword

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural (AONBs) are some of our finest landscapes. Beauty (AONB) is nationally-protected as They are cherished by residents and visitors one of the finest areas of countryside in alike and allow millions of people from all the UK. It is a living landscape, shaped by walks of life to understand and connect nature and the activities of man. The future with nature. well-being of the Chilterns is dependent on everyone working together to conserve and I am pleased to see that this management enhance this special area. plan demonstrates how AONB Partnerships and Conservation Boards can continue to This Management Plan provides the framework protect these precious environments despite to enable us to, collectively, maximise our the significant challenges they face. With a effectiveness in managing the Chilterns AONB. changing climate, the increasing demands of a It sets out the special qualities of the area, growing population and in difficult economic presents a vision of the AONB, identifies the times, I believe AONBs represent just the sort challenges and identifies policies and actions of community driven, collaborative approach to guide the work of all of those who care for needed to ensure our natural environment is the area over the next five years (2014-19). maintained for generations to come. The law requires that AONBs have a AONB Partnerships and Conservation Boards management plan in place. Even without have been the architects of a landscape-scale this statutory requirement there are good approach to land management. This approach reasons to produce one. The Plan is a collective is a key feature of the Government’s Natural expression of the interests and wishes of many Environment White Paper and emphasises the individuals and organisations and it is only need to manage ecosystems in an integrated with this input that it can truly be a plan for the fashion, linking goals on wildlife, water, soil whole AONB. and landscape, and working at a scale that respects natural systems. AONBs are, and will continue to be, landscapes There are many challenges ahead in the period We are fortunate to live and work in such a of change. Management plans such as this this Plan covers including: the uncertainties wonderful part of England. This Plan will help This management plan also makes the are vital in ensuring these changes are for of climate change; the spread of pests and us all to care for it better on behalf of future important connection between people the better. I would like to thank all those who diseases; the need for more houses; the generations. and nature. I am pleased to hear that local were involved in bringing this plan together demand for new development and the communities have been central to the and I wish you every success in bringing it to continuing aspiration to get more people development of the plan, and will be at the fruition. to enjoy and appreciate the great outdoors. heart of its delivery. From volunteers on nature Should Parliament give the go ahead for conservation projects, to businesses working High Speed 2, it is essential that everything is to promote sustainable tourism, it’s great to done to minimise the damage and disruption, hear of the enthusiasm and commitment of ideally by putting the railway in a full length the local people who hold their AONBs so dear. tunnel under the AONB. Mike Fox Chairman Lord de Mauley Chilterns Conservation Board Minister for Natural Environment and Science

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2014 - 2019 Page 2 Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2014 - 2019 Page 3 A Vision for the Chilterns Area of The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty should be an area where: Outstanding Natural Beauty Understanding and enjoyment The Management Plan is based on a vision for the Chilterns AONB in which: The River Thames and its valley provide attractive landscape, recreational opportunities and Increase understanding and enjoyment enhanced wildlife habitat.

Opportunities to expand, enhance and enjoy The public rights of way, including the Ridgeway natural beauty are created and taken. and Thames Path National Trails, are well- managed and easily used providing attractive Local people and visitors can easily appreciate networks of routes popular with walkers, cyclists and enjoy its special qualities. and horse-riders.

Those who live, work, visit and enjoy the area also want to be its custodians and stewards.

The knowledge, skills and resources needed to manage the AONB as a nationally important landscape are readily available. Natural beauty The potentially adverse impacts of pests, diseases Chalk grassland is more extensive, creating more and climate change are avoided or minimised. Conserve and enhance the natural beauty open downland with thriving populations of its

special wildlife. Its special and unique character is conserved, cared for and cherished for future generations to Woodland is well-managed and productive, enjoy. growing high quality timber as well as providing High quality visitor information and natural spaces for recreation and a home for The importance of taking a landscape-wide environmental education programmes are widely wildlife. available. approach to its management is accepted, which combines an understanding of its Chalk streams have enhanced flows along More local people and visitors become active natural, historical, cultural, social and economic their natural river beds and provide a healthy characteristics. volunteers to help care for all parts of the environment for their specialised wildlife. Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The setting of the Chilterns is valued and Local farms are thriving businesses which help to Tranquillity is conserved and where noise is a protected by ensuring development adjacent to maintain landscapes and wildlife habitats. the AONB also respects its national importance. problem, peace and quiet is restored, in particular by reducing noise generated by road traffic, over- The historic environment, including the The historic and cultural environment of the flying aircraft and trains. numerous hillforts, is conserved, enjoyed and Chilterns is conserved and appreciated widely. appreciated. The impact of transport infrastructure and traffic is reduced, with more people walking, cycling and Common land is valued, enjoyed and well- using public transport. managed with larger areas of open landscape Foster social and economic well-being and better conserved heritage features.

The health and well-being of local people and New buildings, utilities and transport visitors is enhanced by their enjoyment of the infrastructure are designed and built to area. high environmental standards that respect the character of the built environment and The potential of a high quality natural the character, setting and tranquillity of the environment to provide a high quality living landscape. environment for local communities and businesses is realised. More new buildings are constructed using traditional materials and vernacular architectural There is a thriving market for environmentally- styles. sustainable local produce which contributes to the viability of land management and enterprises. There is a place for modern and innovative building and structural design which respects the setting and wider landscape.

The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Introduction

The special qualities of the Chilterns AONB Chilterns AONB boundary above 250m 200 - 250m 150 - 200m Chiltern maps again, sorry! the maps where yellow needs changing are: 100 - 150m Barton-le-Clay > Aonb (first map) 50 - 100m Hexton > Woodland cover 0 - 50m > Designated sites (biodiversity) Lilley > Historic parks and gardens Leighton Buzzard Dunstable Hitchin River Thames > Chiltern commons other Water Courses > Recreation and access

Whipsnade LUTON River Gade Markyate Grand Union Canal Harpenden Aylesbury Tring Aldbury Gaddesden Wendover R. Bulbourne River Ver

Thame Berkhamsted Princes Kingwood Common Risborough HEMEL HEMPSTEAD R. Misbourne Chesham Oxfordshire Chinnor Gt. Missenden River Chess Hughenden Stream Amersham Stokenchurch Naphill R. Wye Watlington High Wycombe 1.1. In 1965 an area of 800 sq kms of the 3. 3. There is an extensive network of Turville Lane End Chiltern Hills was designated as an Area protected sites within the AONB, Wallingford Hamble Beaconsfield of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). including 63 Sites of Special Scientific Brook Later, following a review of the boundary Interest (SSSI), three National Nature Nettlebed Marlow the AONB was enlarged to 833 sq kms in Reserves and three European-designated 1990. Natural England has recently lifted Special Areas of Conservation. In 2012 R. Thames Woodcote Maidenhead its de facto moratorium of the review of 98.7% of the Chilterns’ SSSIs were in Goring Henley-on-Thames N boundaries of AONBs and there may well favourable or recovering condition. be an opportunity during the lifetime of R. Thames this Plan to consider proposals to change 4. 4. The Chilterns is one of the most densely the existing boundary. wooded parts of the UK with nearly 0 5 10 Kilometres 22% woodland cover of which two 2.2. The Chilterns AONB was designated thirds is ancient woodland - the highest 0 6 Miles READING for the natural beauty of its landscape proportion in the country. The AONB also and its natural and cultural heritage. In has a nationally-important concentration c Crown copyright and database rights particular, it was designated to protect its of high quality chalk grassland with over [2014] Ordnance Survey Licence no. 100044050 special qualities which include the steep 700 ha. chalk escarpment with areas of flower- rich downland, woodlands, commons, 5. 5. Commons are amongst the most tranquil valleys, the network of ancient characteristic features of the AONB – routes, villages with their brick and flint part of its social and cultural heritage houses, chalk streams and a rich historic - accessible green places for recreation environment of hillforts and chalk figures. and public enjoyment and home to a wide diversity of wildlife. Today there are

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2016 ha of registered common land in the 3. 3. In fulfilling these purposes, the Board has increase the amount of environmental 5.5. For clarification, the implementation AONB – around 2.4% of the total area. a duty to seek to foster the economic and data on the AONB which will be published of the actions identified in the Plan for social well-being of local communities in the annual State of the Environment the AONB will require the collaboration 6. 6. Some of the Chilterns’ most distinctive within the AONB, without incurring Report and will contribute to monitoring of many organisations - it is not a natural features are its chalk rivers and significant expenditure. of the Plan’s progress. work programme for the Chilterns streams, fed by groundwater from the Conservation Board alone. Inevitably, chalk aquifer. A globally scarce habitat, 4. 4. In practice, where there is a conflict 3.3. The Management Plan for the AONB for the programme will be affected by the chalk rivers support a range of specialised between conserving the special qualities 2014-2019 contains a number of broad priorities of each partner and availability wildlife and in the Chilterns provide a of the Chilterns and its use or enjoyment, aims for the management of the Chilterns of resources. In recent years many of home for the threatened water vole. the Board will give greater weight to its AONB. The more detailed policies and those bodies which will take a major role Another significant water feature of the conservation. actions in the Plan outline how these have less public funding available, a trend area, the River Thames, forms much of the aims will be achievedthis by theto Board replace and all likely fig to continue on for page some time. This 11 5. 5. There are 27 members of the Board: southern boundary of the AONB. other parties with an interest in the AONB. shortage of resource combined with an 13 are appointed by the 13 local increased political emphasis on economic 7. 7. The Chilterns is possibly the most heavily- authorities in the Chilterns AONB, eight 4. The aims, policies and actions in the 4. growth rather than environmental visited landscape in the UK with 55 million are appointed by the Secretary of State Plan have been formulated by the Board conservation will, inevitably, restrict the leisure visits a year1. Visitors come to enjoy for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in consultation with a wide range of level of ambition and delivery that can be over 2000 km of public rights of way, the and six are elected by parish and town organisations and individuals. During achieved in practice. Ridgeway and the Thames Path National councils in the AONB. the Plan’s lifetime the Board will guide its Trails, the Chiltern Way and the recently implementation and will be responsible opened Chilterns Cycleway and many 6. 6. The Board has a small staff team based in for undertaking many of the actions in Chinnor in Oxfordshire. It is also assisted more special routes. it, in partnership with others. However, National Parks Northumberland Coast by volunteers who lead guided walks, Northumberland the Plan is not solely for the Board but The Broads 8. 8. The area is rich in history with ancient give talks, help at events and carry out is a guide for local authorities, statutory man-made features scattered through project work. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty agencies, local organisations, landowners, 0 50km the countryside and a legacy of grand businesses, communities and all those Solway houses and designed landscapes from Coast whose activities influence the AONB. North Pennines th th Lake the 17 and 18 centuries. There are District Chilterns AONB Management Plan North York 122 Scheduled Ancient Monuments in Yorkshire Moors Dales the AONB and 15 parks and gardens on 1. 1. The CRoW Act places a duty on all local

English Heritage’s register. There are 2,149 Howardian authorities which include an AONB, and Arnside and Hills Silverdale listed buildings, of which 140 are Grade I Conservation Boards, where they exist, Nidderdale and II*, and 94 Conservation Areas. Forest of to produce a plan which outlines their Bowland policies for the management of the AONB and how they will carry out their

Peak Lincolnshire The Chilterns Conservation Board functions in relation to it. Management District Wolds plans must be reviewed at least every 1. 1. The Chilterns Conservation Board five years. The previous Plan covered the Norfolk Coast Cannock Chase was established by Parliamentary period 2008-13. The Broads Shropshire Order in 2004. It is one of the first two Hills 2. 2. An ongoing difficulty is monitoring Conservation Boards (the other is for the Suffolk Coast and Heaths the actual changes to the landscape Malvern Cotswolds) set up under the Countryside Hills Dedham and Rights Of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 and how they affect its quality. The Vale

Wye Conservation Board prepares an annual Cotswolds which enabled the establishment of Valley independent statutory bodies to manage State of the Environment Report based Chilterns AONBs. on a number of locally selected indicators Mendip North Hills Wessex and using the best available information. Downs Kent Downs Quantock Hills 2. 2. The Board has two statutory purposes: Ideally such a report would be based Surrey Hills North Devon Cranbourne Chase and New on a combination of local and national Exmoor West Wiltshire Forest High Weald Downs Blackdown • to conserve and enhance the natural indicators to enable comparisons with Hills Dartmoor South Downs beauty of the AONB; and Tamar Dorset Chichester other areas using up to date information. Valley Harbour East Devon It is an objective of the new Plan to Isle of Wight • to increase the understanding and Cornwall enjoyment of the special qualities of the South Devon AONB. 1 2007 Chilterns Leisure Visitor Survey

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Global, national and regional Influences on the natural beauty of ahead a full-length bored tunnel would Changes in farming context of the AONB the Chilterns AONB be the least damaging option. 9.9. The landscape of the Chilterns is 1. 1. The Chilterns AONB is one of 46 AONBs Development 5. 5. The threat of a significantly greater dominated by farmland and woodland, in the UK, which together cover 18% of number of overflying aircraft is growing and changes in these land uses have a the countryside. The AONB designation 1. 1. There has long been pressure on the as a result of the plan by the operators major influence on the natural beauty of was created by the National Parks and Chiltern Hills for development and of Luton airport to double the number the area. The reform of the EU Common Access to the Countryside Act of 1949, for changes in land use which would of passengers using the airport from 10 Agricultural Policy and the introduction which also established the National Park have a deleterious effect on the quality million per annum to nearly 20 million. of new agri-environment schemes in the designation. The aim was that the two of the landscape. It was partly these UK are affecting farming. The vagaries 6. 6. Currently there are no plans to locate designations would protect the finest pressures which led to the designation of the climate are proving an ever wind farms in the Chilterns or for countryside in England and Wales. In of the area as an AONB in 1965. In more increasing challenge with extremes of ‘fracking’. However that may change June 2000 the Government confirmed recent times the pressures have grown, weather becoming more frequent with and such activities may be sited that AONBs and National Parks have the leading to a greater-than-ever need for a potentially significant consequences. immediately adjacent to the AONB. Any same level of landscape quality and share comprehensive and widely-implemented Experience has shown that when proposal should be assessed in terms the same level of protection. Management Plan. farming is more profitable there is of its impact on the AONB and unless it greater investment in environmental 2. 2. AONBs are part of the global network of 2. 2. The recent introduction of the new can be proven that the environmental conservation. The pressure on profit protected landscapes. The International National Planning Policy Framework impacts are acceptable there should be a margins together with a relative decline Union for the Conservation of Nature to encourage more development is presumption in favour of refusal. in grant-aid is likely to have a negative and Natural Resources (IUCN) has six intended to relax planning policies and impact on some aspects of the farmed Visitor pressure management categories covering controls to stimulate house building environment. in particular. Great care will be needed all types of protected areas. AONBs 7. 7. Sitting on London’s doorstep, and to ensure that this does not lead to a 10.10. Loss of traditional management practices (and National Parks) fall into Category immediately adjacent to several large proliferation of designs which do not - in particular grazing – and the almost V – landscapes managed mainly for towns, the Chilterns provides highly reflect the traditional Chilterns styles and total cessation of ‘commoning’ (the conservation and recreation. valued landscapes and places to escape use of materials. A return to the universal exercise of common rights) have affected to. It is a place which has to cope with 3.3. The Chilterns Conservation Board is design prevalent during much of the 20th the open habitats often associated with growing populations and increasing a member of Europarc, the umbrella century would be greatly damaging to common land. traffic levels as well as pressures for organisation for Europe’s protected areas. the AONB. The national policies highlight development which come right up to As a protected landscape the Chilterns the need to ensure AONBs are given Changes in forestry the boundary. Luton, Aylesbury and the AONB, along with other AONBs, is playing suitable protection, which will need Thames Corridor have been identified as 11.11. The long term decline in the market for a key role in the implementation of the vigilance and persistence on the part of part of growth areas by the Government UK timber has had a pronounced effect European Landscape Convention, ratified local planning authorities. and will see population increases in on the Chiltern woodlands, with many by the UK in 2006. The Convention the coming years, which will result in suffering from a lack of management. aims to improve the protection and 3. 3. The pressures for development and a greater number of people travelling The ageing beech woodlands no longer management of important landscapes the long urban fringe along the AONB through the AONB and using it for produce significant volumes of timber and to increase co-operation across boundary means there will be continuing recreation. The consequent demand and are more valuable as places for Europe. pressure which may lead to urbanisation, illegal activities such as fly tipping and for road improvements and greater recreation than as a part of the rural 4. 4. The Board is an active member of problems for landowners especially infrastructure at countryside sites could economy. However, the growing demand the National Association for AONBs those who wish to continue commercial have a damaging effect on the AONB so for wood as a renewable fuel has which represents the interests of farming. This pressure may also lead to needs to be appropriately managed. stimulated the improved management of the designation and those bodies loss of tranquillity due to increases in some woodlands. Use of water responsible for them at a national level. noise from roads, railways, aircraft and the general background noise created in 8. 8. Greater development close to the 5.5. The Board also participates in the South built up areas. Chilterns, and some inevitable East Protected Landscapes group to development within the area, will lead develop collaborative initiatives across 4. 4. The specific impact of High Speed 2 on to more consumption of scarce water the region and to develop working the Misbourne Valley and communities resources. Abstraction of water for relationships with a range of regional of Great Missenden, Hyde Heath, South domestic use already has an impact on partners. There is further scope for Heath and Wendover will be severe. Chilterns streams and rivers and it is vital collaborative working in the East of The current proposed alignment and that public demand for water is managed England. design are far from the best available. If sustainably. Parliament decides the railway should go

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Pests and diseases Cross-cutting themes of the These changes have the potential to affect the 4. Lifelong learning Management Plan landscape, wildlife and communities of the 12. 12. The number of potentially damaging Chilterns in many ways. For example, in future Lifelong learning is the concept of providing pests and diseases threatening A number of important themes, which the Chilterns woods may well have less beech people with learning opportunities at all ages woodlands, in particular, has grown will have a significant influence on the and ash (if any) and more lime, sycamore and and in many different contexts: at work, at significantly. The long standing problem management of the AONB over the next five even walnut. home and during leisure pursuits as well as of damage by grey squirrels and deer years, cut across all the chapters of the Plan. through more formal channels such as adult is now compounded by the threat They are: The range of crops grown by farmers will education. It is a Government priority and one from a number of diseases including change and there may be more growing of which ties in with the Conservation Board’s ash dieback, acute oak decline and • climate change biofuels, although concerns over the security primary purpose of increasing understanding sudden oak death. These diseases will of food supplies may affect that market. and enjoyment of the Chilterns AONB. With dramatically change the tree species • social inclusion Flows in rivers and streams could become greater understanding comes a sense of composition of local woods and will more erratic and there will be changes in the ownership and of stewardship. The popularity result in other species being planted • health and well-being fauna and flora of all habitats. The impact of of the natural environment amongst the public which are likely to be less vulnerable to tourism is particularly unpredictable. People combined with the resources that the AONB • lifelong learning damage and also may cope better with may decide to holiday in the UK rather than offers such as wildlife, special habitats, history changes in climate. The aim is to create • ecosystem services to go abroad if the summer weather becomes and built heritage creates many opportunities more resilience against the effects of warmer and sunnier but, as in recent years, to stimulate understanding, develop skills and pests and diseases through the choice of • environmental sustainability poor weather may lead to fewer holidays taken encourage creative responses. species and management prescriptions. in the UK. For example this might mean more Many of these themes are integrated in the 5. Ecosystem services planting of lime, walnut and douglas fir. concept of green infrastructure (GI), which 2. Social inclusion aims to provide a high quality environment The environment provides many services in which contributes to the well-being of local The Chilterns AONB is a national treasure, the form of wildlife, water, minerals, public Chenies Manor near Amersham communities. protected for all to enjoy and it receives enjoyment, flood protection, food, timber and millions of visits every year. Despite this, other natural resources. This wide ranging and 1. Climate change there are many who could benefit from the interlinked array of services is now being given area and yet remain unaware of what it has better and more formal recognition in national A changing global climate, principally caused to offer, or who face obstacles in accessing it. environmental policies. A primary purpose of by human activities, is now regarded as an Ensuring that as wide an audience as possible this increased emphasis is to ensure that any indisputable fact by the Intergovernmental understands the special qualities of the AONB proposal which has an environmental impact Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)2. How much and takes an active part in enjoying and caring results in the assessment of those impacts global temperatures will rise and how quickly for it is essential to the future of the area. The on the full range of ecosystem services and are still under debate, but there is a broad Management Plan seeks to achieve this in a a full value thereby being accorded to those consensus of opinion on the likely changes to variety of ways including reaching out to those services. the climate of southern England, and therefore in urban areas close to the Chilterns, improving the Chilterns AONB, over the next few decades. public participation in conservation activities 6. Environmental sustainability The likely long term changes are: and increasing awareness of the AONB and its The Earth’s resources, in simple terms, fall special qualities amongst those who are not • summers will become warmer and drier into those which can be renewed and those regular visitors at the moment. which cannot and will be exhausted unless • winters will become milder and wetter 3. Health and well-being their use ceases. The favoured approach is to give priority to minimising use of non- • storm events will become more Rising obesity levels and the ever-increasing renewable resources and increasing reliance in frequent costs of healthcare have prompted a much those which are renewable. The most obvious • weather generally will become more greater emphasis on preventative health examples are in the field of energy with more unpredictable solutions. There is an increasing perception of energy conservation, reduced reliance on fossil the countryside, and green space in general, fuels and greater generation of solar power. Even short to medium term climatic cycles may as a place which offers tangible benefits to It is not anticipated that wind turbines will be be uncertain but there is consensus on the health and well-being. The value of protected located in the AONB. Much greater use will likely long term trends. countryside, like AONBs, in providing walking, be made of wood fuel, not least as very large cycling and riding routes and a tranquil rural volumes are likely to be available if, and when, escape from stressful lives is increasingly being the area is affected by ash dieback. seen in economic and social terms as well as 2 IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change (2007) environmental.

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The primary purpose of designating an area of countryside as an AONB is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of its landscape. In this sense, the term ‘natural beauty’ refers not only to the scenic qualities of the landscape but to all those other elements which together produce the special character of the AONB. These elements include wildlife and man- made features such as its archaeological and built heritage.

This section seeks to unpick the special qualities of the Chilterns AONB and to define the key issues which are affecting them. It is divided into chapters reflecting all the components which combined create the unique sense of place of the Chilterns, namely:

• Landscape • Farming, forestry and other land management • Biodiversity • Water environment • Historic environment • Development

Dunstable Downs

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Landscape character Landscape Character Landscape

Introduction

Escarpment Scarp Scarp Foothills Landscapes Vale Fringes Arterial Valleys River Valley Barton-le-Clay Landscapes Chess Valley Hexton Level Plateau Plateau and Leighton Buzzard Lilley Plateau with Valleys Dip Slope Dunstable Hitchin Valleys and Ridges Landscapes Rolling Plateau Thames Fringes The Thames LUTON Thames Floodplain Valley Markyate Harpenden Aylesbury Tring Aldbury Wendover Gaddesden Tring Dawn at Wendover Ivinghoe Beacon Thame Princes A4010 Berkhamsted HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Risborough Princes Chesham Risborough Chinnor Gt. Missenden

Naphill Amersham Amersham Stokenchurch 1. The landscape of the Chiltern Hills the Chilterns landscape character is Watlington High Wycombe is defined by the chalk escarpment currently within the AONB. However, in High Wycombe which runs from Goring-on-Thames several places the Chilterns landscape north-eastwards to Hitchin - a distance extends beyond the area currently Wallingford Beaconsfield of 50 miles. At its highest point, near designated as AONB and there may be a

Nettlebed Wendover, it reaches nearly 900 feet. The case for re-considering whether some of Marlow steep scarp slope faces to the north west; this landscape should also be designated. R. Thames Maidenhead the dipslope appears more like a plateau, Woodcote 3. On a global scale chalk is a rare form Goring Henley-on-Thames gently shelving to the south east, incised Goring by shallow valleys, some with chalk of geology, laid down during the streams flowing to the River Colne and Cretaceous Era (65 - 100 million years R. Thames N River Thames.1 To the south and west it ago), and is most commonly found in the is the Thames Valley which provides a south and east of England and north- natural boundary. west France, but almost nowhere else. 0 5 10 Kilometres The Chilterns shares many characteristics READING 0 6 Miles 2. Whilst all of the Chiltern Hills are within a with other chalk landscapes in the Surrey single National Character Area (No.110)2 Hills, North and South Downs, North as defined by Natural England, not all of Wessex Downs, Wiltshire and beyond the Chiltern Hills have been designated into Dorset. A large proportion of these c Crown copyright and database rights as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. special landscapes have been designated [2014] Ordnance Survey Licence no. 100044050 A central core deemed to contain the as either Areas of Outstanding Natural finest landscape and which best exhibits Beauty or National Parks.

