Lichens in the Chilterns - Luton revisited Spring events & activities CAMPAIGNING CONSERVING PROMOTING
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ISSUE 243 • SPRING 2022
www.chilternsociety.org.uk
Lichens in the
Chilterns
Luton revisited
Spring events & activities
C A M PA I G N I N G • CO N S E R V I N G • P R O M OT I N G
In this
ISSUE 243 • SPRING 2022
www.chilternsociety.org.uk
Lichens in the
Chilterns
Luton revisited
Spring events & activities
C A M PA I G N I N G
Lichens
(Photo: Linda Seward)
• C O N S E RV I N G • P R O M OT I N G issue
NEWS & VIEWS
3 EDITOR
4 TOGETHER WE CAN KEEP THE
CHILTERNS SPECIAL
From the Chief Officer, Tom Beeston
5 AMERSHAM GOES LOCO
Teamwork pays dividends,
writes Bob Stuart
5 12 A WELL-DESERVED REST
Society stalwarts take a step back
13 HERITAGE FESTIVAL BUILDS
AMERSHAM BACK BETTER
GOES 20 SOCIETY NEWS
LOCO
21 OBITUARY – GEOFF GILES
24 AGM & CONFERENCE REPORT
28 THE SOCIETY’S EYES AND EARS
14
Geoff Wiggett pays tribute to the
Planning Group
36 HIGH SPEED TWO
ONE John Gladwin reports on recent
SQUARE developments
AT A TIME 38 RECTORY LANE CEMETERY AWARDS
38 WENDOVER CANAL RESTORATION
40 LETTERS
CONSERVATION
16 WATER FOR WINTERBOURNES
We all need to play our part,
says Doug Kennedy
17 GETTING BACK TO NORMAL?
News from Ewelme
18
30 CHILTERNS CHALK STREAMS
PROJECT
Exciting times ahead, says Ceri Groves
CYCLE
GROUP
NEWS HERITAGE
26 LUTON REVISITED
Alison Beck completes a personal
project
27 LITTLE GADDESDEN WAR MEMORIAL
CENTENARY
John Hockey reports
32 SAVING THE VALIANT TROOPER
The Society’s Save Our Pubs group
is on the case
2 Chiltern 243
How green can
I be?
From the Editor Richard Bradbury
I’m always pleased to receive feedback, whether in the form of praise, suggestions, constructive
LEISURE criticism or responses to articles in a previous issue. It’s a sign that readers are taking notice
of the magazine, not simply allowing it to gather dust before dumping it in the recycling.
8 SOCIETY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
In the Letters section on p 40 two
10 PHOTOGROUP NEWS
correspondents take me to task (in quite a
Exhibition entries are up this year,
restrained manner, I must add) for being naïve
writes Barry Hunt
in my reaction to a visit to Greatmoor Energy
11 PHOTOGROUP COMPETITION
from Waste, which I wrote about in Chiltern
14 ONE SQUARE AT A TIME 242. In their view, I was too impressed by the
Mona Smith walks across a work being done there and the approach to
Chilterns map waste disposal that underpins it.
15 THE PLIGHT OF PIG FARMERS I’m perfectly prepared to accept that
As outlined by Martin Pearson they may well be right. It’s clear they’ve
15 RECIPE – SLOW-COOKED PORK BELLY both devoted much more time than I have
Photo: Colin Drake
to investigating and contemplating the
18 GOING SPORTIVE IN THE CHILTERNS
issues involved. I know it’s a subject I should our vehicles. If we accept that people in the
The Cycle Group’s William Wells
explore properly because it has such serious developed world will continue to want the
explains
implications for the future of our world, but option of using their own transport, even
34 ASTON ROWANT AND SHIRBURN herein lies my problem – one which I suspect if public transport is greatly improved, and
HILL WALK I share with countless others: where do I start that some goods will continue to travel by
42 WALKS PROGRAMME and who do I believe? As in many areas of road, even if the extent of this can be greatly
life today, the best solutions – and sometimes reduced, is electricity the answer? I’ve recently
even the exact nature of the problems – vary noted a groundswell of opinion, backed up by
NATURE depending on which experts you’re listening research, suggesting that hydrogen would be a
to at the time. It’s a recipe for confusion and better bet. One article asked: ‘Will hydrogen be
6 PARASOLS AND PANTHERS throws up any number of questions about the VHS to electricity’s Betamax?’ If so, there’s
Fred Gillam celebrates what we, as individuals and/or collectively, an awful lot of misplaced investment going on
mushroom hunting can do to have a genuine impact on the at the moment.
22 LOOKING FOR LICHENS situation, both through our own behaviour In his letter, Mike Chadwick advocates
Linda Seward discovers and the influence we may be able to exert on applying the ‘reduce, re-use, recycle hierarchy
a fascinating world the powers-that-be. across the whole of society’. He acknowledges
Taking Greatmoor as an example: having that it will be ‘a big and transformative task’
read the letters, I found myself wondering and suggests it could be the topic for a future
whether the contribution being made by article in Chiltern. It is, in fact, a theme we’ve
such sites (and there’s still no doubt in my touched on before, and of course the Society is
mind that it’s doing some good) is truly currently running a ‘Cleaner, Greener Chilterns’
worthwhile. Is it really part of a long and campaign, which incorporates, among other
www.carbonbalancedprint.com inevitably complex range of measures that things, the idea of eliminating waste, reducing
CBP2246
will bring about the necessary changes, or the impact of travel and cutting ‘food miles’. I
little more than a conscience-salving exercise agree, however, that a new article by someone
for the authority involved? Another aspect with the requisite expertise will be very
of the whole climate change debate that welcome if it offers greater clarity for people
scan here for www.chilternsociety.org.uk particularly interests me is how we power like me.
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email: office@chilternsociety.org.uk 3
SOCIETY NEWS
Together we can keep
the Chilterns special
From the Chief Officer Tom Beeston
I’d like to start by (belatedly) wishing all
our volunteers and members a great 2022.
