HS2 Chilterns AONB Additional Projects Fund
The Secretary of State has made £3m available to support work to identify local environmental integration and enhancement measures as Additional Projects within 3km either side of the HS2 route as it passes through the AONB.
The Review Group Panel will be reviewing the projects and deciding on the allocation of funding on a periodic basis. Owing to the proximity of some of the projects to the HS2 construction zone, some will not be started until the train line is almost complete.
Project selection
During 2017 there were two workshops where professionals and members of the public made suggestions for project ideas and themes, these were subsequently developed into projects and passed through a screening and prioritisation process detailed in the Chilterns Enhancement and Integration Plan (CEIP), Part 2: Additional Projects. Further to these, there are Projects that have been developed following work undertaken by the Review Group on Detailed Design Principles being used by the Designers on HS2. It is anticipated some of these projects will be funded from the Additional Projects fund once the Design Process is more advanced.
The Additional Projects area
Current approved projects
You can read more about the current approved projects and what progress they’re making below.
Landscape and Biodiversity Connectivity Project
Overseen by the Chilterns Conservation Board, this project seeks to work with farmers and other landowners to secure measures that reinforce landscape character and improve habitat connectivity otherwise disrupted by construction of the HS2 route.
The project is ongoing but so far works have included
- re-pollarding over mature willows beside the River Misbourne at Little Missenden;
- several whole farm and hedgerow management plans to identify suitable management;
- new hedgerows planted;
- existing hedgerows rejuvenated through hedge coppicing, laying and gapping up;
- new orchards established with traditional varieties;
- new areas of woodland planted;
- areas of scrub cleared to prevent areas of wildflower rich chalk grassland being swamped;
- wildflower rich grass margins established to increase pollinator numbers;
- owl and kestrel boxes installed in a number of locations;
- new signage to help visitors recognise, enjoy and respect the farming and wildlife they see while enjoying walks across the area.
Read the latest project update below. Previous updates are available upon request.
Latest project update
The River Misbourne upstream of Shardeloes
Ridgeway Riding Route
The Ridgeway National Trail have ambitions to adapt seven sections of the existing rights of way network, to provide links with sections of the Ridgeway National Trail already open to horse and bike riders. These sections are spaced between North Stoke (near Wallingford) and the Ashridge Estate (near Dunstable).
The first phase was launched in Dec 2019 with HS2 AP funding for a route between Pulpit Hill (near Princes Risborough) and Chivery (near Wendover). The Ridgeway National Trail team are working with landowners, the funding is enabling signage, surface improvements, cycle stands, hitching posts and benches.
The Ridgeway near Aston Rowant
Wendover Canal Towpath Upgrade
The Wendover Arm Trust have gained support from almost 30 different national and local groups to upgrade the badly deteriorated towpath within the parishes of Wendover and Halton. In places the towpath has either halved in width, or floods, or is virtually impassable for a family with a pushchair. It has undoubtedly become dangerous.
The towpath serves Wendover residents and is in close proximity to schools, care homes and residential areas. The upgrade will provide access for walkers, runners, cyclists and those with reduced mobility and will form an important part of the ambitious Grand Union Canal Triangle between Aylesbury, Wendover and Tring – 22km of towpath linked by 6km of right of way through Weston Turville.
Latest project update
Wendover canal towpath upgrade - HS2 Review Group Additional Projects
The Misbourne Greenway
The Misbourne Greenway is a proposed walking, wheeling and cycling route along the Misbourne valley between Uxbridge and Wendover. When complete, it will form part of Buckinghamshire Council’s vision of a Buckinghamshire Greenway covering the length of the county.
AP funding will allow completion of the final 1km with all the works constructed in one continuous phase from February 2023.
Notifying the Chilterns AONB Review Group of project ideas
If you have an idea for a Project that would meet the selection criteria then please get in touch with the Chilterns Conservation Board, who will talk through your ideas, and if the project can be developed further into a project plan and meets the criteria, it will be considered by the Chilterns AONB Review Group at their next Review Group meeting.
Full project selection criteria can be found in the Chilterns Enhancement and Integration Plan (CEIP), Part 2: Additional Projects below.
There isn’t a formal application process for the fund, if your project doesn’t meet the criteria then you might want to look at these other sources of funding currently available for HS2 related projects.
Related news
HS2 Update, March 2022
The Chilterns Conservation Board is working to hold HS2 to account and to minimise the effects of its construction works on the Chilterns landscape.
HS2 Update, December 2021
Read about how we're holding HS2 to account
Parliament to debate whether to rethink HS2 on Monday 13 September
A Westminster Hall debate will be held on Monday 13 September where MPs will discuss whether to halt all HS2 works and repeal HS2 legislation.
Outstanding Chilterns Magazine
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