The rain held off on Saturday long enough for the group to reach the far side of Big Pool in the sunshine to view the task for the day at Dudmaston, while the estate was closed to the public and hence the paths were empty. Our task was to be thinning and cutting back new growth along Sir Georges Walk, the main track beside the lake, to let the light in again and improve the views back across the water to the rockery, gardens and Hall.
Where to site a fire was the first task – we found the only patch with nothing overhead – a few steps from the lake and far enough from the individual ornamental trees among the sycamore, hawthorn and general green. It was a case of finding a line to improve the view, cutting back just enough of the overhanging canopy.
Ranger Mike was on hand with powered high-reach pruner which mean there was a constant supply of material to burn. The breeze meant that in no time “Mike’s rubbish”, i.e. the thinnings, disappeared in the flames. Heavy showers at times during the day could not dampen the heat, as the group cleared either side of the pathway, hacking at bamboo, avoiding the ornamental rhododendron, non-native birch and other individual specimen shrubs, as well as keeping feet dry whilst pulling back branches overhanging the water.
And then we came back on Sunday for more! But that’s a story for another day……..
Shropshire and Staffordshire National Trust Volunteers 