We have much to look forward to this year. I’m pleased to say our partnership with
Our volunteer numbers have passed the 750 the Chilterns Conservation Board and the
mark, our membership continues to grow, Chilterns Chalk Streams Project goes from
and together with our partners we have strength to strength. The Lottery-funded
more projects in the pipeline than we could one year initiative is going to plan, and
ever have expected a year ago. the Chess Smarter Water Catchment Pilot,
We continue to have concerns for the funded by Thames Water, is starting to
Chilterns (and beyond), however. Continued take shape. As I write this, we’re planning
pressure for land from developers, the our third Chalk Rivers Action Group
dramatic increase in demand for access Conference and we’ll update you in the next
to the Chilterns from the general public issue of Chiltern on progress since our last
for walking and other purposes, and the conference in 2020.
current decline in UK food production, Top of my ‘to do’ list for early 2022 are: Farming needs our help (Photo: Colin Drake)
make nature recovery a politically complex l Reviewing our policy on food and farming,
issue. Hopefully, however, there’s light at the which I’m pleased to say has the support Our Ewelme volunteers look close to
end of the tunnel with the changes in the of our partners. Farming in the Chilterns securing funding for the installation of solar
Government’s approach over the last couple needs our help on so many levels, and is panels on their visitor centre. It’s good
of years. integral to our nature recovery and access to see their commitment to nature and
Its response to the Glover Landscape agendas. We’d all like more and varied community, as well as carbon neutrality.
Review is open for consultation, and looks at local food to be available too! Meanwhile our Planning and HS2 teams
how we manage our National Parks, National l Furthering our commitment to being continue to monitor and seek to mitigate the
Trails and Areas of Outstanding Natural volunteer-led. We have a number of effects of developments across the region.
Beauty (AONB). Funding appears limited, but initiatives relating to this. Gavin, our Head Our Heritage & Arts Group is also very
the process is moving in the right direction of Conservation, will be launching a one active at present, and later in the magazine
and we will, of course, be fighting our year ‘Wildbelt Development’ pilot, focusing you’ll find news about our PhotoGroup’s
corner. At the same time, details of the new on the Wendover area, funded by the record-breaking Online Exhibition, our 2022
Environmental Land Management schemes Rothschild Foundation and the Wendover Heritage Festival and the vital work of the
are beginning to roll out, with landowners Community Board. The aim will be to create Save Our Pubs Group. The Rights of Way
being rewarded for their contributions to a template for local delivery of national team is going from strength to strength, with
nature recovery and more – although again, nature recovery (biodiversity) policy. more work than ever being carried out to
budgets are limited. This links to the Local Tracey, whose role in the Society office keep our footpaths and bridleways in good
Nature Recovery Strategies the Government includes acting as Volunteer Coordinator, shape, despite the interruptions we’ve all
is introducing later this year, following five and Mona, our trustee who leads on HR, experienced for the last two years. They’re
county pilots one of which we participated are working hard to improve and simplify also working alongside our chalk streams
in with our partners across Buckinghamshire. our volunteer offer. Our model is very volunteers on improving access along the
Additionally, Michael Gove is making noises different from most other conservation River Chess.
about planning reform. Our impression from organisations, because our work is led by Your continued support is crucial to
the meetings we’ve attended is that this may volunteers and only overseen by paid staff. ensure the Chilterns remains a special place,
be a positive development – we’ll wait and This means that for every £1 we spend, our and I know that together we can keep it that
see! volunteers add a further £2 in value. way.
PATRON: Rt Hon The Earl Howe TREASURER: Brian McGowan
PRESIDENT: Michael Rush HEAD OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT: Gavin Johnson
VICE PRESIDENTS: FUNDRAISING MANAGER: Sam Roberts
Mark Getty CHILTERN SOCIETY OFFICE: Tracey Read
John Taylor White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham,
CHAIR: Simon Kearey Bucks HP5 1AG
VICE CHAIR: David Harris Tel: 01494 771250
CHIEF OFFICER: Tom Beeston Email: office@chilternsociety.org.uk
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Sonning Green Gym working at the Beds (Photo: Tom Stevenson)
4 Chiltern 243
NEWS & VIEWS
Amersham goes loco
A new landmark is the result of
outstanding teamwork, writes Bob Stuart
The Metropolitan Line train now standing in Amersham is… somewhat smaller than usual… authentic look of the engine and carriages.
and won’t be departing in the foreseeable future. At least, that’s the hope of all who The net was cast further afield and attention
encounter the pint-sized puffer now taking pride of place in the town centre. focused on Leighton Buzzard Railway and
Talyllyn Railway in Wales, who provided the
Sited on what was formerly a tired grass task of seeking sponsorship and support track – which, inconveniently, only came
verge at Oakfield Corner, Metropolitan from local companies and organisations, a in ten-metre lengths. Luckily help was on
Number 1 with its two carriages is an number of whom had helped with previous hand and, as before when suitable transport
impressive, half-scale replica of a locomotive projects. Fund-raising events along the way was needed to move the model and its
that in 1904 inaugurated the first passenger helped swell the coffers still further, leaving component parts around, a low-loader
service from Baker Street. Such locos only a minimum contribution to be drawn trailer was supplied by project sponsor Nic
became the mainstay of the Met’s services, from civic funds. Kennedy, owner of Amersham MoT.
and the last of its kind steamed through Attention to detail was essential and, as As the ground at Oakfield Corner was
Amersham on its final run in 1961. Luckily luck would have it, the London Transport prepared, and new paths were laid and track
that engine escaped the scrapyard, was Museum (LTM) was able to supply original appeared, public curiosity soared, reaching
acquired and preserved by Buckingham drawings and photographs of the engine. new heights when the completed replica was
Railway Centre and last visited Amersham With these to hand, scout leader and carried through the town to its new home.
for a Heritage Day in 2017. engineer Andy Honour and the team began ‘The reaction couldn’t have been greater if
It was the town’s historic links with construction in the scout hut which, due to we’d been driving through with the Queen,’
the railway, and its origins dating back to the pandemic, had remained unused. The recalled Steve Catanach. ‘It really captured the
the Metroland era, which lay at the heart replica is largely made of wood, coated in public’s imagination as something special.’
