TTF get splitting

 Last week Carding Mill Valley was provided with 21 tonnes of logs and 9 crates to stack wood in, so naturally we asked our lovely Tuesday Task Force to come and help us fill them up and they did not let us down. Including some of our old empty crates and the new ones the TTF managed to fill 11 crates in a mornings work, some were chainsawing, some were splitting and others stacking the logs in crates ready for the tractor to take them away. These logs come from our friends at Wenlock Edge and go into Carding Mill Valley's wood boiler, the tearoom fire and shop fire.

Wild Garlic Pesto

Have you tried our wild garlic pesto? It's available in the Tea Room, lovingly prepared in the Carding Mill Kitchens, with the garlic hand picked by volunteers.

The garlic was picked along Wenlock Edge, where there is loads of it!

To get to the garlic volunteers went past Ippikins Rock, which is regularly chosen by rangers as one of their favourite views, and you can see why!

Croome Park Ranger's Day

Following the success of the Ranger's Workday at Clent Hills last year, another was arranged at Croome Park near Worcester which Rangers Dave, Nick, Rich and Isabel attended on Wednesday, along with Chris and Rebecca from Wenlock.

 The task this time included felling trees along a pathway which the Rangers at Croome Park plan to open the public. This work was done to open up the views along the footpath. The timber will be kept for logs, and the brash was fed through the chipper.

After lunch we were led on a walk around the property to see some of the work that the Ranger's have done and what future projects they have.

Volunteer Christmas Lunch

Today volunteers from all departments came together to celebrate another fantastic year for Carding Mill Valley, the Long Mynd and Wenlock Edge. The day started off with some of the volunteers taking a walk with Pete and Chris, who explained where work has been done, and where they are hoping to get some done next year!

The walk took them up Dr Motts road, across the top of the hill then back down Light Spout.

Then it was back to the Tea Room for a delicious lunch! Over 50 of our volunteers turned up!

There were then talks by many members of staff, including Caroline, Chris and Pete. Service awards were also given out, earned for 5 years, 10 years, and even one 15 years of volunteering!

We could not function as we do without the volunteers, they are a huge help and a valued part of our team, so thank you for all your work this year, and we hope to see you again next year!

Did You Know?

Did You Know? Carding Mill Valley's buildings are heated by a wood boiler, fuelled by logs from Wenlock Edge. It also heats our hot water. This means we are completely off using oil, a fantastic achievement!

Badger at Wenlock

This video of a badger was taken by Assistant Ranger Chris Dunkerley at Wenlock Edge. Have a look at his blog for more information

Sheep Off to Wenlock Edge

 This morning 13 of the Hebridean Sheep who currently live in Batch Valley were taken to Wenlock Edge, where they will graze a field with some of their friends for Rangers Chris and Al. This was FTVs Isabel and Rich's first experience handling the sheep, and job they definitely enjoyed! Once their job is completed the sheep will return to Batch Valley.



FTV Isabel prepares to start moving the sheep





Wenlock Edge Community Wildlife Group

If you are interested in nature then why not join the new Wenlock Edge Community Wildlife Group?Community Wildlife Groups bring together nature enthusiasts to monitor and conserve local wildlife.

The objective of the group will be to undertake surveys of threatened local species whilst learning new skills, meeting like-minded people and having fun. Anyone is welcome from experts to novices.

The group is free to join, but all members will be expected to participate in the wildlife surveys. Even if it is just a few hours surveying per year. As a member you will decide what wildlife you would like to survey. There is a wide range of options, with local wildlife experts and professional ecologists on hand to provide training.

If you are interested come along to the public launch. For more information email: Gareth.parry@shropshire.gov.uk or telephone 01743 252543.

Wenlock Edge Community Wildlife group public launch
Wednesday 27th February 2013 - Harley Village Hall, SY5 6LP – 7pm onwards

Logs!

The processing of logs continues as the cold weather arrives. These logs are used to fuel the boiler, and both the shop and tea room fires to keep our customers cosy!