1 The Chilterns Landscape: Countryside Commission CCP392 1992 2 National Character Area Profile: 110 Chilterns (Natural England 2013)

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4. Chalk is an unseen geology with few 9. The attractiveness of the Chilterns smaller fragments and now only covers by pollarded willows and remnants of natural outcrops and is generally landscape, the proximity of London and 1% of the AONB, of which less than half meadows and former watercress beds, only exposed in quarries, now largely several large towns and the high level is considered high quality calcareous once a common sight and thriving local redundant. It was little used for of accessibility of the countryside have grassland important for its biodiversity. industry. construction, except in the manufacture made the Chilterns one of the most of cement, and only the relatively hard visited areas in the UK, possibly Europe. 2. The main ridge of the escarpment 8. The folds of the landscape hide many forms of chalk known as Totternhoe And yet the intimate enclosed nature provides fine long views across the lower small dry valleys or coombs with no Stone and Clunch were used in local of much of the landscape and the large lying vales to the north and west. To the springs or streams. These places provide buildings. number of places with public access have south, views are more restricted by dense hidden ’secret’ landscapes and unspoilt spread the visitor pressure, enabling it to woodland and low-lying ridges. countryside. 5. The landscape is a combination of the absorb that level of use without suffering 3. The underlying chalk ridge is covered by 9. Commons, heaths and greens are a landform created by underlying chalk from the problems of degradation and several feet of clay with flints, but along defining characteristic of the Chilterns and the land uses and buildings on its erosion that other well-visited landscapes the ridge the chalk lies near the surface landscape covering 2.4% of the surface, which owe more to the clay and commonly suffer from. flint which overlie it. The heavy clay soils and is peppered with quarries, small and landscape (2,016 ha). However, they support extensive woodland cover and 10. There is no single Landscape Character large, now largely redundant. were once more extensive, and many mixed farming on mostly medium quality Assessment (LCA) for the Chilterns AONB. have been lost to a combination of 4. The landscape of the Chilterns is given (Grade 3) land. There are also deposits The whole of the AONB is covered by a enclosure, urbanisation and woodland unity by its escarpment but there are of fire clay, suitable for commercial number of county- and district-based encroachment. Whilst open landscapes notable local variations. The northern brickmaking, and flint which lends such LCAs which have been undertaken over tend to be associated with common Chilterns are generally more open with distinction to all forms of building from a period of 15 years, using a similar land, a significant number of Chiltern larger fields and less woodland, also churches to cottages. specification, but not always identical. commons would originally have been a characteristic of the southern tip in woodland or wood pasture. 6. The landscape has largely been shaped the area known as the Ipsden prairie. by farmers and foresters and remains Broad Aims The central and southern Chilterns 10. Over 191 areas of registered common an ancient landscape with features are dominated by heavily wooded land still provide special landscapes from many ages. Even today, field and • Conserve and enhance the outstanding countryside with mixed farming and a largely untouched by development hedgerow patterns can be traced back qualities of the Area of Outstanding large number of scattered villages and and modern agriculture. Much of the many centuries as can most of the lanes, Natural Beauty as part of the national hamlets. Along the southern boundary common land in the Chilterns is in woodland banks and parish boundaries. landscape heritage. the hills come down to the Thames Valley close proximity to towns and villages, and the River Thames itself which forms a providing valued, easily accessible green 7. It is a landscape of many hidden quarters, • Maintain those features which make a long and sinuous boundary. spaces for local communities. Nearly 10% of enclosures and surprise views, of dark significant contribution to the character of the remaining common land in the beech woods and open downland. It is and quality of the area and to regional 5. Woodlands, notably beech, cover over AONB is ancient woodland. its variety and timelessness which give it and local distinctiveness. 18,000 hectares, nearly 22% of the AONB, such charm and places such a premium making it one of the most wooded 11. The Chilterns has an extensive network • Enhance and restore those parts of the on maintaining those special qualities. landscapes in England. Once the woods of ancient routes, roadside hedges and landscape which are degraded or in were home to bodgers and other sunken lanes. The Ridgeway (Icknield 8. Climate change will result in some decline. woodland workers but today are mainly Way), reputedly the oldest road in the significant changes to the landscape by valued for their amenity, wildlife and as country, is elevated along the entire • Enhance the level of awareness of what changing habitats and land uses, but places to visit. length of the Chilterns, linking Wessex makes the Chilterns landscape special over a relatively long timescale with few with East Anglia. and the desire to care for it. noticeable changes in the short term. 6. Farmland covers approximately 60% of 3 Over a period of 50 years or more the the Chilterns , creating a mosaic of fields 12. Villages and farmsteads with brick and most noticeable changes are likely to with arable crops and livestock, bordered flint cottages, churches and timber barns be an altered species composition of by ancient hedgerows and trees. A mix are scattered throughout the area. The woodland with less beech and a greater of crops, dairy cattle, sheep and pigs more ancient settlements tend to nestle variety of arable crops better suited Special Qualities was once commonplace, but grazing of alongside streams and rivers or springs to warmer conditions. Those qualities livestock is less prominent now and more at the foot of the escarpment. More which make the Chilterns a landscape of 1. A dramatic chalk escarpment rising to land is given over to arable farming. recent settlements sprung up on the national importance today will almost nearly 900 feet (272 metres) with flower- higher ground, strung along the edge of 7. Chalk landscapes are dry landscapes, certainly persist. rich downland and panoramic views. commons and beside droving routes. Once extensive, the downland survives in but in a few shallow valleys can be found gently-flowing streams, often bordered 13. The area boasts a wealth of great houses, follies, parkland and designed 3 Chilterns Land Use Survey 2010, CCB

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landscapes. Often built and embellished and oil seed rape. In general, it can to the next is affecting yields and, in most extensive sympathetic management. by statesmen and businessmen making be anticipated that many farmers will cases, profitability. Such uncertainty, Such land uses are often most prevalent their fortune in London, it is a trend increase their area of actively farmed together with the availability of grant on the outskirts of towns and villages, which continues to this day. Foremost land and the relative attraction of agri- support, will have an impact on related a perspective seen by large numbers of is the Prime Minister’s rural retreat at environment options will reduce. environmental management and the people for whom such a landscape may Chequers near Wendover. resources available for such activities. become the norm. 2. At the time of writing the reform of the 14. The Chilterns is a long settled landscape Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is 7. The potential for scrub to spread across 12. Many Chilterns commons are affected by with relics of many different eras: Bronze ongoing. Already announced by the open grassland landscapes is increasing the increasing demands for access and Age barrows and fields, Iron Age hillforts, UK Government is a new environmental due to a combination of the problem of recreation and changing public attitudes, medieval deer enclosures, eighteenth land management scheme to come into grazing sites and the potential for more for example towards grazing livestock century sawyer pits and chalk figures effect in January 2015, which combines rapid growth of scrub in those years close to towns and villages. carved in unknown times. environmental and forestry grants. It will when the weather is mild and growing be targeted instead of being available season is longer. 13. A continuing and largely unnoticed universally. At the time of writing it is not trend has been the loss, usually partial, known if all of the Chilterns AONB will be 8. For the foreseeable future the landscape of unregistered parks and gardens, for Key Issues a target area. will still be dominated by farming example around large houses now used and forestry and the spatial pattern of for institutions or businesses. There are many factors affecting the 3. The decline of livestock farming, of all land use is unlikely to alter directly as landscape and how it is managed. Often types, is leading to problems for the a consequence of climate change. It is Decline of cherry orchards the causes of change are complex and management of sites which need grazing more likely that, for example, the species the trends uncertain. The scale and 14. The once large number of cherry in order to retain their biodiversity composition of woodlands may change - variety of the Chilterns landscape means orchards continues to decline to the and landscape qualities. There is little the general appearance will be similar to that trends and issues affect different point they are now a fast vanishing likelihood of a reversal of this trend as the woodlands of today but will become parts in different ways. Perhaps as much feature of the landscape. There is a farmers give up livestock and increasingly more varied over time. as at any other time, global factors and growing interest in conserving and choose to concentrate on growing trends are influencing the Chilterns as, restoring some of the best examples to cereals or leave farming altogether. Attitude of owners for example, farmers respond to world ensure this element of the traditional prices for grain and landowners from 4. Although the number of full-time 9. There is evidence of the amalgamation Chilterns rural scene is not lost and overseas invest funds in newly acquired farmers is declining there are many more of farm units to create bigger businesses forgotten. Recently there has been a estates. Increasing numbers of pests and small agricultural holdings reflecting with an increasing use of contractors. welcome small increase in the area of diseases, many new to the UK, are now the relative popularity of hobby and One consequence is that those who apple orchards. posing a serious and long term threat to part-time farming. In some places this make the main decisions have less Fragmentation of land ownership wildlife, farming and forestry. is leading to a fragmentation of the time, and sometimes knowledge, of the landscape with smaller fields, new environmental options available to them. Changes to farming 15. The continuing fragmentation of buildings and a greater diversity of 10. As new owners buy land they often place the landscape by transfer to smaller activity in a smaller area. Inevitably not all 1. The growth of arable farming in response higher priority on leisure and amenity holdings is affecting the scale and of these new holdings are well managed to the world price of cereals is likely to than production. This is partly behind nature of management of land. Such and some detract from landscape quality. be a factor for several years as concerns the expansion of the area covered by fragmentation also highlights the nature about food security grow and demand of intervening land, for example between Climate change pony paddocks, extension of gardens increases from China, India and other and newly landscaped grounds. Often it fragments of chalk grassland or ancient countries. Traditional growers of grain 5. The changing climate with its extremes is accompanied by the spread of fencing, woodland. The links are important to may be affected increasingly by weather of weather may alter the landscape screening of all kinds and inappropriate allow wildlife to move around a larger extremes and climate change and as but predicting the nature of that shift clutter such as lights and temporary network of suitable habitat. prices rise above recent lows, farmers in is difficult. Examples of possible effects buildings. Under-management of woodland the Chilterns will grow crops for which include a reduction in the extent of they anticipate a steady if not increasing 11. The general growth of leisure uses, beech woodland, effects on the flows 16. Many types of woodland, especially market price. This is unlikely to lead to notably equestrian, has resulted in a of chalk streams and the introduction small woodlands, are under-managed, ploughing up of grassland important for significant number of horses, new pony of new crops in response to different even neglected. The long term decline its wildlife, as it once did, as these sites paddocks and associated buildings growing conditions. of timber prices, notably for beech, has are largely protected, but it will change and equipment. Also prominent in the depressed the market and is unlikely to the landscape, as has been seen, for 6. The increasing variability of the climate landscape are new and expanded golf change in the near future. However prices example, where short term grass leys with the associated difficulties of courses. Whilst they can provide high for fuel wood are increasing and helping have been converted to grow cereals predicting the weather from one season quality habitat this is dependent upon

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to stimulate management of woodland. Ageing beech woodlands enjoyment. This plan places considerable Landscape clutter A decline of skills and the availability of emphasis on the need to value the skilled contractors with the necessary 20. The changes to the many mature beech setting of the AONB as an integral part of 28. There is a tendency for clutter of all types machinery and transport is a concern, as woods may result in long term changes the efforts to conserve the landscape of (e.g. signs, masts, barriers and fences) is the loss of knowledge and experience in the woodland landscape. They will be the AONB itself and should be reflected to accumulate along roadsides, around of timber production. barely discernible in the short term, but in neighbouring Local Plans. settlements and along the skyline. It is already ash, which regenerated in the an insidious problem which is difficult Pests and diseases gaps left by beech trees blown down Development pressure but not impossible to reverse. The co- in the early 1990s, has changed the operation of the highways authorities is 17. The impact of pests and disease on trees, landscape by altering the colours and 25. Large numbers of new houses are essential as they are often responsible for woodlands and forestry will be profound. timing of flushing and leaf-fall. planned in surrounding towns and much of the clutter. The recent spread of ash dieback construction will affect the land adjacent (Chalara fraxinea) may have severe and 21. It is likely that beech will persist in to, and visible from, the Chilterns. Land Loss of tranquillity widespread impacts. It is likely that many, smaller pockets even through significant scheduled for development may be but not all, of the several million ash trees changes in climate, but it will no less well managed, even abandoned in 29. According to national surveys, half of all in the Chilterns will be affected in the longer be as dominant. The balance of anticipation of new development in the visitors to the countryside say that peace next 20 years. It should not lead to the woodland cover needs to slowly change relatively near future. Once created there and quiet is a primary reason for their loss of woodland cover if other species to reflect the tolerance of species to more may be a harder, more defined edge visit. The enjoyment of the landscape is naturally regenerate or are planted, extreme weather. If the Chilterns is to between town and country. The view being increasingly eroded by a loss of however a very severe loss will be the be a timber-producing area in the long from the ridge of the escarpment will tranquillity - peace and quiet is harder to larger mature ash trees in hedgerows term unfamiliar species may have to be be significantly affected in some places, find largely due to traffic noise, notably and along most roads. Its likely impact introduced. although green infrastructure provision the M40 and several of the trunk roads, is still uncertain and whilst many trees is an intrinsic part of the growth area and the increase in over-flying by aircraft may die others may survive. A positive Renewable energy strategies. The provision and long term of all types using Luton, Heathrow and programme of replacing those lost trees management of green infrastructure local airfields. The loss will intensify if the 22. Although it cannot be ruled out, it is will be needed otherwise the landscape, should be an integral component of proposal by Luton airport to double its unlikely there will be many applications particularly farmland, will be bereft planning any new development, both capacity goes ahead. The expansion of to erect wind turbines in the AONB due of mature trees for many years. Acute enhancing the new development itself Heathrow would also mean more over- to low wind speeds generally and the Oak Decline, Oak Processionary Moth and the way it is integrated with the flying aircraft at low altitudes. unacceptability of siting them along the and Phytophthora are also of particular surrounding area. skyline where wind speeds are higher. 30. The darkness of the night sky and concern for Chiltern woodlands. It is There may be places where relatively the absence of visual intrusiveness of essential that a considered approach, 26. A more immediate, but less obvious small turbines could be accommodated structures and buildings all add to a based on the best available scientific change in the landscape is the impact of without unacceptable intrusion in the sense of tranquillity; these are attributes advice, is taken and quick responses are building new houses on infill sites and landscape. which are over-looked and are being avoided. gardens in villages. Usually the resulting houses have small gardens and there is continuously and insidiously lost. If High 23. With growing pressure to increase 18. The widespread damage caused by less scope for trees to grow to maturity Speed 2 is built the corridor through generation of renewable energy excessive numbers of grey squirrels, and provide highly value amenity and which it passes will lose most of its there are likely to be more proposals deer (muntjac, fallow and increasingly screening. In some cases the infilling remaining tranquillity in all senses - it for solar farms, anaerobic digesters roe) together with localised problems itself and unsympathetic design of the would be largely protected if the railway and wood-fired systems. Providing caused by the edible dormouse (Glis glis) new development changes the character is in a continuous bored tunnel. they are on an appropriate scale in continues to hamper efforts to establish of the settlement. non-sensitive locations it is possible High Speed Two and grow trees, especially for timber. these forms of energy generation can 27. As the Chilterns landscape is a mosaic 31. The impact of High Speed 2 on the Removal of conifers be accommodated in the Chilterns of the natural and built environment Misbourne Valley will be severe and landscape, but these are important it is important that the design of permanent. At the time of writing the 19. Government policy to remove caveats. new buildings complements the impact of the current design with a long plantations, especially of conifers, from existing character of the landscape Setting of the AONB section on the surface crossing two ancient and semi-natural woods (PAWS) and settlement, especially where it is will help restore their natural qualities. viaducts cannot be adequately mitigated. 24. The potential impact of development in based on vernacular architecture. New Where existing conifers are important for The proposal to provide screening the area surrounding the AONB needs to designs must also exhibit the highest their amenity, for example by providing by using spoil from the cuttings to be given greater weight as inappropriate environmental standards in terms of winter greenery, a careful and phased create line-side embankments is not and poorly designed development can energy and water conservation. removal is advocated. an appropriate design solution in an significantly affect the AONB and its AONB. The loss of ancient woodland

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cannot be replaced by the proposed tree ensure that future generations benefit information and advice is available to Wycombe, Luton, Dunstable and planting, much of which will be planted from an equally high quality landscape. help ensure proposed changes are in Aylesbury where large numbers of new on farmland which should be kept in keeping with the special character of the houses and other developments will be agricultural use. L3 Local pride in the landscape and special AONB and its setting. built during the next 20 years. The design sense of place should be encouraged to and location of these buildings need to 32. The Conservation Board opposes High promote concern for their conservation. L6 Degraded aspects of the landscape be sensitive to the AONB, for example by Speed 2 because it is not convinced that should be enhanced including the not having excessively high or reflective The Chilterns is fortunate in that so an adequate case has been made that removal or mitigation of intrusive roofs. The impact of development many people and organisations are it is in the national interest. The Board development and features adjacent to the AONB will be significant concerned about its environmental also believes that it is possible to avoid in many ways including its visibility quality. The Chiltern Society alone has In some senses the Chilterns is a busy the AONB with changes to the design from many popular sites. It is important over 6,500 members and the Wildlife landscape with a large number of specification, notably the line speed. The that appropriate landscape and visual Trusts, National Trust and RSPB amongst buildings, structures and, what some Board believes that if the railway is finally assessments are undertaken. given the go ahead by Parliament, it others are well supported. Together might call, clutter. Such clutter comes should be in a full length bored tunnel as with local authorities, including 117 in many forms and can include: masts, L8 Landscapes close to existing and it passes through the Chilterns. town and parish councils and voluntary signs, fences, utilities infrastructure new areas of development should and community groups, there are many and highways structures. It tends to be maintained and enhanced to organisations with powers, resources accumulate rather than be removed even conserve, enhance and extend: natural and a willingness to work to conserve after its useful life has ended. Sometimes capital; green infrastructure; character Policies what is special about the Chilterns and to concerted effort is needed to bring about and amenity; biodiversity; and act as stewards of the landscape. These its removal by planning conditions, L1 The overall identity and character of opportunities for recreation. organisations and individuals all need regulations, advice, practical assistance or the Chilterns should be recognised and support to maintain their active roles. incentives. There is also scope to mitigate, The boundary of the AONB is long and managed positively. or even screen, less attractive structures sinuous, curling around many towns L4 The distinctive character of buildings, The main characteristics of the Chilterns and features where they are still in active and villages. The interface between rural settlements and their landscape landscape have been created by human use or are unlikely to be removed. the AONB and these communities is setting should be conserved and intervention. In most cases they need important and the quality of landscape enhanced. Similarly what was once regarded as an to be managed actively in order to in this belt is often under pressure. acceptable design is now considered Such problems may be compounded retain those qualities or restore natural A primary characteristic of the Chilterns out of place. The utilitarian and universal where new development is planned, characteristics which are in decline e.g. landscape is the large number of designs used by national utility resulting in less intensive management chalk downland, hedgerows, ancient attractive towns and villages, buildings, companies is a good example of when and additional pressures placed by woodlands, chalk streams, traditional farms, barns and churches. It is the a more sensitive and tailored approach new residents seeking to use adjacent cherry and apple orchards. combination of their charm and setting in would have been more appropriate for countryside for leisure and recreation. the landscape that contributes so much L2 There should be greater understanding an AONB. These places create what is being called to the special qualities of the Chilterns and awareness of local landscape green infrastructure and need to be and reinforces what is distinctive about Some developments have been character which contributes to local identified in advance and appropriate the area. constructed which, over time, now distinctiveness. management and investment put in look out of place by virtue of their place. The countryside close to home L5 Developments which detract from the location, scale or design. Whilst removal The main landscape types such as is often the most important, which Chilterns’ special character should be remains unlikely or impossible greater woodland, farmland, river valleys and means creating green spaces within the resisted. consideration should be given to downland are large in scale, but are development zones as well as adjacent mitigation to diminish those negative owned by large numbers of individuals, There are significant pressures to change to it. It is essential there is no reliance impacts. who often own small plots. The challenge the use of land, erect new buildings on sensitive sites, for example along the is to help all owners and managers to and structures, improve transport L7 The quality of the setting of the AONB scarp ridge, to provide green space in lieu be aware of the character of the wider infrastructure or expand economic and should be conserved by ensuring the of sites closer to new development. landscape and the context for their leisure activities. They can often be impact of adjacent development is own activities. It also highlights the satisfactorily accommodated without sympathetic to the character of the importance of managing boundary detriment to the landscape, but not Chilterns. features well and where possible, always. The town and country planning ensuring there are no intrusive system and other regulatory and The Chilterns is surrounded by many boundaries such as close board fencing advisory processes need to be in place market towns and the larger settlements in open countryside. This policy aims and applied to ensure that damaging of Reading, Hemel Hempstead, High to help current stewards of the land to changes are prevented. A great deal of

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L9 Multiple ecosystem services should Transport infrastructure has a major the AONB is for the railway to be in a be provided through landscape-scale impact on the landscape of the Chilterns. bored tunnel for its full length under activity. Over 300 roads cross the AONB boundary the Chilterns. In particular the current and four railways including the west proposal to deposit up to 12 million In a small country it is essential that land coast mainline. Many of the roads are tonnes of spoil in the AONB on farmland provides as many benefits as possible. In ancient in origin and are part of the is wholly unacceptable. the Chilterns this means ensuring that environmental and cultural heritage. in addition to any productive capacity Many roadsides are rich in wildlife Whilst it is known that a full length bored land may have it is part of a high quality and sunken lanes and milestones add tunnel (possibly with an intervention landscape, supports biodiversity, locks to the landscape. In recent years the gap) is technically feasible and desired up carbon, helps ensure clean supplies design and management of roads and by local people, it is possible that the of water as well as providing places other transport infrastructure has been Government will decide to retain the, for leisure and recreation. This may unsympathetic to the environment which largely, surface route through the seem very demanding but much of the has changed the landscape. Inevitably Chilterns in order to reduce the cost to Chilterns is capable of providing such the use of this infrastructure is a major itself. In which case, every effort should multiple benefits. This has long been the source of greenhouse gas emissions be made to avoid and mitigate the case but as demands on a limited area and speeding traffic in villages and in negative impacts. This has to be done of land continue to grow such multiple open countryside adds to the negative in such a way that the mitigation itself benefits (ecosystem services) need to be impacts. does not create unacceptable negative generated and may be a requirement in environmental impacts. This is desirable return for public funding. L12 The construction of High Speed 2, as both for the conservation of the special proposed in April 2014, is opposed qualities of the Chilterns AONB, and to A farmland L10 The cumulative impact of development because of the likely negative impacts demonstrate that significant weight landscape in the and land use change should not on the special qualities and character of is given by the Government to the Stonor Valley adversely affect landscape quality and the AONB. protection of nationally-designated character. landscapes with their heritage assets, a) Should HS2 be constructed it should ancient woodland and other sites and Often approval for new development be in a full-length bored tunnel under features of importance. where it is now found. Foresters will is given on its own merits and the the AONB in order to minimise the need to consider how to manage woods cumulative impact it represents is given impacts. L13 The management of the landscape to to make them more resilient to climate a much lower level of consideration. enable it to adapt to climate change change. For example, by making stands The effect over time can be negative by b) Should HS2 not be constructed and to help mitigate the causes should of trees less prone to wind throw, or creating a more crowded landscape with in a full length bored tunnel, then be promoted. planning for a modification of species an array of associated, often unplanned the negative impacts of the design composition to those more tolerant of or even unforeseen, features and should be mitigated to reflect fully The landscape of the Chilterns is dynamic predicted climate changes – for example structures. the Chilterns’ status as an AONB – a and one of the factors causing this is it is suggested that walnut might fare nationally protected landscape. the changing climate. For example, the better as a timber tree than beech. In Some forms of development, in particular low flows in chalk streams were, until general, natural regeneration is to be housing, can have an impact on the use The advice by the Conservation Board to recently, due to prolonged periods of encouraged as these systems cope best of surrounding land, for example, making Government has been that High Speed winter drought. The relative strength of with climate change. These adaptations it harder to farm or manage woodland 2 will have a severe and permanently climate change as a driver of change is will also help build resilience to the threat because of the public pressure. This effect negative impact on the special qualities likely to increase and be persistent over from pests and diseases. is particularly prevalent in the urban of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding a long time. It is unlikely there will be fringe where valued rural character can Natural Beauty; and its enjoyment by rapid changes in the landscape and some To halt the damaging effects of climate quickly be lost. both local people and visitors. Whilst it is changes are barely discernible. change it is essential that long term understood that national infrastructure measures are put in place. For example, L11 The design and management of has to be built in the national interest, However more extreme weather events ensuring that carbon dioxide is fixed transport infrastructure and services the case for HS2 is not compelling and will become more commonplace in soils by maintaining and enhancing should reduce their harmful impacts, less damaging alternatives are available. requiring short term changes in the organic matter content. Other including greenhouse gases, and not management of the landscape, for measures may include the use of trees damage the natural beauty of the At the time of writing (March 2014) the example by coping with frequent heavy to provide shade to reduce the need for Chilterns. Second Reading of the High Speed 2 Bill downpours and minimising run off. air conditioning of buildings. Farming has not taken place by Parliament. If it Longer term changes may affect the systems which minimise the loss of water is Parliament’s decision that HS2 should ability of beech to survive on many sites from soil will encouraged. be built, the best way of protecting

