The key characteristics of the Chilterns are:

110. Chilterns

The key characteristics of the Chilterns are:

• Chalk hills and plateau with a prominent escarpment in many places, and extensive dip slope with numerous dry valleys.

• Remnants of chalk downland on the escarpment and valley sides. Extensive areas of downland invaded by scrub.

• The most extensive areas of beech woodland in the country on the plateau, and 'hanging' woodlands in the valleys.

• Enclosed and intimate landscapes of the valleys contrasting with the more open plateau top and extensive views from the scarp to the clay vale below.

• Small fields and dense network of ancient hedges, often on steep ground. The agricultural landscape often dominated by hedges, trees and small woodlands.

• Many surviving areas of semi-open common land on the plateau.

• Scattered villages and farmsteads, some of medieval origin, displaying consistent use of traditional building materials including flint, brick, and clay tiles.

• Network of ancient green lanes and tracks including the Ridgeway which links numerous archaeological sites and settlements.

• Frequent grand country houses and designed landscapes occupying prominent positions on sloping valley sides.

For further details on this character area and for an introduction to the region, please see the PDF documents in the box at the top right hand side of this page.