For me there are two distinct aspects to My Chilterns. There is my carefree Chilterns where I have walked for a number of years culminating in the completion of the wonderful Chiltern Way in 2000. I belong to two photography groups and have enjoyed many field trips photographing the towns, villages, countryside and leisure pursuits for which the area is renowned. The area has a rich heritage with many museums, significant buildings and places of interest to visit.
There is also my cared for Chilterns. Although it is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) it is still under threat from development. It was the proposal to build HS2, a high-speed railway line, across the middle of the Chilterns that increased my awareness of these threats. Since 2010 I have been photographing locations that will be changed forever.
Some developments which were controversial when announced, have brought great benefits both to local communities and to the Chilterns as a whole. I’m thinking of the M40 and the A41 in particular. Many towns and villages which are now bypassed by ever increasing amounts of traffic, are now pleasant places to visit.
Ironically excavations for HS2 have uncovered many treasures going back to the Bronze Age. There must be so much more yet to be uncovered. All of this has made me appreciate just how special are My Chilterns.