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L14 Tranquillity should be conserved created by quarrying which has exposed and restored when all development the various layers of chalk laid down in Farming, forestry and other land management and major landscape management is the Cretaceous Period (65- 100 millions planned. years ago). Introduction Everyone values peace and quiet and L17 All land management should conserve attractive, unspoilt scenery. These are soil quality. the key characteristics of tranquillity, a quality which is much valued but being It is important for many reasons to constantly lost. Experience shows that maintain and enhance soil quality. It is a once lost it is very difficult to restore, very large store of carbon and water. If its thus the need to prize it highly and organic content is reduced it stores less conserve it whenever possible. The noise of both. Inevitably that also reduces its pollution and visual intrusion that will productive potential for farming. Where be created, for example, by High Speed the soil structure and fertility has been 2 will significantly diminish any sense diminished farming yields can only be of tranquillity currently enjoyed by maintained by adding fertilisers and residents and visitors along that part of other inputs, which is less sustainable, the Misbourne Valley through which the more expensive and often results in line will pass. environmental problems such as run off - much of which ends up in rivers and the L15 The understanding and importance of aquifer where it can affect drinking water how geology and soils contribute to the supplies. Barley in the special character of the Chilterns should Radnage Valley be enhanced. L18 The impacts of pests and diseases (notably grey squirrels, deer and ash The long term care and stewardship dieback) on the landscape should be of the AONB depends upon a deep prevented, minimised and mitigated. understanding of what makes it special. An understanding of how the geology of The impact of pests and diseases will the Chilterns and associated soils form be severe and unless there is more both the topography of the Chiltern Hills concerted effort to prevent specific Farming and forestry have shaped the of villages and hamlets and make a and sustain the various land uses, even species from assuming pest status, it will Chilterns landscape but it is important to significant contribution to landscape buildings, which make it so special is be more difficult to maintain landscape recognise that many other forms of rural character. essential. In practice knowledge of the quality, conserve wildlife and maintain land use now exist. The wide range of diverse geology and soils of the area is extremely the productive potential of woodland uses includes golf courses, private parkland 2. Since the advent of farming in Neolithic limited. and farmland. Prevention is by far the and nature reserves. This chapter describes times, the Chilterns landscape has been best strategy and it will require new ways issues common to all and encourages positive incrementally altered and moulded. L16 Sites of geological importance should of managing land. For example, the age engagement with farmers, woodland owners, Each period in history has contributed to be conserved and actively managed. and species diversity of woodlands will other land owners and advisers alike. the piecemeal enclosure of the land for have to change, possibly with more use cultivation and livestock management. Because chalk is a soft rock it is almost of non-native species (in accordance with Examples of periods of agricultural never visible at the surface through Forestry Commission advice), otherwise change, the remnants of which can still outcrops and cliffs. Instead it erodes the ongoing ravages of pests and Farming be seen in the landscape, include the easily and is quickly covered by creation of coaxial fields in the Bronze diseases will increase. 1. Farmland covers approximately 60% vegetation. This, in part, explains why Age, the clearance of woodland for open of the Chilterns1, creating a mosaic of there is so little general appreciation fields from the Middle Ages and the landscape and habitats: small and large of the geology of the Chilterns. And creation of parliamentary enclosure fields fields, ancient hedgerows, woodland, yet there are a small number of sites in the 19th century. The cumulative result chalk downland and ponds. This figure (Regionally Important Geological Sites – is the familiar landscape we see today - a does not include land used for equines, RIGS) where it is possible to appreciate diverse patchwork of different shaped which makes up approximately 5% of the and learn about the special geology fields of arable crops and grassland, AONB land area. Farming also created of the area. Most are man-made - cliffs enclosed by hedgerows interspersed the farmhouses and barns which dot with woodland, common land and the landscape, often form the heart downland. 1 Chilterns Land Use Survey 2010

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2014 - 2019 Page 28 Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2014 - 2019 Page 29 Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Farming and forestry Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Farming and forestry this to replace fig on page 30 (I think) Agricultural land use 3. In terms of its agricultural classification, 7. EU policies and global markets are much of the land is grade three, largely the main influences on farming in the based on poor clay and flint soils which Chilterns. The formal abolition of set- Agricultural Land Use overlay the chalk. Traditionally farming aside in 2008 combined with rising was mixed with both arable and livestock cereal prices has led to a decrease in found on every farm. Now farms uncropped land and an increase in the 90 - 100% Grassland specialise and increasingly grow cereals area of arable. Revisions to the Common 80 - 90% Grassland and other crops rather than keep dairy Agricultural Policy will be agreed during 70 - 80% Grassland cattle, pigs and other livestock. the period of this management plan. At the time of writing, a greater emphasis is 60 - 70% Grassland 4. About 60% of Chilterns farmland is Barton-le-Clay being placed on “greening measures” as 50 - 60% Grassland devoted to arable crops, the balance is requirements for many farms before they grassland. Sheep and cattle make up qualify for a percentage of CAP subsidy. 50 - 60% Arable Leighton Buzzard the bulk of livestock in the Chilterns Such measures are likely to include crop Lilley 60 - 70% Arable Hitchin but, despite some minor fluctuations, diversification, maintenance of grassland numbers declined between 2000 and areas and the creation of Ecological 70 - 80% Arable 2010, particularly the case for dairy cattle Dunstable LUTON Focus Areas on holdings over 15ha. 80 - 90% Arable (the number of commercial dairy farms 2 90 - 100% Arable falling from 29 to 8 during this period ). This was due to declining profitability. Forestry Harpenden 5. In 2010, Defra recorded 602 commercial Aylesbury Tring holdings in the Chilterns. This large 1. The Chilterns is perhaps best known Wendover reduction from previous numbers is due, for its woodlands which dominate the in part, to the exclusion of holdings less landscape, covering 21.5% (17,888 ha) 4 Princes than 5 ha2. However, we continue to see of the AONB. The Chilterns is one of Thame Berkhamsted HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Risborough commercial holdings increasing in size, the most heavily wooded parts of the Chesham with contract farming responsible for country. Over 60% of this woodland is Chinnor a greater hectarage, as medium sized ancient (11,058 ha) making the Chilterns Gt. Missenden farms struggle to remain economically one of the most important ancient Amersham 5 viable. Lifestyle or hobby farming still woodland landscapes in England . R. Thames remains popular. Watlington 2. For many centuries the Chilterns High Wycombe 6. The character of the Chilterns needs provided significant quantities of fuel viable farming to maintain landscape and timber to London, helping to Beaconsfield Wallingford features and habitats. Reducing make Henley and other towns thriving Marlow livestock numbers raise concerns over Thames-side ports. Then, at the time of long term management of specie rich the industrial revolution, the dominant grassland (both the chalk grassland of beech woodlands supported the Goring Maidenhead evolution from cottage based furniture- Henley-on-Thames the escarpment and steep valley sides and acid grassland often associated with making to chair making factories in commons). Well managed horse grazing and around High Wycombe. Today N R. Thames can help to maintain such grassland the industry has declined but not but currently numbers are declining disappeared, however local beech is no while, at the same time, equine use longer the favoured timber as quality 3 has suffered largely due to grey squirrel READING 0 5 10 Kilometres is intensifying . Often the associated equine infrastructure can be detrimental damage. 0 6 Miles to landscape character and contribute 3. The decline in traditional woodland to increased urbanisation of the c Crown copyright and database rights management has also affected countryside around towns and villages. [2014] Ordnance Survey Licence no. 100044050 commons, many of which would in the past have been managed through the 2 Defra Farm Statistics 2010 exercise of common rights. 50% (by 3 Chilterns Land Use Survey 2010 4 Forestry Commission Woodland Inventory 2011 5 Ancient Woodland Inventory for the Chilterns, July 2012

Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2014 - 2019 Page 30 Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2014 - 2019 Page 31 IConserving and enhancing natural beauty - Farming and forestry Conserving and enhancing natural beauty - Farming and forestry this to replace fig on page 26 Woodland cover area) of Chiltern commons over 5 ha are 9. Tree health concerns (both pests and known to have management plans6. The diseases) are increasing and future Chilterns Commons Project (2011-2015) planting strategies will need to be aims to provide support for increased examined. Current thinking suggests volunteer activity, increased numbers Barton-le-Clay increasing planting diversity, from the Map 2: Woodlands in the AONB of commons with current management limited number of species planted at plans, and additional uptake of the present time, to increase woodland Chilterns AONB boundary Environmental Stewardship and English resilience.8 9 Leighton Buzzard Woodland Grant Schemes. Ancient Woodland in management Dunstable Hitchin 4. In the 20th century, following increased Other woodland in management war time harvesting, many native woods Broad Aims Ancient Woodland not known to be in management were inter-planted with conifers, creating plantations on ancient woodland sites • Productive forestry and farming remain Other woodland not known to be in management the dominant land uses in the AONB. Markyate (PAWS) which cover 3,943 ha. Restoration to more natural conditions is a priority7. Aylesbury • Natural beauty and biodiversity are maintained by viable and Tring 5. About 75% of woods in the AONB are Aldbury Harpenden environmentally sustainable farming, Wendover privately owned. 9% (1,560 ha) are managed by the Forestry Commission. forestry and other forms of land The National Trust, Woodland Trust, local management. Berkhamsted Princes authorities and other charities own over Risborough • Resilience of woodland to threats - 10%. Chesham HEMEL HEMPSTEAD including pests, diseases and extreme Chinnor Gt. Missenden 6. The woods are now highly valued for weather events - is increased. their amenity, recreation, scenery and Naphill • The public acquire a broad level of heritage. Most communities live within Stokenchurch Amersham understanding and appreciation of walking distance of a wood with open farming and forestry and how they access or rights of way. They are full shape the natural beauty of the High Wycombe of largely un-surveyed remnants of Chilterns landscape, influence wildlife past activity, especially of the sawyers, Beaconsfield habitats and contribute to the local charcoal makers and bodgers who Wallingford economy. Nettlebed worked in the woods until the early 20th Marlow N century.

Woodcote Henley-on-Thames Maidenhead 8. Much of the beech is over-mature and Special Qualities Goring young beech face serious pressures 0 5 10 Kilometres (both climate change and pest damage 1. Farming and forestry shaped a landscape – including grey squirrel, Glis glis and of national importance and continue to R. Thames 0 6 Miles deer). Forestry Commission forecasts represent the main influencing forces on READING suggest that beech will decline but will its present quality. not disappear so we should expect to see c Crown copyright© Crown and copyright database and database rights rights 2. Small and medium-scale historic field [2012] Ordnance Survey Licence no. 100044050 a gradual change of our characteristic [2014] Ordnance Survey Licence no. 100044050 Chilterns beech woodlands. Instead the patterns defined by hedges are visible woods will become more mixed, perhaps in the Chilterns. Many of the hedges are as they once were with more oak and species-rich. The estimated length of birch. hedgerow in the Chilterns is 4,045km (2528 miles) and there are approximately 44,000 hedgerow trees many of which are veterans. 10 6 State of the Chilterns Environment 2012 7 UK Forestry Strategy 2012 8 UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) 2013 9 The Government’s Forestry and Woodlands Policy Statement 10 Chilterns Hedgerow Survey 2006 and 2007

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3. Surviving areas of open chalk downland Key Issues 4. The decline in small and medium 12. Fewer local authorities now hold rural along the scarp ridge are one of the sized mixed farms is leading to a estates that offer farm and small holding AONB’s most valuable habitats. 1. Increasing global demand for food, homogenisation in land use and tenancies. This pathway for new entrants future ‘food security’ and buoyant prices landscape character. into the farming industry is, therefore, very 4. Well maintained farm buildings and may see more land cropped under arable limited. sensitively managed farmland enhance production and decrease areas managed 5. As farm units amalgamate, use of the area. under agri-environment schemes. contractors and contract farming 13. The Chilterns, situated as it is in the busy increases with larger and faster south east, continues to be attractive 5. An increasing number of farmers are 2. The continued contraction of the machinery being used. Overall the to lifestyle and hobby farmers. Land diversifying into quality local food livestock sector is likely to result in the numbers of farm workers are also ownership may be seen as a means of production and selling direct to the area of managed grassland declining declining. This means that the pool providing a personal buffered environment public. Such a direct interface between and make it more difficult to secure of skilled people with time available with personal recreation and enjoyment farmers and the public provides favourable management of wildlife sites for traditional land management such the main priority. Owners may not have opportunities to promote greater that require grazing. as hedge-laying is also reducing, such the skills and resources to manage land awareness of food production and land activities increasingly being taken on (e.g. grazing and hedgerow management) management among both residents and 3. The lack of infrastructure, particularly by specialist contractors or volunteer and maintain landscape quality. visitors to the AONB. abattoirs and knackers yards, causes groups. difficulties for the livestock sector, 14. Infrastructure associated with intensive 6. The famed Chilterns beech woods particularly small producers and graziers. 6. The average age of farmers and other equine use (subdivision of fields into small provide extensive high quality landscape Increased transport distances add to rural workers is increasing. This trend paddocks, permanent exercise arenas, and amenity, much of it close to local production costs and are detrimental to might lead to changes in land ownership stabling, jumps, horse shelters) can lead to towns and villages. animal welfare. patterns and management systems with increasing urbanisation. a reduced number of skilled farmers in 7. Public access to woodlands is extensive the future. This might further exacerbate 15. Traditional orchards with local fruit and amongst the best in the country. concerns expressed in issue 5 above. varieties (including cherry, prune and apple) were once common but many have 8. Ancient woodland is a particularly rich, 7. Training course providers have reduced now disappeared. Recent establishment of distinctive and prominent feature. Some and the number and variety of training new commercial and community orchards of this woodland, especially the beech courses has declined. and increased interest in fruit juicing is yew woods, are important for their encouraging. biodiversity and included within the 8. The high cost of housing makes it more Chilterns Beech Wood Special Area of difficult to recruit and retain skilled 16. Few common rights, particularly grazing Conservation, a European designation workers – particularly relevant for rights, are now regularly exercised by recognising their importance. livestock farming where workers need to commoners on Chiltern commons, be on hand to tend stock. allowing the establishment of bracken, 9. Parkland is a feature of the area, scrub and secondary woodland. Whilst including wood pasture, often associated 9. Commercial shoots can provide habitat diversity may have increased in with the larger estates, with a significant important additional income for some areas, these changes have led to a number of veteran trees. landowners and, when sensitively considerable loss of open landscape. managed to avoid damaging impacts on 10. Chilterns woodlands are capable of biodiversity and landscape, they can also 17. Rising numbers of people visiting the providing a sustained annual yield of 60- potentially provide food and habitat for countryside as a recreational resource 80,000 tonnes of renewable wood fuel wild birds. can present pressures on sites and can per annum11. cause erosion and lead to disturbance 10. Farm diversification, often away from 11. Remnants of woodland heritage are of wildlife. At the same time, however, traditional farm enterprises, including extensive including sawpits, charcoal visitors provide opportunities for local non-farming use of buildings and hearths and wood banks. There is a businesses (including farm shops and cycle houses, can provide an important source considerable amount of archaeology in hire) and developing tourist attractions of income and occupation for farming woodlands as yet unsurveyed. which can help support the local economy. communities. Also, visitors ‘connecting with nature’ can learn to appreciate the importance of our 11. The rising demand for local food could landscape and wildlife which, in turn, can help viability of farming and help help to build long-term support for work to Large ash tree at generate income to pay for management conserve and enhance the Chilterns AONB. Dundridge near of the countryside. 11 Mike Render Ph.D thesis Wendover

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18. Increased variability and extreme could lead to loss of both woodland example, changes in management that FF6 Initiatives to secure sensitive grazing weather conditions associated biodiversity and historical interest, lead to reduced fuel use should benefit of ecologically important grasslands with climate change are presenting including banks and buried archaeology. farm profitability and reduce greenhouse should be encouraged. challenges to farming and forestry alike. gas emissions. Other measures might Periods of both drought and heavy rains include improved infrastructure, use of With the livestock farming sector affect for example agricultural operations appropriate renewable energy sources continuing to contract, securing and tree growth. Policies and precision farming techniques that suitable and sustainable levels of reduce damage to soils and artificial grazing on many sites is becoming 19. The threats posed by pests and diseases fertiliser use. Best practice guidance and challenging. Initiatives to encourage and non-native invasive species affecting FF1 Greater understanding and current advice should be readily available appropriate levels of grazing with livestock, crops and trees, spreading appreciation of Chilterns landscape and disseminated widely, e.g. the Code suitable stock and mechanisms to from continental Europe and further character should be encouraged among of Good Agricultural Practice for farmers assist movement of conservation afield are increasing. These present farm, woodland and other landowners, (CoGAP)12. grazing stock are needed. BCN Wildlife 14 considerable challenges to both farmers managers and advisors. Trust’s ‘Cut and Chew’ web site and landowners, the increasing cost of FF4 Long term sustainable management provides a good model for matching which may threaten economic viability of woodland and farmland, to available stock with sites requiring for some. The natural beauty of the Chilterns was maintain soil quality and provide grazing. created by farmers, foresters and other multiple environmental benefits (an 20. Management of woodland is made more FF7 The AONB should remain a landowners and the management of ‘ecosystem services’ approach13), difficult by increasing numbers of deer, predominantly, actively farmed the landscape largely remains in their should be supported. including fallow, muntjac and roe, which hands. It is important that mangers landscape. can prevent regeneration. Damage by can recognise the importance of Having created the Chilterns The mosaic of farmed and forested grey squirrels and, increasingly, the fat their land in the context of the wider landscape, it will be important to land and field patterns needs to be or edible dormouse (Glis glis) provides a landscape. support productive and sustainable maintained and land abandonment disincentive to growing beech and other management that benefits the and urbanisation resisted. trees. FF2 The work of farm and woodland landscape and wider environment. owners and other land managers to This will include promoting best FF8 Landscape-scale coordination of 21. The low prices for timber from the conserve and enhance the landscape, practise, to farmers and foresters, initiatives enhancing and linking Chilterns have resulted in a relative biodiversity, traditional farm buildings aiming to reduce diffuse source fragmented woodland and farmed lack of management of woodland, and archaeology found on their land pollution into the internationally rare habitats should be promoted.15 particularly small woodlands under 20 should be supported. chalk streams and the chalk aquifer hectares. However, the growing demand underlying the AONB. Many of the ecologically rich habitats for woodfuel is creating an expanding The task of managing farmland, (both wooded and farmed) are often market for low grade timber from the woodland and other land uses is FF5 Awareness should be raised among small in size and may be separated Chilterns and has seen the reintroduction complex, not least as society places both land managers and the wider from similar habitat by land of far of management in some woodland. demands for a wider range of benefits public of the need to prevent and lower biodiversity value. The ‘Lawton’ Woodfuel is most efficiently used to and ecosystem services, especially in control the threats posed by pests, principles16 (more, bigger, better and generate heat rather than electricity. return for public funding. diseases and invasive, non-native joined) highlight the importance of species. 22. In 2010, 70% of farmland within the FF3 Developments in agricultural and creating a greater number of these AONB was included within an agri- forestry practices which improve Both international trade and climate rich habitat areas, expanding their environment scheme, dropping to 64% resilience, assist adaptation to climate change have contributed to increasing size, improving management of by 2012. The LEADER programme (2008- change and mitigate damaging numbers of pests, diseases and existing sites and linking them. Such 2013) has been particularly successful impacts on the environment should be invasive, non-native species. Managers aims depend upon landscape scale in securing investment for the forestry supported. need to be aware of the threats and activity, which will require a large sector. However, delay over CAP reform take action to prevent potentially number of owners to work towards a has led to uncertainty over the form Climate change and extreme weather damaging impacts to their businesses common goal. Increasing the number future European support may take. This events are likely to be significant long and the environment. and area of sites in positive beneficial may limit investment in both the farming term factors affecting farming and 12 and forestry sectors over the early years forestry in the Chilterns and the health Protecting our Water, Soil and Air - A Code of good Agricultural practice of this management plan. of the wider environment. The challenge for farmers, growers and land managers. Defra, 2009 is to enable management practices not 13 UK National Ecosystem Assessment 2011 23. Inappropriate management, especially only to adapt to these changes but also 14 www.cutandchew.org.uk by new owners of ancient woods, help mitigate climate change itself. For 15 Natural Environment White Paper 2012 16 Making Space for Nature, September 2010

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management (whether they are commercial initiatives supporting chalk grassland, ancient woodland traditional orchards are to be Biodiversity or another important habitat) will encouraged. improve both biodiversity and Introduction landscape within the AONB. FF13 Equine management sensitive to both habitat and landscape features FF9 The negative impacts of should be encouraged and the fragmentation of farmland and potentially detrimental landscape woodland into smaller units should and soil quality impacts associated be resisted. with intensive equestrian use should be resisted. The character of the landscape can be affected by sub-division into small With reducing numbers and plots which often results in a variety availability of sheep and cattle, careful of land uses and new, sometimes horse grazing may gain increasing discordant, features. In some cases importance in maintaining grassland. division can enable people to afford to However, intensive equestrian use may become new and caring landowners. lead to the erection of ranch style and In general very small parcels of land tape fences, new buildings and access are harder to manage in a way which tracks. Maintaining hedges and in-field maintains and enhances natural trees are rarely a priority and in some beauty. cases such features are removed as it is Orangetip butterfly not thought they are compatible with on coralroot FF10 The economic viability of farming, keeping horses in the same field. If the forestry and other new business wider importance of these landscape ventures which contribute to the features is recognised, equine conservation, enhancement and businesses may provide a valuable enjoyment of the AONB should be contribution to protecting the AONB. supported. FF14 Broad public awareness of the Whilst the strategic primary importance of active farming and importance of sustainable food and forestry industries in maintaining timber production is recognised, the Chilterns landscape should be 1. The Chilterns landscape supports a rich 4. The Chilterns AONB has a substantial increasingly farmers and foresters are promoted. mosaic of distinctive habitats, species network of statutory and non-statutory seeking to diversify into other forms and features, reflecting past land designated sites, between them covering of economic activity. This provides The public places a high value on management practices and underlying a total of 9,507 ha or 11.4 % of the AONB. opportunities to develop ventures the amenity of the countryside and geology. These include three Special Areas of which contribute directly to the opportunities to enjoy it. There is Conservation - part of the Natura 2000 2. Of particular note are the ancient environmental well-being of the area. widespread lack of awareness of suite of sites of European importance woodlands, chalk downland and scrub farming and forestry, within rural and and 64 Sites of Special Scientific Interest FF11 The active management of commons communities including juniper and box, urban communities. It is essential that – of national importance. A further should be encouraged. chalk streams and associated river valley there is a better understanding of how 494 local sites do not have statutory habitats, farmland habitats, remnant the countryside has been, is currently protection but are recognised locally as Both landowners and local groups heathland, acid grassland and wood and will be managed in the future. important sites for wildlife or geology. have an important role to play in pasture. The Chilterns is also identified by protecting this important historic FF15 The national importance of Chilterns Plantlife as an Important Plant Area 3. The Chilterns chalk escarpment resource. box woodland should be promoted for its internationally important plant represents a potentially important and initiatives to conserve and populations. FF12 Initiatives to maintain, restore and stepping stone for specialist chalk species enhance this resource encouraged. expand traditional orchards should moving between the southern central 5. Recent studies, including in the State of be encouraged. chalk landscapes and suitable habitats As home to the largest box woodland Nature UK (2013) report, have shown that further north-east. Enhancing ecological in the UK, the Chilterns provides an nationally, biodiversity has continued With poor economic viability, networks in the Chilterns is likely to prove ideal location to explore this forgotten to decline over the long term, despite aging traditional orchards remain of more than local importance in the face habitat. conservation efforts. The Natural under threat. New community and of climate change. Environment White Paper (2011), and the

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Designated sites Lawton Report - Making Space for Nature Broad Aims (2010) make plain that conservation Designated Sites efforts need to move beyond a site- • Conserve and enhance the wildlife value Special Area of Conservation based approach, to look at ecological of all habitats. networks and how wildlife uses the wider National Nature Reserves countryside. • Enhance ecological networks so that they Site of Special Scientific Interest are bigger, better, more resilient, joined up and dynamic. AONB Boundary 6. Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services Barton-le-Clay (2011) includes national targets for • Ensure that the wider benefits of the condition and extent of priority habitats natural environment are understood and and protected species, as well as national recognised. and European sites. Leighton Buzzard • Encourage more people to develop Dunstable Hitchin 7. Priority habitats and species referred to a greater understanding of and in this plan are embedded in law through involvement in wildlife conservation. Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006). Section 41 lists 943 species and 56 Markyate priority habitats of principle importance Aylesbury for conservation in England. These are Special Qualities the same habitats and species which Tring Aldbury Harpenden have historically been addressed by UK Woodland Wendover Biodiversity Action Plan work. 1. The Chilterns is known for its extensive beech woods and ancient woodlands, Princes Berkhamsted 8. Protected Landscapes are in a good Risborough position to contribute to such targets, with over 13.2% of the AONB (11,058 ha) Chesham HEMEL HEMPSTEAD with their track record of working with now known to be ancient1 woodland. Chinnor broad partnerships at a landscape scale. Gt. Missenden 2. Many rare and unusual species are associated with the beech ‘hangers’ on Naphill 9. In the Chilterns, local biodiversity Stokenchurch Amersham partnerships have established a strong the thin chalk soils of the steep scarp basis for this approach through the slopes - for example, shade-tolerant orchids such as birds nest orchid, ghost High Wycombe Biodiversity Opportunity Areas / Conservation Target Areas projects orchid, red helleborine and rare fungi Beaconsfield which seek to target conservation such as Devil’s bolete. Also found on the Wallingford efforts in particular areas. There are also thin chalk soils are nationally-important Nettlebed good examples across the Chilterns of yew woods and box woods. Marlow N individual landowners or organisations 3. On the deeper, more nutrient-rich soils of Woodcote such as the National Trust initiating the plateau the woodlands tend to have Henley-on-Thames Maidenhead landscape scale conservation through Goring relatively open canopies and ground flora working with neighbours. 0 5 10 Kilometres characterised by brambles, bracken and bluebells as well as rarer species such as R. Thames 0 6 Miles violet helleborine and coralroot. READING 4. The Chilterns has a rich heritage of © Crown copyright and database rights c Crown copyright [2012] Ordnance and database Survey Licence rights no. 100044050 parkland, wood pasture and commons. [2014] Ordnance Survey Licence no. 100044050 Many of these sites contain important or veteran trees and associated deadwood invertebrates and fungi.

5. Habitats of Principle Importance in the AONB include: lowland beech and yew, 1 Ancient Woodland Inventory for the Chilterns lowland mixed deciduous woodland, – Report and Inventory Maps (2012) wood-pasture and parkland.