of a two-year joint project by Amersham multiple layers of special paint to counter After two years in the making, the project
Town Council and the leaders of the 1st the weather and general ageing. enjoyed its grand debut when Amersham
Chesham Bois Scout Group. Having already As work progressed on the engine, Mayor Cllr Mark Roberts cut the tape in
cooperated on several successful projects in attention turned to the two first and third December to welcome officially the town’s
the town, such as those marking the Charter class carriages. Again the LTM came latest landmark. Reaction to the new feature
Fair and the Queen’s 90th birthday, the up trumps with drawings, helped by was immediate. Within days Steve and the
team donned their thinking caps once again. photographs from the Kent and East Sussex team had responded to more than 60 phone
Appropriately, it was while enjoying a coffee Railway, whose fleet of rolling stock includes calls from throughout the country, including
in the town’s Metro Lounge café that the a first class Jubilee carriage. The model requests for details from railway magazines,
railway-related idea came to the group – a soon outgrew its home as the thousands local press and museums – as well as the
train of thought possibly! of parts came together. Indeed, only by general public far and wide. ‘The response
‘We wanted to put together something removing the doors of the scout hut could it from local people and visitors alike has been
attractive and the location chosen at be moved to more spacious accommodation amazing,’ said Steve. ‘Everyone has been
Oakfield Corner was superb, like a stage,’ in a warehouse at Holmer Green, provided talking about this brilliant addition to the
said Amersham Town Clerk Steve Catanach. courtesy of Kevin Howland. town centre. As another source of civic pride,
Having secured a green light to develop Meanwhile, the search continued for track the town can now boast its very own – and
the site, Steve and the team set about the and sleepers that would complement the unique – Met No.1.’
www.chilternsociety.org.uk 5
CHILTERN NATURE
Parasols and panthers
behind the hedge
Fred Gillam celebrates mushroom hunting
Hi! Although my name is Fred Gillam I’m known to many as Fred the Forager, but that’s just
one of the hats I wear. Others include working as a herbalist and, with my partner, running the
UK & Ireland Medicinal Mushrooms Conference, as well as a busy outdoor business called The
Wild Side of Life. I’ve been asked to share a little of my passion for mushrooms with you.
One of my fondest childhood memories dozen or so younger trees just beyond the
involves the discovery of mushrooms. I hedge line. As I recall they were silver birch,
remember cycling along with my friend beech and oak – but the first thing that
Trevor in the early hours of the day, much greeted us was one of the tallest, scaliest, Top: Fly agaric, Amanita muscaria, adorns Yule and New
Year’s greetings cards throughout Europe as a symbol
as we probably did on countless other most spectacular mushrooms I’d ever seen, of ‘good luck’, and is a very familiar illustration found in
many children’s fairy stories. It’s regarded as toxic and a
occasions that haven’t been committed together with others, some a foot tall with source of a number of medicinal compounds.
to memory with such clarity. What made caps the size of dinner plates! I’d already Above: The blusher, Amanita rubescens, is a very good
edible species when made safe by the proper cooking
this early morning special as the curtain of been introduced to picking the wild ‘horse
methods, but could be confused with the toxic panther
autumn fog lifted was when, having stopped mushrooms’ by my Dad, who adored their cap, Amanita pantherina. Very popular as a food in parts
of North America and southern Europe.
to enjoy a packed lunch made for us by my rich, meaty flavour (which was a little too
Mum, we spotted a large gap at the bottom much of a shock to my childhood palate), eye-catching white spots, were probably the
of a hawthorn hedge, with a path that was but I’d never seen anything as remarkable equally spectacularly named ‘panther cap’,
probably the regular foraging route of a or striking as what stood before us that day. Amanita pantherina, and ‘fly agaric’, Amanita
badger. We decided to take a look. Trevor This being long before the era of mobile muscaria.
went through first and I remember hearing phones, I tried to make certain I’d remember I was now smitten and hungry for
‘Ouch! WOW, look at this,’ as I crawled after what they looked like, before we fled, hearing knowledge. I wanted to learn everything
him. dogs barking in the distance. about them, but it would be four more years
On the other side of the hedge I felt a When I returned home, I pulled down before I discovered in my sixth-form library
sudden wave of amazement and awe, as we one of the few general books about nature a copy of Mushrooms & Other Fungi of
beheld the beauty and wonder all around that were on my bedroom bookshelf. These Great Britain and Europe by Roger Phillips.
us. Picture the scene: the closely rabbit- didn’t feature many mushrooms, which led It was like receiving a direct revelation
cropped grassland turf of a parkland estate, me to assume that there weren’t many types about the meaning of life! Suddenly I had a
sloping gently up to a manor house in the far to be found. I recall becoming convinced reliable guide to these incredible life forms,
distance, with scattered ancient specimens of that the tall specimens I’d found were some but I simply couldn’t have appreciated at
oak and lime rising high above the meadow kind of ‘parasol mushroom’, and believing, the time how naive I was to think I could
landscape as far as the eye could see. We with less conviction, that the boldly coloured digest everything there was to know about
were beneath a small stand of perhaps a hemispherical specimens, decorated with them. With more than 1,200 species set out
6 Chiltern 243
Above: From the tasty and edible common parasol
group, this attractive parasol mushroom is Macrolepiota
konradii, named after the Swiss mycologist Paul Konrad.
Left: The parasitic bolete, Pseudoboletus parasiticus,
is a remarkable and uncommon species that shouldn’t
be collected for food. It’s pictured here growing on its
one and only host, the common earthball, a species of
Scleroderma which is also mildly toxic. Both are found
widely in the Chilterns, including at Marlow Common
North.
exquisitely page by page in front of me, my bun or in Italy simply as porcini; the brightly certainly already taken some to Mars on the
eyes were opened, but I still had no idea that coloured amethyst deceiver; beefsteak outside of a spacecraft. Spores can withstand
there were more than 12,000 species in the mushroom and chicken of the woods both very high levels of radiation and being buried
UK, more than 75,000 in Europe, perhaps of which grow on oak trees; the common in coal seams for millions of years. The clouds
more than 4,000,000 worldwide, and that parasol, and the hedgehog mushroom, so of spores over rainforests seed droplets of rain,
the exploration of the world of fungi by the named for the spines, which aren’t in the least and are a big factor in the high precipitation.
scientific community was taking place at a bit sharp, found beneath its cap. Perhaps the Mycelium, the name for the organism of
pace that would outstep the most diligent most prized of the ‘easy mushrooms’ (though fungal cells that scavenges soil and dead wood
researcher. Nor could I have known that Roger they aren’t easy to spot) is the black trumpet, for nutrients, joining together the root systems
Phillips was destined to become a great known in France as ‘trompette de la morte’, a of trees and other plants, is a means by which
friend, companion and guide, and would one name which I can only imagine was carefully trees communicate their environmental
day walk my mushroom journey with me. chosen to deter foragers from other lands needs to each other and share the nutrients
One of the most frequent questions I’m conducting raiding parties. All of these far they’ve harvested from sunlight and carbon
asked is whether there are any fungi that exceed anything in the shops for their flavour, dioxide with their young. No wonder then that
are easy to identify, tasty and safe to eat. but a little bit of care still needs to be taken in trees feed up to 80% of the carbohydrates
The answer is a resounding ‘yes’. I call these identifying them. they manufacture each day to the fungi, in
‘bombproof’ or ‘beginner’s mushrooms’. Some It should be noted that for the advanced return for mineral nutrients, enhanced health
are very good indeed. There are perhaps 15 or mushroom hunter there are perhaps 300 and immunity. Everybody’s gut microbiome
20 such species, safe and common enough for species in the UK worth gathering for the contains about 240g of living fungi, which help
relative beginners to attempt to identify. Giant table – but there are a similar number which us digest complex carbohydrates.
