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

The ‘season of celebration’ will provide people with the opportunity to connect with nature, improve their health and wellbeing, meet new people, find out more about the landscape that’s on their doorstep, learn new skills and help support communities and businesses following the Covid-19 pandemic.

There is going to be plenty to do throughout October with a fantastic programme of events including the brand-new Chilterns Celebration and the ever-popular Chilterns Walking Festival.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Chalk, Cherries and Chairs Project team has joined forces with community groups and organisations to provide a whole month of activities and online resources and events to celebrate the Chilterns.

From October 1-31, they will be running events to extend the season for local businesses and bring communities together, as well as having TV presenter, Chris Packham as a keynote speaker at the first ever ‘Chilterns Champions’ conference, where Citizen Science will be up for discussion and how you can get involved.

Find the full schedule of events and details on how to book your place here.

There is also the 16-day Chilterns Walking Festival on offer which has over fifty guided walks, activities and events to take part in, and it 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. 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.”

You can view details and book your walk online here.

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.”

The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers 324 square miles of countryside, stretching from the River Thames in southern Oxfordshire up through Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire to Hitchin in Hertfordshire.

By Vicki Pearce. Image credit: Livi Gosling.