©National Trust Images/John Millar

©National Trust Images/John Millar The highlights for this season are are this season highlights for The and trees life new owers, fl spring spring sign that sure a in bud, help us protect You arrived. has you. Thank spring. these signs of or take a look at the ‘What’s on’ section section on’ on’ the the a look a look ‘What’s ‘What’s oror at at take take into into Shropshire the sound of the returning the returning the sound of Shropshire with birdsong valley lls the fi birds migrant calves ordshire Staff in Shugborough at and farm. working born on the being are and the cream see Warwickshire, In in the the hellebores purple faces of at at Packwood, borders herbaceous bluebells is for the best place Coughton sea a in which is covered Grove Timm’s April late bluebells from shimmering of ducklings the cute see and mid-May to Clinton. Baddesley at on the moat to those ‘50 things don’t the school holidays During off tick to forget that activities 11¾’ you’re do before places. our lots of at happening are News and events for spring 2020 spring for events and News ordshire Staff | Shropshire | Herefordshire | Midlands West | Warwickshire Step Step Spring In Shropshire, stimulate the senses with the senses stimulate Shropshire, In on wild garlic the and smell of the sight in Croome at Edge; Wenlock the slope at bluebells of the swathe see Worcestershire also in Greyfriars, while at in the parkland; be small but may the garden Worcestershire, highlight. spring particular a are the tulips in Herefordshire, Brockhampton At a blossom’ - it’s of the ‘festival experience the orchards for year time of special very damson blossom white clouds of as by house, followed the manor surround apple trees. the blossom of the blushing with with spring is synonymous life New highlights. the seasonal one of lambs being see Warwickshire, in Park Charlecote At born lambs; new with their sheep the jacob the Shropshire, in Park Attingham at while the original descendants of are deer fallow the see can you and Attingham of herd and shedding antlers their dropping deer Carding at summer; for ready coats their also in Mynd, and the Long Valley Mill to emerge with buds on the trees, bulbs pushing through the ground and new life beginning. life and new ground the through pushing bulbs trees, the on buds with emerge to is a welcome change of the seasons. Nature awakens from its slumber and the signs of spring begin begin spring of signs and the slumber its from awakens Nature seasons. the of change a welcome is With the festivities of Christmas long forgotten, and the bleakness of winter starting to fade, spring spring fade, to starting winter of bleakness and the forgotten, long Christmas of festivities the With

#NTMidlands or your local National Trust Trust National local your or on social media. place with us out days your Share updates the latest and get events on spring and activities Follow us... Follow or take a look at the ‘What’s on’ section on’ the a look ‘What’s or at take www.nationaltrust.org.uk/midlands visit see and do, to is all there details of For © National Trust© From the Director for the Midlands

Providing © National Trust© ‘Stepping Stones’ for nature A success story t’s our birthday! 125 years ago three individuals established an utterfl ies and bumblebees fl itting in We have also managed to increase our own Jinleye meadows, on the north-east institution to stand up for the the sunshine, mountain pansy land ownership with the recent purchase of corner of Long Mynd, were purchased simple idea of nature, beauty and bobbing in the breeze, dormice three meadows and a hillside Site of Special by the Trust in 2014, and are now I snugg ling-up in their nests and the Scientifi c Interest (SSSI) at Fir Tree Farm, fl ourishing as fl ower-rich hay meadows. history for everyone. B We have decided to mark the bubbling sound of the curlew; this is the thanks to two bequests donated specifi cally Less intensive grazing and the grass year by doing something simple, Shropshire Hills as it should be, buzzing with life. for the purpose of land acquisition at the being cut and baled for winter fodder, which is to celebrate nature through Together with other conservation Shropshire Hills. has dramatically improved the condition the year, following the passing of the organisations, farmers, landowners and Peter Carty, our Countryside, Parks and of the land. seasons and getting outside for a walk community groups, we are restoring Gardens Manager for South Shropshire, said: By changing the land to hay meadows as much as possible. hedgerows, hillsides, roadside verges and ‘This is a fantastic opportunity to expand upon many varieties of wildfl owers are thriving Our founders were really streamside wetlands to create ‘stepping the good work of the previous landowner, who which are attracting butterfl ies and bees. forward looking people, responding stones’ of wildlife habitat across the landscape. started to create fl ower-rich meadows which The three meadows at Fir Tree Farm will to the needs of the time and trying to The Stepping Stones Project focuses on off er homes for a variety of wildlife and at the be managed in a similar way and results anticipate what future generations land between two upland heathland sites – same time deliver healthy soil and natural should be achieved in fi ve years’ time.

