The Chilterns AONB

The proposed HS2 route will impact directly and indirectly on many aspects of life in the AONB, including its landscapes, wildlife, historic and cultural heritage, communities and local economy, recreation and access.

A series of themed maps, photos and text have been produced by the Chilterns Conservation Board to highlight environmental features potentially affected along the HS2 route within the AONB. The maps incorporate national and local data sets, including new survey data on hedgerows and veteran trees along the HS2 construction corridor. Field surveys were carried out in summer 2010, and focussed primarily on the route through the AONB to the west of the Amersham tunnel.

A second series of maps, photos and text has been produced to show countryside sites, walking and cycling routes, rights of way and visitor destinations potentially affected by the proposed HS2 route.

It is important to bear in mind that the impacts on the nationally important landscapes of the AONB go far beyond the effects on individual features. It should also be pointed out that there will inevitably be features not currently identified or designated, all of which need to be taken into account before the full impact of the scheme can be assessed.

It is also important to remember that as well as the railway structures shown on the maps - tunnels, viaducts and so on there will also be a host of additional associated infrastructure including gantries, fences, access roads, communications masts and power supply infrastructure. No details of these have been supplied by HS2 Ltd.

The maps and other resources can be downloaded below:

Summary map of route through Chilterns - showing changes as of January 2012

Panorama Photo Tour - click on the labelled viewpoints then use the horizontal scroll bar to view the image.

Overview map - shows coverage of individual themed maps.

Information on route by section

Please note - the maps below will shortly be updated with the route changes announced in January 2012.

1: Chalfont St Giles section

Historic Environment map 1 (including photographs)

Natural Environment map 1

Historic and Natural Environment Profile Description map 1

2: Amersham section

Historic Environment map 2 (including photographs)

Natural Environment map 2 (including photographs)

Historic and Natural Environment Profile Description map 2

3: Shardeloes section

Historic Environment map 3 (including photographs)

Natural Environment map 3 (including photographs)

Recreation and Access map 3

Historic and Natural Environment Profile Description map 3

4: Hyde Lane - Mantle's Wood section

Historic Environment map 4 (including photographs)

Natural Environment map 4 (including photographs)

Historic and Natural Environment Profile Description map 4

5: Potter Row section

Historic Environment map 5 (including photographs)

Natural Environment map 5 (including photographs)

Recreation and Access map 5

Historic and Natural Environment Profile Description map 5

6: The Lee - King's Ash section

Historic Environment map 6 (including photographs)

Natural Environment map 6 (including photographs)

Recreation and Access map 6

7: Wendover section

Historic Environment map 7 (including photographs)

Natural Environment map 7 (including photographs)

Recreation and Access map 7