Get ready for a 'season of celebration' at the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
A variety of nature-based events are taking place there this autumn.
It is a 'season of celebration' at the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty this autumn.
The Chilterns Conservation Board has launched a packed programme of nature-based events, walks and activities for young people and adults of all ages.
It will give people the opportunity to connect with nature, improve health and wellbeing, meet new people, find out more about the landscape on their doorstep, learn new skills and help support communities and businesses following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The programme of events includes the new Chilterns Celebration and the Chilterns Walking Festival.
The Chilterns Celebration:
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Chalk, Cherries and Chairs Project team has joined forces with community groups and organisations to provide a month of activities and online resources/events to celebrate the Chilterns.
Until 31 October, they will be running events and showcasing those already taking place, to extend the season for local businesses and bring communities together around the heritage and landscape of the region.
Naturalist, nature photographer, television presenter and author Chris Packham will also be there as keynote speaker at the first ever 'Chilterns Champions' conference, where they will be talking about Citizen Science, why it is crucial and how people can get involved.
Visitors will have the chance to explore a new heritage trail around the Wycombe Rye, get creative with art workshops as part of 'The Big Draw' on Kingsmead Recreation Ground with Wycombe's wildlife champions, the Chiltern Rangers, experience a live-streaming concert and get involved with walks, talks and local produce tastings.
The full schedule of events and details on how to book can be found online.
The Chilterns Walking Festival:
Running from Saturday (17 October) to Sunday (1 November).
Now in its seventh year, the Chilterns Walking Festival will be running from Saturday (17 October) to Sunday (1 November).
With more than 50 guided walks, activities and events, the 16-day walking festival has been designed to appeal to different age groups, interests and levels of fitness.
The walks allow people to meet countryside rangers, farmers, archaeologists, historians, food producers and storytellers of the Chilterns.
Each walk is guided by a walk leader who will bring their story to life.
The Chilterns Conservation Board's people and society officer, Annette Venters, said:
"We are delighted to be offering lots of new walks that showcase the best of our stunning landscapes, wildlife and local producers.
"The walks will appeal to all ages and abilities.
"There are still plenty of challenging hikes, but we've included a greater number of shorter walks too, with the emphasis on learning and discovery, meeting the people and producers of the Chilterns, and spending time in our inspirational landscape."
More details and bookings can be made online.
The 'season of celebration' will also support the campaign to extend the visitor season from October through to spring 2021, with a regular programme of events planned to encourage people to support their local pubs, shops and attractions, all whilst staying COVID-19 secure.
The board's chief executive, Dr Elaine King, added:
"The Chilterns is a very special landscape with so much to offer, and we are delighted to be holding this celebration that will help people connect with nature, improve their health and wellbeing and celebrate our local heritage and landscapes."