What's happening next year - MNTV Programme 2024

Hi Everyone

I started to write this as I enjoy my last long weekend off work of 2023.  It's busying up in Edinburgh and we are bracing ourselves for the Christmas rush.  I do get to escape from the seasonal rush for a short time, as I booked myself a first class train ticket and I am spending Christmas down in Manchester.  With the last workday of the year been and gone it's time to let you know what's in store for next year.  The Programme has as ever taken some organising with the last workday booked in just last week.  I have had a couple of emails from keen volunteers wanting to know when we are restarting so I guess it's about time I let you know what the highlights are for the year.  Time to get those diaries out...

Firstly, we have 2 weekends planned for you.

10 people went on our most recent weekend away two weeks ago in Snowdonia.  Everyone enjoyed the weekend so I have organised two weekends for next year.  The first is being billed as Summer at Calke Abbey.  Late last year I had an email from Vicky Naylor of Styal saying she was moving to Calke Abbey so I got in touch and asked if she was able to host us.  She and the rest of the rangers there would be delighted to so if you are planning your next year then please put in the diary Summer at Calke Abbey, 28th - 30th June 2024. 

Weekend no. 2 - when I was in Snowdonia I had a chat with Dylan and he said he wanted the basecamp, Hendre Isaf, to be available to all, particularly volunteering groups,  He also believes that if we are volunteering we shouldn't have to pay to stay.  He is one of a few that are working on this principle so when I got back from Snowdonia I booked us in for 6th to 8th December 2024 for Christmas in Cymru.  He has again kindly agreed to pay for our skills and time.  Did you know there are only two full time and one part time rangers on the Ysbyty Estate?  The estate covers over 8,000 hectares of high, wild open moorland, dramatic river valleys and 51 hill farms.  In comparison Lyme Park is a 1,400 acre estate and Styal has 400 acres and they have a lot more staff so I can understand why Dylan and his team are grateful for help.

 

With the weekends sorted what else is in store for the rest of 2024?  Strap yourselves in and let's take a journey through the year...

 

Christine led the last workday of 2023 at Styal and she has just signed up to lead the first workday of 2024 which will be at Styal on 7th January.  We are at Styal 9 more times during 2024.  Dunham is rethinking how to use volunteers so some of the Styal workdays may become Dunham days.  We will of course let you know where the workdays are.  Throughout the rest of January and February we stay close to home with workdays at Alderley, Lyme and Styal.  There is a new ranger at Alderley Edge and he snapped us up four times next year.  Our second visit is on 11th February.

March brings us to the start of our longer distance workdays.  I follow lots of NT properties on Facebook and Bickerton Hill posted about their volunteers.  I got in touch and said I have been trying to get hold of the rangers for about 4 years.  They got back to me with an email address and I'm delighted to say that after nearly 10 years away we will be back at Bickerton on 3rd March.  This will be a joint day with Merseyside.  We will be back at Bickerton twice more in 2024.  We also visit Chirk, Hayfield and Formby in March.

On 7th April we have our first visit to Hardcastle Crags and will be there twice more in 2024.  April also brings us Lyme, Styal and Formby.

May is always a quieter month for the group as there are two bank holidays.  On 19th May we head over the Mersey Bridge to Speke Hall.  It will be our only visit to Speke in 2024.  The other date in May is to Styal.

June brings us 4 workdays and our weekend at Calke Abbey.  We will be at Biddulph at the beginning of June, no doubt doing our annual job of putting in the Dahlia Stakes.  We hit the seaside at Formby on 9th June.  The week after we are at Erddig and we also manage to squeeze in a visit to Lyme too.

In July we have another joint workday with Merseyside, this time at Erddig  At the height of summer on 28th July we travel to Marsden Moor.  When I spoke to ranger Ian about what we did he was very much impressed and is very much looking forward to meeting us.

August has 3 workdays - 2 closer to home and 1 further afield.  On 11th August we take one of many trips to Lyme.  Lyme love having us and are always so grateful for our help.

