Category Archives: Flora and Fauna

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 →

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“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

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 →

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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 →

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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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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 →

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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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Louise Prideaux

Posted on October 27, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

In the “myvolunteering” newsletter for October, Louise Prideaux the N T’s volunteering correspondent for the South West, wrote a piece about being a “voice for the countryside”. Visiting the Countryfile Live exhibition at Blenheim in August where the N T … Continue reading →

Posted in Charcoal, Flint wall group, Flint Wall Volunteers, Flora and Fauna, Walks, Wildlife | Leave a comment

A special place

Posted on September 18, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

A record crowd of over thirty volunteers turned up last Thursday and were assigned to the Beacon. This extensive chalk down-land is a “special place” – the current national T V advertising campaign by the Trust alludes to this. With … Continue reading →

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