Challenges for the Chilterns

What are the main challenges currently facing those who care for the Chilterns, its communities and visitors? The Conservation Board decided to tackle this question recently and here are some of the answers we came up with.

One of the principal challenges is the growth of new housing and other development in nearby areas such as Luton, Aylesbury and the Thames Corridor which will place even greater pressures on the Chilterns. A bigger population means more demand for water and increased traffic volumes on the roads. Whilst the Chilterns will be protected from most of the new development, it will be used by greater numbers of people for leisure pursuits and this must be managed carefully.

Despite the potential pressures there is still a need to encourage people to pursue healthier active lifestyles and to have a greater appreciation of the beautiful countryside on our urban fringe. More can be done to enable the less mobile and those who do not visit the countryside regularly to enjoy this area. The key to protecting the Chilterns from the potentially damaging effects of greater numbers of visitors is to provide sustainable opportunities for enjoyment, for example, enabling people to visit the countryside without their car.

One of the greatest long-term challenges faced by this area, as everywhere, is global climate change. There is little doubt now that change is happening but its impact on our local landscapes and wildlife is still unclear. We could see a decline in the beechwoods, which are susceptible to drought. If rainfall patterns become more erratic our chalk streams may not flow as regularly as we would like them too. Increasing the amount of energy from renewable sources would help to combat these climate changes, but are we prepared to see wind turbines on the Chiltern Hills?

At a national level, changes in farming and forestry policy may also affect the character of Chilterns landscapes. We should expect to see greater variety in the crops and the livestock on local farms. On a positive note, the new schemes place much emphasis on wildlife conservation which will boost biodiversity.

The Conservation Board is also keen to promote the conservation and appreciation of the rich historic environment of the Chilterns, much of which is currently hidden and unremarked. A comprehensive effort to bring the past stories of the Chilterns to life will mean a greater certainty of conserving our historic sites for future generations.

Finally, changes in the structure of the Government's countryside and conservation bodies and the increasing regionalisation of its affairs means the Conservation Board and its partners will have to work more closely than ever with Government contacts to ensure that strong support continues for the protection and enhancement of the Chilterns AONB.

n What do you think about these challenges for the Chilterns? Do you agree with them, or do you think there are others that the CCB hasn't covered? They would love to have your views please contact them by emailing office@chilternsaonb.org or writing to us at Chilterns Conservation Board, The Lodge, Station Road, Chinnor, Oxon OX39 4HA.