September is another that has 5 workdays.  When I joined the group at Biddulph earlier this year we were taking out the dahlias.  Lesley suggested that we go there in August or September to see the dahlias in full bloom so we will be going to admire the dahlias on 22nd September.  We also travel to Formby, Styal, Chirk (this is with Merseyside) and we take another trip to Bickerton Hill.

On 6th October we take ourselves away from the hustle and bustle of city life for the second of 3 visits to Hayfield.  I know we are normally at Hayfield a lot more, but the team at Hayfield are very busy and could only fit us in in the cooler months.  We also travel to Formby, Bickerton and Lyme.

November takes us closer to home.  On 3rd November we return to Biddulph to perhaps take out the dahlias - because we are pros now!  We also travel to Alderley, Lyme and Hayfield.  Along with our Christmas in Cymru weekend December brings us a day at Alderley Edge and we finish the year like we started at Styal on 15th December.

 

I sent out the programme to the worksite leaders earlier this week so they could sign up and plan their bakes.  If you want to give leading a go do let either myself or another Worksite Leader know and we can talk you through it.  My thanks go to the worksite leaders for agreeing to lead.

 

When I emailed Dunham Massey for some workdays they were hesitant about giving any dates to us as they are rethinking how they use volunteers.  This means that Styal and Lyme have got a lot of dates next year as they are essentially my back up properties, so some of these days may change locations.  As soon as they do I will let you know.

Don't forget, if you would like to come on a workday then just wait for an email in the days prior to the workday.  That will give you all the details and just reply to that email to let us know you would like to join us for the day.

That is the programme out of the way, now for the fun stuff.

 

Some of you may know, others may not ... Ian Ford at Speke is having an operation on his foot and will be out of action for a wee while so we sent him a get well soon card and although he hasn't had his operation yet he did send us an email back saying "I have received a wonderful get well card from all in the Manchester Vols, please can I say a huge thank you, a lovely thought. My operation is now scheduled for the 11/01/2024 and I hope to be back on my feet to see you when you're next on site at Speke."

 

We have had a little bit of news from Formby.  A few days before I started writing this report we received an email from Chris and the team at Formby telling us:

 

I would like to share with you our finalised Volunteer Impact Report for this year, a document which we create each year to highlight some of the incredible accomplishments which volunteers achieve together with our small staff team.  It really does evidence how valuable volunteers are to what we achieve at Formby, and shows just how difficult our job would be without you all!

 

I hope the short report makes for interesting reading, and thank you all so much again for your support this year! 

 

Wishing you the most merriest of Christmases, and happiest of New Years! 🙂 We can't wait to work with you all again in 2024!

 

As it always takes me a few days to put this report together, emails come in and we have had an email from Vicky Blane the General Manager for Formby and Central Lancashire. She sends her thanks and all the best for the Festive Season.  She has also emailed the Formby Autumn/Winter Newsletter.

 

This edition includes the following highlights;

• Information on the winter conservation work happening in the Ravenmeols woodlands to create a healthier more diverse habitat for wildlife.
• A round-up of tasks the ranger team have been carrying out with the support of fantastic volunteers, over the past couple of months.
• An update on the annual tree safety inspections and work planned across the site this winter.
• A “Natter with” ranger Bree to find out more about initiatives she’s working on and her favourite spot to enjoy nature at NT Formby.

And Ranger Steve at Erddig also sent some news:

I wanted to share some rather good news for Erddig estate, a new project that we would very much like you all to be involved in.

 

We have been successful in securing a substantial grant to help us revitalise and rejuvenate an area of the estate down by Fellin Pulleston.  It will be a 18=month project including tree planting, path creation and repair, reactivation of old meadows and butterfly meadows and much more!

It will very much be in the type of the mindful meadow at Chirk Castle if you have seen that.

I have attached a plan showing the proposed vision for the area so please take a look.

