Chiltern Commons Project (2011-2015)
Between 2011-2015 the Chilterns Conservation Board ran a Heritage Lottery funded project, the Chilterns Commons Project. The project encouraged people to make the most of commons for walking, playing and enjoying the outdoors. It inspired and enabled people to get involved with caring for commons and studying them – if we don’t there’s the danger that we’ll lose these precious landscapes for good.
Commons have been at the heart of our communities since Medieval times and these days they’re great places to explore and enjoy. There are 170 commons in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, ranging from strips of grass verge to rolling hectares of wildflower-rich grassland and woodland.
Commons play a valuable role in the natural and cultural heritage of the Chilterns. They’re incredibly important wildlife habitats, brilliant natural playgrounds and contain centuries of local history within them.
Bricks, Bodgers and Broomsticks - a celebration of common life
This short film about the history of commons was made by volunteers from Reading Film and Video Makers club using footage filmed during our family history day in 2013.
West Wycombe Hill - Past, Present and Future
Children from West Wycombe Combined School made this film which was shot on location with the help of local professional film makers Turtle Canyon Media and Alistair Will of Outdoor Culture. The 8 year olds dressed up in costume to re-enact dramatic events from the past. They also interviewed local experts and put forward their suggestions for potential future uses of the common.
“Making this documentary has been really special and great fun” said class teacher Sally Farrell. “I’m sure it’s something Class 4 will never forget. Our Oscar’s ceremony is the culmination of a lot of hard work and a great way to end the school year.”
The film was funded by the Chilterns Commons Project.
Don’t feed the kites!
Outstanding Chilterns Magazine
