Two weekends of cancellations on account of bad weather were probably the reason why so many made it out this weekend to our double-workday on the Edge, as Nigel reports:
Our two day task turned out to be removing gorse scrub from the ancient hillfort at one end of the sandstone ridge.
A large area in the centre was cleared of gorse above waist height, debris raked off, and burned in situ in the moveable tumbril. The large gorse bushes are deeply rooted and damaging the remains of the ancient monument. The debris also increases the natural acidity of the soil. Hence opening up the site will benefit the heathland ecosystem and the small mammals and invertebrates for which the area is an important habitat.
Tom was our ranger for the task, deputising capably for Ewan; advising, chain-sawing, boiling up water for tea and coffee and joining in everything else.
The weather proved good, better than forecast – apart from some gusty winds which, as they fanned the flames and smoke in all directions temporarily halted the burning on safety grounds. We doubtless caught the eye, if not also the noses and much else of the day visitors to the site, as at times the moisture-rich greenery generated clouds of thick smoke across the hill.
By Saturday evening Ranger Ewan had broken off his holiday, as we enjoyed a superb BBQ under the sandstone cliff of the Rock Houses, comprising the famed longhorn beef burgers and delicious chilli, rice and salad, all cooked and served up by the ranger team.
As part of the special weekend, six of us took up the offer of an overnight in one of the Rock House dwellings sleeping between the period furniture – a real privilege and unique experience, if just a little chilly when the wood-burning stoves gave out! This was followed by an excellent breakfast provided by NT in the tea room, which set us up for day two of the gorse bash. … That along with copious amounts of cake at elevenses, supplied by the Group’s expert bakers – thanks to all for that!
Looks like this may well set a new tradition – given how successful the weekend was!
Shropshire and Staffordshire National Trust Volunteers 