I'm hoping it is something we can help with.

 

Lyme also sent their winter update. 

 

The last of the blog entries was posted earlier this week.  They are a great read and I very much enjoy both reading and writing them.  If you would like to have a go at writing one for a workday you are on just say!  Here are two photos from workdays in 2023 to show we are out working come rain or shine

 

Finally... I started writing this on 19th December on the bus home from my Mum and Dad's.  It's 21st December now and with Edinburgh Castle closed today due to a yellow weather warning for strong winds I took some annual leave and am finishing this email to you all.  I think all that I need to say is on behalf of your Committee have a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous Hogmanay or New Year.

I look forward to seeing you all in 2024.

 

Ally

Programme Planner

Woodland clearance at Styal on Sunday 17th December 2023

For the last workday of the year seven of us met with Ashley for a day of woodland clearance.  Simon, who should have been our ranger for the day, was unfortunately not well so Ashley took us to the worksite, told us what was required and left us to it which was not a problem.

We were working in Chapel Wood removing holly, hazel and any rhodi that we found, with the stipulation that we left 20% of the holly and hazel still standing.  All cuttings to be stacked so they can come along with their new chipper at a later date and get rid of it.  In fact there is that much holly that when we are back in the new year we will probably be doing the same job.

We were very lucky with the weather and even had some sunshine in the afternoon which made for a very pleasant day.  Thanks to my colleagues for all their hard work.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

Christine

Christmas in Cymru, 8th - 10th December 2023

Christmas in Cymru 2023 
Wet Wet Wet feat. Santa

 

Thursday 7th December 

With plans for our annual Christmas Weekend set to be in Snowdonia in 2020 we were all looking forward to it but with the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the UK it was postponed indefinitely.  It's now December 2023 and we are finally having a long awaited Christmas weekend and our first weekend in four years.  I'm currently sat on a train heading for Manchester, tinsel in hand trying to brighten my mood and the weather.  Planning the weekend has taken time and patience but it's finally here.  I'm staying with Jenny tonight so tomorrow we can travel together at leisure to the Hendre Isaf basecamp in the Snowdonia National Park.  Hendre Isaf is a popular basecamp and with 11 people signed up it's going to be a great weekend.  I'll let you know how it goes...

Before the weekend took place, Hazel let us know that unfortunately she would not be joining us as she is not well.  Hazel - we hope you are feeling better soon.

 

Friday 8th December 

Friday dawned a little damp but we headed for Snowdonia via Chirk Castle which had some of its rooms decorated for Christmas.  Once we had consumed some lunch and looked at the animal-inspired decorations we headed to our basecamp for the weekend.  Hendre Isaf sits just in the Snowdonia National Park, at the junction of the A5 and B4407 and so is quite easy to find.  Jenny and I were first to arrive, just behind us were Mary and Neil.  On his journey to Snowdonia Neil had come across a closed road at Ruthin.  He handily let me know and I let as many people as I could know.  After he arrived he made himself at home in the “leaders” room.  He is a loud snorer!! 

We were also joined by Sarah and later Tim arrived having transported himself by pedal power from Llandudno Junction.  He'd travelled there by ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, then on a train to Llandudno Junction.  Whilst waiting for Tim and the late arrivers we decorated the basecamp with tinsel, lights and Mary's excellent crocheted snowflakes and angels. 

That evening the assembled company dined on a delicious spiced winter vegetable soup with bread and cheese.  Later, Martin and Denise, upon arrival, tucked into the soup provided.  We played a game of Who Am I? and we were joined by Adrian and Daniel having travelled together later in the day.  Having emptied Adrian's car we sorted the shopping, swapped stories and then headed to bed.

