Category Archives: Volunteer Rangers

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

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 →

Posted in Flora and Fauna, Volunteer Rangers | 2 Comments

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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Why Do I Volunteer?

Posted on September 27, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Thanks to Roger Evans and Rikki Harrington for their take on “why I volunteer”. It’s an exciting time for volunteering in the Trust , according to Helen Timbrell, the Volunteering and Community Involvement Director. Since 2012 the whole organisation has … Continue reading →

Posted in Flint wall group, Flint Wall Volunteers, Sunday Group, Thursday Conservation Group, Volunteer Rangers | Leave a comment

Eric the rat catcher

Posted on September 16, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Following the collapse of part of a beech tree onto Duncombe Terrace due to squirrel damage, the Trust has been keen to address the problem of the tree rats. We understand that initially they have called upon the services of … Continue reading →

Posted in Volunteer Rangers, Wildlife | 2 Comments

Breaking News

Posted on September 9, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

A close shave on Thursday for two PMV’s and their occupants – a beech tree shed a branch laden with mast in the gusty wind on Duncombe Terrace. The branch dropped from a height of fifty feet landing just a … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora and Fauna, Volunteer Rangers | 1 Comment

American Graffiti

Posted on August 15, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Whilst waiting for the Allied invasion of Europe in 1944, the Americans were stationed in Thunderdell Wood, and left their mark. The video tells the story………………….. Thanks to Richard Gwilt.    

Posted in Flora and Fauna, Volunteer Rangers | 2 Comments

Princess Anne’s Plantation – part III

Posted on July 16, 2016 by ashridgevolunteersblog

Some lovely shots of Clipper Down and Pitstone Hill on a summer’s day. On Thursday the team were removing more of the wire netting from the redundant fence line, but the gate posts proved to be immovable. Clipper Down is … Continue reading →

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