Author Archives: ashridgevolunteersblog

There was a definite buzz in the air at Dockey Wood over the Bank holiday week-end. The exceptional sunny weather more than made up for the write-off from the previous week, and it brought out the visitors and the bees … Continue reading →

In 1736, when Carl Linnaeus the Swedish botanist visited England, he came to Ashridge and when seeing the gorse in full bloom on Berkhamsted common knelt down and praised God for showing him so glorious a sight. Carl Linnaeus is … Continue reading →

 pring is here. It is announcing itself in those broken and surprising ways that are like the noises that come from the orchestra pit before the concert begins – a blast on a tuba, a run across the strings of … Continue reading →

One of the more unpleasant restoration jobs on offer for the volunteers has been the clearing out of the pond known as Clinkmere. The last time the timber debris was removed was in the Spring of 2016. Opposite the Visitor … Continue reading →

Following the appointment of Hilary McGrady as Director General on March 12th, we wrote congratulating her on the promotion, and enquired about a statement- of -intent from the Trust on plastic usage at the Charity. Hilary McGrady Director General’s Office … Continue reading →

The conservation volunteers have played their part in the restoration of this leisure and picnic area by erecting a temporary perimeter fence. The Green is the focal point at Ashridge and consequently suffers from soil compaction because of the foot-fall … Continue reading →

  Volunteers attending the recent Forum briefing were greeted by an all female line-up, rather apt when we are celebrating one hundred years of women’s suffrage. Susie led the team of Steph, Bev and Llona. These meetings help to foster … Continue reading →

It was with intense sadness that the Ashridge Estate community learnt of the death of their long standing friend and comrade Michael Bean.  Like so many of us, both Mike and his wife Carol became involved with Ashridge after retirement … Continue reading →

Our veteran volunteers who played their part in the Friends of Ashridge will remember the late John Wilson with admiration. He was a gruff Yorkshireman drawn to the South to take a challenging job and was both feared and respected … Continue reading →

he volunteers have been visiting Frithsden Beeches helping to restore the old    plantation by creating new beech pollards to succeed the ancient ones, like the late lamented Harry Potter tree. Frithsden Beeches has seen better days – before the … Continue reading →