Food and drink
Conservation
The Chiltern Society cares for the Chilterns through its campaigning work and also through its practical work on conservation projects.
The charity has a growing number of conservation groups. Some work just on our own sites, others work on public land, such as commons, footpaths, woodland, streams and village ponds. Some work on weekends, others on week days. Some groups work on a regular day every fortnight/month, other groups work on a more irregular basis depending on the season and the tasks required. If you want to get involved and make a difference for the Chiltern countryside we have a group for you!
All volunteers are very welcome and you do not have to be a member of the Chiltern Society to do voluntary work with us, although many people do join the Chiltern Society later on, once they get to know our groups and see the good work we do in caring for the Chilterns. No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to work with others to look after our beautiful countryside. You will need suitable clothing and sturdy footwear. Training will be provided and all volunteers are covered by our own insurance.
Join the party
Forthcoming work parties are listed, along with other relevant news, in our regular Volunteer News email newsletter (see ‘News’ link on the left) and in our home page diary.
Anyone, members and non-members alike, can receive our Volunteer News, if you would like to receive it, please subscribe here.
In addition, we include the work parties of similar organisations in the Chilterns in our listings, after all, we are all working to care for the Chilterns. If you would like to go along to any of conservation work parties, please do call the leader before the date so they have an idea of the numbers and so that they can plan the appropriate tasks, tools and coffee cups! New volunteers are very welcome.
Chiltern Society Conservation Volunteer groups across the Chilterns
There is a wide range of jobs to suit all abilities: clearing scrub, thinning woodland, cutting back vegetation, keeping paths clear, replacing stiles, mending fences, putting in steps, counting sheep, counting butterflies, pulling ragwort, clearing ponds… enjoying the views. Each site is different: woodland, chalk grassland, heath, sunny glades, mixed scrub and lots of fresh air.
A listing of our groups in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire is shown below. If you would like to join any of our groups, please contact that group’s Coordinator or if you are not sure of the area or type of work, then please call our office on 01494 771250 and we will happily put you in touch with the right conservation group for you.
Buckinghamshire
Bottom Wood
This Chiltern Society site, between West Wycombe and Stokenchurch, Bucks, is an ancient woodland and nature reserve. Regular work parties take place to conserve this 35 acres of ancient woodland.
Brush Hill Nature Reserve
This large, part meadow, part wooded, nature reserve in
Princes Risborough has regular work parties.
Captain’s Wood
Near Chesham, Bucks. Regular conservation work takes place in these beech woods, which are in the care of the Chiltern Society.
Chesham Bois Group
This midweek group works in the Chesham and Great Missenden area, working on Chesham Bois Common and Hyde Heath Common, they also support the group at Captain's Wood, Chesham.
Central Chilterns Group
A weekend group which works on a variety of public land and Chiltern Society sites across the central Chilterns.
Central Chilterns Path Maintenance Volunteers (PMV)
This group works to improve access to the countryside for everyone. Their work ranges from the routine cutting back of nettles and brambles, and the heavier annual growth of trees and hedges; to the removal of fallen trees, waymarking, repair of stiles and the installation of kissing gates.
Prestwood nature reserve
Near Prestwood, Bucks. Conservation work on this small nature reserve, which is in the care of the Chiltern Society
Wendover Woods Conservation Volunteers
A mid-week conservation group working at Wendover Woods and at other sites nearby; for example, Ford End watermill at Ivinghoe. Visit this group's page in this website.
Oxfordshire
Ewelme Watercress Beds
Historic watercress beds and local nature reserve in Ewelme, Oxon. Work parties on the first Saturday and third Wednesday of the month.
South Chilterns Path Maintenance Volunteers (PMV)
This group works on footpaths in South Oxfordshire, installing kissing gates in the place of stiles to improve access to the countryside and thereby create stile free circular walks for everyone to enjoy.