Saturday 9th December 

The day dawned wet, very wet.  Whilst we were all snug in bed, Daniel went for a run, leaving at 6.30am to be back in time for 7.30am.  We were breakfasted and ready to be met by the rangers at 9am.  Rangers Dylan and Gwilym told us that our task would be chopping down conifers in a plantation that the Trust have recently taken over.  It was a short drive over to the worksite near Penmachno then up a steep hill over to Ty Mawr Wybrnant known locally as Ty Mawr.  Some parts of the worksite were a little wet underfoot but with bowsaws, loppers, pruning saws and an axe we set to work.  The conifers were spaced out with some in groups and some on their own.  Some were not easy to get to as they were surrounded by brambles or other plants.  Morning break was called and we used the back of the rangers' pickup truck as a table to put the cake on.  After break we got back to our chopping and it started to rain more.  At the start of the day Dylan said if anyone found a tree they liked they could take it home to decorate.  I decided I would look a bit odd on the train with a Christmas tree so declined, but Denise took up the option and managed to squeeze a tree into her car.

When lunch time came it was raining A LOT so Dylan suggested we went undercover for lunch which was gratefully received by us all.  To get undercover we had to drive down to Ty Mawr.  We were very thankful for the cover whilst eating lunch.  Jenny and I surprised the group and Dylan too with leftover soup for lunch.  It was decided that working in the afternoon would be a mistake.  Dylan offered to open up Ty Mawr so we could have a look.  Ty Mawr is famous for being the place were Bishop William Morgan, known as the Saviour of the Welsh language, was born in 1545. He was the person who translated the bible from Latin into the Welsh language, which is one of the reasons the Welsh language is still very much used today. 

If you would like to know more about Ty Mawr then please see https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/ty-mawr- 

Whilst the majority of the group looked around Ty Mawr, Jenny and Denise headed back to base to get a head start on the showers as they had kindly offered to cook Christmas dinner.  Before the weekend I had persuaded Daniel to make it easier for the cooks by buying pre-cut potatoes, carrots, sprouts. etc.  We all agreed it would be a lot easier.  Jenny and Denise were about half an hour in front of the rest of the group. As the rest of the group headed back up the steep hill from Ty Mawr, I was contacted by Jenny to tell me that the key was in the basecamp and both she and Denise were outside.  Somehow the door had closed leaving them on the outside with no way to get in.  One group headed to basecamp with rangers in tow and the other to Betws-y-Coed to pick up a few provisions and take some photos as it has been a while since we have been there.  With a little help from Dylan and Gwilym a spare key was located and we were able to let ourselves in.  Once we were all back at basecamp and had enjoyed a hot shower mince pies and mulled wine were enjoyed and Santa paid a visit.  Santa's gifts included chocolates, games, a Venus fly trap and a Christmas pudding bauble.  Everyone was pleased with their gifts.

After more chatting, dinner was called.  It was delicious!  With there being not quite so many vegetables as normal we ate up all the food.  For dessert we enjoyed Mary's Christmas pudding or leftover Lemon Meringue Pie.  Once the washing up was done we moved to the comfier chairs and partook in crochet chat or reading books and magazines.  Bedtime was called at about 10.30pm.

Sunday 10th December

Sunday dawned wet.  Daniel did his 10km run (same route as yesterday but in reverse direction).  Breakfast (bacon and baked beans) was cooked expertly by Neil.  Looking at the weather forecast the morning wasn't looking great.  We took down the decorations, waged war with our sleeping bags and threw those boots that had been drying on the radiator into the car.  Some headed straight home but others who studied the rain radar realised that the rain wasn't sticking around for very long so four of us made a trip to Bodnant Garden.  Whilst in the garden although the Labernum Arch was not in flower we did enjoy some excellent colour from the Dogwood in the winter garden and we got some stunning views of the Carneddau Mountains.  The sun also made a brief appearance.  We gave our custom to the coffee kiosk at the bottom of the garden, of course using our volunteer cards.

     

 

The garden was very quiet.  As Adrian noted, where were all the people who owned all the cars in the carpark?  At about 2.30pm Jenny, Daniel, Adrian and I parted company and headed for home.

