Chiltern Woodlands Project (1989-2020)

The aim of the Chiltern Woodlands Project was to promote and encourage the sensitive and sustainable management of Chiltern woods in order to protect the landscape of the Chilterns and maintain and enhance its biodiversity.

The Project was started in 1989 by The Chiltern Society then became an independent charity, based in the Chilterns Conservation Board office. The project was run for the duration by John Morris, now a self employed Woodland Consultant.

The project promoted a sustainable woodland economy and raises awareness, understanding and enjoyment of woodlands through its regular newsletter and other publications.

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Bottom wood by Clive Ormonde

The Project offered a number of services:

  • Woodland Management advice (free first visit).
  • Woodland Management plans.
  • Tree and Woodland Surveys.
  • Woodland ecological and historical assessments.
  • Woodland Grant applications.
  • Felling licence applications to the Forestry Commission.
  • Identifying, selecting and marking trees for felling.
  • Training, Events, Conferences, Talks & Guided walks.
  • Type of woodland, methods of management and maintenance of trees.
  • An assessment of the condition of the trees and woodland.
  • A discussion on aims and objectives for the wood (s) and options.
  • Woodland biodiversity – identification of woodland flora & fauna.
  • Woodland archaeology – what features are present e.g. sawpits, banks.
  • Ancient woodland management and restoration.
  • Tree health and disease issues.
  • Pest control – identification of likely problems and possible solutions.
  • Timber utilisation – what trees are present and how they can be used or sold.
  • Tree and hedge planting, protection and aftercare.
  • Practical management such as weeding, pruning and ride cutting.
  • Contractor contacts or other ways to implement work.
  • Working with volunteer groups.

More information

The project’s Business Plan and Prospectus for 2009-12  and News of the woods issue 50 provide a good overview of the range of work it undertook and its achievements. You can download these below.

Business Plan and Prospectus for 2009-12
News of the Woods 50 - 25 years of achievements

Download information and advice

icon Air drying of timber


icon The importance of deadwood


icon Ivy on trees - is it a problem?


icon On-site sawmilling and timber conversion


icon The why and how of tree measurement


icon Thinning: why thin woodlands?


icon Woodland archaeology


icon Woodland bats


Chilterns ANOB
Chilterns ANOB

Chilterns AONB Management Plan

The Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2019-24: Caring for the Chilterns forever and for everyone contains a comprehensive summary of the key issues facing the AONB and the management policies and actions needed to conserve this special place.
Chilterns ANOB

Volunteering hub

Find out more about volunteering in the Chilterns - indoor, outdoor, practical or desk based there's something for everyone, whatever age or stage! Use our interactive volunteering hub to find the perfect opportunity for you.