Author Archives: ashridgevolunteersblog

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 →

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

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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Oak has the gall to ………………

Posted on November 14, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

produce a long lasting indelible ink used for over a thousand years , for writing manuscripts and important documents. Gall ink was the primary source of ink from the 5th century until the 19th when industrial inks were produced. Artists … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora and Fauna, Volunteer Rangers | 2 Comments

An Autumn View

Posted on November 12, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

As Autumn approaches the days shorten and the temperature begins to drop. To survive the next season, every year the deciduous trees transform themselves and a dramatic process unfolds. Hormones are produced by the trees to prepare themselves for Autumn … Continue reading →

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Restoration, restoration,restoration.

Posted on November 10, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

The Thursday volunteers were again spoilt for choice with multiple job offers – working in the greenhouse with potting-up, laying down mulch in the nursery, building bee hives, clearing road gullies in Golden Valley, or pond clearing in Little Gaddesden. … Continue reading →

Posted in Thursday Conservation Group | 2 Comments

Bab’s Delight

Posted on November 10, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Babs was delighted that so many volunteers turned up for her coffee morning last Wednesday – hugs all round. It was time to catch up on recent events and have some convivial conversation with kindred spirits. The National Trust slogan … Continue reading →

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Sign of things to come……..

Posted on October 30, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

The Estate can look forward to a revamp of it’s signage to improve the National Trust image and provide better direction. There is a regional project afoot to produce a standard template, along with design and content for all property … Continue reading →

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