About us
Buckinghamshire Conservation Trust
The
Buckinghamshire Conservation Trust was initially established in 2008, to conserve the natural and historic environment of Buckinghamshire, particularly but not exclusively the deserted village and other earthworks at Quarrendon Leas on the outskirts of Aylesbury. It is a registered charity, no. 1150881.
The Trust was established by Buckinghamshire County Council as a standalone company limited by guarantee and a registered charity, initially to ensure that the rich history and the recreational value of Quarrendon Leas was conserved as surrounding areas became developed to provide more housing, and in the longer-term to acquire and manage new green spaces.
The Trust seeks to provide public benefit by: establishing, promoting, enhancing, maintaining and managing sites, buildings and objects of natural or historic interest in Buckinghamshire and facilitating public access to them.
Our Values
1. to sustain and enhance biodiversity in line with local, regional and national policy;
2. promote for the benefit of the public at large the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation in the interests of social welfare;
3. to promote study and research for the advancement of knowledge of Buckinghamshire’s natural and historic environment and its conservation;
4. to promote public education, understanding and enjoyment of Buckinghamshire’s natural and historic environment by all;
5. to uphold the principles of sustainable development and in-so-far as is compatible, act to support the social and economic well-being of the public at large;
The Trust delivers through working with committed volunteers and through the support of commercial and external funding partners.
The Buckinghamshire Conservation Trust has a long-term vision of managing green spaces and nature for the benefit of residents and visitors in the county. Like many other parts of the UK, Buckinghamshire is under pressure to find space for new homes and communities, but it has a great wealth of history, wildlife and beautiful landscapes which offer many benefits and opportunities to its growing population. The Buckinghamshire Conservation Trust is keen to make sure the public has access to green, tranquil places to explore nature, discover local history and enjoy exercise and relaxation.
The Trust's first site is Quarrendon Leas - an area of fields and meadows bordering the River Thame near Aylesbury, which is full of fascinating history, including the remains of a medieval village and a Tudor manor,
just under half of the site is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. During 2023 the trust was able to acquire an additional tract of land enabling a northern link to Buckingham Park as well as the existing southern link. This fascinating wildlife area also facilitated a permissive route as part of Buckinghamshire Council's Aylesbury Cycleway routes.
The Trust is committed to preserving the archaeology and ecology of Quarrendon and to making the site more accessible for the people of Aylesbury to enjoy. The Trust plans to promote the site to bring to life the history of an English rural village over many centuries and all the social changes its community would have experienced.