puffballs should be at the top of everybody’s are actually poisonous rather than simply What’s the best way to learn to identify
list, simply because there’s no other spherical inedible, and about 30 that could land you fungi? Slowly is the answer, in the care of an
white object, sometimes reaching two feet in intensive care or worse. In some cases, expert practitioner who can guide you while
in diameter, which can be eaten! It was once there’s no known antidote and death isn’t only you take your first steps. Many good foraging
estimated that if every spore which developed painful, it’s lingering. You have been warned! instructors can be found on the Association of
within a single puffball were to germinate The world of mushrooms is full of big Foragers website, or you could contact your
successfully into a new puffball mycelium (the numbers. One single mushroom will typically local county fungus group, where a great deal
underground, cobweb-like matrix which is release two billion or so spores over a matter of expertise will be found. I’ll be conducting
the true fungal colony), and if that mycelium of three or four days. One patch of mycelium some walks for the Chiltern Society, and you
itself were to produce new puffballs, then in may continue doing so, in years that are can find out more about me at
just two generations they’d cover the entire favourable, for at least a millennium. Imagine www.thewildsideoflife.co.uk.
surface of the earth to a depth of several a tube the size of your head extending to the Dedicated to the memory of Roger Phillips,
metres! Other tasty edibles that are fairly outer atmosphere. This virtual tube contains who has inspired many on this road.
simple to recognise are the yellow chanterelle on average about two billion spores. These
Photos: Copyright Fred Gillam/The Wild Side of Life,
or girolle; the cep, also known as the penny can survive in space, and we’ve almost 2020-21
email: office@chilternsociety.org.uk 7
CHILTERN SOCIETY EVENTS
Events & Activities
Spring 2022
All events will comply with Government guidelines on Covid-19 applicable at the time. If
any outbreaks occur, or new restrictions are imposed, the event will be cancelled and a
full refund given.
Campfire bread baking Map reading Ashridge
Winter Tree Identification Energy from Waste Facility All sessions 10am-2pm
Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre,
Course – Overview & Tour Moneybury Hill, Ashridge Estate, Ringshall,
Learn to identify trees in the Chilterns (Choice of times) Herts HP4 1LX
with woodland expert John Morris, former Greatmoor Energy from Waste takes Price: £15 per adult
Director of the Chiltern Woodlands Project. household non-recyclable waste from
The course will begin at Ashley Green Hall
before heading to nearby ancient woodland
throughout Buckinghamshire, diverts it Ashridge Bluebell Walk
from landfill and uses it to generate enough
(Hockeridge Wood) where we’ll find a and Lunch
electricity to power 18% of the homes
large range of trees, both broadleaved and in the county. This visit will begin with a In spring, the National Trust Estate at
conifer. The wood has about 60 species of presentation in Greatmoor’s fully accessible Ashridge is one of the best places in the
trees, but few shrubs. During the indoor Visitor Centre, which is designed to inform country to see bluebells, although it’s
afternoon session John will give an illustrated visitors about the benefits of using waste difficult to predict when they’ll be out or
presentation on identifying trees and shrubs to produce renewable energy, as well as at their best. This gentle walk will take you
in the Chilterns. Price includes some hot through carpets of this beautiful plant, before
educating them about waste reduction, reuse
drinks and light refreshments. finishing with a delicious sandwich lunch and
and recycling. This will be followed by a
Friday 4 March 9:45am-3pm tour where you’ll see waste being delivered, a tea or coffee in the new Courtyard Café
The Old School Hall, Chesham Road, giant grab cranes moving it and then the at Ashridge House (included in the price).
Ashley Green, Chesham, Bucks HP5 3PP waste burning in the grate, before visiting The walk will be about 5.5 miles, with a total
the turbine hall and experiencing the draught ascent of some 130m.
Price: £40 per adult
under the condenser fans. Tuesday 3 May 9:30am-2pm (approx)
Campfire Bread Baking Thursday 7 April 10am-12:30pm or 2-4:30pm Ashridge House, Ashridge, Berkhamsted,
Greatmoor Energy from Waste, Herts HP4 1NS
Join us for a day outdoors in a semi-ancient,
replanted, broadleaved woodland, learning Greatmoor Road, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0QE Price: £12.50 per adult
how to bake a variety of breads. Led by Price: £3 per adult
David Willis, this course will introduce you to Spring History Walk –
making traditional bread loaves, and others
An Introduction to Map Watlington Hill
such as bannock and flat breads which
Join Tim Horton, a former lecturer and
you’ll eat with lunch! You’ll also learn about Reading (Choice of dates) speaker, for a history (plus some flora and
campfire management, how to ensure the The aim of the course is to enable you, when fauna) walk on Watlington Hill. Tim will
fire is hot enough for baking, and the use of walking a new route on an OS Explorer map discuss many special features for wildlife
various pots, pans and improvised ovens. All or the OS app, to relax and enjoy the scenery of this famous ‘outrider’ to the Chilterns.
recipes will be provided, and you’ll be using rather than having your nose glued to the He’ll also outline the hill’s place in history
Dutch ovens to bake some tasty loaves, plain map/screen. You learn as you progress along for observation and the role of ancient
or spiced – the choice is yours. You’ll be a very scenic 6 mile walk around the National tracks that have criss-crossed the area,
able to enjoy the delicious bread you bake Trust’s Ashridge Estate using a routed map especially since Saxon times. A special
throughout the day, and you’ll also cook a extract from the course leader’s book 60 feature will be Watlington Park, nestling
light lunch over the campfire. Choice Walks in the Chilterns (RRP£10), among the trees and loved by DH Lawrence
Saturday 26 March 10am-4pm which is included in the price of the event. and Alice Keppel. He’ll relate the story of
Old Hanging Wood, Little Chalfont, Sunday 10 April; Wednesday 20 April; the adoption of the hill by the National
Bucks HP8 4AH Sunday 8 May; Wednesday 11 May; Sunday 12 Trust and talk about the visitors to the
Price: £97.50 per adult June; Wednesday 22 June area, including Lord Kitchener, the poet
8 Chiltern 243
Foraging
Nether Winchendon House Greatmoor Energy from Waste
Edward Thomas, and Oliver Cromwell. The and on ITV’s Countrywise, foraging and Glow in the Dark
short walk has no ascent and will be easy cheffing in the woods with Gino D’Acampo.
paced. Meet at the NT car park on Hill His courses also come recommended in the
(Choice of dates)
Road, Watlington (charges apply to non- BBC’s Countryfile Magazine. Bring a packed If you’ve never seen glow-worms before,
members). lunch, a camera and a notepad! come and witness this magical display of
nature’s very own fairy lights with expert
Sunday 15 May 2-3:30pm Thursday 19 May or Thursday 9 June 12-3pm
John Tyler.
