VV_Web DEC 19

PENN
JUBILEE WOOD
The site, around 50 acres, was bought by the
Woodland Trust in 2013 with substantial help
from Beacon Hill Nature Reserve, a consortium
of local residents intent on conserving it for
future generations, and the backing of the
Chiltern Society, which expressed an interest in
managing the site. The Woodland Trust
immediately planted an area of the site with
around 6500 trees, with the intention that the
remainder would be grazed to support
biodiversity. In 2014 it was leased to the Society
on a 199 year lease.
The site is maintained by a number of the
Chiltern Society’s conservation groups, some
visiting once or twice a year. However, one
group, under the leadership of long-time Penn
resident Benjamin Sharpe, visits most months.
Their conservation activity is centred around
Penn Jubilee Wood and the surrounding area.
Benjamin took over leadership of the group in
June 2018 when his predecessor in the post
moved away from the Chilterns.
On leading the group, Benjamin says ‘this
role offers me the chance to give something
www.pennandtylersgreen.org.uk
Village Voice December 2019/January 2020
back to the village in which I was born and
raised. It is a privilege to care for the meadows,
woods and ponds with which I grew up. I feel
part of the landscape and tied to the fabric of the
Chilterns. Working on the land is also a
welcome reprieve from the frenzy of every day
life!’.
At Penn Jubilee Wood, the group has got
stuck into everything from coppicing hazel to
removing tree guards from 6500 young trees to
restoring biodiversity in the large meadows. You
may also see the group working on local ponds,
including Widmer Pond, in the winter.
On pond work, Benjamin explains ‘the pond
work is very rewarding. At Gawde Water Pond
earlier this year we thinned out the reed beds
that had swamped the pond. In some areas, the
reeds were so thick we had to cut the tangled
roots away with saws! It was wonderful to see
the pond restored through our efforts. Plus, there
no need for the gym that week!’
The group is completely volunteer run and
conservation work parties typically take place
on the second Saturday of every month from
10AM-1PM. Benjamin is keen to grow the
group and would love to welcome more
residents from Penn, Tylers Green and the
surrounding area. If you are interested in
coming to one of the group’s events, please
contact Benjamin on: 07500746445 or via
email: b.sharpe@
btinternet.com. Everyone
is welcome.
On a final note
Benjamin adds ‘If you
want to act on global
challenges like climate
change and biodiversity
loss, if you want to
escape the stress of work,
if you want to become
part of the story of the
Chilterns, come and
make your mark with us.
Act local, do good, have
fun. David Harris
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