Chesham beech hangers

Chesham is surrounded by wonderful beech woodlands. Some of them are known as ‘Beech hangers’ and are areas of woodland which were deliberately planted, often in strips or ’roundells’. Steep slopes were impractical for arable farming so these areas were planted. They provide protection from the high winds and also attractive field margins. The Saxons used areas of woodland for pig rearing but latterly they have been used for game bird husbandry and timber. There are countless walks in and around Chesham and there are many walking guides available from the library or from ‘The White Hill centre’.It is a great pastime. I’m only just getting started and I’m looking forward to somne bracing walks in sunshine next Spring.