Volunteering

On Wednesday, I was lucky enough to be able to join our National Trust volunteers on Plaitford Common in the northern commons of the New Forest.

The weather could not have been better and the commons looked stunning:

The task for the day was clearing gorse that had got way too spindly and old, which doesn't look great and isn't as good for wildlife as the new, fresh growth. Certainly, one of the New Forest spider's agreed with us and had weaved this fairly massive web on a newer bush:

Once cut, we burned the gorse and gathered round the fire for the obligatory cuppa:

Our ability to carry out this work depends on our volunteers, who are wonderful and turn out in numbers to help cut, clear and burn. I was amazed at just how much they got through.

Anyway, good fun was had by all - I was just a little gutted that I couldn't stay for the afternoon. Next time, I promise!

Half time review

As the summer holidays have finished and we approach the half-way point in National Trust’s financial year, it’s a good time to reflect on how things have gone over the last 6 months at Mottisfont & South West Hants Group. And I’m pleased to say “It’s all good!” Visitor number-wise, we are doing well, largely thanks to a very popular Litchfield exhibition, an excellent rose season and a brilliant summer programme (inc Quentin Blake gallery and trail). People seem to like the fact that there is always something different going on.

 Our projects are progressing well: WildPlay & WaterPlay are open and seem to be going down well with families:

StoryScape our big interpretation project is on track to open on 20^th September (...here's our new Potting Shed):

Café refurbishment starts on 26^thSeptember and should be complete for October half-term; our Walled Garden appeal is up and running and Jonny (our new Head Gardener, who has started very well indeed) is working up plans for how it will look:

The Foxbury Heritage Lottery Funded project is on track and we have made good progress on both car park and farm yard feasibility studies for development work 2015/2016. The big new visitor facility project will start work at the end of October, now the ground works have been completed, and should be finished in Autumn 2015. It will look fabulous and give us a new visitor reception, toilets & shop at the front of the property, an additional cafe situated where the shop is now in the stable yard.

Antoher project that's already well underway is our Arts Council funded "Artist in residence" programme. The latest work to exhibit, which opened yesterday is "Mappa Mottisfont," by artist Louise O'Reilly. The work is her illustration of a Mottisfont medieval map. Just fantastic:

 In terms of volunteering, we introduced volunteers into visitor reception this year, which has worked phenomenally well; we have a new team of volunteers to help with the Winter Garden; our volunteer-led learning programme sees schools and teachers coming to Mottisfont for educational activity; we have new walks and talks from the outdoors guides; the bookshop is looking better and better with new displays and promotions, and the new training sessions are hugely informative and valuable.

 

In the countryside our fishing beats look excellent; New Forest has been nominated by the region as a “Big 6” landscape for support and focus after making good progress with our HLS (Higher Level Stewardship) project; Stockbridge is seeing Juniper re-seeding and the river-bank restoration work is complete. The Mottisfont estate work is now showing some really important restoration and regeneration gains (…lots of complements on how this area is looking from CEO of Test Valley BC).

 

In the garden, the restoration of the herbaceous borders looks lovely 

...and we have started to protect areas more robustly, such as the Great Plane:

In the house, donations from Winchester Association will make such a difference as we restore the Russell furniture and reintroduce it into the house, 

....along with the Istrian marble benches to go outside next to the west entrance.

Last but not least, our Green Team is up and running (blended team of staff and volunteers) and are busily working their way through a list of actions to improve our environmental performance even more. 

Oh yes…..our gardeners have a new tractor! How could I forget that!

 

So as always, lots going on and another busy 6 months. Thank you again to all of our staff and volunteers for their hard work and support. We seem to be having an Indian Summer too!

Pantaloons outdoor theatre

About 15 years ago (...doesn't time fly), I was working in an advertising agency called "Ogilvy Primary Contact" which was (and still is) part of Ogilvy & Mather Worlwide. My then boss - the inspirational Ian Story - invited his daughter Cait, for work experience.

Today, Cait and her husband, Mark, run Pantaloons which is a theatre company. 