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Priority habitats in the Chilterns Chalk grassland 6. The Chilterns has nationally important concentrations of wildlife-rich chalk Priority Habitat grassland, with over 700 hectares in the AONB, particularly along the steep Deciduous woodland Chilterns AONB Boundary scarp slopes of the chalk outcrop and dry valley slopes. Many specialist plants Good quality semi-improved grassland Built up areas Hexton and animals are associated with chalk Lowland calcareous grassland grassland. Rare species for which the HITCHIN Lilley AONB is particularly important include Lowland dry acid grassland DUNSTABLE LUTON Chiltern gentian, wild candytuft, pasque Lowland fens flower, Duke of Burgundy, silver- spotted skipper and glow worm. Lowland heathland

Lowland meadows Whipsnade 7. Chalk scrub is also often of high wildlife

Markyate HARPENDEN value but needs active management. Traditional orchards Juniper and box scrub habitats are of Aldbury TRING Other particular interest in the Chilterns. AYLESBURY 8. Former chalk quarries – a number of HEMEL WENDOVER HEMPSTEAD which are SSSIs or Local Wildlife Sites - BERKHAMSTED make an important contribution to the PRINCES CHESHAM RISBOROUGH chalk grassland/ pioneer habitat resource of the AONB. Populations of many farmland CHINNOR PRESTWOOD bird species in the AONB, Farmland habitats and species including the yellowhammer,

AMERSHAM have undergone serious declines WATLINGTON STOKENCHURCH 9. Farmland has an important contribution CHORLEYWOOD over recent years to make the biodiversity of the Chilterns, BENSON HIGH WYCOMBE and is the predominant land use in the BEACONSFIELD N AONB (over 60% of the area). The thin WALLINGFORD chalk soils of the escarpment are ideal 10. Species rich hedgerows with hedgerow MARLOW for many rare arable plants, and the trees, and ancient hollow-ways are 0 5 10 Kilometres Chilterns holds important populations distinctive features of the Chilterns, some of a number of species including ground HENLEY-ON-THAMES 0 6 Miles of the hedgerows supporting plants and GORING pine, shepherd’s needle, red hemp animals typical of ancient woodland. Based on information supplied by Natural England nettle, narrow-fruited corn salad and few-flowered fumitory. The AONB was 11. There is a strong history of orchards in found to hold significant populations of the Chilterns, particularly cherry orchards, c Crown copyright and database rights a number of farmland bird species in the but they are now reduced to a remnant [2014] Ordnance Survey Licence no. 100044050 2 READING 2002 Chilterns Farmland Bird Survey , of their former extent due to neglect and however, more recently3 populations of lack of financial viability. The mix of old most farmland bird species in the AONB fruit trees and associated grassland can have deteriorated in line with population have important biodiversity value. trends for south central England. 12. Habitats of Principle Importance found in the AONB include ponds, arable field margins, hedgerows and traditional orchards.

2 Chilterns Farmland Bird Survey 2002 2 Farmland Breeding Bird Populations in the Chilterns AONB 2013

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Commons Key Issues 7. The livestock sector has continued to decline over recent years, with fewer 13. There are around 2,000 ha of registered grazing animals in the Chilterns as a common land in the AONB and a far result. Alongside this are associated greater area of former common. 1. Declines in extent and condition of declines in relevant skills and knowledge semi- natural habitats over past decades base as well as infrastructure. 14. Common land is not in itself a habitat but have increased habitat fragmentation Increasing difficulties are anticipated is associated with a number of Habitats and added to the difficulty of sustaining securing appropriate grazing on those of Principle Importance in the AONB – in appropriate management of sites. conservation sites which require it. particular lowland dry acid grassland, lowland heathland, wood-pasture and 2. There has been progress over the past 8. Environmental schemes (agri- parkland and ponds. Being largely five years in bringing the majority of environment and woodland grant uncultivated and generally on the less Sites of Special Scientific Interest into schemes) are a major tool for fertile soils many commons have retained favourable (65% by area) or unfavourable management and re-creation of wildlife a rich biodiversity. recovering (34% by area) condition. habitats both within designated sites and Monitoring and management support in the wider countryside. Take up in the 15. Significant species groups are needs to be sustained, particularly to see Chilterns has been relatively high over associated with the commons: dead that management proposals to achieve recent years, however the area within wood invertebrates, epiphytic lichens, favourable condition are implemented. Environmental Stewardship has started lepidoptera, fungi. to reduce, thought to be due in part to 3. Information about the condition of uncertainty over Common Agricultural local sites or habitat outside of SSSIs is Policy reform. There is a need to work very patchy, with only 47% of local sites closely with the farming community to River and wetland habitats are covered in the known to be in positive conservation sustain the biodiversity achievements Water Environment chapter management4. and to promote effective use of future 4. More frequent extreme weather events schemes. and greater climatic variability are European Protected Species 9. Introduced pest species, diseases and anticipated due to climate change. non-native invasive species are an 16. European Protected Species occurring in increasing concern within the AONB as the AONB include the following: 5. Healthy, robust ecological networks are important to support adaptation to elsewhere. Of particular concern are the climate change. Conservation efforts impacts or potential impacts of deer, grey Species Associated habitat need to support this through a focus on squirrel, Chalara dieback of Ash, Acute landscape scale action. Expansion and Oak Decline, Oak Processionary Moth, Bats Undisturbed old farm buildings or hollow trees close to good foraging recreation of fragmented habitats such as Phytophthora, Himalayan balsam and (various species) habitat are commonly used for roost sites. chalk grassland, orchards, wood pasture Japanese knotweed. heathland and riverine habitats need to 10. With 750,000 people living in or within 3 Foraging habitats– woodland/ wetland. be part of the overall approach. kilometres of the AONB, and 55 million Specific equirementsr vary between species. 6. Well-managed roadside verges can visits per year, the Chilterns is one of the most-visited AONBs in the country. Common or hazel Deciduous woodland or scrub and species rich hedgerows connected provide valuable habitats for wildlife and contribute to enhanced ecological Whilst much of the area is able to absorb dormouse to woodland. Hazel is an important provider of food (insects and hazel relatively high numbers of visitors, there nuts). connectivity. Greater promotion is needed of existing guidelines. 5 are local areas of concern which need to Great crested newt Field ponds in arable or pastoral settings are preferred breeding be carefully managed and key sites need ponds. The species may also be found in a range of other pond to be buffered and protected. Sustaining types, the largest populations being recorded from ponds formed grazing on grassland wildlife sites in the in abandoned workings, such as chalk or clay pits. On land, great urban fringe is a particular concern due crested newts can be found in a range of habitats, including ancient to impacts of people and dogs. woodland, scrub and rough grassland where there are suitable ponds nearby.

Early gentian High quality calcareous grassland ideally with a sward height of no 4 State of the Chilterns Environment Report (2012) more than 5cm and low level disturbance. 5 Environmental Guidelines for the Management of Highways in the Chilterns (2009)

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11. Former chalk quarries can provide 16. Further work is needed to improve B2 Action to conserve and enhance the B5 Awareness of the impacts of pests, important habitat, however, appropriate understanding of the biodiversity condition of priority habitats and diseases and non-native invasive long term plans are required as resource in the AONB, in particular protected sites (statutory and non- species on the wildlife of the Chilterns these sites tend to be under threat priority habitat condition and trend data statutory) within the AONB and its should be raised and effective action to of substantial decline in biodiversity for characteristic species. State of the setting should be supported. control those impacts encouraged. through scrub encroachment, erosion or Chilterns Environment monitoring has development pressures. been underway on an annual basis since The extensive network of designated Improved public awareness and 2009.6 sites in the Chilterns includes most understanding - alongside effective 12. Planning policy changes, in particular but not all of the area’s important control strategies - is crucial to help the introduction of the National Planning Section 6 outlines proposals for future habitats. Achieving good condition of prevent the new release of non-native Policy Framework and the presumption monitoring. all priority habitats requires landscape invasive species and to prevent/ reduce in favour of sustainable development scale conservation action beyond the the spread of existing populations. is affecting the degree of influence that 17. A significant shift is underway from boundaries of protected sites as well as Guidance for land managers will be local planning authorities can have on the public sector to the voluntary and effective management action at a site important to address issues such as development. The development and community sectors with a range of level. Local sites (non-statutory) make up species choice and provenance. growth agenda is giving rise to increasing conservation related activities, including 8% of the AONB and are an important pressures within and adjacent to the site management being transferred. biodiversity resource - management B6 More local communities and volunteers AONB, with direct and indirect impacts Initiatives such as the Chilterns Commons advice and support is needed for these should be encouraged to become including habitat loss, suburbanisation, project demonstrate the enormous scope sites. actively involved in wildlife recording air, noise and light pollution. that exists to involve local groups and and conservation in the Chilterns. volunteers in custodianship of their local B3 Delivery of Biodiversity 2020 habitat 13. There is a renewed focus on green environment. creation and restoration targets should There are many opportunities to infrastructure planning within some be assisted. engage and involve local communities local authority areas and partnerships, in recording and conservation, and the one element of this being development The Chilterns is considered to have Commons Project has demonstrated of initiatives to target developer Policies particularly high potential for creation/ that there is a real demand for volunteer contributions so that they achieve the B1 Delivery of Biodiversity 2020 Strategy restoration of lowland wood pasture and support and training. Continued and greatest benefit. This is to be encouraged outcomes within the AONB and its parkland (indicative target 4% of the increasing local involvement will be key and supported. setting should be supported. national total, joint highest with the High to achieving the biodiversity objectives Weald), lowland calcareous grassland set out in this section. The potential for 14. Biodiversity offsetting is under Biodiversity 2020 sets out four outcome (indicative target 4% of national target) ‘citizen science’ combined with modern consideration by the government as an areas relating to 1) Habitats and arable field margins (indicative target 2% technology to contribute to recording approach to compensate for unavoidable ecosystems on land 2) marine habitats, of national total) and ponds (indicative and conservation efforts should be fully residual impacts of development. It will ecosystems and fisheries 3) species; and target 2% of national total). Priority explored. be important to engage with this issue 4) people. These outcomes and targets should be given to habitat creation and the potential risks and opportunities are in the process of being translated to and restoration within Biodiversity B7 Ecological networks should be it brings. Offsetting should not be used the local level, and provisional habitat Opportunity Areas or equivalent areas. conserved and enhanced through as a way of facilitating development targets have been proposed for National landscape scale initiatives. in circumstances where existing Character Areas. These targets will B4 Action to conserve European protected statutory protection – for example in It is important to continue to support need to be driven forward within the species and priority species should be relation to AONBs - would preclude and develop landscape scale initiatives AONB through a range of mechanisms promoted. it. More attention needs to be paid to to link and buffer existing habitats including land management schemes, consideration of avoidance of impacts. Advice to land managers is needed to and facilitate movement of species landscape-scale conservation initiatives make sure that they are aware of The through the landscape. Increased 15. Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs) have and public awareness and engagement Conservation of Habitats and Species ecological connectivity is key to been established across the AONB, programmes. Regulations (2010) (as amended in 2012) achieving biodiversity gains. Priority and will seek to contribute to delivery and National statutory protection for should be given to enhancing ecological of Biodiversity 2020 targets. The LNPs priority species including the Natural connectivity in those areas identified as are expected to work closely with the Environment and Rural Communities Act the most important areas for biodiversity Local Economic Partnerships to raise (2006) and the Wildlife and Countryside at a county level including Biodiversity awareness of the fundamental role of the Act 1981 (as amended). Support is also Opportunity Areas and Conservation natural environment in underpinning the needed to ensure that land mangers Target Areas, and to ensuring that Local economy and other sectors. know what activities they can undertake Nature Partnerships are fully engaged in to protected species. this work. 6 www.chilternsaonb.org/state-of-the-environment

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B8 An improved understanding of the B12 An appropriate balance between nature B14 a) Biodiversity Offsetting should only biological resource of the Chilterns conservation and recreation should be used to secure net biodiversity should be developed, sufficient to be sought. Where conflicts between gain where harm cannot be avoided guide the successful conservation of the two are irreconcilable, nature or mitigated, and should not be used characteristic habitats and species. conservation should take priority. as a means to justify destruction of irreplaceable habitat. Having an up-to-date picture of the Most of the time good management biodiversity resource of the AONB is a will enable an appropriate balance to be Biodiversity is not a single exchangeable vital part of the area’s management and struck between different interests on a commodity which can simply be monitoring. It is proposed to strengthen given site. However, is important to re- recreated elsewhere and there is a risk State of the Environment reporting state the principle that where this is not that Biodiversity Offsetting may be used in relation to species, for example possible then priority should be given to facilitate inappropriate development. incorporating population trend data for to nature conservation in line with the On the other hand there is a real need key species groups. Sandford Principle7. to take proper account of development The role of Environmental Record Centres B13 Grazing should be supported and impacts on biodiversity and on wider in relation to collating, verifying and promoted on those sites which need it ecological networks, and to find ways disseminating information is crucial. to achieve good conservation status. of ensuring that compensation land is properly managed for biodiversity over B9 Recognition and understanding of the Ensuring that semi-natural habitats the long term. Effective approaches ecosystem services provided by the which need grazing are appropriately which deliver more for biodiversity are natural environment of the Chilterns managed has long been a concern and needed and it may be that Biodiversity and the benefits they provide for ongoing declines in livestock numbers Offsetting could play a useful part in people and the economy should be only serve to underline this. It may be this. promoted. that conservation grazing herds (e.g. Wildlife Trust owned herds, community Biodiversity Offsetting must only be used The natural environment provides many herds) will need to be increasingly relied as a measure of last resort where harm benefits for people and the economy upon. A substantial proportion of the cannot be avoided or mitigated, and which need to be articulated to a wider semi-natural grassland in the AONB is must deliver net biodiversity gain. audience. It will be important to work horse grazed. Whilst carefully managed Any scheme must also take full account closely with Local Nature Partnerships horse grazing can play a valuable role of the wider environmental and and Local Economic Partnerships on this. in conservation grazing, detrimental community impacts of the biodiversity impacts on biodiversity can arise B10 Improved management of commons, loss and must give a clear commitment to where this is not the case. Best practice veteran trees, infield and hedgerow ensuring the protection of irreplaceable guidance has been produced on horse trees and ancient woodlands should be habitats such as Ancient Woodland. pasture management and should be promoted and supported. promoted. b) The biodiversity offset should be Bluebells at Ashridge Trees, woods and common land are close to where the initial loss occurs. important and characteristic features of the Chilterns landscape which need Any new habitat needs to be ‘in the right appropriate management. place’, taking account of factors such as impacts on ecological connectivity, B11 Management to help Chilterns wildlife landscape character and natural green adapt to threats from adverse impacts space. Proximity to the initial loss will be of climate change, pests and diseases an important factor. should be promoted.

Ecological networks and permeable landscapes/ habitats are important to support more resilience to the impacts of climate change and pests and diseases. Large-scale strategic conservation action will be key to creating more robust ecological networks. 7 National Parks Policy Committee Review, 1974

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Chilterns water bodies Water environment

Introduction

BARTON-LE-CLAY

Hexton

Lilley HITCHIN

DUNSTABLE Rivers/Streams LUTON

Lakes/Reservoirs College Lake

Whipsnade VVerer AYLESBURY GrandGran Uniond Unio Canaln Canal Markyate HARPENDEN

Aldbury Tring Reservoirs TRING Wendover GadeGade Arm Gaddesden Weston Turville Reservoir HEMEL HEMPSTEAD WENDOVER BERKHAMSTED BulbourneBulbourne PRINCES CHESHAM RISBOROUGH Shardeloes River Chess at Latimer Lake (Allen Beechey) CHINNOR Latimer Lakes PRESTWOOD West Wycombe Park Lake HughendenHughenden ChessChess CColneolne STOKENCHURCH SStreamtream AMERSHAM WATLINGTON MisbourneMisbourne RRiveriver TThameshames CHORLEYWOOD HIGH BENSON WYCOMBE BEACONSFIELD EEwelmewelme 1. As a consequence of its geology, the 4. The major river of the Chilterns is the BBrookrook HHambleamble WALLINGFORD BBrookrook WWyeye Chilterns is a relatively dry landscape, River Thames, which cuts through the MARLOW with wetland habitats sparsely chalk escarpment forming a long and N distributed throughout the AONB. sinuous boundary between the North RRiveriver TThameshames However, water has played an important Wessex Downs and Chilterns AONBs. It is HENLEY-ON-THAMES GORING role in the formation of the Chilterns and also the boundary between counties and 0 5 10 Kilometres remains a key feature of the landscape was once the boundary between Mercia today. and Wessex. 0 6 Miles 2. Chalk is the most significant aquifer of 5. A key component of the Chilterns’ water READING south east England. The Chilterns’ chalk environment is the area’s chalk streams. c Crown copyright and database rights is part of this aquifer, which is of regional There are eight main chalk streams, [2014] Ordnance Survey Licence no. 100044050 and national importance, both in terms which flow mainly in a south easterly of the water bodies it supports and for direction down the dip slope of the the amount of water that is abstracted Chilterns escarpment into the River Colne from it for public supply. and River Thames. Chilterns chalk streams are naturally variable in flow as a result 3. The chalk aquifer provides a clean, of seasonal climatic changes but have mineral-rich and reliable supply of water been adversely affected since the 1950s on which much of the Chilterns’ water by increased incidence of drought and environment relies on for its existence. environmentally unsustainable levels of As a consequence, the rivers and streams abstraction for public water supply. of the area, in particular, have special characteristics and have played a major 6. In addition to the dip slope chalk streams, part in the location and development of there are numerous chalk springs located settlements and industry. at the foot of the northern face of the

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escarpment that feed small streams such Hamble Brook. There is a total of 49km of and Tring are all located close to chalk 16. There are many ponds, especially on as the Barton Brook, Chalgrove Stream chalk stream habitat within the AONB. springs. farmland and common land, created to and Ewelme Brook. These streams are water livestock or sometimes resulting important tributaries of rivers such as 3. They are groundwater-fed, shallow, fast River Thames from extraction of soil or clay. They the Thame, Ivel, Ouzel and Great Ouse flowing water courses with a gravel provide habitat for a variety of specialist and were key to the historical location of bed and low banks. They typically have 11. The River Thames is a dramatic landscape flora and fauna including great crested towns and villages along the foot of the high water quality which is alkaline (pH feature with a wide valley and many newt and the nationally rare starfruit scarp. 8-9), clear, mineral-rich and stable in valuable associated habitats. Its role as Damasonium alisma. One survey1 found temperature. a major navigable waterway has led to 932 ponds marked on the 1:25,000 1. The Chilterns supports a number of other extensive modifications and the creation OS maps. This is thought to be an aquatic habitats and features including 4. Flows are dependent on groundwater of an extensive range of facilities for underestimate. lakes, gravel and mineral extraction levels in the underlying aquifer. leisure and recreation. The Thames Path pits, reservoirs, canals and ponds. They National Trail follows its entire length as it 17. Rivers and wetlands are a major are important for a range of nationally 5. Chalk streams are considered by passes through the Chilterns. educational resource and add important species. Small areas of marsh, many organisations including the significantly to the landscape. Locations calcareous fen, wet flushes, wet meadow, Environment Agency as a priority habitat 12. Along the banks of the Thames are such as the Ewelme Watercress Beds, wet woodland, alder carr and reed bed for protection. They frequently have some of the region’s finest houses with College Lake Nature Reserve and the still occur. associated valuable habitats such as reed associated parkland and ornamental River and Rowing Museum in Henley beds and wet woodland/carr habitats. landscapes. provide excellent educational facilities 6. Chalk streams support high biodiversity 13. Ecologically significant features along to learn about the Chilterns water Broad Aims and are home to some of the UK’s most the main river and its backwaters include environment. endangered species. Associated UK BAP nationally-important species such as • Conserve and enhance the river valley priority species include: otter, water vole, loddon lily, black poplar, club-tailed and wetland landscapes characteristic of reed bunting and brown trout. dragonfly and Daubenton’s bat. Key Issues the AONB. 7. There are two SSSIs and 30 Local Wildlife Canals and stillwaters 1. According to the 2009 baseline • Conserve and enhance river and wetland Sites that incorporate sections of chalk assessment of water bodies under the habitats and the biodiversity they stream within the AONB. 14. The Grand Union Canal is an important EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) all support. and distinctive component of the nine chalk streams, which flow through 8. Winterbourne sections of dip slope Chilterns’ water environment. The the AONB currently fail to attain Good • Support opportunities for new wetland streams are an important habitat of main canal route passes through Tring, Ecological Status or Potential (GES/P). habitat creation. chalk streams. Winterbournes are the Northchurch and Berkhamsted whilst ephemeral upper reaches of dip slope the Wendover Arm winds along the base 2. The single most common reason given • Protect and improve the quality of the chalk streams which dry seasonally in of the escarpment from Wendover to for the Chilterns’ streams failing to reach Chilterns’ water resource. response to changing groundwater the main canal at Tring. The canal is an WFD objectives by 2015 is low flows. levels. They support a unique assemblage attractive and popular feature of the area, • Increase public awareness and Abstraction has either been identified, or of plants and animals, specifically used extensively for various recreational enjoyment of the water environment. is currently being investigated as a causal adapted to ephemeral flow conditions. purposes such as boating, walking and factor for low flows in seven of these • Increase local community involvement in fishing. It is also an important wildlife streams. 9. The numerous chalk springs that occur caring for the water environment. corridor and is home to species such as all along the base of the north west- kingfisher and water vole. 3. Of the other water bodies assessed under facing escarpment are an important WFD, only the Grand Union Canal south but largely overlooked part of the 15. The lakes of the AONB are exclusively of Tring Summit is currently assessed as Special Qualities Chilterns’ water environment. They are man-made, created for a variety of achieving either GES or GEP. important tributaries of major rivers, purposes such as water storage, Chalk streams providing a reliable contribution to flow ornamental landscaping or as a 4. The 2009 baseline assessment also in these mainly surface water-fed rivers consequence of mineral or gravel showed that the status of the Chilterns’ 1. Chalk streams are a globally scarce throughout the year. extraction. They are, however, important groundwater resource is ‘Poor’ in habitat, and a key landscape feature of features contributing greatly to quantitative terms and that only the the AONB. 10. Chalk springs are also historically landscape character and biodiversity. Chilterns Chalk Scarp groundwater unit important having been a key factor 2. There are eight main chalk streams that is assessed as achieving ‘Good’ chemical in the location of settlements along flow down the dip slope of the Chilterns: status. All groundwater units are subject escarpment. Villages and towns such as the Ver, Gade, Bulbourne, Chess, to rising trends in groundwater pollution. Ewelme, Watlington, Chinnor, Wendover Misbourne, Hughenden Stream, Wye and 1 Chiltern Hills Pond Survey 1996 (The Chiltern Society)

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2009 baseline Water Framework Directive status for 5. Abstraction from the underlying aquifer 10. There is pollution from a wide range of for public water supply is a major issue. sources including industry, agriculture, Chilterns surface water bodies The Chilterns is designated as an area sewage effluent, and urban drainage. of serious water stress. With demand for Pollution from urban and sewage effluent public supply predicted to increase over have the greatest impact on the quality the next 25 years, in part due to plans for of the area’s chalk streams but diffuse new development, the Chilterns’ aquifer agricultural pollution is an important remains under severe and increasing factor affecting groundwater quality and pressure. silt loading of rivers. Hexton 6. Increased climatic variation and, in 11. All chalk streams have been heavily Lilley HITCHIN particular, increased variability of modified through a wide variety of DUNSTABLE rainfall during October to March, the activities such as milling, agriculture, LUTON period essential for aquifer recharge, urban development and landscaping. Watercourse Gade (upper) Fish, invertebrates, Ver has increased both the frequency of These activities have fragmented Reasons for failure disolved oxygen, flow (background colour Bulbourne Invertebrates, = overall WFD status) fish, flow, droughts and high groundwater events habitats, degraded the natural channel Invertebrates, morphology phosphate, mitigation measures Whipsnade in the last 40 years. There have been five and created barriers for fish and Good assessment VVerer severe droughts since 1975 and two 1 invertebrates. Some modified sections Grand Union Canal Markyate HARPENDEN Moderate in 150 year winter rainfall events in the - watercress beds for example - can Aldbury TRING GadeGade Poor AYLESBURY last 13 years. Heavy, persistent summer provide the specific habitat requirements Gaddesden Gade (lower) Bad Invertebrates, flow, rainfall has also led to two rare summer for particular species such the water Hughenden mitigation measures HEMEL assessment Stream HEMPSTEAD groundwater recharge events in the last shrew (Neomys fodiens). Invertebrates, WENDOVER flow ten years. BERKHAMSTED 12. The spread of non-native species such as Wye (upper) BulbourneBulbourne Fish,Phytohenthos, phosphate, PRINCES CHESHAM 7. Severe droughts combined with Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed, fish andflow flow RISBOROUGH environmentally unsustainable levels signal crayfish and North American mink CHINNOR Ewelme Brook PRESTWOOD Flow, of abstraction combine to reduce the have had an impact on the ecological mitigation measures HughendenHughenden CChesshess CColneolne functioning length of chalk streams and structure of the AONB’s chalk streams. assessment SStreamtream AMERSHAM severely degrade their ecology. In the The introduction of the American signal WATLINGTON STOKENCHURCH MisbourneMisbourne CHORLEYWOOD severe drought of 2011/12, 57% of the crayfish, for example, has led to the RRiveriver TThameshames HIGH BENSON WYCOMBE total length of chalk stream in the AONB BEACONSFIELD extinction of the native white-clawed Chess was dry by March 2012. It may take ten crayfish in the AONB and is affecting the EEwelmewelme Fish, flow, BBrookrook HHambleamble phosphate N or more years of continuous flow for the base of the aquatic food chain. The North WALLINGFORD BBrookrook WWyeye MARLOW ecology of drought-impacted reaches to American mink has also been partly be restored. responsible for the dramatic decline in Misbourne 0 5 10 Kilometres RRiveriver TThameshames Fish, invertebrates, 2 dissolved water vole numbers within the AONB . HENLEY-ON-THAMES oxygen 0 6 Miles 8. Heavy, persistent rainfall can lead to GORING Hamble Brook Wye (lower) both surface and groundwater flooding 13. Disturbance and loss of wildlife habitats Fish Fish, invertebrates, Contains Environment Agency information particularly in river valleys and urban can result if the river and its banks are phosphate © Environment Agency and database right. areas. Urbanisation of catchments has insensitively managed for recreational Thames Thames reduced the effective land area available purposes. Riparian land in urban areas (Wallingford to Caversham) (Reading to Cookham) Invertebrates, phosphates, Phosphate, mitigation to contribute to groundwater recharge can become degraded through heavy mitigation measures assessment measures assessment c Crown copyright and database rights READING and has also increased the incidence of recreational use or mismanagement of [2014] Ordnance Survey Licence no. 100044050 surface water flooding. banks and vegetation.

