The achievements within this 2,000 hectare Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty included 43 training workshops; engaging more than 280 volunteers; educating, and entertaining, 1400 people at a ‘living history’ event; and installing 18 information boards.

The project, masterminded by the Chilterns Conservation Board, set out to investigate the changing role of commons in the 21st century and devise ways in which they could be used by their local communities and managed sustainably into the future.

Working with landowners to improve access, supporting archaeological, geological and species surveys, setting up arts projects with local schools and producing seven self-guided walks, were just some of the achievements.

Rachel Sanderson, who was Project Officer, commented: "You only have to look around the Chilterns and talk to those involved to realise the value of the project to the commons and to the people who are for, and are passionate about, them. With the continued support of the Commons Network, which originally conceived the project, the project's legacy is assured. I cannot hope for more."