Shropshire and Staffordshire National Trust Volunteers

Sunday saw the group back at the Dingle clearing up more after the contractors who have been felling mature trees on the sides of the valley to improve the views of the eighteenth century landscape (see 7^th April too), with a chance to chat about upcoming workday schedules with Countryside, Parks & Gardens Manager, Pete C.

With cattle in the adjoining fields between Hall and valley, fencing has been restored since the contractors departed, so finding a way in without climbing too much of the valley sides provided the first challenge.

High & lower-slope groups developed to collect and burn the brash without the need to practice too many mountain goat-like skills.  Everything grows fast at Dudmaston – recently it was brambles amongst the saplings in Comer wood, here the new greenery was fast obscuring the smaller brash.

As the sun came out the heat rose in many ways – reminding us why there aren’t many cut and burns in the summer!

What is brash I hear you ask? – well, from a felling contractors point of view they only want a thick long straight stem, so whilst these were dragged up and out of the valley, whole tree tops, side branches, green growth is left where it falls or is cut, so begins the process of bringing back a bit of natural-looking order.

Plenty of cake kept us going – brownies, lemon drizzle and afternoon scones – views abounded about which got top marks – but thanks to all (including a holidaying Mike!)