Watlington Hill National Trust Car Park, Marlow Common, Marlow, Bucks SL7 2QP
Watlington Hill, Oxon OX9 5HS Saturday 18 June or Saturday 2 July
Price: £25 per adult
9:45-11pm
Price: £4 per adult
Whiteleaf & Brush Hill, Peters Lane,
Nether Winchendon House Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 0RP
Foraging for Edible and Private Tour Price: £8 per adult
Medicinal Plants Join a tour of this enchanting medieval £4 per child
(Choice of dates) and Tudor manor house deep in the
Buckinghamshire countryside, where
Springtime walks will never be the same
time stands still. The stunning property
again if you come along to our foraging day
is set in seven acres of tranquil How to book
with Fred Gillam (aka Fred the Forager).
gardens and surrounded by 600 acres Booking is essential as we have limited
He’s been foraging for his supper for more
of parkland on the Buckinghamshire/ places available. For more information and
than 30 years and will show you exactly
Oxfordshire border. With curling Tudor to book visit www.chilternsociety.org.uk/
what you can safely pick, what to avoid,
chimneys, the house is crenellated and events, or call the office on 01494 771250.
how to prepare your harvest and, most
partially encased in stucco. From its
importantly, how to make sure this is all
medieval origins, this extraordinary
done sustainably so that other creatures
house has evolved into the fabulous
also get their fair share! Fred is a herbalist
and exciting mixture of styles it is
as well as a forager, and has been running
today. After the tour you’re welcome
a small community dispensary with his
to stay for the day and enjoy the
partner in Wiltshire for a number of years.
beautiful gardens and the 13th century
A surprising number of our native plants
church.
provide useful ingredients for herbal
remedies such as tinctures, teas and Friday 27 May 11am
balms, and Fred will discuss both this, Nether Winchendon House, Near Thame,
and their edible qualities. Fred has made Bucks HP18 0DY
appearances with the BBC’s Jeremy Vine Price: £22.50 per adult Glow-worm
www.chilternsociety.org.uk 9
PHOTOGROUP NEWS
A stay-at-home
boost? Top: ‘Supermoon’ over Chalfont St Peter parish
church (R Allen)
Above: Southern hawker dragonfly (R Gross)
Barry Hunt is pleased to report an increase in Right, top to bottom: Oil on water with coloured
base to glass (P Davis); Marsworth narrowboats
exhibition entries (J Fitzgerald); Rotherfield Greys, South Oxfordshire
(F Hagstroem); One of 30 painted elephants on
Luton’s ‘Trunk Trail’ in summer 2021 (A Beck)
Despite another year of pandemic lockdowns and other inconveniences, members were and soon realised that this diverse and
still keen to keep those shutters clicking when circumstances permitted. Some of their fascinating town provided a rich seam of
best work appears in the PhotoGroup’s Online Photographic Exhibition 2022. In fact, 384 urban photography – but then it is the
entries were submitted by 39 entrants, 12 of whom were new. That’s a 14.62% increase largest town in the Chilterns, has over
over last year’s total for the annual exhibition – it’s not a competition and is open to all 100 listed buildings, including a Grade I
Chiltern Society members. listed church, and to quote Alison herself,
‘enough stories to fill a book’.
Once again, the ongoing restrictions images, many of which were taken locally Consequently it was decided the
governing foreign travel may have helped or in members’ gardens, while ‘Other’ with project needed a second album to create
boost entry numbers. Photographers could 66 images also remained fairly static. If a more comprehensive record of the town,
submit up to 12 images, but they had to be you haven’t already seen the exhibition, reflecting the fact that 44% of Luton’s
taken in UK locations, including, of course, the link is https://chilternphoto.org.uk/ population is BAME (Black, Asian and
the Chilterns. With a total of 167 images, index/category/330. Minority Ethnic). Pandemic restrictions
Chilterns-based subjects accounted for This 18th edition of the exhibition was and other factors hampered progress,
43% of the total. Examples from each of edited by Quiller Barrett, the Group’s but by late 2021 Alison ended up with
the five categories are shown here. web editor, while Damon Guy, a local over 350 photographs. The double album
The stay-at-home factor arguably photographic judge and lecturer, again project for our online galleries comprises
explains a 45% increase to 51 entries in the supplied the entertaining and informative 62 captioned images. See them on
‘Heritage’ category. ‘Buildings’ showed a commentary on many of the photos https://www.chilternphoto.org.uk/index/
25% increase to 60 entries. Predictably, submitted. category/317.
the ‘Landscape’ category attracted the At the time of writing, all outdoor and
most, with 120 images, compared to 105 A Luton double header indoor meetings remain cancelled until
in 2021, to give a 14% increase. ‘Flora Alison Beck began her project to further notice. Check the PhotoGroup
& Fauna’ showed little change with 87 photograph Luton in February 2020 website’s information pages for updates.
10 Chiltern 243Photogroup
competition
Puzzle picture: 104
In which popular Chilterns village can these stocks be
found?
Send your entries to puzzlepic@chilternphoto.org.uk.
The draw will take place on 26 March. The winner will
receive £20.
Photo: B Hunt
Puzzle picture: 103
The answer
This monument is in Tring parish church. It
commemorates Sir William Gore and his wife. There are
two coats of arms, his at the top and those of the City of
London, where he was Mayor in 1701-2, at the base. The
winner was Robert Tucker.
