Thank you
Dear Volunteers, Members, Supporters, and Friends, As 2024 draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the year and express…
General
General news
Read more…Thank you
Parasols and panthers
Behind the hedge. Fred Gillam celebrates mushroom hunting. Although I’m known to many as Fred the Forager, that’s just one of the hats I wear.…
Chiltern history by bike
Above: Part of the Chiltern Heritage Trail in Old Amersham. The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and surrounding area is rich in history. The…
Whiteleaf Hill carpark closure
On Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 October the carpark and picnic area at the Whiteleaf Hill Nature Reserve (Peters Lane, Princes Risborough HP27 0RP) will…
Abstraction to resume in the Upper Chess
River Chess Association Press Release, 1 Oct 2024: Disastrous Resumption of Damaging Abstraction in the Upper Chess. The River Chess Association was established in 2009…
John Hampden’s ship-money monument
Author, Derek Lester, gives a preview of his book about the historical importance of Chiltern Society site, the John Hampden monument John Hampden’s monument at…
Simple Guide to Dry Gardening
The Chess Valley is part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a jewel in this already sparkling crown. The valley has a…
Native Chiltern Orchids
Doug Kennedy tells us where they can be found. The natural beech woods and chalk grassland of the Chiltern Hills support the majority of the…
The Great Chiltern Come & Sing
Come & Sing Carmina Burana This new event will be part of the 2024 Chilterns Heritage & Culture Festival, which will take place between 14 and…
Looking for Lichens
…in the Chilterns. As winter in the Chilterns edges towards spring, there’s colour to be found where you least expect it. I’m not referring to…
Thank you
Dear Volunteers, Members, Supporters and Friends, We’ve had a great year, and we hope to do even more in 2024. This would not have been possible…
Chiltern Society AGM 2023 and Conference
Our AGM took place on 21 October at the White Hill Centre, Chesham. It was followed by an Open Forum for members’ questions and a…
Lacey Green Windmill renovation begins
Our volunteers at Lacey Green Windmill have overseen the removal of the sails and one of the stocks. This is the first stage of exciting…
Water Company business plans published
Water Company business plans are out – have your say for Chiltern chalk streams, says Catherine Moncrieff, Chiltern Society Chalk Stream Lead On October 2nd…
Bombshell Revelations – Bob Stuart uncovers Hughenden’s secret
It was once high on Hitler’s hit list of strategic targets during WWII, yet survived the war practically unscathed. Hughenden Manor, the former home of…
Chiltern Society Christmas Letter
Dear Volunteers, Members and Friends, It’s been such an exciting year, with so many things to celebrate, and ever more to contemplate going forward. This…
Hamper Winners Announced
We are delighted that both winners of this year’s hamper competition have been informed and will shortly be receiving their hampers, just in time for…
Family Friendly Walks Leaflets
Here’s a selection of our favourite family friendly walks for you to enjoy. We are also including a list of activities. Why not take them…
Chiltern Society AGM 2022 and Conference
Our annual AGM took place on 15th October in Hazelmere, see link to the minutes here. It was followed by an open forum documented here.…
Work set to begin on the Misbourne Greenway – a brand new walking wheeling and cycling route in Buckinghamshire
This week, work begins on site to build a four-kilometre walking, wheeling and cycling route along the Misbourne Valley in Buckinghamshire. Sustrans, the charity making…
South Oxfordshire Housing Targets are Unclear
The Chiltern Society has submitted a response to the Issues Consultation for the proposed South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse Joint Local Plan, which…
Green Belt Under Threat at Tring
