Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace
Background
Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation
The Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation (CBSAC) supports the most extensive area of native beech forest in England, set within a mosaic of grassland, scrub and woodland habitats. The CBSAC is internationally recognised for its importance to nature conservation and is designated as part of the national site network under the Habitats Directive. The CBSAC includes two sites in Dacorum Borough:
- Ashridge Commons and Woods SSSI (which includes the Ashridge Estate); and
- Tring Woodlands SSSI.
The site is designated to protect the beech forest, species rich chalk grasslands and the stag beetle, which is found in decaying tree stumps and fallen timber.
Dacorum Borough Council (DBC) is legally obliged to make sure that no adverse effect on the integrity of the CBSAC will arise from new development within Dacorum. As a result, the Council produced the CBSAC Mitigation Strategy in 2022 which includes the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS) for the CBSAC as well the provision of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANG) to attract people away from the CBSAC and therefore reduce pressure on it.
Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANG)
SANG is the term given to greenspaces that are created or enhanced with the specific purpose of absorbing recreation pressure that would otherwise occur at European wildlife sites, such as Ashridge Common and Woods SSSI. New SANGs can be created, or existing greenspaces enhanced to create a SANG, in order to absorb the level of additional recreation pressure associated with new development.
Currently all DBC SANGs are existing greenspaces owned and managed by The Council which have agreed management plans. They provide a detailed assessment of the site pre-enhancement and the interventions needed for the site to become SANG based on the requirements set out in the Mitigation Strategy. By improving these areas we hope to encourage residents to use them for recreation instead of visiting ecologically sensitive sites.
Key features of SANGs
- Walks - Each SANG provides at least one circular walk of 2.3 to 2.5km (30 to 40 minutes) and usually many other options for longer walks and onward connections into the countryside.
- Accessibility - Designed to be welcoming and easy to access, with footpaths or trails suitable for all abilities.
- Biodiversity - Created or enhanced to include diverse habitats - such as woodland, grassland, or wetlands - while protecting the local ecology.
- Facilities - Many SANGs include benches, bins (for rubbish and dog waste) and signage. They may also have parking available.
- Dog-friendly - Ideal places to walk your dog.
Council SANGs
We are responsible for two designated SANG sites in the borough. More information is available on the links below:
Friends of Groups
Friends of Bunkers Park and Friends of Chipperfield Common are volunteer groups of local residents who meet once a month to help care for the parks. The work party activities include:
- Scrub clearance and coppicing
- Woodland management
- Tree planting
- Path clearance
- Litter picking
- General maintenance
It’s a great way to get outdoors, stay active, and make a positive impact on the park - all while meeting friendly people.
- Sessions: Monthly from September to June (alternating Thursdays and Saturdays)
- Time: 9am to 9.15am start, finishing around lunchtime
Sessions are supervised by a Dacorum Borough Council officer. All tools, gloves, and high-visibility vests are provided, along with tea, coffee, and biscuits.
Volunteer surveys
To support the ongoing success of the Friends of Bunkers Park and Friends of Chipperfield Common volunteer groups, we will be conducting two short surveys:
Volunteer Review Survey – This survey will help us review the work undertaken by the volunteer groups so far and explore further opportunities for volunteering and community involvement.
Volunteer Information Form – This form will collect basic personal and emergency contact details to help us administer and maintain the ‘Friends Of’ volunteer groups safely and effectively.
Closing date: Midday on Friday 5th September 2025
We appreciate your time and input in helping us improve and grow these valuable community initiatives.