Chiltern Society Takes Responsibility for Woodland in Penn

The Chiltern Society has begun 2015 – its 50th anniversary year – by taking responsibility for its twelfth site of important countryside.

Volunteers from the society will maintain and improve Penn Jubilee Wood, a 50 acre woodland well used by walkers and the home for many bird species, including skylarks.

The Woodland Trust, which is handing over the wood, has already planted a number of new trees, but the society aims to plant more as well as maintain part of the woodland as meadow to encourage a variety of wildlife.

Penn Jubilee Wood, which runs south from Beacon Hill in Penn is bordered by the Chiltern Way public footpath and crossed by other public tracks.

David Harris, chairman of the Chiltern Society, said: “We will be holding regular work parties to look after these woods as they grow and develop. We hope that local people will volunteer to get involved in their local woodland and help with maintenance and planting to ensure the wood can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

The society has over 500 volunteers maintaining and promoting 11 other sites it looks after in the Chilterns. Last month it took over five sites previously maintained by Buckinghamshire County Council – Whiteleaf Hill near Princes Risborough, Captain’s Wood near Chesham, part of Cholesbury Camp near Tring, Cobblers’ Pits near Wendover and the Hampden Monument at Prestwood.

The other sites it maintains are Bottom Wood, an ancient woodland and nature reserve at Stokenchurch; Brush Hill, a nature reserve near Monks Risborough; the Prestwood local nature reserve; the northern section of Marlow Common; the historic Ewelme Watercress Beds and the Lacey Green windmill, the oldest smock windmill in England.

Members of the public who would like to help the society maintain the sites should call 01494 771250 or email office@chilternsociety.org.uk No experience is necessary as conservation leaders are trained and experienced at leading volunteer groups.