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special events
| Heritage Open Days |
Date: 11-14 September 2008
 The Special Trees and Woods Project has uprooted many fascinating stories behind the Chiltern trees and woods, many of which are found on the interactive map.
However, this September there is a chance to actually see some of the trees, and hear their stories, in a series of events celebrating Heritage Open Days. Organised as part of a national annual event co-ordinated by the Civic Trust, all these events are free and many offer access into areas that are usually closed to the public.
Wooburn Green Thursday 11th September
Join Special Trees and Woods Project volunteer, Janet Pullen to hear about the special trees in Wooburn Green and her detective work into the local tale of a biblical planting regime that was nearly forgotten, the history of the Bishop’s Manor and see some amazing trees including the largest plane tree in Buckinghamshire!
Meet at 18.00 at the gate to Dalton's path in Wooburn Green Estate, Grid reference SU914881.
Tylers Green Friday 12th September
Join Special Trees and Woods Project volunteers, Russell and Chris Read, to hear about the special trees in Tylers Green and their detective work to find this village tale that was nearly forgotten. The trees were planted in 1937, coronation year, to commemorate 30 local soldiers who died in WWI. Come along and find out the whole story and the plans to rededicate the trees this November.
Meet at 17.45 in the car park of Tylers Green village hall, Church Road, grid reference SU906939.
Flackwell Heath Friday 12th September
Join Special Trees and Woods Project volunteer Rosalie Bullock for an illustrated talk about the ancient beech wood she has recorded as special – Fennels Wood in Flackwell Heath. Hear its interesting story, including how it got its name, details of its ownership since the thirteenth century and how it has proved inspirational to Rosalie, a local visual artist, over the years.
Meet at 19.30 at the High Wycombe, Environment Centre at Holywell Mead, grid reference SU873923
Naphill Saturday 13th September
Join Special Trees and Woods Project volunteers, Trevor and Philip Hussey to hear why they recorded Naphill Common as a special wood. Find out how the common has changed over the years, as grazing stopped and the trees grew unchecked. During the two mile walk you will see some special trees including the Umbrella Tree, the Biggest Beech and the Last Juniper as well as some of the archaeological and landscape features which make this common so unique.
Meet at 14.00 in the car park of Naphill village hall, grid reference SU847968. Wear your wellies!
 Henley-on-Thames Sunday 14th September
Join Special Trees and Woods Project volunteer, Tony Austin to hear about the special trees in Harpsden Bottom including the Mocking Bird Tree, Nutkyn's Oak, the Hurricane Tree and even see the biggest spindle tree in the country! Tony has carried out extensive research on the area, studying John Blagrave's map of 1586, and tailoring the countryside management of the area accordingly.
Please call 01844 355 525 or email Liz to book your places and receive directions. Book early to avoid disappointment!
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| Special Woods Art Competition |
Date: throughout 2008
 The Special Trees and Woods Project, in partnership with the Chilterns Conservation Board, is hosting an art competition open to all those that are inspired by the woods of the Chilterns.
Last year the Special Trees and Woods Project hosted an art exhibition in four venues across the Chilterns. Two artists exhibited their work receiving much attention from 15000 visitors.
Liz Manley, Special Trees and Woods Project Officer said “We had so many positive responses to the last exhibition that it made sense to host another event. This year we are asking artists of all abilities to enter a piece of art that has been inspired by a particular wood in the Chilterns.”
Artists are welcome to enter artwork of any medium before 17th October 2008. Selected entries will have their work exhibited in the River and Rowing Museum in Henley and the Hat Factory in Luton.
Are you inspired by the woods of the Chilterns? If so, why not enter this free competition?
A panel of local art professionals will select work to be exhibited in the two venues and you might even be awarded one of two prizes on offer.
Special Trees and Woods Project volunteer Joan Skelton Smith is curating the exhibitions. She said “The Chilterns landscape has proved inspirational to many artists over the years including Eric Gill, John Piper and Paul Nash. We know that the woods continue to inspire and I am really looking forward to seeing what entries we receive. I know that we will get artwork of every different medium and size, which will create a really exciting exhibition.”
For more details click here or call Liz on 01844 355 525. To enter this free competition, download the entry form and guidance sheet.
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| Managing Special Trees |
Date: 14 October 2008
 Many ancient woodlands have strong cultural links which only make their management even harder! Join the National Trust and the Special Trees and Woods Project for a workshop discussing the history and management of Low Scrubs, a rare relic of beech coppice. This ancient area of working trees was worked for firewood by local commoners until the Second World War.
The long term vision for Low Scrubs is to maintain and perpetuate the individual character of this area of ancient beech and oak, loved by many people for its special atmosphere.
Participants of this free workshop will be introduced to the site, the management restraints and plans on how to reintroduce management to these ancient working trees.
We will visit the wood and see the work being carried out which will include the first lot of retrenchment on some individual trees and on an ancient hornbeam hedge.
Contract management, site safety and pubic access will also be discussed.
For more details contact Liz Manley on 01844 355 525 or lmanley@chilternsaonb.org.
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| Special Woods Conference |
Date: 22 November 2008
 Oliver Rackham, renowned woodland historian and ecologist, is the guest speaker for the Special Trees and Woods Project’s the third annual conference. Professor Rackham is an engaging speaker with a great ability to read our surroundings. He agrees that every tree, hedge and wood holds clues that can unlock the past and will offer some advice on landscape detection techniques. Professor Rackham is well known for his book ‘The History of the Countryside’.
Volunteers will also share their experiences of researching special trees and woods since the start of the project in January 2006.
The last two annual conferences have proved very popular and both have been fully booked. Make sure you book early to confirm your place at Lockers Park School, Hemel Hempstead.
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| Special Woods Art Exhibition I |
Date: 8 November 2008 – 6 January 2009
Location: The River & Rowing Museum, Henley
 Selected art from the Special Woods Art Competition will be displayed at this renowned museum which celebrates the Thames which is an integral part of the southern Chilterns landscape. Vote for your favourite piece of special wood art in the public ballot. A charge applies for entry unless you can join us on the opening night on Friday 7th November.
For directions and opening times go to www.rrm.co.uk.
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| Special Woods Art Exhibition II |
Date: 16 January 2009 – 15 February 2009
Location: The Hat Factory, Luton
 Selected art from the Special Woods Art Competition will be displayed in this exhibition space which is the main arts venue for Luton and the surrounding area.
Come and meet the artists and see the presentation of the public award after the ballot at the River and Rowing Museum in the private viewing – 6-9pm, 20th January.
For directions and opening times go to www.luton.gov.uk/hatfactory.
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