Founded in 1965, our vision, shared by the 6,500 members of our registered charity, is to maintain the uniqueness of the Chilterns in the face of growing pressures on this part of the country. You can help by becoming a member, and becoming one of our part-time volunteers who look after the area - and this includes saving heritage buildings such as are to be found at Chiltern Open Air Museum.

The Chilterns covers an area of some 650 square miles, with the special Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at its heart, covering parts of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, the AONB lying closest to London, and the easiest to visit or commute to and from.

The Chiltern Society aims to:

• promote high standards of planning and architecture, and argue against developments that will spoil the area

• help people conserve and improve footpaths, rivers and streams, areas of tranquility, heritage buildings and landscapes

• tell people about the Chilterns' unique character and history, and encourage them to walk or cycle in the area, and visit its attractions

• encourage people of all ages to enjoy and care for the natural environment and beauty of the area.

To find out more about the Society please click on this link www.chilternsociety.org.uk We have a programme of weekly walks and cycle rides and welcome new members to take part on these; it is an excellent way to meet other members and find out more about the work of the Society.

What is the link between the Chiltern Society and the Chiltern Open Air Museum ?

The Chiltern Open Air Museum was set up by members of the Chiltern Society who were determined to find a special site to house historic buildings, which otherwise faced demolition,. It took many years for the Museum to open to visitors, as buildings had to be retrieved, transported, and erected, an expensive and protracted business. The Chiltern Open Air Museum is now a separate charity but maintains close links with the Chiltern Society.