Chalk, Cherries and Chairs – Working together for the Chilterns

The Chilterns National Landscape has a distinctive character with steep chalk escarpments, flower-rich downland, woodlands and commons and a network of ancient routes and Iron-age hill forts.

Its chalk streams, which are globally scarce, are home to endangered species such as the otter and water vole. It’s also an area with an important industrial heritage.

But the Chilterns face real and immediate challenges from development, including HS2, the loss and fragmentation of ancient woodland and other wildlife habitats and a growing disconnect between people and landscape.

A lasting legacy for the landscape

Our funding has enabled the Chilterns Conservation Board to deliver tangible benefits for the landscape, from creating its exemplar wildlife recording programme, Tracking the Impact, to engaging people with their natural heritage through volunteer programmes and the creation of inspirational artworks, books and a play. 

New Farmer Clusters have allowed 18 farmers to collaborate across more than 6,500 hectares of farmland.

Andrew Stubbings, farmer at Manor Farm and Farmer Cluster participant, said: “Together, we revived wildlife habitats, created wildlife corridors, employed sustainable farming techniques and educated the next generation of farmers on the importance of conservation.”