Cambridge National Trust Volunteers

Diary page 7 of 21: August – October 2010 [older | newer]

Repairing tree guards at Wimpole — 10th October 2010

(Roger writes:) There were 14 volunteers on Sunday for Simon’s task so we split into two groups, one group removing old rotten tree guards and replacing with metal guards. The other group continued painting of the new metal fencing in the paddocks behind the farm.

Photo - Augering Photo - A group of us next to the painted railings Photo - Bolting the guard together

Left: Augering (Photo: Andy T.); Centre: A group of us next to the painted railings (Photo: Roger J.); Right: Bolting the guard together (Photo: Andy T.)

Pete has provided a video of all this work, which I (the Editor) have edited together. He’s provided more pictures of the materials we used, some augering work and inquisitive sheep.

Clearing moats at Lyveden New Bield — 19th September 2010

(Tom writes:) The task consisted of clearing reeds from the moats at Lyveden New Bield. We managed to clear the defined parts of the moat, and the weather didn’t even rain. Clyde drove the tractor to clear the area of the reeds we had pulled out.

Photo - Tony putting on some waders with the unfinished house in the background Photo - An area of moat before we started

Left: Tony putting on some waders with the unfinished house in the background; Right: An area of moat before we started. (Both photos by Tom H.)

Photo - Roger, Ruth and Laura in waders pulling out reeds, note the piles of reeds to the right on the bridge. Photo - The team at work with Clyde next to the loaded trailer

Left: Roger, Ruth and Laura in waders pulling out reeds, note the piles of reeds to the right on the bridge (Photo: Tom H.); Right: The team at work with Clyde next to the loaded trailer (Photo: Roger J.)

(Roger writes:) A mucky, muddy job needing wellies and waders but good fun as can be seen from the piccies…even the wildfowl paid us a visit, photo shows two white Pekin ducks (also known as dabbling ducks).

Photo - Pekin ducks Photo - At the end of the day minus reeds except a few piles on the bank we didn’t have time to clear.

Left: Pekin ducks (Photo: Roger J.); Right: At the end of the day minus reeds except a few piles on the bank we didn’t have time to clear. (Photo: Tom H.)

Joanna-Marie H. has more pictures.

Path repair at Wimpole — 12th September 2010

We continued constructing a path through the pleasure ground by laying edges to the path. Andy Taylor has taken some pictures of the task.

Photo - At the start Photo - Heidi sawing

Left: At the start; Right: Heidi sawing

Photo - With edges Photo - With wood chips laid

Left: With edges; Right: With wood chips laid

Weekend away at Clumber Park — 27th - 30th August 2010

(Tom writes:) Weather generally good with a few light showers. We were mainly lopping down ash and birch seedlings in an open area at the end of the lime tree avenue, to keep it open. For a change on Sunday morning we had two hours of litter picking, which was surprisingly good fun. Sunday evening, we drove to Clyde’s parent’s and had a great BBQ and played croquet despite the strong wind. On Monday, we came home via Southwell and visited The Workhouse and the Minster – we even took a tour up the bell tower to the roof.

Photo - As we started sapling lopping Photo - End of Saturday with piles of saplings

Left: As we started sapling lopping; Right: End of Saturday with piles of saplings

Photo - Entering The Workhouse Photo - Southwell Minster

The day off. Left: Entering The Workhouse; Right: Southwell Minster

Photo - Group photo outside bunkhouse

Group photo outside bunkhouse. (All photos by Tom H.)

Pete has taken more pictures, including two each of us relaxing between jobs, a candlelit dinner and the views from the top of Southwell Minster.