It's Monday now and I'm currently on the train home to Edinburgh.  It's looking awfully grey as I head north.  There look to be some flooded fields.  I've asked Dylan to book Snowdonia for Christmas in Cymru in 2024 and am hoping it won't be quite as wet as this year.

Denise has also sent in a picture of her tree decorated.

My thanks must go to Jenny for her hospitality and driving before and after the weekend, Daniel for being weekend leader, Adrian and Martin for driving to and from the worksite, Denise and Jenny for cooking Christmas dinner, Neil for cooking breakfast, Dylan and Gwilym for hosting us despite the wet weather and finally for everyone else who came to the weekend.  To everyone else - where were you?

Ally

Cancelled - workday at Lyme Park on Sunday 3rd December 2023

Today's workday at Lyme Park (rhodybash in Lantern Wood) was cancelled by the rangers early this morning on safety grounds following the overnight snow.

Birch sapling removal at Alderley Edge on Sunday 26th November 2023

Nine volunteers met up with ranger Duncan for a day of vegetation removal, namely self-seeded birch.

We were working in the same field across the road from the car park that we worked in at the beginning of the year.  A corporate group had been in earlier in the week and had made a great impression.  Duncan pointed out the area we were tasked with clearing.  First impressions were there wasn't a lot - how wrong could we be!

After lunch we helped load the trailer with split tree trunks which were to be used for cleft fencing.  As the trees were oak, even though split, they were very heavy.  Once done, whilst Duncan took the trailer to the yard we continued "popping" birch.

It was a strenuous day but we left tired but happy with what we had achieved, as was Duncan.

Thank you to my colleagues for their very hard work and to Duncan and his faithful dog for a good workday.

Christine

Reinstating a mountain bike path at Lyme Park on Sunday 19th November 2023

Eight MNTV volunteers met the Lyme Ranger in the main car park at 9.30am.  It was confirmed that we would be reinstating a mountain bike path in Hase Bank wood so we moved our cars to the car park by the Knot which was nearby.  Apparently the mountain bike path had fallen into disrepair after felling had taken place in the wood and a number of trees had fallen across the path.

We set to with our mattocks, spades, shovels, slashers and loppers, clearing the path of overgrown vegetation and removing moss and soil off the rocks.  We felled small trees and brambles that were too close to the path but we left the Ranger to clear or adapt the fallen tree trunks with his chainsaw enabling bikes to ride through or be lifted over with ease.

We worked hard and were rewarded at elevenses with bakewell slices and flapjacks from Jenny, which were delicious.  Sadly it rained on us quite a bit, which was a shame, and we got very wet, so much so that after lunch when the rain had been falling continuously for over an hour some of the group decided to call it a day.  Others were content to carry on with the task after lunch and others wanted to help Jenny decorate the MNTV Christmas tree in the timber yard.

The bike path team worked really hard in the afternoon and managed to clear all the way through to the first exit near the west gate.  There were two more exits beyond that, but we managed to make a big difference.

The Christmas tree team were joined by Julia, the volunteer co-ordinator and we had fun (and a bit of shelter) threading up and hanging the decorations people had donated (silver foil, bottles and tools cut from sweet tins).  We also hung some baubles with text explaining the theme of the tree and a bit about the work MNTV does.

Sue B and Jenny

Cancelled - workday at Hayfield on Sunday 12th November 2023

Sadly, today's rhodybash near Park Hall, Hayfield, was cancelled because of insufficient numbers.  Ranger Chris had said a minimum of four were required and by the 12 noon Friday cut off only three had signed up at which point we agreed with Chris that the workday was off.  Two more signed up later that afternoon but we were unable to contact Chris to ask if the workday could go ahead after all.

