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.

Coppicing at Wenlock Edge

This week the TTF (Tuesday Task Force) were out coppicing at Wenlock Edge. Coppicing is a traditional practice of tree management and involves cutting trees at their base and the new growth consists of small thin poles which can be used for hedge laying and fencing. The coppice plot we were working on was previously coppiced between 10-15 years ago.

Stone spreading in Carding Mill Valley

This week we took a delivery of 35 tonnes of stone to use to help improve parking for cars along valley. The Wednesday Action Group (WAGs) helped to shovel and spread this stone along the valley, whilst spreading grass seed underneath; we have seen in other areas the grass is beginning to grow through the stone and should eventually provide a more natural looking effect. This action has arrived after visitors cars have been getting stuck in the mud whilst parking. It took a morning of several volunteers and rangers to shift the stone along the valley.

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After

Clearing back Castle Hill

This week the TTF (Tuesday Task Force) were helping to clear back some of the vegetation on castle hill to help protect some of the archaeology on the site, this involved cutting down trees and removing them from the site, whilst managing traffic on the narrow country road.
(We also had help from a special new volunteer..Bailey the dog!)

Collecting cuttings for wreath making

On Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December we held a wreath making session in the tearoom, this involved visitors using willow and wire to make the wreath frame and covering it with cuttings (courtesy of Chris Stratton).

Joe and Emma, two placement rangers collecting cuttings.

Learning Volunteers Training Day

Last Friday Learning Volunteers had their first winter training day.  Carrying out a review of the year’s services to schools and working outdoors to exchange with each other the helpful practices each of us uses.  You can see Pete muscled in on the chocolate cake opening of one of our new indoor lunch shelters.  Our thanks to Patrick and the LTVs for their stirling work in so quickly creating it!  In the afternoon Malcolm explained how we can provide services for the new Secondary School  Geography curriculum, although I think the photo was when he justified what he calls very close misses in Liverpool’s last game! 

The WAGs have started!

A new volunteer group has recently been set up by Area Ranger, Patrick to run alongside the TTF (Tuesday Task Force). This new group has been named the Wednesday Action Group (WAGs) and since they started they have done tasks such as dam busting in the stream, digging drainage channels, and work in the kitchen garden.

If you are interested in volunteering as part of the WAGs then feel free to send Patrick an email at patrick.edwards@nationaltrust.org.uk or come in for a chat!

National Trust attend a careers event

This week Chris and Rob, two of the learning officers from Carding Mill Valley were accompanied by Emma and Joe, two of the placement students from Harper Adams University to represent the National Trust at a careers fair at The Community College in Bishop's Castle. This involved talking to students about their career aspirations and advising them about routes into the countryside sector.

Clearing Coppice Leasowes

This week the TTF (Tuesday Task Force) were working alongside some volunteers from the council to clear vegetation around the young trees. This was to help the trees in their early years of establishment and in the woodlands the brambles were cleared to help the Primroses to grow.
(Photos courtesy of Eric Brown).

Before

After

Cutting and splitting wood for the log boiler

The TTF (Tuesday Task Force) have recently been helping to cut and split wood from the log pile in the top car park. This supplies the log boiler which heats the tearoom, shop and office.