Author Archives: ashridgevolunteersblog

EXCEPTIONAL VOLUNTEERING

Posted on May 1, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Richard Gwilt has joined the elite of extreme sports – the skydivers. “I did the jump on Fri 28th April at about 2pm to raise funds for the Hospice of St Francis charity. It was dry but cloudy. We circled around … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

WAKE UP

Posted on April 27, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Wake up and smell the………………… Ancient woodlands, hills meadows and commons that make up the Ashridge estate. Our sense of smell has a profound impact on how we connect with the world around us – how would you feel if … Continue reading →

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A PERSONAL PROFILE

Posted on April 22, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

For those of us that have reached retirement there are one hundred and one things, so we are told, that we can do to pass the time away until the fatal day. Jumping out of a plane at 13,000 feet … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

The Bluebell

Posted on April 20, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

John Keats called it the “Sapphire queen of the mid-May” in his poem Fancy published in 1820. Two hundred years later we have to move that into April because of another early Spring. No other flower holds quite the same … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, Flora and Fauna, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

EGG-CELLENT ……..

Posted on April 17, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

A lot of approval and pleasure has centred around the Visitor Centre this past week, with egg-collectors cracking on with their egg hunting despite the chilly weather, while the volunteers have been on hand to help the staff with the … Continue reading →

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Breaking the Rules

Posted on April 13, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Deep down in the centre of the Estate lies the attractive Woodyard Cottage(s), built around 1820 when the Bridgewaters were becoming landed aristocrats. Already rich from their coal and canal activity in Lancashire, they rapidly extended their land holding once … Continue reading →

Posted in Ad hoc Volunteer Group, History, Wildlife | 1 Comment

Bless the S S S I

Posted on April 10, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

A site of special scientific interest is designated and regulated by Natural England as an area of special interest by reason of its flora, fauna or geology. Ashridge have a number of these designated areas within the Estate and for … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora and Fauna, Sunday Group, Thursday Conservation Group, Volunteer Rangers, Wildlife | Leave a comment

VOLUNTEERS’ FORUM

Posted on April 6, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Last Friday’s Forum attracted over forty volunteers from the different groups. Susie presented the Workplan for 2017 at Ashridge, with Lawrence giving details of past and future commitments to conservation, and Lalenya outlining details of her forthcoming events. Capitol projects … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, Flint wall group, Flint Wall Volunteers, Sunday Group, Thursday Conservation Group, Volunteer Rangers, Windmill | Leave a comment

DIG those DAFFODILS

Posted on March 30, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Let’s tackle Britain’s invasive species – just leave the daffodils alone some say. The volunteers are at it again – digging up the daffodils. Sunrise, Golden Harvest, Cheerfulness, Magnificence, Soleil d’Or – the names of cultivated daffodil varieties are as … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora and Fauna, Volunteer Rangers | 7 Comments

Pick-and-Mix

Posted on March 26, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

There is a packed program of special events to choose from when organising your volunteering time-table for the next three months at Ashridge. There are thirteen events to consider, unlucky for some – either join the event as a visitor, … Continue reading →

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