We first went to see them at Nonsuch Park, near Epsom. That day there were about a dozen people in the audience...not helped by some truly awful weather. Since then, we have been to see them perform most years as they tour the country with their productions.

We've seen the unique Pantaloons' spin on Canterbury Tales, Twelfth Night, Romeo & Juliet, Christmas Carol, Importance of Being Earnest and many, many others. All have been hilarious and it is so pleasing to see Pantaloons becoming so popular.

As soon as I had settled in at Mottisfont, one of the first things I did, was suggest that we booked Pantaloons. And I'm so glad we did, as they came and performed their version of Sherlock Holmes. This year they performed at both of our outdoor theatre nights - Much Ado About Nothing, which was a sell out - and History of Britain on Saturday. 

With the crowd sitting on our front lawn - some incredible picnics - Mottisfont made a great backdrop to a superb production, which got more raucous as the night went on. It was dark by the time the show had finished and we laughed all the way home too.

Great stuff Pantaloons and we look forward to welcoming you back next year, with Tempest and Pride & Prejudice. Can't wait! 

Outdoor guides in the Mottisfont countryside

As a "thank you" for all the time our outdoor guides put in, our countryside team hosted a summer barbecue at the Oakley Beet fishing hut, followed by a talk and a walk.

Following a few burgers, Dylan Everett, Countryside Manager, gave an "inspirational" talk about all the great stuff we're doing in the countryside and along the river. Not a bad setting either by the fishing hut where FM Halford perfected the art of dry fly fishing:

And off we went on a walk, whilst Neil Swift (Riverkeeper), Mike Handley (Ranger), and Ryan Scott (Ranger) helped the others clear up:

...once they'd finished the obligatory cuppa, of course (....at least they told me it was tea! They don't look at all suspicious, do they?)

Ryan took us on a stroll to see some of the Mottisfont woodland where his team of volunteers have been particularly busy clearing and creating an enclosure to grow hazel:

Unfortunately, this area of ancient woodland was cleared in the 1980s to grow spruce, which was a shame, but the grand scheme is to return native broadleaf species to the area and in about 300 years, we should be back to where we were when the woodland was at its best! Still, if we don't start now!

On the way, we stopped to take in the 1,000 year old Oakley Oak. A splendid old tree:

Thankfully nobody chopped that one down.....although it was earmarked for timber for the Tudor fleet at one time.

So, "thank you" outdoor guides from me. I'm joining you again on Bank Holiday Monday for the wetland walk. Looking at the weather forecast, it will probably live up to its name too! Not to worry, the enthusiasm of our guides will more than make up for a spot of rain.

Gruck racing

This is in the "you couldn't make if up" category of blogs that I'll ever write. This evening was the annual Mottisfont Gruck Racing event. 

Now, if you're wondering what a "Gruck" is, then I'd like to know just where you have been all this time! Actually, I didn't have a clue either. When I suggested that is was just a plastic duck race or Pooh sticks for adults, I received some very indignant looks...it's a much more serious business than that!

The event itself is to raise money for Mottisfont Football Club (established 1926) and a nominated charity. After a gap of one season, Mottisfont FC returned last season and won promotion at the first time of asking. We were delighted to be able to support the team in some small ways.

Back at the event, everyone gathered by the Abbey stream for the races. Grucks are in fact large ducks, with a wooden float for stability that makes them go faster. There are about 10 races and bets are placed on the Grucks. Then the Grucks are placed in the starting gate:

...and they're off.

The Grucks speed down the stream (...a slight exaggeration), and along to the winning post, where they are plucked out.

And to much excitement, a winner is announced. I wouldn't say there were many photo finishes, but it's brilliant fun nevertheless. 

There was a great turnout from the village. Those who volunteer to set this up, run it, man the barbecue and clear away did a fantastic job. The football club really couldn't survive without the much needed funds generated, so "Let's hear it for the Grucks" is what I say and long may this traditional race continue. I managed to end the evening as dry as when I turned up, which was as much a surprise to me as anyone else!

