Welcome to Hawridge and Cholesbury Commons
42 hectares of common land
designated as a county wildlife site
Hawridge and Cholesbury Commons comprises 42 hectares of privately owned common land, consisting of about 25% grass and bracken with woodland forming the remainder. The owner, Christine Stott and the local Hawridge and Cholesbury Commons Preservation Society (HCCPS) manage the Commons which are designated as a County Wildlife Site.
February 2024 Newsletter
Do look at the February Newsletter here to read about the fascinating history of the Commons and the way the role of Hawridge and Cholesbury Commons Preservation Society has changed over the years. Please consider becoming a member if you are not one already as the support of the local community is key to the preservation of the Commons.
Chilterns Chalk Streams Project Community Day at Braziers End Pond - Saturday 3rd Feb
A Community Day is being held on Saturday 3rd February 2024 from 10am - 12 noon, to carry out work to improve Braziers End Pond. The aim of the project is to investigate the water quality and ecology and to improve the pond and the surrounding location. Tasks will involve pond dipping (bring wellies), holly clearance and litter picking. This is a free event and tools will be provided.
The Chilterns Chalk Streams Project is a partnership of agencies, organisations and volunteers, all committed to conserving threatened chalk streams and the wildlife they hold. Braziers End Pond is not part of Hawridge & Cholesbury Commons and is separately owned by Bucks Council. Just to clarify, this event is not being run by HCCPS but all are welcome to get involved. Please contact stephhorn@chilternsaonb.org for more information.
Save the Dates
Annual 24 hour closure of the Horse rides - Monday 4th March
In order to preserve their legal status as permissive horse rides we are required to close the rides for 24 hours each year. This year it will occur from dusk on Sunday 3rd March until dusk on Monday 4th March.
Litterblitz - 28th March to 8th April
Our annual litterblitz will be held from 28th March to 8th April. As always it is important to clear the Commons of litter before the vegetation grows too tall. Litterpicks are available from Lindsay Griffin free of charge 01494 950084. Our thanks to everyone who helps with this depressing, ongoing problem. Great to see so many kids involved as well as our conscientious regular helpers.
HCCPS AGM - Tuesday 7th May
The next AGM will be held on Tuesday 7th May 2024 at Cholesbury Village Hall. More details to follow. The Treasurer's Report and the Accounts to year ending October 2023 can be viewed now on the HCCPS AGM page here.
Please Note
Cyclists and horse riders: Our By-Laws clearly state that no wheeled vehicles are allowed to use the Commons and that horse riders must stay on the designated Permissive Paths. If you see any infringements please point out to people that, whilst we don’t want to discourage them from having fun and exercising here, the By-Laws are there to benefit all of the users of the Commons.
Drones and model aircraft: The use of these requires the permission of the landowner, Christine Stott, who does not grant this since wildlife may be disturbed.
USEFUL LINKS AND INFORMATION
Visit our Latest News page to find out more about HCCPS and what's happening on the Commons.
Visit our Conservation Projects for further information and if you would like to join our friendly group please contact: volunteer@hawridgeandcholesburycommons.org.
Follow this link to see the latest Species Surveys
Take a look at our Veteran Trees recently recorded and tagged and saved for all to enjoy.
Greeting Cards have proven very popular and all profits from their sales help keep the Commons in good order. Click here to view all the cards and then email Lindsay (click here) with a list of the cards you would like to buy for £1.50 each or 4 for £5.. The cards are also available from Wigginton Village Shop and The Velo Cafe, Hawridge, at a slightly higher price. Please do send your photos to Lindsay if you would like to offer them for publication as a card or in the Calendar..
Download our Brochure for information about the local flora, fauna and history, our contact details and directions to the Commons.
Take a look at the Jubilee Walks which offer a variety of interesting walks on and around the Commons.
Read our latest Newsletter or Subscribe and get the latest events and news straight to your inbox.
Please click here to see Our Privacy Notice in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Read the incredibly informative 'Local Heritage Study' Hawridge and Cholesbury Commons' by Lindsay Griffin.
Committee member records from 1967 to 2001 and 2001 to 2023
Hawridge & Cholesbury Commons By-Laws can be seen here.