INTERNATIONAL COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP EXCHANGE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE 1996 UK EXCHANGE
The Chilterns, England

Introduction

The Chiltern Hills are a chalk upland north-west of London, a landscape of rolling ancient farmland and open downland. Its other qualities include picturesque villages and extensive woodlands. Its special qualities are recognized in its AONB (Area of Outstanding Beauty) status helping preserve it from the nearby metropolis.

River Valleys like the Chess, Misbourne and Hambleden are especially important. Their rare habitats are threatened as more water is taken from them and the chalk rock that feeds their springs or ‘bournes’. Some have dried up altogether. The threatened Misbourne is subject of an Alleviation of Low Flows project.

Observations

The threat to the rivers from water abstraction is compounded by drought and unrealistic demands from a public generally unaware of their local water cycle. Environmental groups need to be better co-ordinated around a common vision to involve more local people.

However, useful organizations do exist and the public is becoming increasingly aware of sustainability issues which it can build into its already strong sense of local pride. The Alleviation of Low Flows Plan (ALF) provides an opportunity to build new conservation partnerships.

Strong local pride is shown in developments such as the Chiltern Societies’ Open Air Museum, and also in the Parish Paths Partnership and Local Design initiatives. This pride, however, does not seem to extend to full appreciation of the role of the local rivers. A shared sense of vision for the totality of the landscape is needed, especially at a time of diminished real interaction of people and the landscape.

Many parts of the Chilterns’ landscape are threatened. There are organizations and people willing to help but a long view is vital to accomplish well managed change.

Key Issues

· Promotion of the water cycle, and the way in which local use and management of water can affect the environment of the river and its valley.
· To raise awareness and pride in the local environment, especially those elements, built and natural, which are special because of the rivers.
· The long term integrated and sustainable management of land and water in the river valleys.

Recommendations

The Chilterns’ communities need a co-ordinated promotional strategy to tell people about the river’s water cycle and how they affect it. Newsletters, publications, mobile displays, walks, interpretive boards, art works and schools educational packs and a “Bourne Again” Festival could all be used. Practical projects would allow local people to get “hands on” experience, possibly through demonstration projects on local authority land. Metering could be encouraged to reduce unnecessary consumption.

Appropriate recreational use should be encouraged as the best way for local people to better understand and cherish the Chilterns’ special landscape. Well targeted interpretation, such as audio tape walks, and new tourism initiatives such as the Chilterns Brewery should focus on local identity and maximize local economic benefit. More people would become involved if local initiatives were better promoted in the media.

At present too many people are acting in isolation. A long term strategy is needed to draw people and organizations together. The Chilterns AONB Management Plan offers a relevant framework and series of actions that other organizations could take on board. The Chilterns Conference Draft Business Plan should be immediately implemented and Zone Plans be established. Current grant aid schemes could be better targeted.

All those involved with the Chilterns Landscape should be made aware of the interconnections between economy, community and the natural environment rather than acting on isolated sections of it. The agencies and communities need to communicate better – possibly through newsletters and on-site information. It is especially important that this concentrates on the vulnerable and important river valleys. This dialogue could be further improved by an annual meeting of a river valley forum to report on progress.

Tourism development, with its potential impacts, needs a co-ordinated approach.

A shared, user-friendly, database of information on the local environment and associated issues should be developed to help local communities to better understand likely changes and act on any opportunities available.

In agreeing on a ‘vision’ for the future it is especially important to liaise with the local Chilterns communities. Community meetings will be a useful first step in understanding what local people want. Then getting communities involved in some of the more easily addressed issues may also help boost confidence when later tackling larger, more involved issues. It may be possible to develop separate visions for each of the river valleys. The development of Parish Maps may also be a way of developing a community vision.

Sustainability should be emphasized through local Agenda 21 Committees at Parish or District level, allowing local communities to contribute globally by acting in their own special part of the country.

Also, the team felt there was an urgency to implement actions, however small, once consensus was reached. The visioning should not wait until funding was in place, and much can be achieved with community resources as they exist, once everyone is agreed on the right approach. Achievements should be publicly celebrated, for example holding a River Festival.

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©2002 Glynwood Center