Author Archives: ashridgevolunteersblog

Now- and-Then

Posted on February 16, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

The Thursday group were back in action at the Beacon this week, removing the brash from the scrub clearance on the hillside. The steep slope created a hazardous working environment which meant that some volunteers worked back at the car … Continue reading →

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OUR FARMING LEGACY – part 1

Posted on February 13, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

The income from farming which the Trust collects from the tenant farmers, sustains the upkeep of the rest of the Estate. When Francis the 3rd Duke controlled the Estate (1748-1803), he was more concerned about his industrial interests in Lancashire … Continue reading →

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Magic Mushrooms – the truth

Posted on February 8, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Of all life on earth, there is something more mysterious, and yet more vital to our survival, than anything else. It’s birth is violent, much of it’s life hidden underground and only at the end of it’s life cycle does … Continue reading →

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NO ENFORCEMENT!

Posted on February 2, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

On a bitterly cold day, twenty one rangers turned up for the volunteers meeting at the Visitor Centre last Friday. Ben outlined the latest aims and objectives of the Trust as far as rangers are concerned, with new documents and … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, Volunteer Rangers | 1 Comment

PITSTONE PROTAGONISTS

Posted on January 29, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Pitstone Common Wood, now known as Sallow Copse, close by to Ringshall was the venue for the Thursday volunteers, on the coldest day of the year. The forestry team had been in earlier to cut down silver birch, which has … Continue reading →

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

Hot Stuff

Posted on January 26, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Climate change is in the news again, as 2016 is likely to be the warmest year on record since 1880. So how is this affecting us at Ashridge? Climate change is disrupting the seasonal behavior of Britain’s countryside. Spring seems to arrive … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora and Fauna, Personal Messages, Wildlife | 1 Comment

Calling all volunteers

Posted on January 22, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Dear Vollies Some of you joined me last July for a super morning in the barn at Hill Farm for tea and cake.  The barn now has planning permission for a cafe and they are planning to open on 1st April.  I … Continue reading →

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Spot the Volunteer

Posted on January 18, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Spot the Volunteer: A hundred years ago it would not be uncommon for volunteers to meet up with royalty and the great and the good, as part of a shooting party. Ashridge shooting parties were famous, drawing prominent guests over … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, History, Why I Volunteer | 1 Comment

Ritual Burning

Posted on January 13, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Thursday morning volunteers again visited the neglected and overgrown area now known as Northchurch Flats – it is far from flat! The first visit to clear the scrub took place before Christmas, with a record turn-out, and it was expected … Continue reading →

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Villain of the scrub

Posted on January 12, 2017 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Hawthorn predominates amongst the scrub layer covering so much of the chalk hills on the Estate. It is the first to conquer open grassland , and survives for many years quite happily on the thin dry soils of the uplands, … Continue reading →

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