present day forms of more complicated life seem
very different.
If you are lucky enough you may even get a fly
agaric mushroom somewhere in your garden,
though they sometimes prefer different conditions.
The fly agaric is a poisonous mushroom and
causes hallucinations, even if taken in small
doses. In large amounts it can be lethal. It is a
shame that one of the most beautiful mushrooms
is so deadly.
My own compost heap and eco-warrior is 25
years old. Throughout her many lives and guises
‘Compo’ has been the parental home for many
small animals. I know that millions of lives have
been made possible and enhanced by a small,
but very important, pile of rubbish. It’s every bit
as important to these small beings as Ol Donyo
Lengai is to the Masai and the larger beasts that
call it home.
Contact Andy on 01895 520184
email [email protected] | www.ffes.org.uk
Andy Mydellton, author and journalist, leads the South Buckinghamshire registered charity, the Foundation for
Endangered Species. Being based in South Bucks, they are in a position to advise people in this area about wildlife.
3rd JUNE 2018
The Spring programme opening weekend
highlights include:
• Food, Farming and the Future - a walk around
an organic family farm high up in the Chilterns near
Prestwood, where there are different land uses,
spectacular views and farmhouse tea and cake.
• Checking on Chequers - travel through ancient
woodlands from Coombe Hill Monument, following
the Ridgeway to enter the Chequers Estate, the
country home of British prime ministers.
• Wild Bee Walk - join enthusiasts Joshua Wells and
Stephen Howard at Aldbury Nowers Nature Reserve
amid the small but beautiful flowers of chalk grassland
which supports solitary bees and bumblebees.
• Walk the Chalk - on World Nordic Walking Day
follow in the footsteps of ancient travellers along the
Icknield Way to explore the flowers and late spring
delights in Oxfordshire’s chalk hills.
• Cemetery Circular: Stepping Stones - Step into
a peaceful haven in Berkhamsted, where dramatic
storytelling and interpretation will bring some of the
town’s past personalities to life.
Each walk is guided by an experienced leader
who knows the area well and is keen to
share stories of the people and places that
have shaped the countryside.
Chilterns Conservation Board People
and Society Officer Annette Venters said
“The Chilterns is a rich source of inspiring
stories about amazing people and places.
Every year we uncover more which we
are delighted to share through the Walking
Festival programme. We want people new
to the Chilterns, or new to walking, to feel
comfortable that they will have a wonderful
day out, meet new people and explore new
areas without having to plan everything
themselves”.
Details of all guided walks, events and
activities available in the spring programme
can be found on the website www.
visitchilterns.co.uk/walkingfest.
Most are free of charge; some require a
small fee which is clearly shown. To assist
walk leaders with expected numbers, all walk
places must be pre-booked via the website.
hiyabucks.com
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