Shropshire and Staffordshire National Trust Volunteers

After recent water-based tasks at Morville Hall, Shugborough Estate (twice) it was now Benthall’s turn.  On a glorious sunny day (which made up for the very cold water – Ed!) workday leader Matthew reports:

“SSNTV – IT’S A STATE OF MIND”

Gardener in charge Nick was on gate duty next to the ‘Moon Pool’, a few fields down from the main Hall, as I swung the car onto the grass ready to start work…and what an exhilarating workday it proved!

An intrepid group ventured into the uncharted depths of the pool to start clearing several years worth of unwanted reedmace growth. The scene reminded me of the recent Army recruiting advert on TV – ‘Royal Marines – it’s a state of mind’, with the daring (all male) SSNTV’ers making their way through the sticky, smelly mud.

They didn’t need any make-up, with black splashes creating the ultimate camouflage. Although a distance from the Hall, this pool is the water reservoir for any significant fire-fighting and so it needs to be clear in order that the fire service can access the water.   Reeds were pulled and floated to the bank, whilst landlubber volunteers dragged them into piles – deftly avoiding the flying green mud bombs! 

….Such was the depth of the mud that at the end of the day, the man in charge admitted he may have to bring in a digger to help complete the task!

At the same time, another crack team unleashed havoc on the willow which had sprouted around the banks of the pool, with much felled in a short space of time.

Thanks to Nick and Heather for both “cake o’clock” treats and the on-site BBQ at the end of the day.  There were also more insights into the recent movie filming at Benthall.  We’re told Nick does not have a part in the film, but watch this space, as he was keeping a close eye on proceedings – he may be hiding in the background somewhere……!

Here’s to more great tasks over the coming months!