Strimming of Snipe Plots

This week, some contractors were up on the hill working for our ecologist by strimming rushes adjacent to Wildmoor Pool. Dave and a few of the FTVs (Full Time Volunteers) then removed the cut rushes from the habitat to improve the ecological benefit of clearing the plots. Strimming the area reduces the density of the rushes allowing the snipe to lead their young through the rushes.

Way Marker and Dragons Teeth Repairs

Volunteers Rob, Izi and Emily enjoyed a beautiful day on the hill repairing dragons teeth and waymarkers over the hill. With numerous walks, access routes and challenging terrain, keeping up with the work can some times feel like a tough job. However, with such stunning views it's a job no one minds doing!!

Himalayan Balsam

Will and Isabel have been looking for Himalayan Balsam on Castle Hill. This is a really invasive plant, but with the persistence of the volunteers and rangers, the amount on the hill has been severely reduced.

Will enjoyed a break on the swing!

Heather Burning

Assistant ranger Nick and voluntary rangers Rich and Will made an attempt at burning heather today, as we have not had such dry weather in a long time! Sadly it did not take, as it was still that little bit too damp. Hopefully more days of sunshine are headed our way, so another attempt may be made in the near future.

Kite Making This Half Term

If you need something to keep the kids (or yourself) occupied this half term, why not pop to the valley for some kite making? This activity is great fun for all ages. Drop in any time between 11am and 3pm, £2 per kite.

Isabel had great fun with hers!



Staff Walk - Townbrook

Nick, Richard, Isabel and Nicola decided (perhaps rather madly) to brave the chilly conditions this morning for the staff walk. They managed not to get lost in the snow, although Richard was so wrapped you could barely see him! It is beautiful on the hill in the snow, but if you head up there do make sure you're prepared and that someone knows where you're going. The walk today started at a car park just past Devil's Mouth, with the group heading down the footpath into Townbrook Valley, then back over Burway hill and down the Burway track back in to Carding Mill Valley. This is a beautiful walk, although it might be more enjoyable in sunny weather! 

Steps at New Pool Hollow

The steps by the resevoir are getting a bit worn, so Isabel and Rich headed up there to check them out. Most are in fairly good condition, but some need replacing. This will be done once we have the wood.

Tree Checking in Batch

Isabel and John spent Friday morning in Batch Valley checking the hedgerow plants. Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Hazel were planted in early 2013 to form a hedge around the fields, but some of the plants have died off. Isabel and John were counting how many need replacing. 

They got some gorgeous views while they were up there!

Cloudy Morning

Although the morning started bright, cloud soon came across the hills. Isabel took these photos yesterday morning, before becoming completely shrouded in fog!

Filling Pot Holes

Members of the TTF worked with Dave, Nick, Richard, Isabel and Tom today to fill in pot holes along the side of the Burway. The stone used was from building work that happened in the valley. It was a bit chilly, but shovelling stone soon warmed everyone up!

Mystery Solved!

Isabel has solved the mystery of the mysterious caterpillar! After searching through books and still not finding an answer, this picture was put on iSpot, and a solution appeared almost immediately. This is a Drinker moth caterpillar, or Euthrix potatoria. iSpot is a fantastic website which allows you to post pictures of plants, animals and insects you have found for others to identify.

The Drinker moth

Mystery Caterpillar

This cute caterpillar was found behind the reservoir, but we can't work out what species he is! Caterpillars shed their skins several times before becoming moths or butterflies, so it is quite like this is a young one which will change once it sheds its skin. Any ideas?

Planting More Trees!

TTF and rangers were planting more hawthorns today, this time behind the reservoir. The area is absolutely beautiful, its well worth a walk. FTV Richard was in charge today, and he did a fantastic job!

Hawthorns On The Hill

Members of the TTF worked with Isabel and Richard today to plant hawthorns on the hill. This was a very lengthy and tiring task: first the trees, stakes, guards, and tools had to be taken up the very steep hill.

The next job was digging holes for the stakes and the trees, then planting the trees

The posts were then hammered in.

Next the tree guards were attached.

Everyone had their jobs, and the trees were planted in record time, although maybe that was due to the snow!

The guards will be removed in the spring when the trees are established.

Fixing The Fence In Batch Valley

The recent storms blew down a large branch in the Batch Valley where our flock of Hebridean sheep live. Thankfully none of them were hurt, but the branch damaged a section of the fence, so Isabel, Richard and John went over today to fix it.

The fence was pulled over by the branch, though the posts were still intact.

The first job was taking off the old fence. This included the tricky task of getting the staples out the wood, which took a lot of patience. Once that was done, the posts were secured in the ground again, and finally the new fencing was stapled on.

John and Richard were feeling the cold by the end, they were very grateful for their woolly hats!

Sowing Grass

Richard and Isabel have been sowing grass seed in Carding Mill Valley. The valley is incredibly popular, so its not surprising the grass gets worn down! First the area was raked over, then the seed spread, and finally it was raked over again. Hopefully we will see new grass there next year!

Clearing Brash At Castle Hill

Members of the TTF worked with Dave, Richard and Isabel to clear brash from Castle Hill on Tuesday. This was left over from when the area was last cleared.

The branches were piled into the trailer then take to the Batch Valley, where they were burnt.

The area looks a lot better now, and hopefully new vegetation will soon start growing through.

Brushcutting in Cwm Dale

Isabel, John and Helen were in Cwm Dale yesterday clearing bracken and brambles.

This will allow bluebells to grow next spring, and also makes the path wider.

It was a wet day, so Isabel and John enjoyed tea and biscuits in Chris's shed for elevenses!

Lantern Making

Emily, Isabel and Don were making lanterns today! This went on in the back of the Tea Room and was a great success! Rich was very jealous, so he borrowed one! Doesn't it look great!



Welcome to the Blog

To all our regular followers: thank you for all your support! To all our new followers: welcome to the blog for Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd! This is a National Trust property in the heart of Shropshire, and we love having people come and visit. The blog is run by the two Full Time Volunteer (or FTV) Rangers, Isabel and Richard. This blog attracts a wide range of followers from all over the world, and we're interested to find out where you are! Leave a comment telling us where you are and why you follow our blog, and what you would like to see more of on the blog, or send us an email at isabel.thompson@nationaltrust.org.uk.