A record crowd of over thirty volunteers turned up last Thursday and were assigned to the Beacon.
This extensive chalk down-land is a “special place” – the current national T V advertising campaign by the Trust alludes to this. With it’s SSSI status much attention needs to be given to it’s conservation “for ever and for everyone” . One team took on the task of clearing out a neglected path at the foot of the hill much loved by the rare Duke of Burgundy butterfly – last cleared out three years ago. The other team removed and burnt course grass from an area near Gallows Hill. Emily is considering “greening” the recovered area with a wild flower hay mix. The tiny pink autumn gentians are in bloom around the Saddle, and the blue Devil’s-bit scabious beloved by brimstone butterflies is flowering along the bridleway leading up from Bus Stop car park.
Ashridge Volunteers 