Shropshire and Staffordshire National Trust Volunteers

We were back at Dudmaston Estate on Sunday, but not to plant trees this time  – instead it was just the opposite!  It had been talked about for some time by Area Ranger Mike, but there were a few gasps as with Workday leader Dave, we reached the Dingle and were met with some impressive new vistas.

As part of the restoration project for the Dingle a number of trees have been felled to let in more light. This is part of the project to return the valley and woodland to the original 18^th century plan, aimed at creating more open views, compared with those to which we have recently become used.

Continuing the recent discussion prompted by Mike in Dudmaston’s “Dart”, about tree-processing machinery compared with the powers of volunteers with a bowsaw – today’s evidence was fairly conclusive in favour of machinery – as we surveyed the results of contractors having felled the large trees and dragged them up and out of the valley.  Things look quite different!

The task for the day was helping out by burning the brash left over from the felling – and what amounts there were!  Morning walkers in the Dingle might have struggled to admire the views, as the pine greenery started to smoke and burn, creating a haze of its own throughout the valley.

In the end two large and very hot fires were fed during the day (Dudmaston size record? – in particular for the amount burnt in one day!) The heat turned spring into summer, melted the afternoon cakes and meant that our volunteer efforts could not be missed by visitors!  By the time we had finished it looked as if parts of the slope – at least – had been hoovered. So all power to the bowsaw after all!

A good, if exhausting day was had by all!   Many thanks to all who attended and ranger Helen for arranging perfect weather.  Oh yes….and there was some talk of a bit left for next time’s visit….