Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB)
We are very fortunate that the villages of Hughenden Parish are all within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Chilterns were designated as an AONB in 1964 in order to conserve and enhance their distinctive landscape character and natural beauty. The Chilterns topography is the result of the tilting of the underlying chalk which has produced a steep north west escarpment overlooking the clay vales of Oxford and Aylesbury, and a south facing slope which is dissected by valleys, most of which are dry.
The Chilterns AONB has many scenic attractions, a rich diversity of wildlife habitats, and is particularly well known for its beech woodlands, which are a feature of the upper slopes of the valley’s escarpment. Man’s influence is also extensive and conservation of numerous and widespread archaeological and architectural features, as well as other traditional Chilterns features, is very important.
Government and Structure Plan policy requires that the AONB is protected against intensive pressure for residential, recreational and commercial development and externally generated demands for transport related development, mineral working and waste disposal. (Source: the Wycombe District Local Plan – deposit Dec.1998)
The Parish Council remains vigilant in trying to ensure that development in the Hughenden Parish area is neither inappropriate nor detrimental to the beauty of the AONB. Plans for new or extended housing, changed road layouts, changes of use of existing buildings, etc. are scrutinised with care and relevant recommendations are made to Wycombe District Council.
Conservation within the Parish
A good proportion of the land owned by the Parish Council is cared for in a manner to benefit wildlife and the environment as well as for the enjoyment of parishioners. A great deal of the work has been grant-aided, so as not to burden the rate payer.
Cockshoot Wood
Location – off the Kingshill Road at Four Ashes.
This is primarily semi-natural ancient woodland, planted for the Wycombe chair industry. A small part of it was clear felled and, later, more trees came down in a storm. These open spaces were re-planted to give the wood greater diversity and offering a wider habitat for all types of plant and animal life. The ecology was increased even more by not being ‘too tidy’, by leaving dead wood standing or fallen for invertebrates, fungi, woodpeckers and similar creatures. The Parish Council has developed a plan to maintain both the biodiversity interest of the woodland and to maintain access and ensure an enjoyable and safe visitor experience. If you wish to comment about the plans please email feedback@hughenden-pc.gov.uk
Primrose Hill Amenity Area
Location – at the lower end of Primrose Hill, Widmer End.
Above a small clump of mature cherry trees, which are the remnants of a cherry orchard, lies a small area of undisturbed chalk grassland. By using a careful mowing regime, a late flowering summer meadow is created, which is rich in butterflies, insects and wild flowers. Two new hedges have been planted, one to separate the allotments from the grassland, the other to define a boundary at the top of the area. These hedges are of mixed native species of trees and shrubs.
Little Burnham Field
Accessed by kissing gates, walkers will know that this field lies beyond King Georges Playing fields (next to the allotments and above the football club’s pitch).
Biodiversity Value
This pasture is a relic of a once much larger chalk grassland; – a 50 acre pasture (known as Big Burnham Field) covering the hillside. It is also a vital habitat, as the UK has lost 97% of its wildflower grasslands since the 1940s.
The pasture used to be grazed in the traditional way every summer with sheep. With no added fertilizers or pesticides, this age-old system maintained grassland rich in wildflowers and butterflies. This allowed plants to flower and set seed, and prevented vegetation getting too long.
Lack of Grazing
Unfortunately grazing lapsed in recent years and only sporadic cutting for hay has kept the field open, though scrub from the surround hedgerows is encroaching. This lack of grazing is having a detrimental impact on the flora and fauna of the site.
Plans to restore Grazing
As part of a new management plan to restore the biodiversity value of this designated wildlife site, it is proposed to re-introduce light grazing during the summer and possibly into autumn months. The planted spinney will also be thinned or coppiced to allow more light and wildflowers to flourish.
Your Views and Support
Hughenden Parish Council appreciates that local residents use this attractive site to walk and exercise their dogs. We would like to know your views on proposed measures to help biodiversity and re-introduce sheep (or cattle) each summer. This will mean dog-walkers will need to keep their pets on leads for a period each year as they pass through the pasture. Without this cooperation, it won’t be possible to reintroduce traditional management for nature conservation.
Please let us know your views by email to feedback@hughenden-pc.gov.uk
Vincents Meadow and Pond
The meadow is located opposite the Naphill Common – accessed by a kissing gate from Downley Road (Hunts Hill end). It was formerly part of Vincent’s Farm and before that most likely a piece of Naphill Common until the enclosures of the mid-nineteenth century.
Biodiversity Value
In biodiversity terms, the site is what is known as Wood Pasture – grazed grassland with mature trees (in this case; many fine English Oaks). This would have been maintained by grazing each summer. This age-old system can maintain grassland rich in native wildflowers, while the mature trees provide great habitat for rare insects. The site also includes a pond, which is one of at least seven historic ponds on Naphill; – shown on Friends of Naphill Common maps as Pick Up’s Pond.
Lack of Grazing
The site won a conservation award for its management for wildlife in 2005. However, grazing has lapsed in recent years and only sporadic cutting for hay has kept the field open, though scrub and brambles are encroaching on uncut areas. The lack of grazing is having a detrimental impact on the flora and fauna of the site.
Plans to restore Grazing
As part of a new management plan to restore the biodiversity value of this site, it is proposed to re-introduce grazing during the summer and possibly into autumn months. Friends of Naphill Common have even offered to help with cutting back some of the invasive bracken. Vegetation around the pond will also be thinned and the pond sensitively cleared to keep it open.
Your Views and Support
Hughenden Parish Council appreciates that many local residents use this attractive site to walk and exercise their dogs. We would like to know your views on proposed measures to help biodiversity and re-introduce sheep (or cattle) each summer. This will mean dog-walkers will need to keep their pets on leads for a period each year as they walk the pasture. Without this cooperation, it won’t be possible to re-introduce traditional management for nature conservation.
Please let us know your views by email to feedback@hughenden-pc.gov.uk
Hedge Laying
A traditional hedgerow management method is done at various sites around the Parish. A living fence is created by partially cutting through an upright stem, then bending it over to an angle of approximately 35 degrees.
Stakes are inserted at intervals to support the bushes (pleachers) and finally hazel wands are woven between the stakes to prevent the cut ‘pleachers’ from springing up, and binding the whole structure. As long as part of the bark and a thin piece of stem are not cut right through, the angled bush lives on, while the hedge regenerates from the base. This method creates a full stock-proof hedge and is very good for wildlife.
Over the last twenty years 20,250 trees and hedgerow shrubs have been planted and some 550 metres of new hedge have been created throughout the Hughenden Parish area.