The Society

Our vision, shared by the 6,500 members of our registered charity, is to maintain the uniqueness of the Chilterns in the face of growing pressures on this part of the country. You can help by becoming a member, and becoming one of our part-time volunteers who look after the area.

The Chilterns is not just the range of hills you may be familiar with, but covers a large 650 square mile area across parts of four English counties: Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire (view the map here).

Almost exactly half of this area forms the unspoilt Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the AONB closest to London and the easiest to visit or commute to from the capital. Much of the remainder is protected by Green Belt status.

We aim to:      
         
•  promote high standards of planning and architecture, and argue against developments that will spoil the area   •  tell people about the Chilterns’ unique character and history and encourage them to walk or cycle in the area, and visit attractions
         
• help people conserve and improve footpaths, rivers and streams, areas of tranquillity, heritage buildings and landscapes   • encourage people of all ages to enjoy and care for the natural environment and beauty of the area.
 

How we work:

More detailed information about locations mentioned, the Groups and activities can be found elsewhere in this website.
How we work

Patron: Rt. Hon. The Earl Howe
President: Michael Rush
President Emeritus: Sir Leonard Figg KCMG
Vice Presidents: Lord Carrington KG PC CH KCMG MC, Michael Colston Esq, Sir John Johnson, Wing Commander Derek Martin OBE BSc, Christopher Morris Esq, The Reverend Derek Upcott
Chairman: John Taylor

Registered Charity no. 1085163
Company limited by guarantor no. 4138448

Picture: Chiltern Society PhotoGroup