VOLUNTEERS AT WORK
The Practical Task Team
The Practical Task Team (PTT) meet twice a month at St Ives and carry out various jobs and projects around the estate. In 2026 we have a new project around the bird hide.
2026 PROJECT · THE BIRD HIDE
The idea is to make the 'Hide' more 'Hidden'. This is a mock-up with a rough idea of what it will look like.
50 Hawthorn
25 Blackthorn
10 Guelder Rose
5 Crab Apple
5 Hazel
5 Dog Rose
In February we planted:
Now in April we are very pleased that many of the small saplings are showing green buds :)
ONGOING PROJECT
THE STUMPERY
An ongoing project we've been very excited about and committed to. Finding stumps with good, interesting shapes was one of the first tasks — spotting them far and wide around the estate wasn't hard, but getting them to their resting place was another story. It's amazing what you can carry in a wheelbarrow.
COLLECTING THE STUMPS
Clearing the drainage ditch
Many springs feed coppice pond, a drainage ditch runs at the far side of the pond and fills up with leaves and debris then floods the path. We cleared the ditch in Autumn 2024, we also saved a frog!!
The main culvert
This is the main culvert that runs from the Wheelhouse to Baxters Pond.
We cleared it in spring of 2025, it took a few sessions but we were very happy with the outcome.
Have a look at the Ponds and Waterways page to find where all the original culverts and ponds were,quite a few of them still exist !
Fancy lending a hand?
No experience needed — tools and guidance provided. New volunteers are always welcome.