The Chiltern Society has submitted an objection to Dacorum Borough Council in relation to a planning application to develop 1400 new homes to the East…
Trout in the Classroom Project – Final Stage
We have come to the final stage of this years Trout in The Classroom programme. The classes involved have been taking trips to local stretches…
River Chess Volunteer Workparty – Water Voles
Great work on the River Chess by a dozen Chiltern Society Volunteers yesterday, as we took our first steps towards increasing the available habitat for…
40th anniversary of the Friends of the Ridgeway at the Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize Exhibition
The Friends of the Ridgeway (FoR), a charity for the protection and promotion of the Ridgeway National Trail, will celebrate its 40th anniversary during the…
Photo Competition – Chess Valley Walk
We need your help! Do you enjoy taking photos when you’re out and about? Do you have any of the Chess Valley or River Chess…
Volunteers Needed – Leaflet distribution 2022
Do you have a few hours spare to help spread the word about our work? We would love to hear from you if you would…
Chalk Rivers Action Group 2022 Annual Conference: 13th Feb 2022
For those not able to join us last week, or those who’d like a recap on what was an excellent conference discussing the recent “National…
Trout in the Classroom Project
Over the last fortnight schools in the local area have been receiving a special delivery – Trout fry! The Trout in the Classroom project has…
Hamper winners announced
We are delighted that both winners of this years hamper competition have been informed and will shortly be receiving their hampers, just in time for…
Our Successes
We would like to thank you for your support in 2021. Whether you’re a member, have attended an event, made a donation, bought one of…
The Nature Alliance
The Nature Alliance is a major new project funded by The Rothschild Foundation to support young people build and maintain resilience in their wellbeing.…
Chilterns Buildings Design Awards 2021 – Winner Announced
Sable House named Chilterns Building of the Year 2021 Sable House in Buckinghamshire has been named as the Chilterns Building Design Award winners for 2021.…
Woodland Management at Bottom Wood
On Monday 27th September we will be commencing the removal of some trees at our Bottom Wood site. The main objective of the work is…
Buildings Design Awards 2021 – Update
The Chilterns Conservation Board and the Chiltern Society run the Buildings Design Awards competition every two years to encourage and recognise great examples of design…
Your local fresh water needs you! – Thames Water Blitz
Become a citizen scientist and test the water quality in your nearest river, stream, lake or pond! Earth Watch are running their Autumn Thames Water…
Big Change in Three Rivers
The Chiltern Society’s Planning Group are currently preparing a detailed response to the current consultation on the Three Rivers Local Plan. We will be submitting…
£294,000 Grant Received – Recovery Challenge Fund
The Chiltern Society and Chilterns Conservation Board receives grant of £294,000 from the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund The Chiltern Society and the Chilterns Conservation…
2 × Vacancies – Green Recovery Challenge Fund Project
These are exciting opportunities to join a great partnership and make a real difference to the Chilterns chalk stream environment and connect people with nature.…
The Nature Alliance
The Nature Alliance is a major new project funded by The Rothschild Foundation to support young people build and maintain resilience in their wellbeing.…
Chiltern Way diverted near Wendover Dean
Section 29 of The Chiltern Way (Little Hampden – Lee Gate) will be closed between Bowood Lane and Kings Lane until 2026 due to HS2…
1000 Trees to keep Aylesbury Moving
Last Thursday was the day it all started to get real…! We plan to get 1000 Aylesbury Prune trees planted across the Tring – Wendover…
