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Dear Volunteers, Members, Supporters, and Friends,
As we reach the close of 2025, we celebrate not only the festive season but also an extraordinary milestone: the 60th anniversary of the Chiltern Society. Since 1965, we have stood as proud champions of the Chilterns, working to ensure that its landscapes, wildlife and heritage continue to thrive for everyone, for all time. This anniversary year has given us a moment to reflect on all we’ve achieved together, from safeguarding footpaths and woodlands, to championing our precious chalk streams, to protecting the places people love across the region. One reflection from our 60-year journey stands out to me in particular: just how remarkable our footpath access is across the Chilterns. It is something we should be genuinely proud of helping to protect and maintain. More than once this year I’ve said that we must have some of the best countryside access anywhere in England. The only challenges I’ve received are that I should be saying “anywhere in the Western world.” I can’t say for certain if that’s true but if it isn’t, we must surely be very close to the top.
Anniversaries are a great time to think about the future. As we step into our next chapter, our strategy plans set out bold ambitions to connect more people in the Chilterns with its landscapes, nature and heritage. This reflects the scale of the movement we now aspire to build: an unstoppable force for nature recovery, inclusive access and community pride.
In the New Year, we are delighted to welcome Annabel Howard, who will lead our focus on project development in 2026. Her expertise and energy will strengthen our ability to deliver impactful projects that bring people and nature closer together.
We also celebrate the successful conclusion of the Wildbelt project, a shining example of community activation in Wendover and beyond. Our heartfelt thanks go to Amanda, whose leadership and dedication ensured that the project connected people meaningfully with their local environment. We have learned a great deal from Widlbelt, and those lessons will guard our future work.
This year has also brought major progress in our campaigning. Together with our local and national partners, we have succeeded in placing chalk streams firmly on the agendas of both Westminster and local politicians, a testament to the power of persistence, partnership and the collective voice of our members and volunteers.
We even seem to be making progress with HS2, who are at last talking to us constructively about how we can help make sure nature recovery along their route a reality. There is still much to do, and many bridges to rebuild before trust can be restored with them and their masters, but the door is finally open.
As we look ahead, we remain deeply grateful for the commitment of our volunteers, the generosity of our members, and the encouragement of our supporters and friends. Together, we are building a greener and more connected Chilterns, one where people and nature flourish side by side.
If you know someone who might like to support our work, by becoming a member, volunteering, or simply signing up to our newsletter, please do spread the word. Your voice truly makes a difference.
On behalf of the Chiltern Society, thank you for being part of this journey. May your Christmas be filled with joy, and may the New Year bring renewed hope and inspiration as we continue our work together.
Warm regards
Chief Officer: The Chiltern Society