9. Improved drainage of roads in river 14. In common with the national trend, catchments has increased flood risk in the number of ponds in the AONB has river valley settlements by increasing declined significantly since the Second both the amount of surface water that World War. Intensification of agriculture reaches watercourses and also the speed and changes in land use have been the at which it is conveyed. Flow rates are major factors driving this decline. consequently more variable and rivers increasingly prone to flooding as a result.

2 R. Chess water vole surveys 2001 and 2003 (Chilterns Chalk Streams Project)

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15. Many of the Chilterns’ ponds have low have a potentially significant impact on biodiversity caused either through many the water environment. Increasing public years of neglect or, conversely, through awareness of these issues and what role over-management. they can play in reducing the impact of their actions is key to improving the quality of the area’s water environment.

Policies WE3 Water efficiency measures to reduce per capita demand should be promoted. WE1 The restoration of chalk stream river flows through the reduction A major driving force behind of abstraction to environmentally- environmentally unsustainable sustainable levels should be sought. abstraction of the chalk aquifer is high domestic water consumption in River Thames Low flows are the key issue affecting the Chilterns and surrounding area. at Marlow the rivers as a major landscape feature Hertfordshire, for example has the and the quality of chalk stream habitat. highest per capita demand in the UK of The Chilterns groundwater resource, 176 litres per person per day (unmetered on which these streams rely, has been consumption) which is significantly increasingly overexploited over recent above the Government’s per capita use decades. The reduction of abstraction target of 130 litres per person per day. to environmentally sustainable levels In addition, less than 50% of households through the Environment Agency’s in the area have a water meter. With WE5 A catchment-based approach to failing to reach Good Ecological Status Restoring Sustainable Abstraction demand for water is projected to increase the enhancement and sustainable or Potential. Working with partners programme and a new abstraction in the future, there is an urgent need management of the Chilterns’ water to promote and deliver best practice licensing regime which provides for greater uptake of water efficiency environment should be supported. riparian management methods such as adequate protection of the water measures such as water metering, to invasive non-native species control will The catchment-based approach is environment is essential for the long- maximise available water resources for be key to enhancing the quality of rivers a new way of working which brings term health of the area’s chalk streams. both public supply and for the aquatic and their valley landscapes. stakeholders together to identify environment. WE2 a) Public awareness of the link between shared aspirations for their local water WE7 Long-term sustainable management of water demand and abstraction WE4 Improvements to the water environment, to form partnerships and rivers and their catchments, to reduce and their impact on flows and the environment through implementation to work in new ways to bring them to flooding and secure aquifer recharge, environmental quality of chalk streams of the Water Framework Directive fruition. The development of catchment should be supported. should be increased. should be sought. plans through Defra’s catchment-based approach will be key to identifying and The long-term management of water b) Awareness of how the actions of Currently, no water bodies in the AONB addressing the issues affecting the water resources is best achieved at a catchment owners and occupiers can affect the meet the ecological standards set out in environment at a local scale and will feed scale. Appropriate management quality of the water environment the European Union Water Framework into the development of the next cycle of the wider river catchment can should be increased. Directive (WFD). All water bodies must of River Basin Management Plans, driving have significant beneficial impacts attain these standards by 2027. River significant improvement to the water in reducing downstream flood risk. There is generally poor understanding Opportunities to reduce flood risk, where of how actions in the home and by Basin Management Planning is the environment. delivery mechanism through which WFD appropriate, should be identified and businesses such as water use and waste WE6 Best practice in management of rivers implemented. Proposed schemes should disposal can impact on the quality of the objectives will be obtained. The second cycle of River Basin Management Plans and their valley landscapes should be be sympathetically designed and seek water environment. High water use can promoted. to work with water and natural fluvial lead to environmentally unsustainable (RBMP), covering the period 2015 - 2021, is currently being developed. There is a processes. levels of abstraction and resultant low Chalk streams and their valley landscapes need for the next cycle of RBMPs to be flows in the area’s chalk streams. The are characteristic features of the AONB. WE8 Development and long-term more ambitious in their objectives to disposal of fats and oils down drains Best practice management of both river management of sustainable drainage ensure significant improvement of the and misconnection of wastewater and the wider valley environment is systems should be promoted. Chilterns’ water environment by 2027. services can lead to chronic pollution of key to maintaining the quality of these watercourses. Commercial activities such features and the habitats they support. Urbanisation of river catchments leads as vehicle washing, incorrect storage of Habitat degradation is a key factor in to increased runoff, flood risk, and materials and disposal of waste can also many of the AONB’s rivers currently pollution. Further development in river

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catchments must be sensitive to these The conservation of sites which issues and seek to minimise their impact. possess quality habitat is essential to Historic environment The incorporation of sustainable drainage prevent further degradation of the systems in all new development from the AONB’s rivers. Despite their global Introduction outset, as set out in the Flood and Water rarity, none of the Chilterns chalk Management Act 2010, will be essential streams have any statutory designation. in minimising flooding and pollution as Without such protection, these rivers well as maximising groundwater recharge remain vulnerable to environmentally and enhancing biodiversity. Targeted unsustainable abstraction, pollution and promotion of SuDs to homeowners, habitat degradation. developers and farmers/landowners will be important in stimulating greater WE12 Public awareness of the impact of uptake. climate change on the environmental quality of the water environment WE9 Priority habitats, including chalk should be increased. streams, ponds and other wetlands, and species such as water voles, water The influence of increased climatic crowfoot and water shrews should be volatility on chalk stream flows and maintained, enhanced, protected and environmental quality is generally poorly monitored. understood. Increased public awareness will assist in introducing appropriate Nuffield Place, Water bodies are relatively sparse in management to reduce low flows and Oxfordshire their distribution within the Chilterns. cope with flooding. (Colin Dobson) Their continued health is essential for sustaining a diverse range of plants and WE13 The involvement of local communities animals. Many of the water bodies in in the conservation and enhancement the Chilterns are home to UK priority of the water environment should be species. Protection of these species is increased. important both from a local and national perspective. The public is particularly interested in rivers and water quality. A sense of 1. The landscape of the Chilterns is above define what is different and special about WE10 Restoration of natural flow conditions community ownership and responsibility all a ‘cultural landscape’, the product of the Chilterns. and improved connectivity of rivers is important in the protection of the a long legacy of human influence. Over and their riparian corridors should be AONB’s rivers, particularly in urban areas 1,400 years ago the tribe that lived in 3. It is because relatively little of the promoted. where they often flow through land in what we now know as the Chilterns Chilterns has been subject to intensive public ownership and close to residential gave their name to the area. In the late cultivation that so much survives. The River Thames and the Chilterns areas. 7th century a document known as the The downland and commons, rarely chalk streams have a long history of Tribal Hidage recorded the Cilternsaetan, ploughed but grazed for centuries, have management and modification by WE14 Greater public enjoyment of the water ‘people of the Chilterns’, as a distinct helped to conserve much of interest. man. This has led to degradation and environment of the AONB should be group possessing a nominal 4,000 hides The commons - mostly dating back fragmentation of habitat. Schemes which encouraged and sustainable access to it (family units). to medieval times - and the manorial ‘naturalise’ river channels and improve promoted. system are important in their own rights flow continuity through techniques such 2. The Chilterns is an ancient landscape as part of the historic environment, as daylighting or removal or modification Chalk rivers are an important and with traces of many eras and previous but also for the features which survive of impoundment structures, will enhance beautiful part of the Chilterns’ landscape. settlers. The historic environment they on them, many of which are still to be habitat, restore natural drainage regimes It is important to enable the public to created over millennia helps define a surveyed and identified. The woodlands, and create more sustainable river experience and interact with them. sense of place and the strength of local so extensive and yet so little surveyed, systems. Encouraging the public to engage with landscape character. The area has many hide a great deal that is still to be chalk streams is key to instilling a sense Bronze Age barrows and field systems, discovered. The farmsteads, churches WE11 Appropriate management on all sites of value of these important and beautiful Iron Age forts, medieval churches and and many old buildings are both part of designated for nature conservation components of the Chilterns’ landscape. deer enclosures, 18th century sawyer the historic environment and a direct link (statutory and non-statutory) should pits and 20th century military trenches. with the modern day, still in every day be safeguarded and promoted, and the All create layers of civilisation and use providing the core of much-loved need for greater protection of chalk settlement which provide a timeline for villages and towns. streams promoted. the evolution of the landscape and help

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Historic Parks and Gardens and Scheduled Monuments 4. The concept of the historic has been undertaken. Greater use Historic Parks and Gardens and Scheduled Monuments environment is wide ranging and should be made of the findings of this holistic, encompassing all physical and advice can be obtained from the manifestations of human activities from relevant archaeological service. Building ChilternsChilterns AONB boundary boundary earliest prehistory to the present day. It conservation advice is the responsibility includes buried archaeological remains of conservation officers based in the RegisteredParks and Gardens Parks and Gardens and palaeo-environmental deposits, district councils and unitary authorities. relict sites surviving as earthworks or The National Trust is an important ruins, historic buildings and villages, landowner in the Chilterns and employs ScheduledScheduled Monuments Monuments Barton-le-Clay landscapes still in use such as farms and its own conservation and archaeological Hexton field boundaries, industrial and military staff. structures, ancient woodlands and Lilley 9. There are many voluntary and Leighton Buzzard Dunstable Hitchin commons and country houses with their associated parks and gardens. community groups working in this field notably the Chiltern Woodlands Project, 5. There are strong links between the which undertakes surveys and training in Whipsnade LUTON historic and natural environments as woodland archaeology, and the Chiltern the modern ecology of the Chilterns is Open Air Museum which houses an Markyate determined to a considerable degree important collection of relocated historic Harpenden Aylesbury Aldbury by historical patterns of land use. The buildings. Tring Gaddesden historic environment helps define a Wendover sense of place, can provide a focus for community activities and contributes to Broad Aims Thame Princes Berkhamsted the local economy. It also has important Risborough HEMEL HEMPSTEAD cultural associations with topics such as • The historic environment of the AONB is Chesham social history, folklore, arts and literature. Chinnor conserved and enhanced for the benefit Gt. Missenden Amersham of current and future generations. 6. In many ways it is also an industrial Naphill Stokenchurch landscape with relicts of early iron • The public have a greater appreciation, Watlington working, charcoal burning, wood understanding and enjoyment of the High Wycombe working, furniture making, the railways historic environment of the AONB. Turville and canals, brick and tile making, Beaconsfield brewing, chalk quarrying and cement • The public have good access to the Wallingford manufacture. historic environment. Nettlebed Marlow 7. The list of artists and authors who lived R. Thames Woodcote Maidenhead and took inspiration from the Chilterns Goring Henley-on-Thames is also long. Milton, Nash, Piper, Disraeli, Special Qualities Blyton, Dahl and Greene are some of the better known. Prehistory R. Thames N 8. Policy and advice on the historic 1. The chalk ridge of the Chilterns contains environment is provided at a national many traces of prehistoric occupation and the majority of the monuments READING 0 5 10 Kilometres level by English Heritage, although there is overlap with the landscape which survive as visible earthworks lie 0 6 Miles responsibilities of Natural England. Each along the escarpment. county council or unitary authority has c Crown copyright and database rights 2. Prehistoric settlements, often indicated [2014] Ordnance Survey Licence no. 100044050 an archaeological service responsible for maintaining and developing its Historic by scattered flint artefacts on the Environment Record and the provision surface of fields, are common within the of planning and conservation advice. Chilterns, as are barrows (burial mounds). To aid understanding of the Chilterns’ 3. Neolithic barrows are to be found at historic landscape the Chilterns Historic Halton, Whiteleaf and at sites around Landscape Characterisation Project Dunstable, but Bronze Age barrows are

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far more common and examples can Medieval 20. Some modern features, such as the First Parks and gardens be seen at Ivinghoe, Wendover and World War practice trenches at Whiteleaf Dunstable. 12. A substantial number of buildings Hill, Halton and on Marlow Common and 26. The attraction of the Chilterns as survive from this period including relicts of activity from the Second World a country retreat where the varied 4. The Ridgeway (the Icknield Way) is an churches and chapels (typically built of War and the Cold War are increasingly topography of the landscape allowed important prehistoric trackway, and flint) and timber-framed barns, manor being recognised as important the location of grand houses in may have provided the basis of a major houses and farmhouses. archaeological monuments. prominent positions and within a communications and trading network reasonable distance of London, led to stretching from Wessex to East Anglia. 13. Strip lynchets (cultivation terraces) were Settlements and buildings the development of numerous grand th th created in the late 12 and 13 centuries country houses and parks, reaching a 5. Amongst the earliest surviving elements at a time of a great need for arable land. 21. The historic settlement pattern is one peak of around 600 parks in 1820, with of the Chilterns landscape are pre-Roman of larger nucleated towns and villages examples of every period and style ‘co-axial’ patterns of parallel trackways 14. Medieval field patterns with ancient along the river valleys and below between the 17th and late 19th centuries. and fields. hedges, boundaries and lanes are the Chilterns escarpment, with more There are 15 historic parks and gardens significant features. About 40% of dispersed patterns of hamlets and 6. 20 Iron Age hill forts were constructed on the English Heritage register. hedged field patterns in the Chilterns are farms on the higher ground with newer along the scarp ridge and along the th thought to have pre-18 century origins. settlements on the edge of commons. 27. The designed parkland landscapes of Thames Valley. the 18th century are the best known and Post-medieval 22. There are many dwellings, farmsteads 7. The Iron Age linear dykes (evidence of include examples of the work of some of and other buildings within the Chilterns extensive land divisions) of which Grim’s the most famous landscape designers of 15. Many of the archaeological earthworks which are of architectural or historic Ditch is the best known and which the period, including Charles Bridgeman, found in Chiltern woods, such as wood importance and which make an essential stretches for more than 12 miles from ‘Capability’ Brown and Humphrey banks and sawpits, reflect the woodland contribution individually, or in groups Naphill to Berkhamsted. Repton. management in this period to supply within settlements, to the character, and Roman timber for the furniture industry. aesthetic qualities of the landscape. 28. In some places the owners of these estates rebuilt adjacent villages creating 16. The construction of turnpike roads, 23. The most common building material in 8. The Romans roads of Watling Street (now a distinctive estate architecture. Most canals and later railways created new the Chilterns is brick, the use of which of these country estates and parks have the A5) and Akeman Street (now the A41) th landscape features as well as opening up dates back to the 15 century. During survived to the present day although run through the Chilterns. th access to the Chilterns and affecting its the 18 century it became the universal only a few remain with their original economy. 9. There is evidence of Roman iron-smelting building material. Bricks were almost families, many having been turned to always made locally, the variations in other uses such as schools, conference in Chiltern woods and villa sites adjacent 17. The spread of non conformism started to Roman roads. quality and colour of local brick earth centres and hotels. early in the Chilterns and there is a and clays giving a distinctive character particularly rich legacy of 18th and 19th Saxon to buildings in different parts of the century chapels. AONB. Bricks are still being made in the Chilterns. Key Issues 10. Anglo-Saxon cemeteries and settlements 18. The Chilterns is adorned with unusual have been found mainly around the buildings and structures, which some 24. In most areas of the Chilterns flint is Conserving the historic environment periphery of the Chilterns – for example might think of as follies and others as around Aylesbury, Dorchester, Luton and also widely used as a building material, monuments. Some notable examples 1. In general, the conservation of the Dunstable. commonly in combination with brick. include the Bridgewater Monument It is particularly common in the central special historic, built and cultural at Ashridge, the Maharajah’s Well at 11. The Saxon parish structure survives plateau areas of the Chilterns and can heritage of the Chilterns will require Stoke Row in south Oxfordshire and th with its distinctive long, narrow strip- be found in farmhouses of the 17 greater weight to be attached to it. This the Dashwood Mausoleum atop West th parishes running from the Vale up onto century, cottages in the 18 century and is especially important to help protect Wycombe Hill. th the Chiltern scarp to give each Vale universally in the late 19 century. and conserve those sites and features which do not enjoy legal protection, for settlement a share of the Hills’ woodland The twentieth century and pasture resources. Some of these 25. The local abundance of clay meant example unregistered parks and gardens. boundaries may have pre-Roman origins. that clay tiles became the general 19. The impact of the 20th century was roofing material from the 16th century 2. It is important that the problems greatest in the southern Chilterns where onwards but thatch was still being identified by the Heritage at Risk register the London suburbs of Metroland grew used on humbler buildings at the end covering Grade I and II* buildings, up rapidly until the designation of the of 18th century. Welsh slate became Scheduled Monuments, Registered Parks Metropolitan Greenbelt in 1959. commonplace in the 19th century, and Gardens and Conservation Areas are brought in by canals and railways. responded to.

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Historic and current extent of Chilterns commons The impact of development Utility blight

Historic and current extent 3. A great deal of new development is 7. A wide range of utilities have permitted of Chilterns commons taking place and is planned. There is a development rights relating, for example, Barton-le-Clay need to identify and take appropriate to the installation of pipelines and cables, action to ensure new development does although larger schemes may require an Hexton Chilterns AONB boundary not profoundly alter settlement character Environmental Impact Assessment. Most or damage sites or their setting where of these organisations have a duty of care Leighton Buzzard Lilley Commons, Heaths and Greens Dunstable Hitchin that is important. Where development towards the historic environment and (Present Extent) or land use change involves significant have published environmental policies, Commons, Heaths and Greens and unavoidable impacts, appropriate although their practical interpretation assessment, mitigation of the impacts by and application of these measures is (c1810 - 1820) Whipsnade LUTON design solutions or recording should be variable. Markyate undertaken. Harpenden 8. Greater consideration needs to be given Aylesbury Aldbury 4. The construction of High Speed 2 will to the impact of street clutter including Gaddesden 4. result in considerable destruction of utility equipment and infrastructure Tring Wendover features of the historic environment, which can blight the wider historic many of which are not yet known or environment, conservation areas, and the Thame Princes Berkhamsted surveyed. A key challenge will be, as setting of individual buildings and sites. Risborough HEMEL HEMPSTEAD far as is possible, to avoid and not just Often this impact is cumulative due to Gt. Missenden Chesham Chinnor mitigate the damage to the historic the activities of several different utilities. environment. In many cases this will not A more coordinated and proactive Amersham Naphill be possible but restoration should be a approach is needed to both remove primary aim, for example by reinstating existing clutter and to prevent more of Stokenchurch Watlington High Wycombe the ancient lanes and restoration of it appearing. The commitment by some earth banks and associated hedgerows. of the electricity distribution companies HS2 will also provide opportunities to to invest in undergrounding power lines Turville Wallingford Beaconsfield identify, survey and record aspects of is the sort of lead which other utilities the historic environment which may should be following. Nettlebed Marlow otherwise have remained unidentified R. Thames Woodcote and unknown. Knowledge and understanding Goring Maidenhead Henley-on-Thames N 5. The importance of good design, taking 9. There is a need to promote a wider account of local characteristics and understanding of the historic R. Thames materials, both in new buildings and environment to ensure its sustainable extensions and the conversion of management. More use should be made 0 5 10 Kilometres historic buildings, is vital to conserve the of the Historic Environment Records

0 6 Miles character of the built environment and (HERs) held by local authorities, which READING its setting in the landscape. record the historic buildings, landscapes and archaeological sites of their area, c Crown copyright and database rights 6. Many buildings are being extended and and of the Chilterns Historic Landscape [2014] Ordnance Survey Licence no. 100044050 renovated. In the process new materials Characterisation Project. are used to replace old and some do not match well the existing structure. 10. The knowledge of the historic Common examples are the installation of environment is partial and in some areas, PVC windows to a brick and flint cottage, such as archaeology in woodland, under- replacement of slate with concrete tiles surveyed. Conservation of the Chilterns or ill-matching bricks. heritage in all its forms will need more knowledge, information sharing, better understanding and deeper and more widespread appreciation of what is special and what needs to be done to conserve it.

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Recreational use of sites disturbed sites, rarely, if ever, having been ploughed. There is also open 11. The Chilterns is a popular area for access across these areas extending to informal recreation which attracts large over 2,000 hectares in total providing numbers of visitors. On some sensitive opportunities for public engagement sites there is always the problem and outdoor learning, but which also of potential conflict between their exposes them to potential damage. recreational use and conservation of their special qualities. This is a particular Impact of agriculture issue along the ridge of the escarpment where there are many popular sites with 16. Intensive agriculture is a potentially good public access and which are also serious threat to the historic environment important for their historic environment. through the loss of historic buildings Examples include Whiteleaf Hill near and field patterns, ploughing up of Princes Risborough, Coombe Hill, archaeological sites and the removal Ivinghoe Beacon, Dunstable Downs and of historic features such as ponds and Warden and Galley Hills near Luton. trackways. Cholesbury Camp - Site management 17. With gradual decline of grazing and an Iron Age hillfort increase of arable farming these tends are likely to continue. Several features 12. The conservation of the special qualities such as hedges and ponds are more of the historic environment relies on likely to gradually disappear due to good management and sustainable neglect than deliberate removal as use by owners, managers and all users their farming function has been lost. be to prevent ‘treasure hunting’ metal conservation plans for them (especially including the general public. There In general, however the actual impact detecting on the most important and those which are ‘at risk’). is a need for enhanced provision of of these potential threats is relatively vulnerable sites. Climate change information and advice for all these modest. audiences as the long term stewards of 20. It also needs to be noted that responsible and organised metal-detecting, most this heritage. Woodland management 23. At present the most serious direct often by well organised clubs, has impacts of climate change in 13. The interests of nature conservation and helped to unearth many interesting and 18. Many archaeological sites survive as the Chilterns will be on certain the historic environment often coincide important finds that would otherwise earthworks within woodland including archaeological remains, historic buildings have gone undetected. This has helped but there can sometimes be tensions - historic woodland management features and the natural components of historic improve understanding of many aspects for example, burrowing animals or tree (wood banks, sawpits etc) as well as landscapes. Specific topics of concern of the historic environment significantly. planting can damage archaeological earlier remains such as prehistoric are: The problem is when detecting is not remains. barrows, hill forts and boundary ditches. well organised, responsible or is illegal. • increased flood risk affecting historic The conservation and sustainable Community involvement buildings; management of the Chilterns’ woodlands Neglect of designed landscapes is therefore a high priority from an • increased rainfall and water penetration 14. Involving local communities in the historic environment perspective. From 21. Country houses and their associated affecting historic buildings; identification, conservation, protection an archaeological perspective, there is a parks, gardens and other designed and celebration of local heritage is need to extend the coverage of survey landscapes are a particularly distinctive • changes in woodland composition and essential. The cultural associations of (including laser surveying (LiDAR)) to and important feature of the Chilterns’ increased vulnerability to wind-blow the historic environment should be identify and record features hidden landscape within the AONB and are (the latter is a particular concern on recognised and local community interest within woodland. archaeological monuments); fostered wherever practical. worthy of conservation. These buildings Metal detecting and landscapes can face particular • inappropriate siting of renewable energy Common land pressures of neglect and unsympathetic facilities including solar panels which can change of use whilst they require 19. The Treasure Act 1997 requires the affect landscapes and roofscapes. 19. sympathetic management and, in many 15. There is a special need to survey, identify reporting of all suspected treasure items. cases, restoration. and manage historic environmental Nevertheless, most ‘portable antiquities’ It is worth noting that the climate has changed before and an understanding of features on common land. The found by metal-detectorists fall outside 22. There is a need to identify important commons are often some of the least the remit of the Act. A priority should the historical and archaeological record unregistered historic parks and other could assist in planning a sustainable designed landscapes and to develop future.

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Policies HE4 The conservation of the historic HE6 There should be a high level of public HE9 The cultural heritage of the Chilterns environment (including the setting of understanding and enjoyment of the should be celebrated and promoted to HE1 Conservation plans for designated important sites and features) should be historic environment. attract visitors and support the tourism heritage assets should be encouraged. based on best practice. economy. The Chilterns has an immensely rich The preparation of conservation plans Relatively few land and buildings and varied historic environment. In the The Chilterns has an extraordinary should be encouraged because of the managers receive any formal training in long term its conservation and good cultural heritage covering the historic importance of so many sites. Such conservation of the historic environment, stewardship will depend greatly upon environment and all that makes it a plan is the best way of reinforcing and yet much of what they do has public will and often public funds. That special: a wealth of literary and military the importance of sites, involving a direct bearing on it. A great deal will only be forthcoming if they are aware figures; the aristocracy; poets; religious appropriate agencies, identifying of experience is available to provide of their historic environment and are able leaders; politicians; innovators and appropriate action, providing a stimulus advice and many good examples of best to understand, appreciate and enjoy it. notable business people all of whom to take that action and to provide practice are available. Where appropriate Currently general awareness levels are have left their mark on the Chilterns. It is guidance for others undertaking work historic environment services (usually low but there are many opportunities an essential ingredient of what makes a which may have an impact on those local authorities or English Heritage to improve public understanding and place different and is crucial to develop a special areas and sites. but there are many expert trade enjoyment. sense of identity and local pride. It is also and conservation bodies) should be provides a plethora of opportunities to HE2 Where conservation plans are prepared consulted for information and advice. HE7 The stewardship of the wider historic promote the area to attract visitors and for designated heritage assets the Often the most effective training and environment and individual sites tourists. potential impact of climate change advice is in the form of learning from and features (including their setting) and extreme weather events should be what others did successfully when faced should be supported by a high level HE10 The availability of skills needed to addressed. with similar issues. of understanding of the character and conserve the historic environment management needs. should be enhanced. As the climate changes and extreme HE5 The design and location of all weather events become more common, development should be sympathetic This is essential to ensure its A particular challenge is to ensure those some sites will be vulnerable to the to the character of the historic conservation and appreciation. Currently who undertake conservation works of potential impacts such as increased environment, including the setting of knowledge levels are partial and, in key any kind, whether it be to a site, building flash flooding and windblown trees. historic assets. fields, less extensive than is desirable. or other structure, have the necessary All conservation plans should take This is particularly true amongst groups knowledge and skills. In general there potential impacts into account and The pressure for development in the who have the capacity to approve or is a shortage of skilled people in nearly ensure appropriate management is Chilterns is high, with potential impacts initiate change which may affect the all conservation skills, which results in implemented in response to the site’s on the existing settlements and the historic environment. delays or worse, the work being done by vulnerability. wider landscape where it is to be situated unskilled people. A simplistic example is in more open countryside. Wherever it HE8 Local communities should be involved that repointing a knapped flint stone wall HE3 Development, other land use changes is to be located it is essential that the in the conservation and interpretation is not the same as laying bricks. and management practices which design and materials are sympathetic of the historic environment. would harm the significance of to the setting and historic character of HE11 The historic environment could be nationally important designated that place. That does not necessarily The conservation and interpretation used to support sustainable economic and undesignated sites, and locally require a slavish adherence to vernacular of the historic environment provide a and social activity. Where there are important historic assets and their architecture but it should nonetheless wealth of opportunities for community irreconcilable differences between the settings will be resisted. complement and respect existing involvement. In so doing all parts of a two the conservation of the historic character. community can find a role including environment should take priority. The historic environment is irreplaceable volunteers, schools, local businesses and damage must be avoided especially as well as local statutory bodies and The public has a high level of interest where the site’s importance has been experts. This type of involvement in the historic environment, some of identified and protection conferred by encourages social activity within the which is capable of sustaining social some form of designation. Additionally, community, can strengthen the local and economic activity. Examples are it is the setting of many sites which economy and helps link it to its past. the development of tourism based on adds to their importance and the way Increased understanding should also heritage and social activity founded on they are appreciated. This facet of site enhance their willingness to become local culture and folklore, often linked management is not always taken into involved in its care and stewardship. to specific sites. Such activity helps account fully. both to strengthen the identity of local communities and foster sustainable economic activity.