would value. They thought big but the Long Mynd and the Stiperstones. Thanks water management.’ © National Trust Images/PJ Howsan didn’t let big thoughts get in the to support from players of People’s Postcode The Stepping Stones project is part of a way of taking action. Lottery and two signifi cant donations, work 50-year vision to reduce the loss of wildlife and Our present concern is the is under way. restore the 220km² Shropshire Hills Area of 2014 environmental crisis and our response An award of £165,555 from People’s Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) into a to it is also to take action:- to create Postcode Lottery is being used to help to species-rich, healthy and beautiful landscape. new landscapes as well as restoring co-ordinate the conservation work carried out We are working closely with our partners degraded ones, whether that is by several local groups including the Marches Natural , Shropshire Wildlife Trust, the creating new hay meadows near the Meadow Group, Restoring Shropshire Verges AONB Partnership, NFU, CLA, local Long Mynd or responding to Partnership, Caring for God’s Acre and four landowners, farmers and community groups environmental changes such as ash local community wildlife groups. to realise this ambition. dieback that is badly aff ecting Together with local farmers we are Wenlock Edge and Dovedale. developing and testing a model to create The other area where we are Whole Farm Plans, where local farmers explore For much more taking action is to extend our work into ways of managing their land in ways that information visit create a healthy natural environment as an

urban areas. This often means working 2019 integral part of a profi table farm business. in partnership with others and I am www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stepping-stones delighted to see the progress that has been made on the Gala Pool at Moseley Road Baths in .

The National Trust was founded on 12 This year is a special year for the Trust as we For those simple pleasures in Andy Beer January 1895 by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert mark our 125th anniversary and we’d like you, life the sound of bird song Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley, with the our Midlands supporters, to help us celebrate. must be one of the best. fi rst Midlands place, Duffi eld Castle in Life today is busy with many obligations, At The Weir Garden in Derbyshire, following shortly after in 1899. sometimes too many obligations, so time out Herefordshire, listen for the That fi rst acquisition has grown to where we to focus on our happiness and health are enigmatic cuckoo. While in Shropshire, catch are today in the Midlands; including essential. Octavia Hill once said: ‘The need for the woodpecker drum at Wenlock Edge and Everyone managing 30,000 hectares of land, quiet, the need of air, the need of exercise, experience the sheer joy of swallows fl ying in providing access to 31 countryside estates, and, I believe, the sight of sky and of things the grounds of Wilderhope Manor. caring for over 30 historic mansions and growing, seem human needs, common to all’. houses, working alongside over 11,000 This connection between nature and our needs volunteers and having the valuable support wellbeing is never truer than today. Make 2020 the year to look after your of just under one million members. We’re wellbeing. For much more information also playing a role in looking for new and on how you can get closer to nature visit nature innovative ways to care for local, everyday, historic and natural places in urban areas, like the Roundhouse in Birmingham. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/MidlandsNatureMoments © National Trust Images/EllieRoberts

A day in the life of… Get out into nature Shugborough’s new this Easter Lizzie Pellowe Apprentice Gardener

Bring the whole family together this I feel very fortunate to be the fi rst National I’ve had lots of opportunities to develop Easter and treat your loved ones to the Trust Garden Apprentice at Staff ordshire’s my skills and knowledge with the support magic of our Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts! Shugborough Estate. Since starting my role of a fantastic team and a college course. in September, I have been busy From helping to redesign the herbaceous Get ready for a long weekend of fun contributing to the ongoing maintenance perennial cut fl ower beds to learning all and discovery as you spot the fi rst and helping to design planting schemes for about plant identifi cation, this role has signs of spring and experience nature the many wonderful gardens. off ered me hands-on experience, kick- bursting into life at the special places The gardens at Shugborough are a starting my new career in a smooth but the National Trust looks after. signifi cant part of the estate’s history, from exciting way. the Grade II listed walled garden full of We’re currently embarking on a major Become a nature detective to follow colourful produce, to the breath-taking restoration project in the South Walled the clues and fi nish your adventure To fi nd out more about the gardens with a delicious, chocolatey treat. formal garden behind the mansion and the Garden so it’s an exciting time to be and the restoration plans. Visit: impressive arboretum with oaks from working here. around the world scattered throughout. nationaltrust.org.uk/shugborough In partnership with www.nationaltrust.org.uk 2 Spring 2020 At the heart of Birmingham DOG-FRIENDLY WALKS Through pioneering partnerships in organisations including the Moseley Road Birmingham we’re playing our part in Baths CIO, National Trust, Birmingham We are a nation of animal lovers and dogs are our best friend. Dogs are welcome supporting special locations. City Council, Historic England, the at many of our places, below is our pick of walks to bring your four-legg ed pooch. From May the Roundhouse, in the Friends of Moseley Road Baths, and World Ladywood area of Birmingham, will open Monuments Fund, are working together to To fi nd out more visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dog-walks-wmids as a base for the community and visitors create a new future for the baths. – a place to meet, relax or begin an To celebrate the restoration of the Gala adventure through the city by foot, bike Pool roof (funded by Historic England or water. This unusual horse-shoe shaped and Birmingham City Council) we’ve been