Chiltern Way and Chiltern Heritage Trail near Newland Park/Chiltern Open Air Museum – NOW OPEN
Chiltern Way and Chiltern Heritage Trail near Newland Park/Chiltern Open Air Museum – Now Open A film production company is currently making a film in…
PhotoGroup 2022 Exhibition
Summer is the time to think about taking photos for the PhotoGroup’s 2022 Online Photography Exhibition. The closing date for entries is 14 November 2021. The…
Our response to HS2’s news of its intention to start tunnelling in the Chilterns
Chiltern Society Statement in response to HS2 announcement of its intention to commence tunnel boring operations beneath the Chilterns AONB The Chiltern Society and its…
The Chilterns Building Design Awards 2021
Rasa Akelyte-Rashid, Design Awards Ambassador at the Chiltern Society said “ We are proud to organise the Chilterns Buildings Design Awards in partnership with the…
Keep dogs on leads around livestock and under control at all times
Tom Beeston, our Chief Officer, said “We’re delighted more people than ever are enjoying the Chilterns, but concerned regarding the impact this increased traffic is…
Interim Trustees sought for a new food-focused charity in Buckinghamshire – Buckinghamshire Food Partnership
Buckinghamshire Food Partnership is a new initiative for better food for Buckinghamshire, working collectively towards the vision: Everyone in Buckinghamshire has access to and enjoys…
Chiltern Way and Chiltern Heritage Trail – diversion near Newland Park/Chiltern Open Air Museum
Chiltern Way and Chiltern Heritage Trail – diversion near Newland Park/Chiltern Open Air Museum The footpath running to the west of Newland Park is closed…
Chiltern Way diversion near Houghton Regis
The footpath used by the Chiltern Way east of Chalk Hill to the north of Houghton Regis will be closed until 2 August 2021. We…
Prime Minister’s 10-point plan for ‘green industrial revolution’
The plans are aimed to put the UK on track to meet its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. The government has also given…
Chiltern Society AGM & Cleaner Greener Chilterns (CGC) Conference
Due to the current restrictions, this year’s AGM, which was followed by a Cleaner Greener Conference, took place online on 7th November. It is estimated…
Covid-19 – November 2020 Update
3rd November 2020 Due to the imminent government announcement regarding the forthcoming four-week lockdown, we are reluctantly postponing all Chiltern Society events, volunteer work parties,…
PhotoGroup 2021 Online Photography Exhibition – CLOSING DATE REMINDER
Please be reminded that The closing date for entries is midnight on 14 November 2020. The Exhibition will be held on the Chiltern Society PhotoGroup…
Chalk Stream Summit sees a step change in commitment from Westminster
It was fantastic to host the Chalk Stream Summit today, with Rt Hon Rebecca Pow as Minister leading the call to action. The conference was…
PhotoGroup 2021 Online Photography Exhibition
It’s not too soon to think about sending your entries for the PhotoGroup’s 2021 Online Photography Exhibition. The closing date for entries is 14 November 2020.…
Job Vacancy – Fundraising Manager
Job description As part of the Management Team the Fundraising Manager will lead the fundraising and membership initiatives and contribute to raising awareness of the…
New social-distance friendly walks launched in the Chilterns
The Chilterns Conservation Board and Chiltern Society have developed a series of 23 walks across the Chilterns which are social-distance friendly, avoiding crowded ‘honey-pot’ locations…
Update on Hertfordshire County Council’s intention to permanently close 4 crossings of the A41
This note reviews the issues relating to HCC’s intention to permanently close 4 crossings of the A41 at paths NC21, 22, 71 &72 in the…
Rights of Way group vs. HS2
The Rights of Way group have been conducting a long running dispute with HS2 Ltd, and National Grid, regarding the closure of paths GMI/12/1 and…
Do you love walking?