Make a wild change

Earlier today I went along to Hampshire and Isle of Wight's launch of "Making a Wild Change" initiative. It links very closely to David Bond's "Project Wild Thing" and National Trust's ""50 Things to do before you're 11 3/4s." 

All of these initiatives are about getting children outside and closer to nature. The Hants & IoW Trust asked Chris Packham to introduce the session. 

After a quick look in the dipping pond, Chris spoke with his usual enthusiasm and good humour on a subject he clearly feels strongly about.

He talked about children as a species that needs "reintroducing" to the countryside, as something that has almost become extinct. Clearly, exaggerating to make the point, Chris' serious point was about being outside as something that is essential for good mental, physical and social health. As more and more children stay inside, sat in front of various screens, he stressed how they need to be out there, touching, feeling nature. 

In terms of countryside and species understanding, Britain is the best mapped country in the world. However, if young people don't get interested in nature, how will we continue to understand and appreciate it? And if nobody understands and appreciates our countryside, who will look after it in future? 

Instant gratification seems to be the name of the game these days for children...and some adults too. But what's wrong with getting freezing cold and not seeing the wildlife you come to see? The anticipation is always exciting and when you do finally see that stunning view or that remarkable creature, it is all the more rewarding.

Parents might have to go with their children these days, but should be encouraged to hang back and let them explore for themselves, getting muddy or stung....nobody ever died from a stinging nettle rash!

Debbie Tann - CEO of Hants & IoW Wildlife Trust - introduced their new video, which shows some of the remarkable work they do in this area. Everything from nature clubs to wild play events and forest schools. Fantastic stuff.

The video ended with a few anecdotes from the children who go to these events and some of the wildlife education professionals at the trust. Their Education Officer spoke about "elective mutes," who are children that don't speak at school. One little girl had not spoken in front of her teacher for 2 years, but at forest school spoke as well as any other child from the moment she arrived....just because she was outside. The little girl concerned went onto become a Head Girl at school. 

National Trust supporter groups

One of the many things I'd failed to understand before joining National Trust was the important role of the supporter groups. These groups - often called National Trust Centres and Associations - are members of National Trust who get together to organise talks, social events, trips, holidays and all sorts of other interesting things for their members.

Run by a committee of volunteers, they provide a vital social function, bringing together local National Trust members and offering a range of activities for them to get involved with, which are always great fun.

Mottisfont is very lucky to have the support of a number of groups locally who we have built a wonderful and productive relationship with. These include Winchester Association, Christchurch and New Forest Association, Portsmouth Centre, Southampton Centre and Reading Centre.

We've built the relationship by supporting them with recruitment events, hosting special visits, providing speakers for talks, advertising to raise their profile, and even providing the odd editor for their newsletters (...I'm not sure if Steve will mind me calling him "odd!")

And the other thing the supporter groups provide is funding for our restoration and conservation work. Any surplus funds from trips, talks and holidays is donated to a property for a particular project or item. I cannot understate the value of these donations nor how much they are appreciated by staff, volunteers and visitors.

In the past, Mottisfont has received donations for our courtyard gates, restoration of the lead finial in the yew octagon, restoration and marbling of the bookcase in the boys' room, disabled buggy, funds to go towards our walled garden appeal, charcoal kilns for our countryside team, restoration of the maids' rooms, interpretation for the cellarium...and I could go on.

The latest kind donation will see the restoration of our 200 year old marble benches:

...back to their original home:

And also the restoration of the roll-top desk, which was donated by the Russell family recently (donor family of Mottisfont to the National Trust) and part of the original collection in the house:

It will be so great seeing this table returned to Mottisfont. And a very big "THANK you" to our friends at our local supporter groups!

General Managers' visit to Cornwall (part 2), July 2014

Day 2 was a trip to Eden Project. 

I last went in 2007 for my 40th birthday and today they were gearing up for an Elbow concert. We had a tour around the Rain Forest dome and I learnt that the biggest herb in the world is in fact the banana, which isn't a palm tree at all! Who knew? I hope that comes up in a pub quiz....what are the chances!

