Author Archives: ashridgevolunteersblog

The Flint Wallers Go Round the Bend

Posted on December 11, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

The end of October has brought the building season to an end,  and the completion of about 35 meters (some 40 yards) of flint wall, taking us round the bend in the Horseshoe Track. Having got round the bend in … Continue reading →

Posted in Archeology, Flint wall group, History, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

A personal message…..

Posted on December 9, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all at Ashridge. Missing all our friends in the Chilterns. Feel free to pass on this message. We did visit Ashridge in time to see the deer rut a few months ago … Continue reading →

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Last of the Line

Posted on December 8, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

The shooting season is well under way in the countryside. The annual deer shoot at Ashridge is nearing completion, but no pheasant shooting takes place as in the old days, because of open access. The last Head Gamekeeper lived in … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, History | 3 Comments

What’s in a name?

Posted on December 4, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Quite a lot when it comes to Piccadilly Hill. Only the hardiest of workers turned out last Thursday to walk hawthorn scrub up to the top of the hill, for a bonfire. They had a splendid view for the gathering, … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora and Fauna, History, Thursday Conservation Group | Leave a comment

All change

Posted on December 1, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

This year’s Christmas coffee morning for the Volunteers has a different venue to last year – now the Aldbury Memorial Hall built in 1891. It is to be held next Friday , the 9th December at 10.30am, and not as … Continue reading →

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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 →

Posted in Flora and Fauna | Leave a comment

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