Over the last few months the Rights of Way Group have been enhancing the walking pages on the Chiltern Society Website: The Chiltern Way is…
HS2 ‘pollutes the Misbourne’
We have heard a lot from HS2 on Community Engagement. However this seems to be in theory rather than practice. HS2 has been carrying out…
Announcement: Coronavirus – Update
23rd April 2020 With ongoing government guidelines regarding the Covid-19 virus, we have postponed all Chiltern Society events, volunteer work parties, cycle rides and walks,…
The 2.6 Challenge – Save the UK’s Charities
To help save what makes the Chilterns so great – its chalk streams, woodlands and footpaths, please support the Chiltern Society in The 2.6 Challenge.…
Chris Packham launches legal challenge against HS2
The Chiltern Society has been fighting hard against HS2 for over a decade. Last year when an independent review of the project was announced, we…
An open letter to The Prime Minister, Ministers and all MPs
The Chiltern Society is very disappointed at the Government’s decision to proceed with HS2 in full, and particularly with the section across the Chilterns Area…
Active Trustee Treasurer Required
The Chiltern Society is actively seeking a new Treasurer to manage and oversee its financial affairs. Day to day financial recording is carried out by…
We’re Recruiting: Communications and Fundraising Officer
We’re looking for a new Communications and Fundraising Officer to support the Chief Officer to deliver of all aspects of fundraising, membership and income growth,…
Chiltern Society Response to the Glover Review
A major independent review – led by Julian Glover – has called for action to reignite the founding spirit of our great National Park movement…
Chalk Streams in Crisis – Update
It has been two weeks since we gathered the industry leaders at our AGM to talk about #ChalkStreamsInCrisis, where the big hitters from the Environment…
Farm Shop Award Presentation
Last week we had the pleasure of meeting the owners of the farm shops picked by our judges as the very best in the Chilterns. …
Staff from Ella’s Kitchen lend a hand at Kingwood Common
On the morning of the 12th September, Gavin our Head of Conservation and Fiona, our Ranger were joined by a group from the UK’s number…
Himalayan Balsam Bashes
Chiltern Society volunteers have been working with the Chilterns Chalk Streams Project this year to control two infestations of Himalayan Balsam along the River Gade…
Green Belt and AONB Under Threat
Chiltern District Council and South Bucks District Council have recently been consulting on their joint Local Plan. The Plan aims to develop over 11,000 homes…
Government to launch review to reconsider HS2
It has been announced that the government is launching a review of high-speed rail link HS2 – with the aim of reaching a final “go…
Farm Shop Award – Winners Announced!
We are delighted to announce the winners of our 2019 Food & Drink Award which this year has put local farms shops under the spotlight!…
Interim Findings of the Landscapes Review
Interim findings of the Julian Glover landscapes review – “National Parks and AONBs: review to consider the next steps for National Parks and Areas of…
Buildings Design Award 2019 Presentation
This week, we had the great pleasure presenting awards to the owners, architects and builders of the three successful entrants for this year’s award. Two…
Countryside North of Luton Under Threat
The Chiltern Society is opposed to the development of 4000 houses and a new A6 – M1 Link Road on land to the north of…
National Park Debate
Following an insightful debate at the Chiltern Society AGM last October, the majority of those attending were, on balance, in favour of the Chilterns becoming…
Chilterns Buildings Design Awards 2019 – The Results
We are delighted to announce that our team of judges has chosen the three winning buildings for this year’s award. There are two design projects…
Bird Monitoring at Whiteleaf & Brush Hill
With the help of a dedicated team of volunteers, we have been monitoring bird boxes on Whiteleaf and Brush Hill for the past 4 years…
2019 Food & Drink Award
As the next project in our annual Food & Drink Awards, we will be revisiting Chiltern farm shops. Much has changed since we chose farm…
Junior Rangers get their dose of Vitamin N(ature) at Brush Hill
During the first week of the Easter holidays, the Chiltern Society ran three Junior Ranger days on their Brush Hill Nature Reserve. Our grown-up rangers,…
Appointment of Chief Officer
The Chiltern Society is delighted to announce the appointment of its first Chief Officer, Tom Beeston. Tom will join The Chiltern Society on the 1…
Volunteers Return to the Wormsley Estate
On a beautifully sunny and warm day in February, our volunteers returned to the Wormsley Estate near Stokenchurch to plant some more trees- another 1300…
Largest Ever Conservation Project in the Chilterns is Awarded National Lottery Funding
An ambitious project to restore and enhance the wildlife habitats, landscape features and cultural heritage of the Central Chilterns has been awarded a National Lottery…
New Play Trail at Wendover Woods
In December, our Wendover Woods Volunteer Group helped put the finishing touches to a new play trail and officially opened it alongside the Forestry Commission’s Wendover…
New Housing Sites to be Identified in Three Rivers
