Chiltern Rangers were delighted and honoured to welcome HRH Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO to our Community Tree Nursery in Winchmore Hill, near Amersham on 3rd April 2025.
On arrival at the tree nursery the Duke was introduced to John Shaw (Managing Director) and Steph Rodgers (Senior Ranger) who led a tour of the site, learning about how Chiltern Rangers are growing trees to plant into the landscape for wildlife, carbon sequestration and habitat connectivity.
Partnership working was also showcased during the visit and introductions included key partners: Rebel Restoration, Chilterns National Landscape, Arrow Planning, Butterfly Conservation and Buckinghamshire Natural Environment Partnership.
Funders including Rothschild Foundation, Buckinghamshire Council, Buckinghamshire New University and Clare Foundation were also present to officially meet HRH.
The visit was a great success.
Volunteers and local schools (Alfriston, Bledlow Ridge and Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School) were on site to demonstrate some of the great work they do to help look after the environment.
Building a bug hotel, planting up the pond and lining out trees in trenches were all tasks taking place on the day.
John stated “It was an honour and a privilege to host His Royal Highness at our community tree nursery. I couldn’t be more proud of our staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to turn this piece of land into a working tree nursery.”
The Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire and the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Kurshida Mirza BEM, accompanied the Duke for the visit, with guests Mimi Harker OBE Chair of Buckinghamshire Council and Nathan Thomas Mayor of High Wycombe.
Thanks to our funders the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, Chilterns National Landscape’s Farming in the Protected Landscape, Hypnos and Clare Foundation.
For more information about our Community Tree Nursery click here. If you would like to become a Chiltern Rangers volunteer why not have a look here at how you can help?
