Arts and the landscape
People interact with the landscape in many ways. Some enjoy walking, picnicking, cycling and birdwatching. Others will use art, literature and music to build a connection with the natural world. The Chilterns is proud to continue to host a variety of musical and artistic events that everyone can enjoy.
Nature Calling
The Chilterns is one of six major hubs across England taking part in Nature Calling: a ground-breaking £2m national arts programme, designed to connect and deepen people’s engagement with the landscape.
Sour Cherry Soup: Telling the stories of the Chilterns through theatre
A 45-minute, one-woman show that tells the story of the changing landscapes and populations of the Chilterns.
Sour Cherry Soup reflects on the the richness of the landscape, past, present and future, as well as how the history of cherries is also the history of Southern England. Written by playwright Sara Clifford, the show has been inspired by real stories of Chilterns people, gathered by Sara at creative workshops and discussions with community groups across the Chilterns.
Echoed locations: a sonic map of the chilterns
In a world full of noise it can be hard to appreciate the sounds of a dawn chorus, or frogs in a pond, or even something as simple as a robin’s song.
If we take note of our acoustic bearings, these sounds can give a huge insight into the history of people and their places and help us to acoustically navigate our present world.
Our sonic map can help.
Echoed locationsSonic postcards
Explore the Chilterns through sound, with our Sonic postcards, designed and recorded by Bucks New University illustration students. The students were challenged to create the first sonic postcards of the Chilterns, combining simple recording skills and their creativity to bring new places and sounds to life. The students work showcases a wide range of sounds, places and artistic styles and we are thrilled to be able to share such high quality work with you!
Green Space Dark Skies
Green Space Dark Skies led by Walk the Plank, worked with local partners and artists to create a magical music and dance celebration of the beauty of Dunstable Downs in the Chilterns. This immense gathering brought together local community groups, many of whom had never visited the Downs before to enjoy the green space and dark skies.
'Beacon' from 'Beacon - A Celebration' by John Cameron
As part of our Chalk, Cherries and Chairs landscape partnership (2018-24) we commissioned the Beacon Community Choir to sing ‘Beacon’ from ‘Beacon – A Celebration’ by John Cameron on top of Ivinghoe Beacon. Filmed in 2022, this video provides us with an opportunity to connect people to their landscape through music – it is certainly inspiring and heart-warming to hear people singing about the Beacon on top of the Beacon!
Chilterns Stories
‘Chilterns Stories’ is a collection of tales inspired by the diverse cultural and natural heritage of the Chilterns National Landscape – a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. These stories provide new ways for people living and working in the area to appreciate the value of the landscape all around them. Some are available for purchase at the link below.
Chilterns Landscapes: Art inspired by the Chilterns
In May 2022, we held a Chilterns Landscapes festival, showcasing the relationship between artists of all abilities and the gently undulating, rich chalk landscape of the Central Chilterns.
The art exhibition was held at Wycombe Museum for a week and consisted of three parts; a selection of fine art from local and national museums (reproduced), a schools art competition and a sample of work from local and amateur artists.
The art on display was to celebrate the distinctive wildlife and natural environment of the Chilterns as well as the cultural heritage.
The week finished with an award giving ceremony, with prizes being awarded to the winners of the schools competition and the contemporary submissions.
Chalk, Cherries and Chairs
Bookable experiences
Volunteering hub
Plan your trip to the Chilterns!
