Chilterns Commons Project
The Chilterns Commons Project is a new 4 year initiative, which was launched in September 2011.
The project is being coordinated by the Chilterns Conservation Board with a grant of over £400,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and £10,000 of funding, in addition to our volunteer manpower, from the Chiltern Society.
Commons have been at the heart of our communities since medieval times, but these days they are often overlooked or taken for granted. Commons play a valuable role in the natural and cultural heritage of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They are very important wildlife habitats, brilliant natural playgrounds and contain centuries of local history within them.
The Chilterns has around 200 commons ranging from strips of grass verge to rolling hectares of wildflower-rich grassland and woodland. This project aims to reconnect people with their commons. The project is encouraging people to make the most of commons for walking, playing and enjoying the outdoors.
It is also inspiring and enabling people to get involved with actively caring for commons and studying them in order to build up a historical record of our Chilterns commons and an idea of how they are faring ecologically.
The Chilterns Commons Project would be nothing without people like you
We need people who care about our natural environment to step up and get involved.
You'll have fun, meet new people, learn new skills and have the satisfaction of making a real difference.
Whatever your interest or talents, there's a job for you:
- Practical type? Get involved with practical maintenance, the cornerstone of healthy commons
- Methodical? Monitoring the plants and animals that live on commons is the best way to track the wellbeing of commons
- History fan? Researching and collating the history of commons is rewarding and valuable work
- Keen photographer? Photographic records help track the changing appearance of commons
- People person? You could help by giving talks on the project, helping with public relations, public events or lead guided walks
Click here for the latest volunteer opportunities.
The Commons Project can:
- Buy tools for practical work by volunteers on your common
- Arrange or part fund specialist training for volunteers who work on your common
- Contribute towards the cost of events for your local community.