In the afternoon we went onto the Lost Gardens of Heligan. This was Tim Scmitt's project before Eden Project and I must say that they were simply stunning. The views across rolling wild flower meadows:

...jungle walk in a valley:

....and some stunning walled gardens:

...with brilliant costal views:

It genuinely was a lost garden and has been thoughtfully restored into an amazing place. We loved it and will definitely be making a return trip!

General Managers' trip to Cornwall (part 1), July 2014

One of the really, really, really good things our group of General Managers (GMs) do a couple of times a year, is get together to see other properties in other regions of National Trust. This time around it was a trip to Cornwall with the GMs from the Outdoors group (we are large visitor attractions - outdoors includes White Cliffs, Sheffield Park, Stowe, Isle of Wight etc). Useful chaps to know if we ever need to build a yurt (.... that joke wasn't that funny there either).

After a stop at Jamaica Inn on the way down to watch Germany win the World Cup Final, we arrived at Premiere Inn, Bodmin.

First up was Lanhydrock, where we had a tour around the new cycle routes...a lot easier cycling down than up! They've done so well with this and it was great to see young and old out on bikes in an area of woodland on the property. I was less than impressive in the skills area!

From there we went onto the Lizard and Lizard point, which is the most southerly point of the UK. Some stunning views:

The National Trust have been acquiring land to create a really good conservation opportunity, linking wildlife corridors, putting conservation at the heart of farming and creating wildlife habitats that were being eroded. It's a really encouraging case study.

We had supper at Lizard Point, where 2 pairs of Chuffs did a little flying display. There are only 16 breeding pairs of this bird in Cornwall and they had left until 2007, so it's great that they are back now.

A lovely end to a hectic day, but yet again, I was glad to see the National Trust protecting our special places....and Choughs!

26th June: David Stone - Head Gardener at Mottisfont, National Trust 1978-2014

This is David Stone's last week as Head Gardener at Mottisfont, National Trust.

David Stone has worked for National Trust at Mottisfont for 36 years. He implemented, cared for and protected a world heritage rose garden and one of the most significant rose gardens in the world, which now receives over 50,000 visitors a year. Earlier this year, David received a RHS Lifetime Achievement Award.

Last week, Country Life Magazine ran a six pages feature on Mottisfont and summed up David perfectly:

“Mottisfont has been fortunate in its head gardener, David Stone, who has been in charge here since 1978. Mr Stone, a quietly correct man…”

 

and they go on, finishing with:

 

“Graham Thomas did us all a terrific favour by accumulating his living museum here. He could not have found a better custodian than Mr. Stone. His successor has a job on his hands, but what an opportunity among these velvet riches.”

 

Knowing David, I’m sure he is highly embarrassed by all of this flattery, but I also think it would be letting him off too lightly if I only pointed to the rose garden as his greatest achievement, the whole estate and the beauty of it throughout the year is down to David and his team. He’s a fabulous colleague, who has helped inform many of our important decisions, whether it’s about the history of Mottisfont or just by doing the right thing and encouraging us to do likewise.

David also has the best self-depreciating sense of humour in the National Trust. I don’t know if it is many years of practice, but he has had many a meeting in hysterics as he quietly takes himself down a peg or two in front of our eyes. The latest – and I will not do this story justice – was about a recent visitor who ambled up to him and asked if he was the new “Head Gardener.” Somewhat perplexed David enquired as to why, only for the person to proclaim: 

“Because I just wanted to congratulate you on the job you’re doing and improvements you’ve made….so much better than the last one!”

So, a very big “thank you” to David. The work of you and your team, has brought pleasure to hundreds of thousands of people for many years and will continue to do so for many more to come. We will miss you horribly, but I'm sure that you'll stay in touch…even if it’s only to say how much better it was in your day…but as our "new Head Gardener," I’m sure he can take some credit for all the recent improvements!

And now, over to Jonny Bass, the new Head Gardener at Mottisfont:

16th June 2014: Guardianship, Learning Group, Test restoration, new cafe and a Tudor arch..phew!

