Buckinghamshire - The Botany and Geology of the Chilterns (Day Trip)

Summary

This engaging and varied Day Trip explores the heart of the Chiltern Hills, a National Landscape of outstanding beauty and rich botanical diversity. Beginning at Whiteleaf Hill, we will visit the iconic Whiteleaf Cross and nearby Neolithic barrow, set on the edge of an expansive area of chalk grassland. From here we enter Giles Wood, where we may be fortunate enough to find the rarely seen Wild Candytuft as we make our way down the hillside. Next, in the chalk grasslands of Grangelands and Pulpit Hill Nature Reserves, we can expect a profusion of orchids, including Pyramidal, Common Spotted, Twayblade and Chalk Fragrant Orchid, alongside many other chalk-specialist plants. We will also learn how these species-rich grasslands are carefully managed to support biodiversity.

Following the escarpment, the route offers far-reaching views across the landscape before reaching the top of Kimble Warren. This superb vantage point provides an ideal opportunity to explore how the Chiltern Hills were formed, and how geology and historic land use have shaped the wide variety of plants found here today. A short detour takes us to the Box woodland of Ellesborough Warren, after which we skirt the edge of the Chequers Estate before stopping for a well-earned break at Buckmoorend Farm Kitchen. Here you can enjoy your own packed lunch or purchase food on site; hot drinks and basic toilet facilities are available.

Over lunch we can talk about what Ancient Woodland Indicator species (AWIs) are and why they are useful. During the afternoon we will explore characteristic plants of Chiltern woodlands, including the often-confused Wood Spurge and Spurge Laurel. We will also take time to examine common woodland grasses, such as Wood Melick, Wood Millet and Tufted Hair-grass, along with sedges including Wood Sedge, Remote Sedge and Pendulous Sedge. As we continue uphill towards the Bronze Age/Iron Age hillfort on Pulpit Hill, we will see evidence of Ash clearance due to Ash dieback and think about what this means for the future of our woodlands. The final stretch of the walk passes through several woodland compartments, each offering further botanical interest, including several different Speedwell species.

This promises to be a lively and informative day, with plenty of time to study the wildflowers that we will come across along this classic and stunning Chilterns route.

Walking Distances & Sites Visited:

We will walk on a circuit covering 6.8 miles across the course of the day. Completing the walk clockwise from the starting point means the steepest hill section will be downhill, early in the day. The uphill return is a more gradual section.

Morning section: 3.5 miles/5.5km

1. Two scheduled monuments
2. Ancient semi-natural woodland
3. Grangelands and Pulpit Hill BBOWT Nature Reserves, with large expanses of chalk grassland
4. Ellesborough Warren
5. Boundary of Chequers Estate

Lunch stop at Buckmoorend Farm: Food available and toilets.

Afternoon section: 3.3 miles/5.3km

6. Plenty of ancient semi-natural woodland plus Ash clearance
7. Pulpit Hill Bronze/Iron Age Hillfort
8. Compartments of mixed woodland

A map in the gallery shows the route we shall take.

• A profusion of orchids, including Pyramidal, Common Spotted, Twayblade and Chalk Fragrant
• Enjoy chalk grassland and ancient woodland in search of rare plants including Wild Candytuft
• Geology and history explained as we pass monuments and a Bronze/Iron Age hillfort
• Led by expert Naturetrek botanist