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to the cultural heritage of the Chilterns, Special Qualities Development but more recent works have often had a negative impact on the landscape. 1. The attractiveness of the Chilterns’ Introduction landscape is partly due to its settlements 4. The continued pressures for new and buildings. development, particularly housing, create demand for aggregates and other 2. There are many attractive villages such minerals for construction. Historically, as Ewelme, Turville, Hambleden and large quantities of chalk were extracted Aldbury which are popular places to live to manufacture cement, but these in and visit. quarries are now largely redundant. Two relatively small brick-making enterprises 3. The Chilterns has a distinctive vernacular survive using local clay. architecture based on the use of local brick, clay roof tiles and flint. Despite this, 5. Local communities generate considerable other architectural styles (‘Metroland’ for quantities of waste. This should generally example) have also had an important be dealt with in close proximity to where influence it is produced. However, redundant quarries are not suitable for land filling 4. There are many notable individual and, other than on a small and local scale, buildings and follies including stately it is unlikely that there will be suitable homes, monuments, mausoleums and sites for new energy from waste plants. windmills. They provide interest in County councils and unitary authorities the landscape and support the tourist are responsible for waste recovery industry. provision, disposal capacity, quarry 5. There is a wealth of medieval churches, reclamation and energy from waste and Bradenham many built from flint. reference should be made to relevant minerals and waste local plans and core 6. There is a strong link between the strategies when appropriate. management of the countryside and the character of old and new development. The vernacular architecture, as so often, Broad Aims was based almost entirely on the use of locally available materials. In the Chilterns • Ensure that development conserves this included clay to make bricks and 1. The attractiveness of the Chilterns’ architecture. There are also examples and enhances the special qualities and roof tiles, timber, chalk for mortar and landscape is due to its natural, built of modern interpretations of the local characteristics of the Chilterns. flints from fields and quarries. All these vernacular which sit happily within the and cultural environment. It is not a materials remain available for new AONB. However, new development, both wilderness but countryside adorned by • Ensure the distinctive character of the development. villages, hamlets and scattered buildings. within the AONB and its setting, should built and natural environment of the It is surrounded by large towns, though conserve and enhance the natural beauty Chilterns is improved, especially where 7. Many buildings are of historical there are few hard urban edges, and of the area. There may be instances it is degraded or subject to any negative importance either in their own right or is within easy commuting distance where architect or design panels could impacts of development. because of the people with which they of London, all of which increase the be usefully employed. are connected. pressure for new development. As a • Ensure that local authority result house prices in the Chilterns are 3. The Chilterns is very accessible due to development plans, as they affect 8. The ancient lanes, canals and railways amongst the highest in the country and the number of roads, railway lines and the AONB, are compatible with the (including significant Brunel bridges) are there is a severe shortage of affordable waterways running through it. Major purposes of AONB designation. important parts of the landscape. housing. transport routes link the Chilterns to London and other major cities and towns. 2. Towns, villages, hamlets and individual With the exception of a single road (the buildings all form a vital part of the modern successor to the Icknield Way) character of the Chilterns, particularly which follows the foot of the escarpment, because of the widespread use of local very few transport links run south west building materials (bricks, clay tiles to north east. The network of ancient and flint) and the locally distinctive routes, railways and canals has added

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Key Issues 7. There is a need for the design of new 12. The physical impact of transport 13. The small number of active and buildings to show adaptation to climate infrastructure and its use have major redundant quarries within the AONB and 1. The Chilterns and surrounding areas change, for example to ensure buildings environmental impacts. Any assessment its setting require long term plans to be are under considerable pressure to remain cool in the summer without using of the environmental damage or in place once quarrying has ceased. It will accommodate significant numbers of air conditioning. benefits needs to be given greater be vital to maintain the environmental new houses as well as other forms of weight. This includes ensuring that qualities they now have (e.g. Chinnor development. 8. Society must seek ways of reducing the design, use and management of Quarry is a geological SSSI). It is unlikely its demand for energy (switching transport infrastructure, including that landfill would be an acceptable use. 2. There is continuing pressure to locate off streetlights is one of many) and maintenance and small works, do not large scale developments in the AONB reduce its dependency upon fossil damage environmental quality. The 14. The Chilterns is a wealthy area and or its setting. Assessment of the impact fuels by switching to renewable energy impacts of new schemes and expansion produces a significant amount of of these proposals needs to accord with sources. The options include solar, of existing facilities will need very waste per capita. It is unacceptable to national policy as set out in the National wood fuel, ground source, hydro and careful consideration to ensure the send waste out of the area in which it Planning Policy Framework (paragraphs wind, all of which have some potential conservation and enhancement of the was generated. In future, efforts must 1 113, 115 and 116) . in the Chilterns. It is the prospect of natural beauty of the AONB. Roads concentrate on minimising waste wind turbines which would be most should be constructed and surfaced to and dealing with it in close proximity 3. The retention of open space and the controversial. It is highly unlikely that minimise noise pollution, a particular to where it is produced. The option need to try and restrict the scale of new large-scale wind turbines would be problem along the motorways (M40, of energy from waste will no doubt development are key to conserving the appropriate because of the relative M25 and M1) and trunk roads. The continue to be investigated. The choice natural beauty of the AONB. Equally, the lack of wind and the visual intrusion, Board and highway authorities have of suitable sites will be contentious. provision of new green infrastructure (GI) especially along the ridge of the published the Environmental Guidelines It is unlikely that large scale plants may help alleviate some of the pressures escarpment but also when located for the Management of Highways in the could be accommodated within the from existing development. outside the AONB within its setting. Chilterns2 which, amongst many issues, Chilterns AONB without unacceptable However, there is scope for installation environmental impacts. 4. New development of all types needs seeks reductions in road side clutter and of smaller domestic-scale turbines in to respect vernacular architecture, light pollution. less intrusive locations where there are settlement character and the local suitable wind speeds. The use of wood landscape. This will require developers to fuel would be the preferred option do more than try to use standard designs. because of the extent of the woodland The Board has published guidance on resource which is currently under- design and the use of building materials utilised. and encourages the preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact 9. There is a need for a better Assessments where appropriate. understanding and awareness of what contributes to local distinctiveness, 5. There is a need for active promotion of especially amongst those groups who environmentally sensitive construction propose, design and approve new methods and the necessary skills, development. particularly in the use of locally produced building materials. 10. In some places the attractiveness of the landscape is diminished by degraded 6. All new development needs to accord sites, unattractive buildings and other with the highest environmental structures and their use. The challenge is standards to minimise impact on the to remove, screen or mitigate the visual environment and help mitigate the Horseshoe Hill House intrusion. causes of climate change. This means near Wooburn, winner of the 2012 Chilterns maximising energy efficiency and 11. There is an increasing need to guide Buildings Design Awards minimising water use (by the inclusion developments and activities which are of rainwater harvesting or grey water exempt from normal planning controls recycling for example). In order to help in order to ensure that the cumulative avoid flooding and to encourage aquifer impacts of clutter and inappropriately recharge sustainable drainage systems designed buildings do not lead to further should be encouraged. problems of urbanisation.

1 National Planning Policy Framework (Department for Communities and Local Government, March 2012) 2 See www.chilternsaonb.org/board-publications

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Policies Technical Notes on Chilterns building When responding to relevant planning environment for all. There will also be a materials3. The Design Guide now applications the Board will seek the use need to meet the economic and social D1 The natural beauty of the Chilterns addresses additional issues such as of local building materials because of needs of the people who live and work AONB should be conserved and climate change, energy and water the positive impacts that their use would in the Chilterns. Improvement of the enhanced by encouraging the highest efficiency, renewable energy, and the have on the landscape and environment. economic, social and environmental design standards, reinforcing local development of new agricultural and Developments should conserve or well-being of the area might be achieved distinctiveness and respecting the other rural employment buildings. enhance the natural beauty of the AONB through: landscape, settlement character and and planning applications should comply special qualities of the AONB. When endorsed by the Local Planning with the Chilterns Buildings Design Guide • the delivery of affordable housing for Authorities the Design Guide should and Supplementary Technical Notes. local needs (including key workers and The design and location of new be taken account of as a significant those in agriculture); development and the extensive use of material consideration in determining D4 The retention of the local brick-making standardised, suburban designs and non- planning applications. The Design Guide industry should be supported by • improved employment opportunities; local materials has in the past resulted in has also aimed to reduce the impact of seeking the use of locally-made bricks • maintaining the viability of the rural many villages losing some of their special some of the works which are ‘Permitted in new developments, consistent economy; and distinctive character. Development’ and do not require with the principles of environmental planning permission. If carried out sustainability and the Chilterns There is a need for a greater • addressing the general decline in, and unsympathetically these developments Buildings Design Guide and related improved access to, key rural services, understanding of the factors that 4 can contribute to the increasing Supplementary Technical Notes . and contribute to the visual harmony ‘suburbanisation’ of the countryside. between built development and the Within the Chilterns there are two • open space, GI provision and biodiversity landscape, and to local distinctiveness D3 The sustainable use of local natural remaining brick-makers. They are small enhancements. and the sense of place, so that these resources (timber, clay and flint) for in scale and make high quality bricks qualities can be conserved and enhanced local building purposes should be in traditional ways. The support for the D6 Where new housing development is through sensitive and imaginative supported by seeking their use in new use of such local materials in sensitive proposed this should only be permitted design, and the character of existing developments. ways will not only help to ensure a if its scale, massing and density reflect settlements can be positively improved continued supply of high quality, the local context and have regard to the where appropriate. Bricks, tiles and flint are still commonly traditional building materials, but will special qualities of the AONB. used in new developments. Local also help developments to have limited It is the role of the Local Planning clay is still used for brick making by impacts whilst contributing to local The Board will generally support the Authorities to firmly apply policies the remaining local brickworks. The distinctiveness. If used locally such provision of smaller residential schemes which safeguard the AONB from development of other small workings building materials will have travelled a that lead to the provision of affordable further detrimental change, while may be possible which would serve a limited distance and will emit lower levels and local needs housing. All housing accommodating the small-scale useful purpose by providing a source of schemes should be sustainably located of CO2 in their transport comparative to development necessary for the locally-made materials for use in the area, other materials. and should take particular account of continued economic and social well- ensuring compatibility with the materials the settlement’s and site’s contexts and being of Chiltern communities. traditionally used. Another source of D5 Appropriate development (especially should reflect densities that are prevalent locally produced building materials are affordable housing) should be locally. The operation of nationally D2 High standards of development which the Totternhoe Clunch pits. They are only encouraged, particularly on previously agreed minimum densities is not always respect vernacular architectural opened occasionally to provide material developed land, if it will improve the appropriate and in order to deliver wider styles and demonstrate appropriate for historic building restoration. Although economic, social and environmental benefits and the conservation of the best practice in the use of traditional small-scale these activities also provide well-being of the area whilst having special qualities of the AONB it may be materials (flint, brick, roofing materials local employment opportunities. regard to the special qualities of the better to operate to lower, maximum, and timber) should be promoted. AONB. density levels. The Conservation Board actively Buildings design guidance can help promotes environmentally sensitive Sustainable development involves inform those involved in decision- construction methods (primarily the use meeting current needs without making as well as helping landowners, of locally-produced building materials compromising the ability of future developers, designers and local and lime mortar) through the production generations to meet theirs. This communities to plan for and control and use of its Supplementary Technical entails accommodating change change in an appropriate way. The Board Notes on Chilterns building materials – whilst maintaining and, wherever has published the Chilterns Buildings flint, brick and roofing materials (clay tiles possible, enhancing the quality of the Design Guide and Supplementary in particular).

3 See www.chilternsaonb.org/buildings-design-guidance 4 See www.chilternsaonb.org/buildings-design-guidance

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D7 The retention of agricultural buildings D9 Full account should be taken of the D11 Enhancement of the landscape of D12 Developments should be sought that for rural enterprise should be likely impacts of developments on the the AONB should be sought by the represent the highest environmental encouraged. setting of the AONB. removal or mitigation of intrusive and design standards whilst developments. complementing the character of the In the past numerous agricultural There is increasing pressure for both AONB. buildings have become redundant and large- and small-scale development There is a need to ensure that all been converted. In many cases the within the setting of the AONB. Greater developments conserve and enhance Developments within the AONB and its conversion has been to a residential appreciation is required of what the likely the natural beauty of the AONB. Actions setting should achieve the purpose of unit, thus these buildings have been impacts may be of such development, to improve the quality of the AONB conserving and enhancing the natural lost from productive use. This has particularly as the views both out of and landscape, particularly where it is eroded, beauty of the AONB, whilst being been recognised and it is considered back to the AONB are fundamental to the should be promoted where possible. undertaken to the highest standards. The desirable to try and ensure the retention enjoyment of the AONB itself. Similarly, This would be particularly valuable in the Board will work with others to promote of current agricultural buildings for more account needs to be taken of such following contexts: measures which will help people and productive uses, particularly if they are impacts, and to this end the Board has buildings to adapt to climate change, no longer suitable for their current use. prepared a position statement on this • around the fringes of urban areas, to subject to the overriding consideration Retention of such buildings should help matter6 and encourages the preparation soften the often harsh edge of new of the need to be compatible with in fostering the economic and social of landscape and visual impact residential and other developments; the character of the built and natural well-being of communities within the assessments where appropriate. environment. Some of the measures • in locations where it helps to screen AONB. Pressure on this finite resource that will be considered include: a greater or integrate unsightly buildings or has increased due to changes in the D10 A reduction in the damaging impacts of understanding of the embedded energy structures; Permitted Development Rights regime utilities and other infrastructure should in any development; the increased use that would allow certain changes to take be sought. • in strategic locations where it could of local building materials; water and place without the need for planning energy efficiency; the way that buildings Many telecommunications masts were help to reduce the visibility of intrusive permission. are orientated, and allowing for more sited within the AONB in the past infrastructure, and comfortable living conditions with D8 The retention or creation, and long term resulting in damaging landscape impacts. • where it would result in the removal or increased summer shading. There has been a slowdown in the roll maintenance, of green infrastructure enhancement of unsightly buildings or out of new systems which has meant should be sought when development is other eyesores. Flooding is increasingly becoming an proposed in, or adjacent to the AONB. that there are fewer applications for new issue. In order to try and alleviate this masts, though with a desire for more Encouragement should also be given problem, as well as to encourage aquifer With significant pressure for housing rapid roll out of high speed broadband to the replacement or improvement recharge, sustainable drainage systems and employment growth there will be this may change. Other infrastructure of elements which detract from visual should be incorporated in the design of a need to provide green open space can include overhead electricity harmony, including: domestic features new development. This may be achieved (often via developer contributions) in the lines, associated poles or pylons and by requiring the provision of sustainable 5 such as inappropriate urban styles of form of GI (which can take many forms ancillary buildings, wind turbines and fencing and clutter (such as washing drainage systems through local plan and have multi-functional benefits for underground utilities. lines and children’s play equipment); policies. If well-designed these can also biodiversity, landscape, access and in street and other forms of lighting benefit biodiversity. When considering A reduction in the damaging impacts contributing to sustainable drainage), that lead to light pollution, as well as developments in proximity to rivers, local may be achieved by the removal of provided this does not conflict with the overhead electricity lines. The cumulative planning authorities should also give due redundant masts, the better design and purposes of the AONB’s designation. In impacts arising from such detracting regard to any impacts on the rivers and siting of new masts and other equipment addition, the enhancement of expansion elements should also be taken account their riparian ecology. through the application of guidance, the of existing GI resources may help the of. Guidance on some of these issues is removal of overhead electricity lines and area cope with pressures from existing given in the Chilterns Buildings Design Various ways of decreasing water usage associated poles or pylons, appropriate development. For new developments Guide7. could be implemented. These include that are on the edge of the AONB, there location and siting of new wind turbines rainwater harvesting, the incorporation of will also be opportunities to improve and better landscape treatment of any grey water recycling and the installation degraded landscapes and access to the works associated with any changes to of water meters in new developments. countryside, to improve connectivity of underground utilities. habitats and to try and lessen the impact of development on the setting of the AONB. This may be brought about, if very carefully controlled, through biodiversity offsetting on appropriate sites.

5 See glossary 6 See www.chilternsaonb.org/position-statements 7 See www.chilternsaonb.org/buildings-design-guidance

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D13 The use of renewable energy Growth in air traffic is continuing and D16 The environmental impacts on the Some quarries may be suitable for (particularly wood fuel, solar, hydro- expansion plans for major airports would Chilterns (including those arising from the development of both passive power and ground source heat pumps) exacerbate this. Significant numbers of through traffic) of quarrying and the and active recreational facilities in should be encouraged in appropriate passengers arrive at airports by car and operation of landfill sites and other conjunction with low-key associated locations. there will therefore need to be much waste management facilities within infrastructure (informal car parks, picnic greater provision of public transport in and adjacent to the AONB should be areas and nature trails for example). The There may be pressure for the order to allow modal shift. Any proposals minimised. development of wildlife habitats, where development of wind power in the to alter flight paths in order to allow natural re-vegetation has occurred or wet Chilterns in the future, and full account more aircraft to fly over the AONB will be There are few active chalk quarries left areas remain, will be encouraged. should be taken of the potential impacts strongly opposed and the Board will seek within or near the AONB and any landfill on the landscape, including the setting changes to take air traffic away from the operations associated with redundant D18 The reduction of waste should be of the AONB. Other renewable energy AONB. workings will need to be very closely promoted by supporting policies which forms that may be developed include monitored and managed. Workings result in re-use, reduction and recycling solar (hot water and photovoltaics), The detrimental impacts of the networks for aggregates are generally nearby of waste materials. small-scale hydro schemes and waste and other infrastructure can be reduced rather than within the Chilterns AONB. from woodland management and timber by various means which may include: However, deposits in the Thames Valley In the future there is going to be a production. Solar power and ground using low-noise road surfacing; switching are known to extend into the AONB. greater focus upon ‘sustainable waste source heat pumps are more likely to be off street lights; providing suitable Development pressures will maintain management.’ This will involve moving installed at the domestic-scale and there mitigation measures (appropriate demand for aggregates. The Board will away from the landfilling of waste. may be some supply from community planting or the undergrounding of resist proposals for quarrying within the Other methods of waste management based hydro-electric schemes. The overhead power lines and removal of AONB due to the damaging impacts of may result in demand for sites for waste use of locally sourced woodfuel from poles or pylons for example), and giving both extraction and the through traffic reduction, waste transfer or energy from existing woodland could support both greater consideration to the number, associated with transportation. waste plants which are likely to prove domestic-scale and community-based direction and height of flight paths difficult to accommodate in the AONB. combined heat and power schemes. associated with airports. Of equal concern are the impacts that It will be important to ensure that any Encouragement will be given for many might arise from the development and waste facilities are sensitively sited and of the renewable energy technologies in D15 A reduction in the number and operation of other waste management located to avoid detrimental impacts on appropriate locations and in accordance frequency of night flights over the facilities such as energy from waste the landscape or settlement character with the Board’s Position Statement on AONB and a reconsideration of night plants, household waste recycling sites and to avoid disturbance to local Renewable Energy8. However, particular flight policies, particularly at Luton and anaerobic digestion plants. amenity. care will be needed in order to ensure Airport, should be sought. that the significance of heritage assets is D17 Whilst conserving and enhancing One of the greatest impacts on the not adversely affected. their biodiversity, geological and tranquillity of the AONB arises from the archaeological features, the restoration D14 The special qualities of the Chilterns number and frequency of flights over and management of redundant should be conserved and enhanced the area. Many of these occur during quarries, and their assimilation by reducing the noise and other the night, though significant impacts back into the landscape, should be detrimental impacts on tranquillity also occur at the beginning and end of promoted. generated by the development and the night period when people are either operation of transport networks and trying to go to sleep or close to waking Large chalk quarries had a dramatic services and other infrastructure. up. Most airports have strictly controlled impact on the landscape, although night flight policies which seek to reduce only Kensworth in Central Bedfordshire The tranquillity of the Chilterns AONB such impacts on people living close to an is still active. Any restoration and is one of the special qualities of the airport or below flight paths. However, management plans should ensure that area that attracts many of the tens of Luton Airport does not currently have any environmental qualities (including thousands of visitors that come each such policies in place and changes will geological or archaeological remains) are year. This tranquillity is often ruined by therefore be sought. maintained, protected and interpreted. the noise and activity associated with the In such cases landfill proposals are development and operation of some of unlikely to be appropriate. Should the numerous transport networks (road, landfilling take place in the future in rail and air principally) that run through, smaller sites, only inert waste should near or over the AONB. There are also be used and restoration of the site back other infrastructure networks (electricity into the landscape should be achieved generation and distribution for example) using appropriate contouring whilst that cut across the AONB. 8 See www.chilternsaonb.org/position-statements encouraging biodiversity.

