Shropshire and Staffordshire National Trust Volunteers

Thanks to specialist “summer” workday leader David for getting yet another consecutive workday seamlessly organised as this report describes:

SSNTV returned to Morville on Sunday for our annual summer reed-pull in the long pool.

Those who didn’t mind the mud, smell and risk of getting wet, donned full waders and clambered in to continue the gradual task of clearing the ornamental waterway of bullrushes and weeds.

The day’s result was a further six metre section of the pool cleared – and varying degrees of dampness for those involved ….do read on…., as green (and brown) matter was hauled up onto the banks to dry out.

This time not everyone worked in the pool, with a small group cutting back rampant valerian and other plants from the end of terrace wall above the parterre in the garden, starting the work to help the newly installed Hall tenants tidy and prune.

We were given a very warm welcome by new occupants Mel, Andrew and their children. Thanks to them for the tea, cake and biscuits they supplied (twice) on their “first day”.  We certainly look forward to working with them again soon – it sounds like they are developing some interesting plans for the garden.

The threatened thunder and rain showers did not materialise – so with the sun out all day, perhaps that was why as work came to an end, Russell decided to jump right back into the water, flooding his waders and getting a real soaking (sorry Peter – we did try rinse them all clean)

…They say mud is good for the skin, but surely not this sort of mud, Russell!

Only another few years work at this rate………