Workday leader Matthew explains:
With heavy overnight rain, we thought that the worksite at Benthall would be muddy….and oh yes it was! In the wood on the edge of the Estate, we were greeted with a scene reminiscent of the start of ‘Gladiator’ – but sorry no Russell Crowe, for the film buffs.
Still, the group of 14 ploughed on with the task in hand. Large quantities of infected ash had been removed in the last months; and we were left to help clear up. We made habitat piles with the larger offcuts, shortening transportation distances; whilst burning the smaller branches. We also cleared any bramble to stop it invading and taking hold in the wide open spaces where the ash trees once stood. Hopefully later there will be some nice woodland bulbs and flowers coming through – let’s wait and see.
We welcomed visitor Andy from Outwood Social for his first workday. Being an electrician, he is used to working indoors, but luckily the rain held off until late in the day, so as not to dampen his enthusiasm.
As you can see, we also had another first-time visitor on the workday. Four-legged “Zorba” brought back fond memories of Max, who came out with volunteer Laura on many a workday. Zorba seemed to have a smile on his face most of the time, maybe because he is a stud dog for the RNIB! Or maybe he was just enjoying a day out in the woods. Like Max, retriever Zorba has a lovely temperament and if you call to him with a Scottish twang, he responds even more quickly, as he has spent most of his time north of the border. Talking of the border, Neil and Jackie used to have border collies, so Zorba was not out of their sight for very long. Leela will no doubt be bringing Zorba again. Please do!
There was almost a surfeit of treats at cake o’clock! Thanks to Leela and Lucy for providing home-made almond cake and scones – and our workday leader, or was it Mr Kipling, for the chocolate delight! Gardener i/c Nick has promised the return of his famous BBQ ‘soon’….(perhaps as recompense for the volunteers having to transport all the tools by hand across the estate, as the usual Gator was off being serviced).
Not sure if being by the fire meant volunteers were more comfortable, as things dried out during the day. At least that area was level, as others slid up and down the gooey slopes trying to keep their balance. Our efforts however did seem appreciated by the few visiting public who struggled up and down the main wet clay-covered track, now without its trees as natural handrails.
Anyway, if we thought the mud was bad, spare a thought for volunteer Richard, who as a Shrewsbury resident, explained he’s been flooded at home more than 25 times – he now lives up a hill as a result!
By the end of the day Nick expressed himself pleased with our results – so thanks to all for their perseverance – especially as the walk back across the Estate was accompanied by squally showers to round off a wet and very muddy day!
Shropshire and Staffordshire National Trust Volunteers 