Chalk and Trees - The Chilterns AONB

New stile-free walks in
Oxfordshire
wo new stile-free circular routes have been created by the Chilterns
Conservation Board through some of the loveliest parts of the
TOxfordshire Chilterns. The Caversham Heights to Mapledurham
Walk is a four mile loop with splendid views over the River Thames.
It goes past historic Mapledurham House and its watermill, both of
which are open to the public at certain times and are well worth a
visit. The Crocker End and Alvingham Estate Walk is a four mile
loop starting near Nettlebed which takes in the beautiful Warburg
Nature reserve owned by the Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife
Trust and passes the ruins of St James' Church near Bix.
Full details and maps for both walks can be downloaded
i
from www.chilternsaonb.org/walks-rides
Walking, Cycling and Events
Talking
sculptures at
Aston Rowant
he Talking Trail at Aston Rowant National
Nature Reserve near Watlington is a great
Tnew sound and sculpture trail on top of the
Chilterns, launched by Natural England. The 2km route
has six eye-catching sculptures along it, made mostly from
wood found on the Reserve. Their design is the result of
collaboration between local artists and adults and children
from nearby communities. Incorporated into each sculpture
are wind-up listening posts which play a variety of sound clips.
You can listen to the artist relate the story behind the sculpture,
hear the voices of local people as they describe
what the Reserve means to them,
answer questions on the wildlife
of Aston Rowant or listen to
songs and poems specially
written for the Trail.
Follow signs for the
Talking Trail from the
main Reserve car park
which is off the
Christmas Common
road near Stokenchurch.
The watermill at Mapledurham
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Chalk and Trees - Winter 2012