Ashridge Estate looks for Berkhamsted volunteers

Do you enjoy spending time at the Ashridge Estate? Do you

enjoy being out in the fresh air, enjoying the countryside – and do you have a

few hours to spare? Then the Ashridge Estate near Berkhamsted needs you! 

The Ashridge Estate covers 5,000 acres of woodland, commons

and chalk grasslands. While this landscape is dominated by nature it is not

shaped by nature alone. Indeed the Ashridge Estate has, for more than 4000

years, been a working landscape farmed and adapted to the needs of the local

people. Today, although nature is given precedence, the landscape remains one

shaped by the hand of man: the many thousands of visitors and a dedicated team

of staff and volunteers who endeavour to endure that this special place is

conserved for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of visitors alike.

This is not an easy job, which is why the Ranger and

Forestry teams are again looking to recruit volunteers to help with

conservation management. Tasks typically include anything from scrub bashing to

the sowing of wild flowers to path clearance and fence removals. Getting

involved in this array of activities is a great way to learn new skills, work

outdoors, and meet like-minded people. Groups meet on Thursday and Sunday

mornings, and they are currently looking for people to join our Sunday group.

If that isn't for you, the Estate' Volunteer Rangers are out

and about on the Estate, acting as a friendly face for visitors as well as

reporting back any problems to the Ranger Team. So, if you enjoy walking and/or

engaging with members of the public, this could be an ideal opportunity for

you. 

In addition to these voluntary ranger positions there are a

number of opportunities to get involved with the Forestry team. The Foresters

are currently looking for volunteer tree condition surveyors. Training will be

provided by Ashridge team and this will be a great chance to really get to know

the woodland on the estate and the challenges it faces, so if you are

interested in helping them monitor the condition of the Ashridge trees this is

opportunity is for you.

Finally, the Foresters would also like to hear from anyone

willing to volunteer to help paint the park fencing. This may be a little like

painting the Forth Gridge – it will be neverending – but you will get to work

side-by-side with other enthusiastic volunteers and have a great excuse to get

out and enjoy some fresh air while contributing directly to importance

maintenance work across the park. All volunteers will be brought together for a very short training session, after which you can organise

yourselves into groups of 2 or 4 (bring a friend or the family?) and paint any

weekday that is convenient.

For more information on any of these voluntary roles or to

apply please email admin.ashridge@nationaltrust.org.uk.