The Chiltern Society responded in December 2018 to a consultation on the choice of housing sites in Three Rivers District for inclusion in the emerging…
PhotoGroup 2019 Exhibition
The PhotoGroup’s Online Photographic Exhibition 2019 has just gone live. The 15th edition comprises an impressive total of 313 images contributed by 31 of our…
Volunteers get back to work at Whiteleaf
On a cold January morning, a group of volunteers gathered for the first Whiteleaf Hill work party of 2019. Around 20 volunteers turned up ready…
Chief Officer Recruitment
As the Chiltern Society continues to grow and develop, we are looking to recruit a dynamic, forward-looking Chief Officer to manage the small staff and office…
Working with Pipers Corner School
A couple of weeks ago, we spent an afternoon with Year 7’s at Pipers Corner School supporting their ‘Changing Chilterns’ topic. Following a talk about…
The Chiltern Society Announces New Chairman
Having completed his term of six years as Chairman of the Chiltern Society, David Harris has stepped down. Succeeding David is the current Vice-Chair, Simon…
South Oxfordshire District Council employees lend a hand at Kingwood Common
On the morning of the 3rd December, employees from the South Oxfordshire District Council met at Kingwood Common, to join Chiltern Society staff and volunteers…
Scrub Clearance at Bottom Wood
Last week our rangers and volunteers spent a day clearing scrub from an area of Bottom Wood that will be replanted to create a new…
Annual visit to Studham Common
Earlier this month the Wendover Woods Volunteers made their annual visit to Studham Common in the North Chilterns. The Wendover team have been supporting the…
Working at Whiteleaf with BBOWT
On the 2nd October, our head of conservation Gavin and our ranger Fiona were joined by BBOWT at our Whiteleaf reserve to clear some areas…
Could you help our Rights of Way Group?
Do you enjoy being out and about in the countryside? If so, you may like the idea of playing an interesting and satisfying role in…
Planning Campaign Leader Required
Are you passionate about protecting the Chilterns as a unique and special place to live? Do you have the drive and commitment to lead a…
Best Brunch in the Chilterns – Winners Announced!
We are delighted to announce the winners of our 2018 Food & Drink Award which this year has focussed on brunch- our new favourite mealtime!…
Feast on the Farm – Win a Family Ticket!
On Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th October, Feast on the Farm returns for its second year. Hosted at the delightful Peterley Manor Farm in Great…
‘Dr. Anne’ Day at Ewelme
The fifth annual ‘Dr. Anne’ Day was held at the Ewelme Watercress Beds on 21st August. Dr. Anne (Millar), who died in 2013 after serving…
Heritage Photo Exhibition at All Saints Church, High Wycombe
As part of our upcoming Chilterns Heritage Festival, we have organised a Heritage Photography Exhibition at All Saints Church in High Wycombe that will be…
Bench Installation at Great Gaddesden
15 volunteers from our North Chilterns Path Maintenance Group took on the challenge of installing three benches at remote scenic sights on important footpaths in the…
One little girl shows how we can all make a BIG difference
Isla started litter picking after learning about different ways to be eco-friendly in her lessons at school. She started collecting litter on her way to…
Our Ranger goes plastic free for July
Fiona Bennett-Meere, Chiltern Society Ranger, decided to give up single use plastics this month in an effort to do her bit to reduce plastic waste.…
Student Leadership Conference 2018
The Chiltern Society was invited to participate in the annual Student Leadership Conference that was held at Sir William Borlase Grammar School in Marlow earlier…
Help Preserve our Iron Age Hillforts
We’re delighted to be supporting The Chilterns Conservation Board (CCB) in an exciting project which will engage and inspire communities to discover, conserve and enjoy…
Learning to scythe at Kingwood Common
The Kingwood Common Volunteers enjoyed a days scythe training this week with local scyther Clive Leeke. The team spent the day learning how to use…
Changes to National Planning Policy on the Way
We have recently submitted comments on the draft amendments to the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This is the national policy document that guides…
Box Woodland Project at Wormsley Estate
This week, 30 of our volunteers returned to Wormsley Estate to help kick-start start the next phase of an exciting Box Woodland project that is…
Best Brunch in the Chilterns
Help us to find the best brunch in the Chilterns! ‘Brunching’ has become increasingly popular over the last few years, with many local cafes and…
Volunteers get to work at Lindengate
Last week a group of our volunteers spent the morning at Lidengate, helping to enhance the habitats in their wildlife area focussing on the boundary…
Influencing Local Planning Policy
The Chiltern Society has always taken a keen interest in the planning policies being developed by the Local Planning Authorities across the Chilterns area. With…
PhotoGroup 2018 Exhibition
Our PhotoGroup’s 2018 online exhibition has just opened, and is now in its 14th year. There are nearly 300 photos in the 2018 collection, all…
Kingwood Common Group Get To Work!