Photo: Q Barrett
email: office@chilternsociety.org.uk 11VOLUNTEERIN G
A well-deserved rest
Several stalwarts are taking a step back,
reports Geoff Wiggett
Spring is just around the corner and to misquote Tennyson... ‘in spring an old man’s fancy
turns to... volunteering’! Lots of great new opportunities to help can be seen on the Society’s
website, so there’s no excuse for not getting stuck in.
Here we pay tribute to some familiar faces after a hard morning’s work and enjoying the
who are taking a well-deserved rest from key geniality and bonhomie of colleagues are his
volunteer positions. most memorable moments.
Among long-standing colleagues to have Recently, I heard that the Society’s
Euan Russell
relinquished their role in recent weeks are Chesham-based Captain’s Wood Conservation
Richard Booth, who’s been involved with the volunteer group was nominated for the tourism, conferencing and being general
Rights of Way Group for 14 years and Euan Chesham Volunteer team of 2020/2021 as manager of a 4,500 acre estate – so Captain’s
Russell, who led the highly successful Chesham part of the local Mayoral Awards scheme. This Wood is small beer to him! He’s hugely pleased
Conservation Group for about nine years. represents real recognition for the effort put with the results of the work the group has
Richard started in 2008 as a path in by a well-established team of volunteers done and is proud of the way it’s evolved on his
representative in the Hambleden area, who have spent the last seven years working watch. He modestly describes the volunteers
covering all its five parishes, but soon tirelessly to restore and open up Captain’s as ‘a good bunch’! He also uses that phrase to
graduated to join the path maintenance Wood, a wonderful beech woodland on the describe his close-knit family, another source
volunteer group repairing stiles, putting in edge of the town. Holly and laurel had been of personal pride. Euan continues to volunteer
new gates and clearing vegetation from allowed to grow unchecked, shutting out light with the group, which is now in the capable
public footpaths. He was also heavily from large areas and preventing anything else hands of Alan Mitchell.
involved, alongside other colleagues, with the from growing. Super-fit volunteers used a As a bit of light relief, the main picture
creation of the Berkshire Loop, an extension hand-operated winch to drag out the roots of shows four conservation volunteers ‘playing
of The Chiltern Way. This allows walkers to these invasive plants, and now it’s possible to the fool’ during a work party at Brush Hill
explore a new, properly mapped, 28-mile see bluebells and wood anemones springing Nature Reserve.
route starting from The Chiltern Way south up in their place. It also means that lone John Christensen (far left) recently took
of Penn in Bucks, crossing the Thames at walkers feel much safer now the area has over from John Rennie as leader of the
Cookham Bridge, taking in Winter Hill, Ashley been opened up. Wendover Woods Conservation Volunteer
Hill and Remenham Hill before recrossing the Credit for organising and leading this Group, and should know better than to lark
Thames at Henley Bridge, then rejoining The mammoth task must go to Euan Russell, who’s around with his team! He’s been active with
Chiltern Way in Harpsden Bottom. led the group since 2012. Like many Society the Society for six years and loves the area, but
Richard has enjoyed every minute of his volunteers, he relishes working outdoors worries about the pressure being put on it. In
volunteering career, which will continue in a and the physical side of the tasks. He was his previous life he made documentaries about,
less high profile way. He says that having a employed in the defence industry in the UK and campaigned for, reform of the international
pint in a typically welcoming Chilterns pub and Canada, and his CV includes mining, financial architecture (me neither!). He’s
12 Chiltern 243addicted to learning about conservation,
meeting interesting people and eating cakes!
SOCIETY NEWS
Next to him is David Colvin, who’s spent a
Heritage Festival
lifetime selling large air compressors for use
in oil fields (it takes all sorts...) and enjoying
the outdoors as a scout leader. He’s strongly-
builds back better!
built, so has proved his worth over the last
five years helping maintain footpaths for the
Society, as well as working as a conservation
volunteer. He loves to pop into a pub after a
three-hour work party and enjoy a pint with Plans are already under way for the next Heritage Festival, which is scheduled to take
colleagues. place between 17 September and 2 October 2022. We hope you’ll join us!
On the right with a ballcock in his hand
is a seven-year veteran of a number of Despite the Covid setbacks, last year’s festival proved extremely popular. The
conservation groups, Arthur Talbot. Possibly feedback from members clearly showed that you’re keen to get out and about again,
the only Luton Town supporter in the Society, exploring all that the Chilterns has to offer. Our event organisers and venues were
he has an engineering background (hence (and still are) equally enthusiastic to welcome visitors back, having suffered such a
the ballcock), thinks that getting soaking wet difficult period with all the restrictions in place.
or sunburnt during a work party is a pleasure, Consequently we’re confident of being
loves meeting people and ‘having a laugh’. able to run a bigger and more diverse
He’s a long-distance walker and often leaves programme for 2022. Look out for some
home for a short walk into town for a bottle fresh ideas and a larger number of events
of milk, returning about eight hours later than we’ve been able to run for the
after a 21-mile hike! last couple of years. Of course we’ll be
Phil Ash, pictured between David and mindful of any restrictions still in place
John, is something of an enigma. He’s next autumn, but hopefully this will be a
quietly spoken, hard-working, diligent and festival to remember.
easy to get on with, but we know absolutely Please make a note in your diaries now
nothing about him. More power to his elbow – more details of the programme soon!
in these days of social media!
www.chilternsociety.org.uk 13CHILTERN LEISURE
One square at a time
Photos: Mona Smith
Mona Smith is inspired to try a
new challenge
I’ve lived in the Chilterns since the late 1980s. I’ve always loved going for walks
along our many footpaths and enjoying the fantastic scenery.
Over the years I’ve investigated all the covered in squares, explaining that when I was doing, and told her that each walk
paths close to my home and, because I he went for his runs, he would come could be as long as you wanted it to be.
was looking for more places to explore home and highlight the paths he had I also pointed out that the process of
in the Chilterns, I bought the Chiltern been using. When all the paths in a grid highlighting the paths and grid squares
Society’s guidebooks so that my husband square on the map had been completed completed would give a great sense of
and I could walk the circular routes he would highlight the square itself in a achievement.
featured in them, which are excellent and different colour. The map in question was During the pandemic, a lot of people
easy to follow. Having completed most OS Explorer Map number 172 Chiltern have taken the opportunity to get out
of them, we were looking for more areas Hills East, which incidentally also covers and about on foot. We’ve certainly found
to explore and other footpaths not yet the area where I live. it a great stress reliever and good for
trodden, but didn’t quite know what else I thought to myself ‘What a fantastic our overall mental health, particularly
to do. It needed to be something that idea. I’m going to do just that!’ I’m not a during the various lockdowns, as well as
would allow us to enjoy fully the nature runner, but I decided to walk the paths a way of making the most of what’s on
and scenery, which is very important instead, so I ordered the map from the our doorstep. You really don’t need to
to us. Spending time outdoors has an Ordnance Survey website. I couldn’t wait go far to have your breath taken away
amazing effect: lifting your mood, giving to get started. by the views, experience the excitement
you time and space to think, or even just I’ve completed quite a few grid of seeing a deer hiding behind a tree
to switch off. Rain or shine, we always feel squares already, and encountered or in the bracken, a sly fox scampering
better after being out and connecting a number of people who’ve been away, or indeed red kites soaring on the
with nature for a while. fascinated by the challenge I’ve set thermals above you.