Removing a fence and scraping steps at Quarry Bank Mill on Sunday 5th November 2023

11 from MNTV met Stuart, the Styal Ranger, in the volunteer's car park.  We walked a short distance to a field near to the mill where we started removing an old fence.  We decided to start at both ends so we could spread out, cutting back vegetation first so we could get to the fence, removing and collecting the staples holding the barbed wire and the fencing wire, rolling them up so they could be reused/disposed of safely, and finally removing the fence posts.  Some had rotted so snapped off in the ground and some had been put in so securely that it took a number of us to get them out!!

We stopped for morning break and were just getting settled in the field when it started raining (!!) so we gathered up our stuff and decamped to the shelter by the old entrance to Quarry Bank Mill.  We stayed lovely and dry there while we enjoyed Sue D's mince slices with our hot drinks.

After our morning break we went back to the field and finished the job, carrying the fence posts, rolls of barbed wire, rolls of fencing, litter and all our tools, up the incline to Stuart's vehicle so he could take everything back to the compound.

After our lunch break under the shelter (when we had slices of Sue D's apple cake) we walked into Chapel Wood where we finished the day scraping off leaves and excess soil from the paths and steps down to the bridge and up the other side.  It was hard work but made very enjoyable by the lovely comments we got from the families passing by who thanked us for doing this job.

At the end of this task we walked down to the mill where we had our group photo taken in front of the impressive poppy display cascading down from the mill building.  The poppies had been knitted and crocheted by many people with connections to Quarry Bank Mill including some of our own volunteers and their families and our Chairman's mum stitched them all together - a momentous task but hopefully well worth it, as they make such an impressive display.

Sue B

Dahlias, tulips and a table - 10 go to Biddulph Grange Garden - Sunday 29th October 2023

On Sunday 29th October after remembering to put the clocks back, nine volunteers met at Biddulph Grange Gardens.

Upon meeting in the carpark at Biddulph we met up with Gardener Leslie and apprentice Holly.  Leslie asked us if any of us had forgotten about the hour changing we were able to inform her that no we hadn't, she had!

After a talk through of the Risk Assessment we headed into the gardens.  We knew what our task would be but because we weren't all experts Leslie talked us through it.  It was a task I had never done before and seemed pretty straight forward.  Cut the dahlia stems, take out the stake holding them up, dig out the remaining dahlias and get rid of as much soil as possible and tie them up with the name label attached with string.  There were a lot to get through.  I started with the cutting of the stems.  If there were any flowers still in bloom and looking good we could pick them to make a bunch of flowers which Jenny did.

The Gardens were very busy with visitors and there were lots of families with small children.  The children wearing wellies enjoyed jumping in the puddles and some of the adults stopped to speak to us or ask Leslie questions about dahlias or gardening in general.

At 11 we stopped for elevenses and had Jenny's delicious Bakewell Tart and Ally's very gooey Millionaire Shortbread.  They both went down a treat.  After the cake Jean unfortunately had to retire home due to an ongoing injury.

After elevenses we carried on our task and got most of the dahlias and stakes out.  The stakes were ones we had put in back in June.  It is a task we have done for a number of years so I was keen to see what it was all about.  Lunchtime was called and Leslie had lined up a treat for us ...  RANGERS TAKE NOTE ... she provided us with a table and chairs to sit round, very posh for us when we are used to eating sitting on the floor or on a rock!

After lunch we finished tying up the last of the dahlias and turned over the beds for our next task  tulip bulb planting!  Just before we started on this task Sue B arrived to say hello and to see me as I have not seen her for at least a year.  She partook in a small amount of bulb planting. Biddulph had 5,000 bulbs to plant in different locations around the gardens.  Where we were there were five beds to be filled.

The way to plant the tulip bulbs was to throw handfuls of them from an allocated box, each bed having a a different box.  After they had been thrown they then had to be buried under the soil using trowels.  The planting was an important task if a little tedious.  We managed to get two and half beds done and then decided to call it a day.  It was starting to get dark and we were all tired.  We had a group photo and headed for home.  Leslie was very pleased with what we had done and is looking forward to our next visit there.

