Tuesday 28 July 2009

Flag Laying at White Moss

On a lovely sunny day at the end of July, a team of four ventured out to lay some flags on the old Pennine Way.


Having crossed a large wet patch without any casualties, it was then down hill all the way, manoevouring the massive stones into place.


After a hard days work, and being considerably muddier and sweatier than when we started, we sat to admire our fabulous stretch of path in the sun, and to enjoy the views across the estate.



Surveying at Buckstones


Volunteers and staff took part in a survey training day, learning the techniques needed to find out what plants we have on our moors.
The day started off well, with good weather and we all looked at a quadrat together to see what we could find.


Getting right down there is a good way to spot the smaller plants and make sure every species has been found.
Everyone had a go at doing a quadrat and collecting and recording their information. We then headed off to the second surveying site, everyone having great confidence in their surveying abilities.
And then suddenly, the weather turned for the worse, and within 30 seconds of being in the rain everyone was dripping wet. But this didn't deter anyone, and we carried on in the wind and rain, trying to identify our plant species.
Eventually we managed to finish and could head back to the warm, dry, cosy office for a cup of tea and to put all our data together.

Saturday 11 July 2009

Are you a Wild Child??


Don't let yourself get bored in the summer holidays, come and be a Wild Child on the moors!

We have several activites to get you outdoors and trying something a bit different.


On August 7th come and join in with the Moorland Dance Day! For people aged 11-16, come along to the Standedge Tunnel Visitor Centre at 11am, and make your own instruments and costumes, and find out about the moors through dance! Finishes at 3pm.

Come along to one of our family walks, either on August 9th, meeting at 1.30pm at Brun Clough car park, or August 23rd at 1.30pm at Marsden Park gates. Or come to both! Walks are between 3 and 4 miles long, and suitable for everyone.

Come to any of these, and pick up your FREE Wild Child booklet. There is so much to discover!

Tuesday 7 July 2009

Installing HLF Stone Plinths



Rob and the volunteers putting in one of the stone plinths for the Marsden Heritage Trail at the Dinnerstones.Managing to manhandle the stone into the perfect sized hole that had been dug.
The finished result with a beautiful view across to Castle Shaw.
The Marsden Moor Heritage Trail consists of a number of stone plinths and interpretation boards at various points across the Marsden Moor Estate. These are put in at some of the best viewpoint locations and places of historic interest, and the trail will help people to learn more about the history of the moors and why the National Trust is looking after the moors. There will be leaflets so that people can easily follow the trails and get out and enjoy the wonderful Marsden Moor Estate!