Walkers have the chance to fundraise for wildlife in Hertfordshire and Middlesex as Wildlife Trust runs the Chess Valley Challenge for its third year.

The sponsored walk, delivered in partnership with Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and Affinity Water, runs ten miles through the Chess Valley, nestled in the Chiltern Hills. Walkers are invited to attend the challenge and fundraise to protect the wild places in Hertfordshire and Middlesex. Last year, individuals raised over £4,000 to protect wildlife.

After the success of last year, the Chess Valley Challenge is now open for walkers to take on the route from Rickmansworth to Chesham on Sunday 26^th September. The walk will be held in Great Big Green Week, alongside events supporting individuals in acting for climate change. Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, will be the first to set off on the walk from Rickmansworth on Sunday morning.

Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council said:

“Hertfordshire’s green spaces are one of our most valuable assets, and it is vital we ensure they are protected. By taking part in the Chess Valley Challenge, I am delighted to be supporting the work of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, who do such valuable work to protect local wildlife and habitats, as well as to explore the beautiful scenery of the Chess Valley.

“I would encourage everyone to join me in this challenge, which is not only a great day out but an opportunity to enjoy and help preserve our county’s incredible natural environment for generations to come.”

The walk runs through the Chiltern Hills and the beautiful Frogmore Meadows, alongside the River Chess. This river is a chalk stream, which are globally rare wetland habitats that provide incredibly biodiverse yet fragile environments for wildlife such as watercress, crayfish and water voles. The funds raised by walkers will support the Trust in caring for these precious environments.

Sarah Croft, Fundraising Officer for Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust said:

“We are thrilled to be running the Chess Valley Challenge for a third year. The challenge is a brilliant way to help raise funds for local wildlife, get out into nature and discover the beautiful Chess Valley. We are very grateful for the support of our sponsors, Affinity Water, the sponsorship money provided by Affinity will help the Trust to continue protecting precious local wildlife and care for our beautiful nature reserves such as Frogmore Meadows.”

Anna Jarmolinska-Nowak, Affinity Water’s Corporate Responsibility Manager at Affinity Water said:

“We work closely with HMWT on a variety of schemes to conserve the natural environment and raise awareness of wider water resource issues. We are so excited to be able to support the event this year again, in celebration of the beautiful River Chess and help the local community connect with nature and appreciate its value. Chalk streams are England’s rainforests. They are one of the rarest natural resources anywhere in the world, with many running through Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

Sign up for the event at hertswildlifetrust.org/chessvalleychallenge.