The Chilterns Celebration

Living Magazines Chilterns_Celebration_ChilternsAONB_Copyright_Livi Gosling

The Chilterns Conservation Board is thrilled to launch a packed programme of nature-based events, walks and activities all designed to inspire families, young people and adults of all ages to discover and enjoy the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Chilterns ‘season of celebration’ will provide people with 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.

There’s plenty on offer throughout October with a fantastic programme of events including the brand-new Chilterns Celebration and the ever-popular Chilterns Walking Festival.

The Chilterns Celebration

  • A brand-new festival of events designed to celebrate the Chilterns, bringing communities together and inspiring people to explore and enjoy the heritage and landscape around them
  • Running from 1-31 October 2020
  • The first ever “Chilterns Champions” conference with special guest speaker Chris Packham

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Chalk, Cherries and Chairs Project team has joined forces with community groups and organisations across the Chilterns to provide a whole month of activities and online resources/events to celebrate the Chilterns. From October 1-31, 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 this region we call home.

Chris Packham – naturalist, nature photographer, television presenter and author – will be the keynote speaker at the first ever ‘Chilterns Champions’ conference, where he’ll be talking about Citizen Science, why it’s crucial and how you can get involved. You’ll have the chance to explore a brand 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 very own wildlife champions, the Chiltern Rangers, experience a live-streaming concert and get involved with a packed programme of walks, talks and local produce tastings. The Chilterns Celebration really does have something for everyone.

Find the full schedule of events and details on how to book your place at www.chilternsaonb.org/ccc-fest. 

The Chilterns Walking Festival

  • Over 50 guided walks in the beautiful Chilterns
  • Running from Saturday 17 October-Sunday 1 November

Now in its seventh year, the Chilterns Walking Festival has established itself as one of the main contenders in the region’s bountiful events calendar. With over 50 guided walks, activities and events, the 16-day Chilterns Walking Festival has been designed to appeal to different age groups, interests and levels of fitness.

The walks provide opportunities to meet countryside rangers, farmers, archaeologists, historians, food producers and storytellers of the Chilterns. Each walk is guided by an experienced walk leader who will bring their story to life.

The Chilterns Conservation Board’s People & 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.’

View details and book your walk online at: www.visitchilterns.co.uk/walkingfest.

The ‘season of celebration’ will also support the campaign to extend the visitor season from October right 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 Chilterns Conservation Board’s Chief Executive, Dr Elaine King, said: ‘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.’

Image © Livi Gosling