A group dedicated to securing the future of south Bucks countryside will celebrate 50 years of conservation next week.

Formed in May 1965, the Chiltern Society has since grown into one of Britain’s leading regional environmental groups.

Founders originally wrote to the Bucks Free Press inviting people to the inaugural meeting, which drew over 100 people to the Guildhall in May 1965.

It was founded by Chris Hall and Ted Castle, both journalists.

Mr Hall later recalled: “We were worried about how the M40 motorway was to be routed across the escarpment west of Stokenchurch; we both grieved at the savage felling of beechwoods and their too frequent replacement with conifers.

“We were both regular walkers in the area and consequently disgusted by the ploughing and obstruction of many public paths. Ted said: ‘We ought to have a society to preserve the Chilterns.”

Today, the society has nearly 7,000 members and hundreds of active volunteers helping to conserve, celebrate and care for the Chilterns.

See next week’s Bucks Free Press for an exclusive feature on the group’s rich history as well as its greatest achievements.