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Chilterns AONB boundary Understanding and enjoyment National Trust

The Chilterns Cycleway The Ridgeway National Trail Introduction Thames Path National Trail

The Chiltern Way Barton-le-Clay

The Chiltern Way Extension Leighton Buzzard The Chiltern Way - Berkshire loop Lilley Hitchin Registered Common Land Open Access Dunstable Chalk Downland LUTON

Grand Union Canal Harpenden Aylesbury Tring Wendover

Princes Berkhamsted Thame Risborough HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Chesham M25 Chinnor Gt. Missenden Cyclists in Turville Amersham R. Thames Watlington

High Wycombe Beaconsfield Wallingford 1. There are 55 million leisure visits to the 3. One of the primary functions of the Chilterns every year, making this one of Chilterns Conservation Board is to Marlow the most popular protected landscapes ‘increase the understanding and Maidenhead in the world. Despite the popularity of enjoyment by the public of the special Goring Henley-on-Thames the honeypot sites it is still easy to find qualities of the area of outstanding isolation and peace and quiet. natural beauty’. This has the potential to increase respect for, and environmental R. Thames N 2. The Chilterns’ countryside is highly awareness of, the countryside thereby valued for the wide variety of recreational encouraging people to care for and opportunities it offers, everything from protect it. walking, cycling and horse riding to READING 0 5 10 Kilometres gliding, canoeing and bird watching. 0 6 Miles Above all it is a landscape ideal for walking and informal recreation, with c Crown copyright and database rights an extensive rights of way network, two [2014] Ordnance Survey Licence no. 100044050 National Trails and dozens of sites with open access. 44% of leisure visitors to the Chilterns said that walking was the main purpose of their trip1. 1 2007 Chilterns Leisure Visitor Survey

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4. The Chilterns countryside should be and quiet as part of their visit. Whilst by opportunities for alternative pursuits such 4.4. The rising traffic levels pose challenges available for all to enjoy, which means no means a wilderness the Chilterns does as canoeing, gliding, orienteering, canal and for the Chilterns, in particular honeypot making it accessible to those with limited offer relative tranquillity compared to river cruising. sites, with issues such as overflow parking mobility and ensuring that facilities and surrounding towns and cities. and congestion. The 2007 Chilterns Visitor information are accessible and relevant 8. There are a large number of organisations Survey showed that a third of visitors to to people at different life stages; there 3. It has a broad-ranging appeal based involved with managing recreation in the the most popular countryside sites had should be something for everyone. on its varied and intimate landscape of Chilterns. This means that there are plenty travelled less than 5 miles, yet 94% of beech woodlands, chalk hills, common of events which appeal to a wide audience. visitors came by car. There is clearly scope 5. The countryside and green spaces within land, picturesque villages, country Increasingly this is a year-round programme to encourage more people to walk from settlements offer opportunities for fresh houses and parks and gardens. It is also often with events held during the week as home or use public transport. air and exercise, with benefits for physical an historic landscape, with hill forts, well as weekends. and mental well-being. The proximity of ancient barrows, medieval churches, and 5. There are gaps in the rights of way accessible countryside to all the towns, a strong cultural heritage. network, particularly bridleways, forcing small and large, on the AONB boundary, horse-riders, cyclists and walkers on to and London, means these opportunities 4. There is an extensive and well- Key Issues often busy roads. With the increase in maintained public rights of way network are open to urban as well as rural 1. Most of the popular countryside sites in volume and speed of traffic, roads which in the Chilterns (over 2,000km), a wide 1. communities. the Chilterns are on environmentally- were once commonly used as link routes range of promoted routes, two national sensitive sites, especially chalk grassland to public rights of way are no longer trails passing through the area (the where there is a need to balance recreation considered safe by many users. Ridgeway and the Thames Path) and and conservation. Certain sites experience Broad Aims some notable regional routes such as the 6. Not all communities have access to green intense recreational pressure and careful Chiltern Way and the Chilterns Cycleway. spaces close to where they live, with • High quality and enjoyable recreation visitor management is required to prevent There are also many rural lanes suitable barriers such as roads or railways making and access opportunities should be their degradation. Where such conflicts for cycling, horse-riding and walking. it difficult to reach the surrounding available to all. arise, the Board gives primary importance countryside by foot or bike2. Priority to conserving the environmental quality of 5. There are 2,883 ha of Open Access should be given to improving access • Good health and a sense of well-being the resource over its use for recreation. The land available for informal recreation for those communities with low green should be encouraged by promoting creation of buffer areas and other methods (889 ha of chalk downland and 1,994 space provision. Plans for housing growth activities based on the sustainable of alleviating pressure at sensitive sites ha of common land) in addition to in and around the Chilterns need to enjoyment of the countryside. should be considered. the large areas opened to the public include additional and accessible green by bodies such as the National Trust, • Every resident and visitor should be 2. Sensitive management and guidance spaces close to where the new homes Forestry Commission, wildlife trusts and 2. aware of, and enjoy responsibly, the is required to ensure visitors behave will be built. It will not be appropriate to local authorities. There is a particular Chilterns’ special qualities. responsibly and are aware of the need to assume new residents can use existing, assemblage of these sites along the ridge protect the countryside they enjoy. This but sensitive and vulnerable, sites as the • More people are interested in and of the escarpment on sites of exceptional means working with partners to agree the nearest green space. involved with countryside activities and quality with magnificent views. Much of key messages, on-going communication stewardship. the common land is in close proximity 7. Given the large number of visitors to the with user groups, promoting codes to towns and villages, making it Chilterns, occasional conflicts between of conduct and through face-to-face particularly useful for local recreation and different users (e.g. mountain bikers communications by rangers or volunteers educational purposes. and walkers/horse riders) are inevitable. on the ground. Special Qualities Noisy activities such as trail biking and 6. There is a wide variety of sites managed 3. The last few years has seen a sharp increase quad biking are a particular problem 1. The Chilterns is one of the largest and specifically to encourage the public to 3. in cycling, especially on-road cycling, in the to users seeking peace and tranquillity. most popular rural areas for informal visit, ranging from small picnic sites to Chilterns. There has also been an increase in Problems are not widespread, but do recreation in the UK. An estimated 55 large estates owned by the National Trust organised cycling events, some of them on occur, particularly on shared-use paths. million leisure visits are made to the and Forestry Commission. Many sites a large scale. Whilst the majority of cyclists The surfacing used on shared-use paths Chilterns annually, with a high proportion are quiet tucked-away places with no and cycle events do not cause problems can cause problems, with different users of local users. facilities at all but others have car parks, and provide a wonderful way to enjoy the requiring different types of surfacing. As toilets, visitor centres and a year-round 2. It is a landscape attractive to both Chilterns, conflicts with other users are ever a balance is required to ensure all programme of events. local visitors and those from London becoming more widespread. There is a users are catered for. and surrounding towns because of its 7. The range of opportunities for outdoor need to work with cycle groups and event accessibility. The Chilterns is served recreation is extensive. Although organisers to promote a code of conduct by four rail routes and the London walking and cycling are the most and make cyclists more aware of the need 2 An analysis of accessible natural greenspace Underground. Visitors are seeking peace to respect other users. popular activities, there are plenty of provision in the South East 2007

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8. New housing developments will exert 13. The tranquillity of the Chilterns is The AONB straddles many local authority additional pressure on the countryside, under increasing threat from increased boundaries, but there is no unified particularly at nearby honeypot sites. For vehicular traffic, aircraft flying over and countryside service. The Conservation example, the Ashridge Estate, Coombe population growth in and around the Board has an important role to play in Hill, College Lake, Tring Reservoirs, area. Whilst localised noisy activities are bringing together the many different Wendover Woods, Dunstable Downs, a feature of larger settlements and along partners on joint projects, co-ordinating Pegsdon Hills and Barton Hills will all the urban fringe, increasingly traffic noise access initiatives and encouraging receive additional visitors because of along busy roads and, in particular, over- consistency in standards of information the nearby growth areas at Aylesbury, flying aircraft of all types are reducing the and interpretation provision (for example Dunstable and Luton. places and times when peace and quiet maintaining the successful Chilterns can be found. Country brand) and in the quality of 9. Local authorities and organisations countryside services and facilities. delivering countryside services and 14. Several new tourism initiatives have green spaces have faced funding cuts sprung up in the Chilterns over the last UE3 The use of public rights of way should and reduced staff resources over the last few years, all aimed at increasing short be promoted and routes improved by few years which is exerting pressure on breaks in the Chilterns: Our Land, Cycle covering gaps in the network. their ability to maintain and develop Chilterns and Walkers are Welcome. The countryside access. There has been an Chilterns Tourism Network has been The public rights of way network increased amount of volunteer input to established, a Chilterns tourism website provides the basic resources for the help fill the gaps but unless the funding has been developed and ‘Choose the large numbers of visits to the Chilterns’ situation changes, a deterioration in Chilterns’ branding established. These countryside. They are generally well the quality of countryside access, green resources provide a platform for other maintained and waymarked. However spaces and facilities is inevitable. sustainable tourism initiatives and the there are gaps in the network, economic benefits that these can bring particularly the bridleway network which 10. The Ridgeway and Thames Path National to Chilterns businesses. is fragmented, forcing users onto busy Trails have suffered from a lack of roads. This is a particular problem for investment over the last few years due to horse-riders. The challenge is to link up funding cuts and a freeze on marketing bridleways where gaps exist, preferably and promotion of the Trails. It is hoped Policies by creating new rights of way. that the culmination of the National UE1 The management of countryside Trails review means a new way forward Initiatives such as the Bucks Green suitable for recreation should be for the National Trails, starting with the Infrastructure Delivery Plan can play promoted and supported whilst development of a Trails Partnership an important role in improving the conserving its environmental quality. and an increased emphasis on the connectivity and accessibility of the rights of way network, and should be development and marketing of the Trails The Conservation Board will continue to strongly supported. for the future. work with local authorities, the National Trust, Natural England, community 11. The provision of information and UE4 People should be encouraged to make groups, landowners and the many other interpretation, in their many forms, is a the most of the countryside on their Walkers at Bison Hill near Whipsnade organisations managing the Chilterns vital means of increasing understanding doorstep. countryside to ensure that recreational and enjoyment of the Chilterns. It can opportunities are maintained and Research indicates that the average car help with the planning and visiting promoted. The maintenance, waymarking journey is less than two miles. People of sites in the Chilterns and should 12. Volunteers have become more and promotion of the rights of way should be encouraged to make more use be present at key visitor points. The important than ever to countryside network remain a priority. Access must of the countryside close to where they growth of smart-phone technology organisations and there is a huge variety be managed appropriately, taking into live rather than driving to sites further and QR codes will continue to provide of opportunities for volunteering in account sensitive species and habitats afield. The CCB will continue to promote new and exciting possibilities for the Chilterns. Volunteering encourages so that the environmental quality of the ‘Countryside Close to Home’ concept, presenting information and interpreting people to learn about and care for the countryside sites is maintained. linking in with initiatives such as Cycle the Chilterns in imaginative ways. The Chilterns countryside. Although the Chilterns which encourages people to growth of electronic media should engagement of volunteers requires UE2 There should be a co-ordinated walk or cycle rather than drive a short supplement rather than replace face-to- investment, it can be especially valuable approach to the delivery of countryside distance and to improve cycle links to/ face interpretation such as guided walks for under-resourced organisations. access and services across the Chilterns. from gateway towns in the Chilterns. or events, which remain a popular and effective means of engaging visitors.

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UE5 Access links between town and to respect other users. Particular effort UE10 Visits to the AONB should be made verges for walkers. On very busy roads, country for walkers, cyclists and needs to be directed to the management using environmentally sensitive modes the creation of separate routes for cyclists other recreational users should be of dogs in the countryside and to of transport and new provision should / riders is the ideal to be encouraged strengthened. managing the increase in cyclists and be encouraged. wherever possible. cycling events. This requires not only The rights of way network potentially wider communication and education Most visitors to the Chilterns arrive by UE12 The health and other benefits of offers many people an opportunity to but also countryside staff on the ground car: visitor surveys at key countryside visiting the countryside and taking walk, cycle or ride from their homes to undertaking face-to-face engagement sites show that over 90% of visitors to part in low impact activities should be the countryside (or from their village into with visitors. the popular countryside sites arrive by promoted. town). There are many large settlements car. Visitors should be encouraged to both within and immediately adjacent to UE8 The accessibility of the countryside use public transport, and once in the Inactivity is now recognised as a the AONB and the challenge is to create for all users should be enhanced and, Chilterns, opportunities to explore the serious health issue, with increasing new links where there are gaps and to in particular, special needs should area by foot or bike should be promoted. levels of obesity, particularly among improve the quality of routes linking be addressed, whilst taking care to Initiatives such as Cycle Chilterns will young people. The countryside offers town and country. The development conserve environmental character. improve facilities at railway stations and opportunities for fresh air and exercise, of new housing in the Chilterns and gateway towns, including the provision with benefits to peoples’ physical and associated green infrastructure initiatives The provision of high quality access of bike hire, bike racks, information mental well-being. National initiatives offer opportunities to design important opportunities and facilities remains a boards, leaflets and signage. Walkers have led to a large number of successful new access links. priority. The last few years has seen the are Welcome and Cyclists are Welcome healthy walking schemes in the Chilterns, removal of hundreds of stiles in the should also be encouraged. New housing where it is now firmly established. The UE6 Understanding and appreciation of Chilterns and the development of new and infrastructure developments in the health benefits of visiting the countryside the area’s special qualities should be and improved wheelchair-accessible Chilterns also provide the opportunity and the opportunities to participate promoted. trails at several countryside sites, creating to seek private developer funding to in healthy walking schemes should be much more accessible countryside improve sustainable transport provision, actively promoted by the Board. The Work with partners to provide high for those with restricted mobility. The for example new cycle lanes. Board should also promote the full range quality information and interpretation. Conservation Board will work with of new and niche activities which will This can be done in many different ways, partners to ensure this area of work Walks and rides from railway stations appeal to different audiences, such as from on-line information and leaflets, to continues as it has potential to benefit should be further developed and geocaching, play trails, Nordic walking information boards, guided walks and such a large sector of the population. promoted through initiatives such as and other outdoor activities. events, use of QR codes and the latest Cycle Chilterns and Our Land, capitalising technologies. In addition to improving physical on the excellent rail links which can bring UE13 The economic contribution of all types access, efforts should also be focused on urban visitors directly into the Chilterns of visitor to the local economy should UE7 Countryside users should be improving the quality and accessibility countryside. be enhanced. encouraged to behave responsibly. of information, the waymarking of rights of way and promoted routes, UE11 Effective management of the highways Recreation and tourism have the The Chilterns is one of the most heavily- and encouraging participation through network should be encouraged, to potential to make a substantial visited protected landscapes in the UK, events and guided walks. promote its safer use for walking, contribution to the local economy. The receiving millions of visitors every year. cycling and horse riding. Chilterns is predominantly a day visitor Every opportunity should be taken to UE9 The quality of welcome given to destination but there is scope to develop make people aware that the Chilterns visitors, including the development The Chilterns has a large network of and promote the short break market is a protected landscape and at the of new facilities and services where quiet lanes which are ideal for walking, which will contribute far more to the same time a working landscape which appropriate, should be enhanced. cycling and riding. However, many of the local economy. The Chilterns does not requires careful management; there is a busier highways have become less safe have a unified tourism service, however need to give people an appreciation of For many people the provision of visitor for users, due to the increase in volume the Chilterns Tourism Network has a key what makes it special and why it needs facilities such as car parking, toilets, and speed of vehicular traffic. Highways role to play in bringing together tourism protection. information and waymarked trails is should be managed to encourage their businesses and stakeholders. It should integral to their visit. The last few years use for recreational activities, particularly be supported in its efforts to promote Sometimes there are conflicts between have seen considerable improvements those which have public rights of way the Chilterns as a visitor destination recreation and conservation/land at the formal countryside sites, however, along them or are included in promoted and generate more overnight stays, management or between different types in parts of the Chilterns provision is routes. This may include the introduction for example through the Visit Chilterns of users, particularly at the most heavily relatively sparse. The Board should of traffic calming measures, providing website, ‘Choose the Chilterns’ branding visited countryside sites and honey pot promote investment in access and safe crossing points and introducing and other marketing activities. areas. Visitors need to be made aware recreation facilities on appropriate speed restrictions (as done on the of their rights and responsibilities when sites to improve the quality of visitor Ashridge Estate). In some cases there may A number of sustainable tourism visiting the countryside and the need experience. be opportunities to make more of road itineraries have been developed in the

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Chilterns and these should continue to The National Trails in the Chilterns UE19 The planning process should protect be promoted, for example short breaks provide a spine, linking in with other and enhance the public rights of way based on the Chilterns Cycleway. rights of way and promoted routes and access networks for walkers, cyclists to offer numerous opportunities for and horse-riders. UE14 Learning and volunteering walking loops. The Board needs to work opportunities which will develop an with partners to ensure routes, signage, There are many development pressures understanding of, and caring for, the interpretation and visitor facilities are in the Chilterns, some which threaten environment should be encouraged and maintained to a high standard and the accessibility of the rights of way promoted. that they provide a high quality visitor network, in particular new housing and experience. There needs to be investment transport infrastructure. It is essential The Chilterns countryside offers people in new technologies to draw in broader that the connectivity, character and the opportunity to learn through formal and younger audiences, for example setting of the rights of way network is education programmes, and informally, developing apps, using QR codes on way maintained. In addition to protecting thus enhancing both their enjoyment of, marker posts and leaflets, making the this resource, the planning process can and desire to help conserve, its natural web site more interactive and enabling also lever in funding to enhance and beauty. There are numerous opportunities users to download route maps onto their upgrade rights of way. For example new to get involved through volunteering, smart phones and other mobile devices. housing developments can provide the the Board should promote these and opportunity to develop new walking encourage participation in wider learning UE17 The use of the Chilterns Cycleway and and cycling routes through developer activities including talks, guided walks, other cycle routes as part of a regional funding such as the Community workshops and training events. network should be promoted. Infrastructure Levy and can lead to better links between town and country and UE15 The use of the River Thames corridor The Chilterns Cycleway links up market and Grand Union Canal for quiet improvements in the accessibility of the towns, attractions and connecting cycle network. leisure activities, which are consistent routes across the Chilterns. It provides with maintenance of environmental numerous opportunities for day rides UE20 Young people’s exploration and character, should be promoted. and longer routes and can be used to understanding of habitats and species encourage greater cycle use amongst The Chilterns waterways are much loved in the Chilterns should be facilitated. residents as well as visitors. The Chilterns and provide numerous possibilities for Cycleway should capitalise on projects Children are naturally inquisitive about quiet leisure activities and water-based such as ‘Cycle Chilterns’ which will the world around them and this should activities such as boating and canoeing. provide better cycle facilities at gateway be nurtured to encourage greater Access improvements have been made towns, wider availability of bike hire exploration and understanding of the to many stretches of the River Thames (including electric bike) and programmes Chilterns countryside; if this interest and Grand Union Canal towpaths to make of led rides. is developed early in life, people are them more accessible to all, but there is more likely to continue exploring and still scope to improve access for all; this UE18 Tranquillity should be conserved by valuing the Chilterns in the future. should be a priority near urban areas. resisting noisy/damaging activities. This could be done through formal The availability and quality of visitor A reduction in the level of noise educational activities (such as schools facilities, waymarking and interpretation and other forms of pollution caused or youth groups) or informally through Horse rider is integral to many people’s enjoyment by development and transport provision of relevant facilities (natural Berkhamsted Common and understanding of the waterways and infrastructure should be sought. play areas, play trails) and activities such the Board must work with its partners as orienteering, bushcraft, den-building, to support this, for example the Canal Getting out into the country for many geo-caching, as well as participation in & River Trust which provides advice to people means a search for peace and initiatives such as Open Farm Sunday. The guide developments on canals. The use of quiet, a chance to get away from it all for main countryside sites have done a great the Thames for leisure boating has been a short while. Occasionally the peace is deal over the last few years to attract in decline for some years and provides disturbed by a noisy activity such as quad young people, the challenge will be to potential for growth. biking, although the main source of noise broaden this to other locations and wider pollution is from traffic and, increasingly, audiences. UE16 A regional network of walking routes aircraft. The Board should work with based on the Ridgeway and Thames partners to resist activities which Path National Trails and other high threaten tranquillity, or to minimise their quality promoted routes such as the impacts. Chiltern Way should be promoted.

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Broad Aims underground railway (The Metropolitan Line to Amersham and Chesham). Section 3 • The natural beauty of the Chilterns is conserved as a result of sustainable social 8. The Chilterns is a wealthy area whose Social and economic well-being and economic activity. local communities have the spending power to generate significant demand • The local economy is based on for local products and services, the Introduction environmentally sustainable principles. production of which can contribute to sustaining a high quality environment. • People make the link between social and However, the Chilterns is surrounded by economic well-being and a high quality a mixture of smaller market towns which environment. although not in the AONB are Chilterns towns. There are also a number of much • Local people are involved in caring for the larger urban settlements including Luton, local environment. Dunstable, Reading, High Wycombe • The natural beauty of the Chilterns is and Hemel Hempstead which are very recognised for the economic benefits it different in character with a broader brings to the AONB and its surrounding mix of communities and pockets areas. of significant economic and social disadvantage. A wine bar and deli in Wendover Special Qualities Key Issues 1. The Chilterns has a high quality natural and cultural environment which attracts a 1. The management of the landscape large number of leisure visits. needs a range of skills, which, until comparatively recently, were supplied 2. Local people benefit from a high quality by people living in local communities. 1. 80,000 people live within the Chilterns 3. Economic and social activities must be of life which is partly dependent upon a That is no longer the case and many of AONB and over 1 million people live environmentally sustainable to create high quality environment. the skilled workers needed are in short close to its boundary, in major towns and maintain ‘natural’ beauty over the supply, for example foresters and flint like High Wycombe, Luton and Reading. long-term. Economic activities such as 3. The accessibility of the countryside workers. Looking wider, approximately 10 million planting and managing woodlands to provides excellent opportunities for its people live within an hour’s travelling produce timber and grazing livestock enjoyment and for physical activity. 2. The economic viability of farming time of the AONB. It is no surprise that on the hills have made a profound and forestry has suffered in recent the Chilterns is hugely popular as a place contribution to the character of the 4. The close links between local years, resulting in a relative lack of for recreation, with 55 million leisure Chilterns. However, if markets decline, communities and the environment management of many valued landscape visits every year. The impact of people, as they have done for local timber, meat provide opportunities for community- features. Downland and common land is in the past and today, as they live, work and wool, the activity decreases and the based activity and volunteering. under-grazed, hedge-laying is rare and and move around, is fundamental to the character of the area is at risk of being many small woods are under-managed. 5. The natural and cultural environment character of the Chilterns’ landscapes. lost. Increasingly these features are no longer provides a wealth of learning managed as part of day to day operations opportunities for all ages. 2. The Chilterns Conservation Board has 4. Tourism is a major part of the current and their care depends upon considerate a statutory duty to foster the social rural economy of the Chilterns. Leisure owners using funds earned elsewhere, and economic well-being of local visits to the area every year result in 6. Many local people have valuable skills to help conserve and celebrate natural public subsidy or the help of local communities when pursuing its primary a total spend of over £400m. The vast volunteers. aim of conserving natural beauty. This majority of these visitors are seeking to beauty, and are often willing to volunteer their services to help care for it. management plan reflects that, and enjoy the countryside, and to indulge 3. Diversification of the rural economy has also recognises that much of the natural in recreation best suited to a rural 7. The public transport network, especially long been underway and for many small beauty of the Chilterns has been created landscape, such as walking and cycling. the railways, is excellent and provides to medium sized farms is essential to through people’s economic and leisure The tourism industry both benefits from convenient car-free options to visit the remain viable. What is approved needs to activities, and that in turn those activities the Chilterns’ natural beauty and has a countryside. The Chilterns is the only be sympathetic to its immediate setting have often been stimulated by the vested interest in its conservation. protected landscape accessible by and wider landscape. environmental assets of the area.

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4. The growing interest in local produce 8. Fast broadband connections are essential SE3 The use of products which contribute to SE5 The special distinctiveness of market in recent years reflects an increased to many rural businesses and to those the natural beauty of the AONB should towns and villages should be promoted, awareness of where food and other who prefer to work from home rather than be promoted. to help develop their visitor appeal. products come from. Not only does this commute. High speed rural broadband encourage environmentally-sustainable supports the economic activity of existing The spending power of the public, public The towns and villages of the Chilterns activity, although it does not guarantee businesses and encourages new ones to bodies and local businesses can help have a distinctive charm and character of it, it also helps support the management be established. It can also reduce traffic boost the demand for local products their own which contributes considerably of features which contribute to the levels on the roads by enabling people produced in an environmentally- to their attractiveness to visitors and the landscape. For example, demand for local to work from home. At present there is sustainable way. This helps support the media. Many films and well known TV lamb will help to maintain sheep grazing great variability in speeds, depending on rural economy and helps maintain the programmes, such as Midsomer Murders, of chalk downland. location, with some communities suffering natural beauty of the Chilterns. are based in the Chilterns. very slow connections. 5. Much of the local tourism economy is SE4 The sustainable development of SE6 The role of villages and market towns as based on visitors seeking a tranquil rural the local tourist economy should centres in the rural economy should be experience and countryside activities such be promoted, to increase the promoted. as walking and cycling. There is generally Policies economic impact of visitors, and their The role of market towns as vibrant a good balance between visitors and their understanding of the Chilterns. SE1 The provision and use of public transport centres of the rural economy is being environmental impact with relatively few by people who live and work in the Over 55 million leisure visits are made promoted, by organisations as diverse examples of unsustainable activity. There Chilterns and who visit it should be to the Chilterns each year, with an as groups of local traders and parish is scope for a closer economic relationship promoted. estimated value of over £460m. However, councils to larger local authorities and between tourism spending and resources the per capita spend per trip is low tourism networks, to help retain those to manage the landscape they come to There are many benefits to encouraging and there is considerable unrealised economic functions and to strengthen enjoy. An ongoing issue is to ensure that local people and visitors to use public potential to attract more staying visitors community identity and spirit. the tranquillity, which is important to local transport to travel to, and around, the who spend considerably more per visit. residents and an attraction to visitors, is Chilterns. They include making rural roads There is a strong desire amongst local not spoiled by noisy activities, road traffic safer for other users, such as walkers and tourism businesses to raise the profile and overflying aircraft. cyclists, and helping to combat the cause of of the Chilterns as a destination through climate change by reducing the emission of 6. Increasingly the management of the marketing its special qualities and greenhouse gases. environment is dependent upon local attractions. people volunteering their services. The SE2 Rural diversification which adds value work of the Chiltern Society, National to local products and services which Trust, Green Gyms and Wildlife Trusts are contribute to natural beauty should be good examples of what can be achieved supported. by many thousands of hours of effort by, often experienced and highly skilled, Economic activity which contributes to volunteers. Such organisations are now the conservation and enhancement of stepping in to take on the management the environment should be encouraged, of some sites that used to be in the care especially those products and activities of local authorities. This volunteer effort which helped to create and promote the helps to strengthen the link between local special qualities of the landscape. The way communities and their environment. these products are created also needs to be environmentally sustainable. 7. It is now well-proven that physical and mental well-being improves when taking outdoor exercise in the countryside. Boats on the Thames Nearly all communities in and around at Henley the Chilterns enjoy good access to the countryside and many are close to places which are managed to encourage physical activity with way-marked routes, fitness trails, cycle routes and even organised walks and other health programmes.

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SE7 The health and well-being benefits of SE9 The impact of major development enjoying the countryside and through and infrastructure schemes on the volunteering should be promoted. economy and social well-being of local communities should be minimised. Although people are living longer, obesity and other illnesses related to Economic activity and the quality of lack of exercise are on the increase. The life of local residents can be severely population of the Chilterns has almost disrupted by major development unrivalled easy access to countryside projects, as they are built and then close to where they live. This is largely when they are operating. Impacts on based on an excellent public rights of local roads, on the tourism industry way network and the large number of and other local businesses and on sites with open access, promoted for people’s ability to carry out their daily public use. Many studies have shown lives all have serious consequences for the benefits to physical and mental the economic and social well-being of well-being of spending time in a natural affected communities. If development environment and taking exercise. Health schemes are approved these impacts Walks programmes have become very must be accounted for and avoided popular as a way of preventing ill-health. or minimised as much as possible, for There are also many opportunities for example, by including high quality green physical voluntary work, such as provided infrastructure in the scheme. by the Green Gyms and bodies including the Chiltern Society and the National SE10 The provision of high speed broadband Trust. in the AONB should be encouraged.

SE8 The provision of training in traditional High speed broadband brings economic and modern rural skills should be and environmental benefits to rural supported. communities.