On 1st November, our brand new Kingwood Common Conservation Group officially launched with it’s first volunteering session. Twenty-five volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clear…
Congratulations to our North Chilterns Path Maintenance Volunteers
A HUGE well done to our NCMPV group who achieved Highly Commended in the Dacorum Borough Council Community Champion Awards, which recognises individuals and groups…
Kingwood Common – Get Involved!
Get hands on and help to protect your local landscape by volunteering with our brand new Kingwood Common Conservation Group. All are welcome to join…
Craft Beer Award Presentation
The culmination of this year’s Food & Drink Awards took place at Tring Brewery earlier this month. Our Chairman presented certificates to the owners of…
Planning Campaign Leader
Are you passionate about protecting the Chilterns as a unique and special place to live ? Do you have the drive and commitment to lead…
Chiltern Society Seasonal Gin Launch
We are delighted to announce the launch of our first limited edition Seasonal Gin, flavoured with cherry blossom, elderflower and orange. This delicious gin has…
Paws in the Chilterns
We want to celebrate our furry friends who enjoy the countryside as much as we do! Many of you would probably agree that one of…
Craft Beer Award- The Results!
The final vital stage of our Craft Beer Award, the all important beer tasting, took place on Saturday 22nd July. The judging panel consisted of…
Chilterns Food Magazine
Fancy getting a true taste of the Chilterns? Learning more about its producers, restaurants and local food heroes? Why not pick up a copy of…
2017 – A Year of Excellence in Chilterns Building Design
On Thursday 15th June, the presentation event took place for the winners of our 2017 Buildings Design Awards. It was held in the glorious setting of…
We’re hiring!
A rare opportunity has arisen to be a key player in the Chiltern Society’s Planning Group, a team of knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers working hard…
We’ve joined Ramble Worldwide
The Chiltern Society is delighted to have recently joined Ramble Worldwide. This partnership, supported by RWH Travel Limited, provides financial contributions to help charities organise group…
Craft Beer Award
Following the nomination period which closed at the end of April, we can reveal that five shortlisted breweries which received the most nominations from the…
Chilterns Building Design Awards 2017 – The Results
We are delighted to announce that our team of judges have chosen the winning buildings for this year’s award. Our judges undertook a marathon journey…
NEW: Chiltern Way Guide
At long last, our updated guide to the Chiltern Way has now been published and is available to purchase from our online shop. This is…
2017 Food & Drink Award
We are delighted to announce the launch of our 2017 Food & Drink Award focusing on the fantastic array of Craft Beer created by our local…
HS2 Bill receives Royal Assent
As expected, after the House of Commons approval of the House of Lords’ minor amendments to the HS2 Bill, it received Royal Assent on 23…
Chilterns Building Design Awards 2017
We are proud to announce the launch of our annual Buildings Design Awards, run jointly with the Chilterns Conservation Board. The purpose of these awards…
Saving pubs across the Chilterns
During 2016 volunteers from our ‘Save Our Pubs Group’ contributed to a number of campaigns to protect pubs across the Chilterns, either threatened with change of…
2017 Online Exhibition
We are delighted to announce that our talented PhotoGroup has just published it’s 2017 online exhibition which contains over 350 stunning photos from across the…
Chiltern Society Real Bread Award 2016
This year’s award has focussed on ‘real bread’ producers. By ‘real bread’ we mean bread that is made using traditional methods, containing no artificial additives.…