In March 2021, I watched the online myself. One dog walker I met told me We’ve ‘discovered’ some amazing
interview that our Chair Simon Kearey that he was going to get a map for places we didn’t know existed, seen some
did with Tim Davie, Director General of himself and explore the area more widely, fantastic Chiltern scenery, wonderful
the BBC, who talked about his passion rather than tread the same paths every wildlife, sunrises and sunsets, got wet
for running in the Chilterns. I found the day. A lady in one of the online forums I and muddy, and we’re looking forward
interview very inspiring. Tim talked with use explained that she and her husband to more local adventures in 2022 – one
such enthusiasm about running along our always used to go on adventures, long square at a time! I seem to remember
many footpaths, the wildlife he would walks and other outdoor pursuits, Tim saying that he thought there were
often see during early morning runs and until an accident prevented him from about 750 miles of footpaths on the map
the spectacular places he sometimes continuing with them. He found this very and that it took him a couple of years to
found along the way. He held up a well- frustrating and felt that he was missing complete, so this challenge is likely to
worn paper map which was completely out on so much. I mentioned to her what keep us occupied for a long period!
14 Chiltern 243FOOD & DRINK
The plight of pig farmers
It’s a matter of great concern, writes Martin Pearson
It’s been an awful six months for the UK’s pig farmers. Brexit and the pandemic have led to a shortage of abattoir workers, and that in
turn has meant farmers have been unable to take their animals for slaughter. Pigs have been stuck on farms and many have grown too
large to be processed. The financial impact of continuing to feed and house pigs that should have been sold, while ensuring the welfare
of other livestock, has been devastating and left many farmers with no choice other than to kill their animals on the farm.
Despite Government intervention, the National imported pork, it’s more important than ever
Pig Association has forecast that more than that consumers know and trust the provenance
120,000 pigs will be killed on farms before of their meat. Happily there are many excellent
the crisis is over. Their Chief Executive, Zoe pork producers in our region: Block and
Davies, said ‘I have had grown men in tears Butcher, Wendover, Orchard View in Meadle
on the phone just at the thought of having to and Chiltern Farm Foods in Amersham are just
contemplate killing healthy animals.’ three.
Apart from the impact on farmers’ The plight of our farmers is of great
livelihoods and, in some cases, mental health, concern. The pig is the most versatile source of
this ongoing situation will inevitably lead to meat that I can think of. During my time in the
fewer British pork products being found on kitchen I’ve cooked almost every part of the
the shelves. As the shortfall will be made up by animal – literally from head to tail.
RECIPE
Chiltern slow-cooked pork belly,
with cider and mustard gravy
Here I cook one of the cheapest and most delicious cuts of pork
– the belly, with its amazing crackling.
Ingredients
l 1.5kg locally-reared pork belly l 20g salted butter
l 1tsp fennel seeds l 50g plain flour
l 1tsp coriander seeds l 300ml of chicken stock
l handful of fresh thyme l 75ml cider
l 1 tbsp sea salt l 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
l 1-2tbsp olive or rapeseed oil
Method
l Remove the meat from the fridge at l Turn the temperature down to 1500C, For the gravy
least 30 minutes before cooking keep the foil in place and continue to l Make 300ml of warm chicken stock
l Turn the oven up to maximum heat roast for another three hours l In a pan, melt a knob of butter and
l Pat the skin of the belly with kitchen l After two hours, place your parsnips, mix into a paste with 50g of plain flour
towel, until it’s completely dry potatoes, carrots, or whatever roasting l Add the Dijon mustard to the paste
l Using a very sharp knife, score the skin vegetables you choose, on a baking l Pour in the stock a little at a time and
all over until the cuts are less than a tray. Drizzle with oil, season and cook mix with the flour, butter and mustard
centimetre apart on a separate shelf in the same oven to get a smooth consistency
l Crush the seeds, the salt and the thyme l Remove the meat from the oven. It l Finally, add the cider and cook on a
in a pestle and mortar, and mix well should be very soft, and the crackling low heat until the gravy is ready. If
l Wrap the belly in foil, but make sure the crisp. If it isn’t, turn the oven up to the gravy is too thick, just add a little
skin is completely exposed 220 C and zap the pork for a further 10
0 water. If there are any lumps, pass it
l Place on a baking tray minutes through a sieve before serving
l Drizzle the oil over the skin then massage l Remove the foil, being careful to pour l Serve the pork and crackling with the
in the seeds, salt and herb mixture, so the juices that have accumulated into a veg and gravy. Delicious.
that all the cuts in the skin are filled cup
Photos: Martin Pearson (recipe)
l Put the pork in the oven and blast for l Cover the joint with foil and rest for at Colin Drake (pig)
20 minutes until the belly skin starts to least 30 minutes while you make the
bubble and turn golden brown gravy.
email: office@chilternsociety.org.uk 15CHILTERN CONSERVATION
Water for
winterbournes
We all need to play our part,
says Doug Kennedy
On 4 September 2021, I took a group of Chiltern Society members for a walk along the
Hughenden Stream, during which we were treated to a rather rare spectacle: the stream
was flowing through most of its length at a time of year when water levels are normally
depleted or absent. In fact this stream has flowed since February 2020, owing to two wet
winters – a phenomenon that seems to occur every seven years or so, the last occasion
being 2013-14. Top: Hughenden – Sept 2021
Above: Hughenden – Nov 2018
Hughenden Stream normally becomes obligations, particularly on the rivers Chess, Grand Union Canal to take water to where
visible at a group of springs in a bit of Ver, Misbourne, Mimram and Upper Lea. it’s needed, but these options will require
pasture just below the Hughenden Valley The CEO at the time was Pauline Walsh, significant investment, and progress towards
Centre. There’s also an Affinity Water-owned who took part in both of the Society’s an actual plan is very slow.
