These are examples of projects which received grants from the Sustainable Development Fund during 2005-06. They give an indication of the range of work and types of organisations supported by the Fund.
coppice and thatching products survey
Location: Chilterns wide Aims: To survey the potential market for thatching spars for the local thatching industry and relate the findings to the quantity and quality of the resource of hazel coppice in and around the Chilterns. Outputs: a report and directory Impact: This study seeks to contribute to a more sustainable management of this natural resource in the Chilterns, bringing associated benefits to wildlife, people and landscapes. Project Contact: Graham Thorne (private individual) Grant: £2000
downley community orchard produce
Location: Downley, High Wycombe, Bucks Aims: To produce juice and other products from traditional English varieties of apple/pear. To encourage local people – particularly families – to get involved. Outputs: Purchase of equipment Impact: This project brings people together in the co-operative husbandry of apple pear trees and production of juice, and in doing so helps to conserve and restore a characteristic feature of the Chilterns landscape. Project contact: Kristina Frydberg Organisation: Downley Community Orchard (small local group) Grant: £1050
chilterns hedgelaying training
Location: Chilterns wide Aims: To establish a Chilterns Hedgelaying Training group and provide training. Outputs: 6 courses, 30 people. Impact: The Chilterns is blessed with many ancient hedgerows which contribute greatly to the character of the area and provide habitat for wildlife. Looking after them is a skilled craft and this project will help encourage traditional management of Chilterns hedgerows into the future. Once established the project will be self-sustaining through fees charged for training courses. Project Contact: Nigel Adams (Private individual / business) Organisation: Chilterns Hedgelaying Group Grant: £1480
bradenham woods historic landscape survey
Location: Bradenham Woods, Bucks Aims: To record and map archaeological features within the site to increase knowledge of Chiltern woodland archaeology and train volunteers in survey techniques. Outputs:
Sites and Monuments database
Project report
Training for volunteers in identification and recording of woodland archaeology
Public seminar to review results and similar initiatives in the Chilterns for recording the historic landscape.
Results available on line
Published article
Impacts:
The survey will help to:
foster interest in the historic environment
protect and manage archaeological sites
promote the economic well-being of the Chilterns through sustainable tourism related to the historic environment
Project contact: Gary Marshall Organisation: National Trust Grant: £3500
brick drying using biomass
Location: Chesham, Bucks Aims: To pilot a system that would burn locally available waste wood chips to provide heat for brick drying. Outputs: Biomass based brick drying system developed. Impacts: H G Matthews is one of three remaining yards in the Chilterns producing bricks from local clay. Traditionally the bricks have been dried using an oil-fired system, but this scheme would enable the change to a renewable source of energy.
The scheme is looking at the potential for use of woodchips supplied by local tree surgeons –if successful this would be of interest and benefit to other organisations. The project also helps this small local producer to remain economically robust. Project Contact: Jim Matthews Organisation: H.G.Matthews (private company) Grant: £5000
conserving native biodiversity at whipsnade wild animal park
Location: Whipsnade Zoo, Bedfordshire Aims: The zoo is located within 600 acres of parkland on the Chilterns Downs, and includes a chalk grassland SSSI and a County Wildlife site. This project aims to train volunteers in monitoring and surveying of native species, to support regular surveys and to produce an information sheet for the public. Outputs:
4 training workshops for volunteers
new volunteers recruited
improved species monitoring
native species report
conservation management plan
native species trail for school children
information leaflet for the public
Impacts: The primary benefits of this project will be environmental, with the survey and monitoring work informing native species conservation plans and habitat maintenance and improvement work. There will also be social benefits as a result of the opportunities for local people and groups to volunteer and for their skills to be developed through training. Project Contact: Tara Patterson Organisation: Zoological Society of London Grant: £7000
more information
Contact: Kath Daly, Countryside Officer
Tel 01844 355524
Email kdaly@chilternsaonb.org
