Monthly Archives: November 2016

The iconic oak in Winter

Posted on November 30, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

As Winter begins, the oak now enters it’s most perilous season. To survive it has stripped itself of leaves, revealing another worldly beauty. The tree needs to stay alive using almost no energy, but in this dormant state the tree … Continue reading →

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A cautionary tale

Posted on November 29, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

A 2″ mortar tail fin found on Berkhamsted Common, and left by the British army seventy five years ago, reminds us of past activities. Collected as modern day litter it serves as a reminder of a quiet bucolic country life … Continue reading →

Posted in Archeology, Volunteer Rangers | Leave a comment

“Woodlanders”

Posted on November 25, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

The woodlanders, those that inhabit woods, returned again in force this week to Dockey Wood, clearing up ready for next Spring and the expected mass of visitors. It does not seem that long ago when the wood was a carpet … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora and Fauna, Thursday Conservation Group, Walks, Wildlife | 1 Comment

Breaking News

Posted on November 24, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

The Visitor Centre is being adorned with Christmas decorations…………….The sombre atmosphere has given way to a festive mood! Thanks to the crafty work of our lady volunteers, who have placed swags of evergreens at the entrance – holly, laurel and Scot’s … Continue reading →

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Bryony is toxic.

Posted on November 22, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

She is a scrambling climber of the hedgerows. Overlooked throughout the year but obvious in Autumn and Winter as a swag of scarlet berries entwined amongst the bare branches of hawthorn or blackthorn. The plant has an important role in … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora and Fauna, Volunteer Rangers | 1 Comment

Alistair Budd

Posted on November 21, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Why I volunteer Having lived in Berkhamsted for 20 plus years. I enjoyed the delights of Ashridge through the seasons walking the dog  at weekends. Whilst during the week I was one of those early birds on the station platform … Continue reading →

Posted in Why I Volunteer | 4 Comments

Winter Work

Posted on November 20, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

With a record number of Thursday volunteers on hand, including three new members, two labour intensive tasks were undertaken. As Christmas fast approaches it is time to gather in the festive decorations for the Visitor Centre, from the Estate – … Continue reading →

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There is no rose without a thorn

Posted on November 19, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

The Guelder Rose is a rare sight at Ashridge, but two young specimens have been spotted on the open common above Step’s Hill at SP962159. This particular “rose” has no thorns since it is part of the Viburnum family rather … Continue reading →

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Hedgerow Highlights

Posted on November 15, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Look out for the spectacular native Spindle tree at this time of year. Growing on chalk soils it rarely makes more than ten feet in height, and survives as a large shrub. The leaves are shiny green and slightly waxy … Continue reading →

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Our 100th Post

Posted on November 14, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

This is the one hundredth posting for the Ashridge Volunteers’ Blog, so a big thank you to those who have contributed over the last six months. There are plenty of topics and events to report at Ashridge, so the blog … Continue reading →

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