pumping station at which water abstraction chalk stream conferences and the Chalk Far more water is still being abstracted
stopped in 2016, but which still manages Rivers Action Group. She’s now left the from across the Chilterns (and most other
flows of stream water in culverts following company so we fervently hope that Affinity chalk aquifers) than is sustainable. In
wet weather. Flooding can be a problem in will continue with her initiative to seek summer 2019, 60% of the total length of
Hughenden Valley village when the water alternative sources for their water, because chalk stream habitat in the Chilterns AONB
table is very high. At one time it probably this will make a major contribution to the was dry. All chalk stream flows become
flowed as far up the valley as North Dean. recovery of our rare chalk streams. more intermittent as you climb through their
Although the Hughenden Stream is small, Thames Water also abstracts water from catchments – the upper reaches of many of
only flows intermittently and is classed as a the Chilterns and manages the sewage them could be classed as winterbournes. In
winterbourne, in previous times it may have system, so has an even bigger part to play August 2019, major streams like the River
run constantly as it carved the Hughenden in our environment. It has committed to Ver became dry in their lower reaches and
Valley out of the chalk. reducing abstraction from the Wye and the few fish that hadn’t succumbed had to
Affinity Water ceased abstraction Chess catchments. At the same time, house be removed by the Environment Agency
from Hughenden Valley as part of an building and infrastructure developments (EA).
OfWat programme that encouraged continue apace, while global warming is Much needs to be done to conserve and
water companies to reduce the making the weather very unpredictable, so restore the English chalk streams:
environmental impact of removing water the challenges are considerable. To make a l We all need to use less water, even
at environmentally sensitive sites when it’s real difference, Thames Water needs to work during wet periods. In the Chilterns,
scarce. This should allow the stream to flow with Affinity Water to establish alternative average consumption is about 140 litres
more frequently. In 2020 Affinity established sources other than the chalk aquifers. per person per day. Defra has declared
a programme to reduce abstraction This might include moving water from that they want to get that down to 125
substantially beyond their statutory the Thames in Surrey, and also using the litres, but we probably need to reduce
16 Chiltern 243EWELME WATERCRESS BEDS • OXON
Getting back to
normal?
From Tom Stevenson and Keith Tibbs
At last it feels as though things are starting to get back to normal at the watercress beds.
Work days on the first Saturday and the third Wednesday of each month are sociable as
well as industrious occasions once again. Coffee, tea and delicious cakes are provided to
sustain the volunteers. The annual autumn mow of the wild flower meadow was completed
– some of it using hand scythes – and the arisings laboriously moved to the compost
heaps. There are plenty of other jobs to keep us busy throughout the winter. If you haven’t
already done so, come along and help us – it’s a great way to use up your surplus energy.
One Sunday in late October we held a drop-in event for
families, organised by Ceri Groves. She’s the Education
and Engagement Officer for the Chilterns Chalk Streams
Project team, part of the Chilterns Conservation Board.
Although Ceri had help on the day from members of
Benson Nature Group, she did all the preliminary work
herself. The event was a trial run and, as it was a late
decision to go ahead, was only advertised on social
media. Taking this into account it was very successful,
Top: Hamble Brook – Sept 2019 with about 25 children and more than 15 adults attending,
Above: Hamble Brook – May 2020
including some neighbours who took the chance to have
our use to under 100 litres per person a look around from the opposite bank. Visitors could try
per day their hand at using nets to see what they could catch in
l Major investment is needed to plug the the stream, making woven willow fish, and various other
gap in water supply, which is likely to be activities. The experience gained will be invaluable in
enormous within a decade. We haven’t arranging future events.
invested in new reservoir storage in this With climate change very topical at the moment, we
region for many decades, and although have to ask ‘what can the watercress beds do to help?’
OfWat and the EA have commenced We’re somewhat restricted, but are progressing the
planning through bodies like RAPID and installation of solar panels on the roof of the Centre, which
WRSE, progress is again slow and no we hope will appear in the not-too-distant future. They
new investment has been promised yet. should prove a real help, together with with the existing
The Society’s conferences and ground source heat pump, in reducing our carbon footprint. We’re also looking to replace
CRAG initiative have helped raise public some of our petrol-powered equipment (small mower and strimmer) with battery-powered
awareness and drawn the Government’s machines and have already replaced some of the meadow cutting work with scything. It
attention to the chalk stream crisis, would be great to do more of this, but it’s slower and we could only do more with additional
culminating in Charles Rangely-Wilson’s volunteers.
Chalk Streams Strategy, published in Now seems a good time to look back on the highlights (and lowlights) of 2021. The
October 2021. But if we value our lovely weather conditions, especially the wet spring, encouraged plant growth in the wild flower
Chiltern landscapes and our rare and meadow – some of the knapweed and hogweed reaching head height. The conditions
precious chalk streams, we all need to seemed to suit the orchids, though it made counting them difficult. The overall number
play our part by demanding action by amounted to 257 from four species. This is nearly twice the previous highest total.
the Government and investment by the Butterflies had a poor year, with the lowest overall total in 13 years of the weekly transect
water companies, while also paying closer counts (excluding 2020, which was significantly affected by lockdowns). This is also
attention to our own use of water. attributable to the cool, wet spring. For example, the small tortoiseshell used to be a common
As I write this, in December 2021, the butterfly, but only five individuals were recorded in over 30 hours of surveying the site.
chalk aquifers are still high and the streams We’ve restarted the walks on the first Sunday of the month, when visitors have the
are flowing for a healthy part of their opportunity to see a 1964 film showing how the industry used to run, followed by a walk
lengths. We’ll be watching what develops around the site – either with or without a guide. When we arrived for the November guided
over the coming months, during which walk, we were treated to the sight of a kingfisher. Initially it was sitting opposite the Centre
annual rainfall is likely to reduce once on a woven willow heron, from which it dived into the stream and returned to a nearby perch
more, following the seven year cycle – so with a fish that it proceeded to eat. Unfortunately, we couldn’t share this sight with visitors
let’s all work together and take the action because there weren’t any! As cash payment seems to have fallen by the wayside, we won’t
necessary to prevent them drying up again. be charging until we’ve sorted out an alternative method. Take advantage of a free guided
Photos: Doug Kennedy walk while you can! Photos: Tom Stevenson
www.chilternsociety.org.uk 17You can also read