It was a fantastic day and it didn’t rain.  It lovely to see you all.  Here's to next time.

The advice I will take away from this day is tulips don’t need to be planted a particular way up so just plant them any which way you like.

Ally

Hedge laying at Formby on Sunday 22nd October 2023

Five of us arrived at Formby early in glorious sunshine and although there were some dark clouds about we managed to stay dry all day.

We met up with rangers Al and Justin and headed out to the hedge laying worksite by the heathland on Larkhill Lane.  We laid part of this hedge last year and since then local groups have done a lot more so we had to walk a bit further across the field to get to the worksite.

The rangers showed us the task:

We had all hedge laid before but it was good to have a refresher about where to cut and where to place the stakes.  It’s amazing that all you need to leave is the layer of wood just under the bark and the tree will continue to grow.  We split into to two groups and started either side of the gate.

The hedge was a mix of hawthorn, blackthorn and rose so we had lots of thorns to contend with.  It was the first time I had laid rose and it was relatively easy, as the stems are quite small and the long bendy stems are easy to weave into the hedge.  Once it has all grown up it will make a lovely barrier.

We had a coffee break with cake (orange sponge cake and chocolate brownies – some with added spice and chilli) and by lunchtime had finished the shorter section by the gate.  Al’s time as a tree surgeon was coming in very handy when we pruned the standing tree at the end of the hedge.

After lunch we all went to work on the longer section and made good progress with tandem sawing demonstrations from Justin and Andy H.

By the end of the day we had laid quite a long section of hedge ...

... and headed home proud of the job we had done.

Jenny

Clearing Trees of Heaven at Dunham Massey on Sunday 15th October 2023

Nine volunteers turned out on a beautiful crisp autumn morning to meet ranger Jimmy.  Jimmy only started at Dunham in August, although he has worked previously at Styal, so it was his first time working with MNTV.

After explaining where we were working and what the task was we realised we had done the exact same job two years previously.  Tree of Heaven is an invasive non-native species that self seeds as well as grows shoots from the main trees roots.

We had a bit of nature around us as well as  a deer from the park had somehow made its way into the area we were working plus David came across a mouse or shrew not sure which.

Task completed by lunch time so we then went into the park to remove some detritus that had been pulled out of one of the ponds.  It didn't look much at first but it filled the trailer.

As I said it was a beautiful day and by late morning Jimmy had to leave us to put the car park full signs out with people queuing to get in.  Even as we were leaving cars were still coming in.

Thanks to Jimmy for looking after us and to my colleagues for their hard work.  It was a good workday.

Christine

Rhody bashing at Lyme Park on Sunday 8th October 2023

Seven of us met Issy in the main Lyme Park car park. As we were borrowing her tools for our rhody bash in Lantern Wood we walked to the Stables to collect them before climbing up the slope to the large patch of rhody that Issy had in mind.

We started building a fire, which got going very quickly because Jack had a telescopic blow tube to use as mini-bellows - they were amazing!

As we were thinking of stopping for elevenses, Sue D came walking through the woods towards us. Although she was on duty as a Lyme Park volunteer today, she is also a member of MNTV and she had kindly offered to bake a cake for us - it was delicious, as were the homemade biscuits she also left with us, iced by her grandson.

After our coffee break, we cut down more rhody, dragging it to the fire, cutting it smaller before it was burnt on the fire.

The weather was dry, even sunny at times, which was a bonus.

After lunch, while working near the fire, we disturbed a frog. It tried to get out of our way but then we saw it again (or was it a different frog?) as it sat on a branch watching us for a while.

Towards the end of our workday we stopped loading the fire so it could die down a bit then, once it had, we put orange ‘fencing’ around it so it wasn’t a danger to anyone walking in the woods after we’d gone.

We managed a group photo shot before gathering our tools to carry back to the Stables.

We had a great day, great company, great cake and and biscuits, and a great Ranger working with us:-)

Sue B