Another quiet week in the hurly burly world of the National Trust! 

It started with a visit from the Environment Agency to discuss a very important project about the restoration of the River Test. As this is one of only 6 chalk bed rivers the world, it's quite important that we look after it. The EA have a long-term plan and we are pleased to support that plan. It does need the support of the other landowners along the Test though and I sincerely hope that happens.

Next up was a review of our Kitchen Cafe plans, which all look very exciting. We should have a newly refitted cafe in the lower corridor of the house by the end of October. 

National Trust Guardianship donors came in on Thursday for a visit to our rose garden. It was lovely to host these supporters of the National Trust and our staff and volunteers did us proud by hosting them so well.

Straight afterwards was our Learning Group, who hosted a number of Head Teachers from Test Valley schools. I do hope that this project is successful and we can host school trips to Mottisfont. I can't think of a better place for the next generation of National Trust supporters to grow the "love of special places!" (I'm so biased!)

And finally, the Tudor Arch:

...discovered by our groundworks contractor who was laying the services pipe work by the West Porch of the house for the new visitor facility. Apparently, it might have been part of a walled garden. All fascinating and we await the full report with interest.

June 2014: Maud Russell's grandchildren - supporting their grandmother's "project"

Earlier this week we had the pleasure of meeting Laura Beresford, who is one of Maud Russell's grandchildren. Following the visit of Julian and Emily Russell to Mottisfont a couple of months ago, I went to Dorest with James Rothwell (our curator) and Kerry Bignell (our House Steward) to collect a number of artefacts that used to be in the house when Maud Russell was alive.

Laura met us at her mother's house near Blandford, which she was clearing out as it has now been sold. Photo albums and scrap books had all been laid out on the floor by Laura and we couldn't wait to start looking through them, as they revealed all sorts of wonderful insights into life at Mottisfont during Maud Russell's time:

Laura was absolutely brilliant at showing us the albums, scrap books, pictures, ornaments, furniture and books that used to be at Mottisfont:

This picture of Gilbert Russell is one of the items that will be offered on loan initially and we hope to be able to exhibit it in the house shortly:

Everything now needs to be recorded and processed and the furniture - including two sofas that used to be in the Morning Room - will need to be put into quarantine so that we do not introduce any contamination into the house.

We left Laura with a big job ahead of her to go through the rest of the house. And I must thank her for all of her help. There will be so much interest in these items from staff, volunteers and visitors alike. 

Emily is currently going through Maud's war diaries and we will be able to add these to the collection at some point. The National Trust is in dialogue with Emily about a possible book chronicling these diaries.

May 2014 - week 10, Country Fair

Apologies for the late post, but weeks in the National Trust just fly by and it's been so busy. It's ironic that visitors know Mottisfont as a beautiful and relaxing place, but it's all so busy behind the scenes...we're busy making it a special place for our visitors of course!

Last Saturday was one of my favourite weekends of the year at Mottisfont - our Country Fair.

The weather was perfect and we had local crafts and conservation groups exhibiting, along with tree climbing, beer tasting (...popular stand), a barbecue and face-painting.

Some of our volunteers are incredibly creative:

This is John Surplus' stand. He crafts fallen tree trunks into these beautiful art sculptures. It must take ages and his work was used as inspiration for the art installation in our Beech Circle with some upside down trees.

One of our local tenants has written a book. It's a sort of Harry Potter meets Famous Five meets Swallows and Amazons. Charlotte brought her new book to the fair and hosted readings and face-painting and all sorts:

Our countryside team was out in force doing stuff with bugs in the "Caravan of Love" and Dave Chase did some tractor demos:

The soundtrack for the day was given by a 1930s imitation band, who were superb:

Our visitors loved them. 

We launched our appeal for the Walled Garden, so I spent the day selling raffle tickets. It was great talking to visitors in the sunshine, some of whom had travelled from as far afield as the Lake District and Leicestershire. But it was also great to hear stories from regulars who visit Mottisfont every week. One lady visitor called it her "spiritual home, " where she comes to "refresh" after a busy week. Quite right!