Skills such as hedge-laying are no longer SE11 Local Enterprise Partnerships should wide-spread but still have an important be encouraged to support activities role in maintaining the health of local that enhance the natural beauty of the habitats and the character of the AONB. It AONB. is very important that a reservoir of rural Local Enterprise Partnerships are skills is maintained and expanded. encouraging economic recovery and growth in their areas by supporting Children at businesses and providing skills training. Swyncombe Downs

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Section 4 Cross-cutting themes Integration of cross-cutting themes with Management Plan policies

1. A number of important themes which will have a significant influence on the Chapters management of the AONB over the next

five years cut across all the chapters of change Climate Social inclusion Health and well-being learning Lifelong services Ecosystem Environmental sustainability the Plan.They are:

Landscape L11 L13 L2 L3 L3 L8 L2 L15 L8 L9 L11 • Climate change • Social inclusion Farming, forestry and FF3 FF14 FF11 FF1 FF5 FF2 FF3 FF2 FF3 • Health and well-being other land management FF11 FF4 FF6 FF4 FF5 • Lifelong learning FF14 FF8 FF13 FF6 FF8 • Ecosystem services FF15 FF13 FF15 • Environmental sustainability Biodiversity B11 B6 B6 B1 B5 B2 B3 B11 B13 B6 B4 B7 2. The wealth of natural and cultural B8 B9 resources available in the Chilterns offers B10 B13 great potential to address these issues and this is reflected in the policies that Water environment WE12 WE13 WE13 WE2 WE1 WE4 WE1 WE2 have been formulated for this Plan. This WE14 WE14 WE12 WE6 WE7 WE3 WE5 table shows which policies address each WE8 WE9 WE8 of the cross-cutting themes. WE10 WE11

Historic environment HE2 HE6 HE8 HE6 HE8 HE4 HE6 HE4 HE5 HE9 HE7 HE8 HE9 HE10

Development D2 D12 D5 D6 D7 D8 D14 D8 D14 D2 D3 D4 D13 D15 D16 D17 D8 D12 D17 D13 D18 Canal festival at Tring Understanding and UE10 UE5 UE7 UE1 UE3 UE6 UE7 UE4 enjoyment UE8 UE9 UE4 UE8 UE12 UE10 UE14 UE12 UE14 UE13 UE20 UE15 UE20 UE16 UE18

Social and economic SE1 SE10 SE7 SE8 SE2 SE3 well-being

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Section 5 Engagement Plan Landscape actions 1. Should the AONB boundary be reviewed, consider the case for inclusion of suitable The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan 2014 - 2019 landscape character areas adjacent to the AONB. has a number of closely interrelated functions. 2. Promote and support green infrastructure planning for new areas of development and to better link existing settlements with surrounding countryside. It is the statutory plan which sets out the 3. Undertake a five yearly survey of public perception and views on changes in the Chilterns Conservation Board’s policies for the landscape. management of the Chilterns AONB and for the carrying out of its functions in relation to it. 4. Publish good practice guidance for land managers, and target new owners of land The actions the Board itself will take to deliver and those involved in equestrianism and other non-traditional uses of land. the Plan’s objectives are set out in the Board’s 5. Assess planning applications and development proposals for their impact on the annual business plan. landscape. The Management Plan informs public bodies 6. Promote the Chilterns Buildings Design Guide and other relevant guidance to ensure of the means by which they can demonstrate all new development respects and enhances the landscape. compliance with their statutory duty to ‘have 7. Support provision of training in the skills needed by land managers to conserve and regard to’ the purpose of designation of the enhance the landscape. AONB when undertaking their functions. 8. Support initiatives which help local people and visitors understand and enjoy the landscape. It also guides the engagement of public bodies, landowners, businesses and individuals 9. Develop a better understanding of the likely impacts of climate change on the in the management of the AONB. It includes landscape and support mitigating and adaptive action. information regarding available and potential 10. Campaign actively to prevent fragmentation of the countryside (e.g. by division into delivery mechanisms. The actions the Board small plots) where this results in unacceptable impacts on the landscape and other would encourage others to take individually forms of natural beauty. or in partnership with others, including the 11. Promote targeting and uptake of environmental stewardship schemes generally and Board, to deliver the Plan, are set out in this Engagement Plan. actively lobby for provision of options most appropriate to the AONB. 12. Support management of trees, woodlands, chalk grassland, commons, hedges, chalk Whilst not all suggested actions may currently streams and other characteristic landscape features. be possible, the Board considers that taking 13. Develop a strategy and work programme to conserve and enhance the River Thames them would: and its landscape corridor. • better deliver the purpose of designation 14. Encourage the use of the Chilterns Historic Landscape Characterisation. of the AONB; 15. Develop a programme to raise awareness of hill forts and a site management View from Sharpenhoe Clappers, Beds programme. • assist the Board in delivering its own purposes; and Farming, forestry and other land management actions • deliver the objectives of this Management Plan. 1. Organise regular fora on farming and forestry issues. 2. Provide advice and training for both land managers and contractors that encourage sustainable land management. This will include both traditional skills, such as hedge laying, and modern resource efficient techniques, such as precision farming - where agricultural operations and inputs (fertilisers and pesticides) are carefully matched to crop requirements. 3. Provide advice and training to promote sustainable management of woodlands, 1 Section 89, Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 as amended by the NERC Act 2006 Condition. production and marketing of timber and other woodland products. 2 Section 85, Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

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4. Use European funding programmes to develop appropriate infrastructure that Biodiversity actions supports traditional land management practices, for example processing and 1. Review and agree provisional Biodiversity 2020 targets for the AONB with partners. marketing of local farm produce and woodland products (particularly wood fuel). 2. Support the development of new and existing landscape scale initiatives including 5. Publish guidance and provide training on the survey, identification and conservation Biodiversity Opportunity Areas/Conservation Target Areas and Nature Improvement of archaeology in woodland for owners, land managers and the wider public. Areas, and prioritise habitat creation and restoration within these areas. 6. Publish regular articles that promote the heritage value of special trees and woods 3. Provide management advice and support for Local Site owners and managers, and within the Chilterns and their continued care. raise awareness of their importance as part of wider ecological networks. 7. Survey and identify remaining areas of box woodland and support projects to 4. Promote uptake of appropriate environmental management scheme options and conserve and extend these areas. appropriate management of farmland wildlife. 8. Disseminate knowledge and promote best practise concerning current and 5. Research the distribution of rare or notable early successional species for example developing plant and animal health issues. associated with cultivated land, old quarries, chalk pits and trackways. 9. Provide advice and training on woodland planting and management that creates 6. Carry out practical management of habitats and features on commons e.g. veteran greater resilience to pests, diseases and weather extremes. This might include trees, ponds and grassland habitats. training on venison marketing as a means to support management of wild deer 7. Deliver a wildlife conservation training programme for volunteers, local groups and populations. land managers.. 10. Encourage landowners and managers to enter new agri-environment and woodland 8. Carry out a Chilterns biodiversity audit to extend understanding of the requirements management schemes particularly where these contribute to landscape and for conservation of rare and notable species for which the Chilterns is important. biodiversity gain. 9. Establish a Chilterns Ecology Group to support State of the Chilterns Environment 11. Engage with landowners – in particular horse owners and equine businesses - to reporting on the status of species for which the Chilterns is important. Increase encourage good pasture and hedgerow management and use of infrastructure that involvement of research institutes. complements the Chilterns landscape. 10. Monitor the spread of pests, diseases and invasive non-native species through 12. Encourage farmers, landowners and communities to undertake appropriate updates to the annual State of the Chilterns Environment report. Provide advice and management of landscape features and habitats, in particular chalk grassland, guidance to land managers and the public on appropriate control strategies and chalk streams, ponds, traditional orchards, ancient and semi natural woodlands biosecurity measures. and hedgerows. Survey existing hedgerow trees, support their management and 11. Provide advice and guidance on biodiversity in the built environment of the AONB, planting of new hedgerow and in-field trees to help replace those lost through including appropriate species selection for planting schemes. disease or old age. 12. Ensure that initiatives to promote access and regulation take account of habitat/ 13. Develop new landscape scale initiatives which will engage with farm and woodland species sensitivity to visitors and dogs. owners and others to deliver measurable biodiversity improvements across the AONB. Local Nature Partnerships have a particular role in identifying Nature 13. Ensure that Green Infrastructure plans emphasise the need for good quality well- Improvement Areas which aim to secure habitat improvements on a landscape scale. managed habitat, including within and adjacent to developments. 14. Undertake and publish a regular survey of land use and analysis of land use change. 14. Develop a programme of awareness raising events, activities and publications to increase public awareness, understanding and involvement in wildlife conservation 15. Engage with local planning authorities, farming communities and other land owners and recording in the Chilterns. to support viable rural businesses and diversification which maintain landscape character and the sustainable use of traditional farm buildings. 15. Work with the Local Nature Partnerships to promote greater awareness and understanding of the ecosystems approach and the benefits that the natural 16. Support the Commons Network, landowners and community groups to secure environment of the Chilterns provides for people and the economy. practical management of commons and identify appropriate funding to support future management. 16. Develop a Chilterns Historic Land Use study to influence current thinking and practice in habitat restoration. 17. Organise, support and coordinate activities which help local politicians, communities, new landowners and the wider public to better understand and 17. Promote awareness, management and restoration of infield and hedgerow trees, appreciate the importance and value of farming and forestry. wood pasture, roadside verges and orchards. 18. Work with landowners and user groups to develop sustainable, enjoyable and 18. Identify sites requiring improved grazing management to secure nature conservation considerate leisure use of appropriate sites and recreational routes across the AONB. objectives and promote schemes which help to achieve this. 19. Develop principles and guidance regarding the application of Biodiversity Offsetting in the AONB.

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Water environment actions Historic environment actions 1. Support the delivery of environmentally sustainable abstraction, through the 1. Develop an ongoing programme of practical advice and skills training to meet the Environment Agency’s Restoring Sustainable Abstraction programme. management needs of heritage assets and the wider historic environment. 2. Work with partners to promote and deliver measures to increase water efficiency and 2. Implement the Environmental Guidelines for the Management of Highways in the reduce water demand. Chilterns, to help protect the historic character of highways and adjacent land. 3. Work with partners to improve the ecological status of Chilterns’ water bodies 3. Identify and promote opportunities to improve the management of registered and through development of the catchment-based approach in the Chilterns. Work with non-registered parks and gardens. partners to develop and deliver catchment management plans. 4. Undertake research and survey work to improve knowledge and understanding of 4. Provide site-specific advice and support for management of the water environment, the historic environment in particular: particularly targeting areas with priority species such as water voles. • farmsteads 5. Work with partners to deliver improved water quality through catchment sensitive farming. • hill forts and associated structures 6. Work with partners to identify and report pollution issues where they occur and raise • holloways and ancient trackways. public awareness through targeted pollution prevention schemes. 5. Promote the use of the Chilterns Historic Landscape Characterisation Project by: 7. Work with partners to raise public awareness of the impact of invasive non-native • Organising training workshops species, map their distribution and develop and implement strategies for their control. • Publishing web pages and advice note. 8. Work with partners to identify and implement river restoration schemes. 6. Implement a programme to raise public awareness of the historic environment including provision of information, holding of events and improving physical access 9. Work with partners to build an evidence base for the statutory designation of chalk to suitable sites. streams and identify and designate Local Wildlife Sites. 7. Deliver a programme to develop visitor appeal based on the historic environment. 10. Promote education and interpretation programmes to enhance understanding of 8. Develop a special initiative to celebrate and perpetuate the Chilterns cherry (and 10. chalk streams and to raise awareness of the need for greater water efficiency. apple) orchards. 11. Encourage the management of existing ponds – particularly those on farmland and 9. Develop a strategy and work programme to celebrate and conserve the historic commons - to enhance their biodiversity and support the creation of new ponds. Thames including ancient crossings, ferries and bridges. 12. Encourage and support the involvement of local communities in managing and 10. Develop a special initiative to celebrate the history of the Chilterns furniture and improving the quality of their local water environment. wood working industries and their relationship with woodlands and local villages. 13. Support measures to promote environmentally-sustainable recreation and tourism 11. Develop a special initiative to commemorate the Chilterns’ role during the Great War. initiatives based on the water environment. 12. Develop a special initiative to survey historic farmsteads. 14. Work with partners to maintain and promote riverside walks. 13. Develop a special initiative to record the influence of religion on the historic 15. Promote the aims and objectives of the Riverfly Monitoring Initiative and support the landscape of the Chilterns. development of a Chilterns-wide network of riverfly monitoring groups. 14. Develop a special initiative to record the influence of transport and trading routes on 16. Collate existing data on ponds in the AONB and support further pond survey the landscape and settlements of the Chilterns. initiatives. 15. Develop a special initiative to identify and promote the follies, monuments and 17. Oppose proposals that reduce the environmental quality of the water environment memorials of the Chilterns. and seek improvements through new development proposals. 16. In the event of major developments or infrastructure schemes ensure there is a full programme to record, rescue, catalogue, archive and present all special historic and 18. Encourage Local Planning Authorities to include a requirement for Sustainable archaeological finds. 18. Drainage systems with biodiversity benefits within the AONB in their Local Plan policies. Development actions 1. Comment on significant planning applications which would affect natural beauty or its enjoyment, or which might foster economic and social well-being. 2. Review and comment on all relevant development plans and policies which would affect the Chilterns.

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3. Promote the Chilterns Buildings Design Guide and Supplementary Technical Notes 9. Facilitate and promote a programme of guided walks, rides and events with broad on Chilterns Building Materials (flint, brick and roofing materials) and review, as appeal. appropriate. 10. Promote the Ridgeway and Thames Path National Trails, the Chiltern Way and other 4. Develop a monitoring system for the built environment to enable an assessment of promoted walking routes, including the Chilterns Country series, as part of a network changes in character. of linked routes. 5. Produce position statements, in connection with certain forms of development, that 11. Maintain and develop the Chilterns AONB website incorporating information on the seek to ensure that full account is taken of the need to conserve and enhance the Chilterns for all types of visitor and all types of visit. natural beauty of the AONB. 12. Provide a range of information to assist visitors to plan and enjoy their visits. This 6. Seek the undergrounding of overhead powerlines wherever possible, and will include electronic information, leaflets, Apps, use of QR codes and information particularly in the Misbourne Valley and Risborough Gap. suitable for mobile devices. 7. Support the local planning authorities in their efforts to bring about the provision 13. Provide information on the many opportunities for countryside access, including the and enhancement of green infrastructure in cases where development is within, or in rights of way network, open access land and countryside sites. Raise awareness of close proximity to, the AONB. user rights and responsibilities by promoting the countryside code and promoting 8. In conjunction with others publish and promote advice on how building design the need to respect other users through awareness campaigns. should reflect the need to adapt to climate change and how developments should 14. Promote the Electric Bike Network(s) in the Chilterns and support the spread of the demonstrate energy and water efficiency. network to suitable new locations. 9. Promote the use of the Environmental Guidelines for the Management of Highways 15. Undertake the 2017 Chilterns Leisure Visitor Survey. in the Chilterns. 16. Deliver the Countryside Access Management Plans (previously known as Rights of 10. Contribute to and promote studies undertaken to assess tranquillity in the AONB. Way Improvements Plans). 11. Seek a reduction in noise pollution from all transport networks and services and 17. Develop the Chilterns Tourism Network and promote the Visit Chilterns brand and infrastructure schemes. Visit Chilterns website, with a focus on staying visitors and short break tourism. 12. Encourage the use of low noise surfacing in connection with all new roads and any 18. Support and promote tourism initiatives such as Our Land and Cycle Chilterns which re-surfacing work. aim to increase sustainable tourism in the Chilterns, with a special focus on walking 13. Encourage highway authorities to switch off street lights in appropriate and cycling short breaks. circumstances. 19. Promote the Chilterns market towns as gateways to the countryside, promote Walkers are Welcome and Cyclists Welcome. Understanding and enjoyment actions 1. Support and promote ‘Access for All’ initiatives including Miles without Stiles, Social and economic well-being actions especially in locations where provision is poor. This includes both physical 1. Provide support and advice to national and EU grant programmes enabling sensitive improvements and information. Design new accessible circular walks and promote diversification of the rural economy. their use. 2. Actively promote local products which benefit the local environment. 2. Promote investment in access and recreation facilities on appropriate sites to 3. Promote the Chilterns as a visitor destination to local people and potential tourists improve the quality of visitor experience. from further afield, for example through the Chilterns Tourism Network and Our Land 3. Promote investment in on-site interpretation including the use of QR codes and project. mobile technologies. 4. Assist local businesses to develop marketing and activities sensitive to the local 4. Promote enjoyment of common land for recreation, access, healthy lifestyles and environment. education. 5. Publicise volunteering opportunities through an up-to-date volunteering directory, 5. Identify and bridge gaps in the public rights of way network, especially the bridleway developed in conjunction with local partners. network and town/countryside links. 6. Promote health walks and Green Gyms and work with local Clinical Commissioning 6. Promote the Countryside Close to Home initiative to increase awareness of, and Groups and Strategic Health and Well-Being Boards to promote countryside encourage use of, countryside on the doorstep as an alternative to driving to more activities. distant locations. 7. Organise and support training courses in rural skills. 7. Promote and continue to develop the Chilterns Cycleway with a linked network of 8. Seek mitigation of the negative impacts of major development on the economy and shorter routes, promoted day rides and short break itineraries. well-being of communities within the AONB and its setting. 8. Actively promote the health and well-being benefits of visiting the countryside by 9. Publicise the importance of providing high speed broadband to rural communities. encouraging participation in the health walks programme and other countryside 10. Have active involvement with local LEPs to influence their activities. activities.

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4. There are many other public bodies which 5. Grant schemes including Environment aim to care for the environment, several Stewardship managed by Natural Section 6 of which have considerable resources England, the England Woodland and legal powers. The Board aims to work Grant Scheme offered by the Forestry Implementation and monitoring with them all and to seek their support Commission and the LEADER programme for the aims of this Plan for the Chilterns. for the Chilterns have in previous years Many of these bodies are subject to the provided considerable incentives for Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 environmentally sensitive management. Section 4 which states: With these schemes under review as part of Common Agricultural Policy General duty of public bodies etc: reform it is unclear exactly what form successor schemes will take, however the 85. - availability or otherwise of such grants is (1) In exercising or performing any functions likely to have an important influence on in relation to, or so as to affect, land in an future land management decisions. All area of outstanding natural beauty, a relevant three funds are supported by the Rural authority shall have regard to the purpose of Development Programme for England conserving and enhancing the natural beauty (RDPE) which is provided with funding by of the area of outstanding natural beauty. the EU and UK government. Harvest near West Wycombe 6. (Bryan Edgley) (2) The following are relevant authorities for the 6. This Plan is specific to the Chilterns purpose of this section- Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a requirement of the Countryside (a) any Minister of the Crown, and Rights of Way Act 2000 that it is produced and published by the (b) any public body, Conservation Board. There are many other plans which are a statutory (c) any statutory undertaker, responsibility on a wide range of (d) any person holding public office. organisations. It is important that they Implementation 3. The owners and managers of land and are consistent insofar as they also the communities of the Chilterns are the (3) In subsection (2)- support the aims of this Plan. Such plans 1. This plan sets out an ambitious vision for most important players in conserving include Local Development Frameworks the Chilterns which could be realised by and enhancing natural beauty. There “public body” includes - and Local Plans produced by local the application of the policies proposed is a long history of local people caring planning authorities, Local Transport by the Chilterns Conservation Board and for the Chilterns who volunteer in large (a) a county council, county borough council, Plans produced by highway authorities, many others, especially those able to numbers often with organisations such district council, parish council or community Neighbourhood Development Plans manage and influence land use change as the Chiltern Society, the National Trust, council; produced by local communities and and development. Many actions are local authorities and wildlife trusts. The Sustainable Community Strategies (b) a joint planning board within the meaning proposed and they too will require Conservation Board is also fortunate produced by Local Strategic Partnerships. of section 2 of the Town and Country Planning the direction of resources from many to be able to call on many skilled and Act 1990; organisations, businesses and individuals enthusiastic volunteers to help with its as they are beyond the direct resources work and, in particular, to work with the (c) a joint committee appointed under section Business Plan available to the Conservation Board. public. 102(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972; 7. The Conservation Board publishes an 2. The Board will contribute by directing its “public office” means - own resources including Board members, annual business plan with budget and work programme. All its activities are staff, expertise and funds. It will provide (a) an office under Her Majesty; leadership in its role as a champion for directed to delivering the aims of this the AONB. There are many others with (b) an office created or continued in existence Plan and to encouraging others to do so. skills and resources and the Board will by a public general Act; or The Board’s operating costs are largely endeavour to co-ordinate their activity met from grant aid provided by Defra and encourage collaboration. (c) an office the remuneration in respect and the local authorities in which the of which is paid out of money provided by AONB lies. The Board aims to attract Parliament. additional funding for special projects,

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many of which are outlined in this data – in some cases drawing on national 7. Chalk streams – Social and Economic Plan as actions. There is considerable data sets such as agri-environment competition for funds from, for example, scheme data, in other cases based a) Water Framework Directive status 14. Community facilities: sponsors, the Lottery and the EU, and it on local survey. That such a baseline is difficult to predict from one year to the has been produced is thanks to the b) River Fly monitoring trend data as an a) Loss of recognised community next how successful those bids will be. co-operation and assistance of many indicator of chalk stream quality. facilities e.g. pubs organisations and individuals who have 8. The Conservation Board realises fully 8. Hedges – length in good condition using b) Number of farm shops and farmers’ provided data and helped to interpret DEFRA condition criteria markets the value of skilled and hard working it. Inevitably the quality and quantity of volunteers and will be helping to data is variable, and financial constraints 9. Equestrian land use – area of land 15. Number of members of Chilterns Tourism develop the volunteering resource in are having an impact with less funding managed for equestrian purposes Network the Chilterns. The value of this support available for monitoring in recent years. is hard to estimate and often does not Historic Environment Understanding and Enjoyment appear in financial statements but it is 13. Nonetheless, the State of the worth tens, even hundreds, of thousands Environment reporting has produced 10. Listed buildings (Grade 1 /11*) – total 16. Participation in health walks of pounds every year. a useful baseline which will prove number/ number at risk increasingly meaningful as trends 17. Area of open access land emerge. 11. Registered Historic Parks and Gardens – total number/ number at risk 18. Visitor satisfaction on rights of way and Monitoring use of the countryside 12. Scheduled Monuments – total number/ 9. The overriding aim of this plan and the Headline condition indicators for number at risk Development Conservation Board is to conserve, and where possible enhance, the natural 2014-2019 13. Conservation Areas – total number/ 19. Number of appropriately designed and beauty of the Chilterns. It also aims to number at risk sustainably constructed affordable rural The majority have been carried over from needs houses provided enhance the levels of understanding the previous plan; others are new because and enjoyment of its special qualities. of changes in available data. Indicators used 20. Length of overhead power lines put Monitoring the effectiveness of the will be reviewed on an annual basis and underground plan with its aims, policies and actions will continue to be refined and adapted as requires a baseline on the condition of appropriate. the Chilterns against which progress can be monitored. Landscape and Biodiversity

10. In the 2008 – 2013 Management Plan 1. Environmental Land Management a commitment was made to develop Schemes – take up and coverage of a baseline on the condition of the current and future agri-environment and Chilterns against which progress could woodland grant scheme options be monitored. In 2009 the first State of the Chilterns Environment Report 2. a) Sites of Special Scientific Interest – area was published, providing baseline in favourable condition reporting across 20 condition monitoring indicators. Annual updates have been b) Priority habitat – extent, area in published ever since. favourable condition and area of habitat creation / restoration 11. Ideally for each key attribute of the Chilterns an indicator would be 3. Local sites – percentage in positive Cricket at Greys identified and information gathered on conservation management Green near Henley (Clive Ormonde) a regular basis to enable its condition 4. Commons – percentage in positive to be assessed. The reality is that some conservation management characteristics and features change in time and indicators should be reviewed 5. Livestock numbers and numbers of to reflect this. conservation grazing herds/ flocks

12. The State of the Chilterns Environment 6. Species – population trends for key Report is produced using best available species

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AONB Area of Outstanding Natural HER Historical Environment Record Agricultural land classification Habitats Regulations Assessment Beauty The method of grading agricultural land Habitats Regulations Assessment is required by devised by MAFF (now Defra) to indicate the the Birds and Habitats Directives of the European HLS Higher Level Stewardship quality of farmland. Agricultural land is graded Union to assess the effects of a plan on a nature BAP Biodiversity Action Plan according to the degree to which its physical conservation site of European importance to characteristics (particularly climate, relief and enable a judgement to be made as to whether LiDAR Light Detection and Ranging soil) impose long-term limitations on the there will be an adverse effect on the site’s BMERC Buckinghamshire and Milton agricultural use of the land. The best and most integrity. Keynes Environmental Records versatile land is classified Grades 1, 2 and 3a. Local Transport Plans Centre LNR Local Nature Reserve These define five-year strategies for transport Agri-environment schemes provision. County councils and unitary CAP Common Agricultural Policy authorities prepare them for their areas. LWS Local Wildlife Site A range of schemes operated by Defra which are designed to encourage environmentally- friendly farming and public enjoyment of the CCB Chilterns Conservation Board countryside. Natural beauty NAAONB National Association for AONBs Natural beauty includes the landscape, flora and fauna, geological or physiographical features CRoW Countryside and Rights of Way Act Biodiversity and heritage, including archaeology, historic NATS National Air Traffic Service 2000 environment and settlement character. Biodiversity means ‘biological diversity’ and includes the whole variety of life on earth in all NNR National Nature Reserve its forms, or any part of it and its interaction. Defra Department for Environment, National Planning Policy Framework Food and Rural Affairs The Government’s national guidance for land PAWS Plantations on Ancient Woodland Green Infrastructure use planning. There is also a series of Minerals Sites Planning Guidance notes (MPGs). EGWS English Woodland Grant Scheme A network of multi-functional green space, urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of SAC Special Area of Conservation life benefits for local communities. Strategic Environmental Assessment ELS Entry Level Stewardship Strategic Environmental Assessment is based on a European Directive intended to promote SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest Habitat sustainable development, by ensuring that an ESS Environmental Stewardship environmental assessment is carried out for Scheme The place in which a particular animal lives, certain plans and programmes that are likely to or the wider interaction of plants and animals have significant impacts upon the environment. WFD Water Framework Directive that are found together. EU European Union Sustainability

GI Green Infrastructure Sustainability has been defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development as ‘development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.

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