© National Trust Images/Sarah Cunningham/Jana Eastwood/John Millar/Anna Lambert 1 Attingham Park, 2 3 building has been brought back to life working with Moseley Road Baths CIO on Shropshire 4 by our partnership with the Canal & River a contemporary art commission by Juneau Whether it’s your regular dog walk Trust and made possible by a £2.5 million Projects. Specular Refl ecular, part of Trust or you’re exploring for the fi rst time National Lottery grant5 and £196,000 New Art, the National Trust’s programme you’ll fi nd walk routes from 1 to 3 of Historic England funding. of contemporary arts, launched in February miles long in the parkland at Moseley Road Baths is the oldest Grade and is a visually stunning artwork rooted in Attingham Park. Dogs on short II* listed pool still open for swimming in the the local community. leads are also welcome in the Walled UK but the baths are at risk. A ‘coalition’ of Garden during the months of spring you can see blooming hyacinths, Find out more information about the Roundhouse opening weekend daff odils, irises, vibrant tulips, and a www.roundhousebirmingham.org.uk National Collection of Camassias at and about Moseley Road Baths Specular Refl ecular art project its best in May. www.moseleyroadbaths.org.uk © National Trust Images/JanaEastwood Charlecote Park, 1 2 3 Warwickshire 4 Breathe in fresh air at Charlecote Park this spring and enjoy walkies in acres 5 of green parkland from 9am every day. Spot birds feeding their young, ducklings, goslings and cygnets paddling along the river, calves in Camp Ground and little lambs in April. Explore the sights and scents in the garden as colourful spring fl owers are in full bloom, then grab a hot drink at the Wood Yard café with dog-friendly seating. 1 2 3 Clent4 Hills, Worcestershire Hills are the perfect place 5for you and your four-legg ed friend to Shining a light on get out and about this spring. The dog-friendly walk gives you the chance to let your pooch off the lead and run free. The circular walk the Dark Museum takes you through fi elds and woodland and off ers some stunning panoramic views. Time it right and Attingham Park in Shropshire has the careful saving and storing of ‘bits and you may get a chance to see the largest collection of Royal neo-classical pieces’, the display also makes it carpet of bluebells that adorn the Italian furniture in Britain, dating to the clear that not every bit has survived hills every spring. early 1800s. It was introduced to and not all damage can be fi xed. Attingham by the third Lord Berwick, Helen Rowse, House and Collections William who brought it with him on his Manager explains more, ‘We’ve called the return from Italy where he had been a exhibition the Dark Museum as you’ll be 1 2Dudmaston, 3 diplomat, and where it had previously able to see items that don’t normally see Shropshire 4 belonged to the Queen of Sardinia. Over the light of day due to their condition. Four-legg ed friends are very the centuries pieces have become detached Visitors often see items being conserved welcome at Dudmaston. Bring your 5 from the furniture and a spotlight is being and the results of that work, but they don’t dog for their daily walk in Comer shone on these pieces in the ‘Dark Museum’, always see the items before that happens. Woods or for a change of scene, a one room exhibition in the Mansion. These precious items may appear worn or come and explore the Dingle and The losses will be charted through time broken - they might have been damaged for Parkland walks. Pass by the pools using reproductions of the vintage labels, as a variety of reasons so it’s a chance to share and look out for great crested grebes well as the more modern reports from recent with people the impacts of damage to items performing their distinctive years, explaining the damage that is still through touch, water spillages, exposure courtship dance on the water. happening today. Highlighting the process to sunlight and wear and tear from moving, of recording and reacting to damage, the handling and sitting.’ 1 2 3 You can visit the Dark Museum 4 Packwood, exhibition now, for details visit 5 Warwickshire Join us for a walk at Packwood www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park with your furry companion this spring. Take in views of the canals, rolling fi elds and enjoy a spot of bird watching in the woodlands. From a circular walk taking in the Baddesley estate to a family friendly stomp through our welly walk there’s a walk suitable for all creatures great and small. After your stroll, head to the café patio to sit back and put your feet (or paws) up. © National Trust Images ...and don’t forget to share your adventures with us @NTMidlands @NTmidlands #NTMidlands

www.nationaltrust.org.uk 3 Spring 2020 Darling Daff odils The art of the Arts Daff odils are a classic harbinger of spring, which have been derived from it, but it and Crafts Garden providing a welcome splash of colour at a possesses a natural diversity of shades When we think of a quintessentially British During 2020 a new exhibition time when the dull monochromes of of yellow and makes an unforgettable garden with its hollyhocks and roses, will look at the development of the winter are still very evident. Hundreds sight when fl owering en masse. the kind of garden we saw illustrated Arts and Crafts garden; from its roots of diff erent varieties have been cultivated, Sadly it is not so easy to fi nd large drifts as children, we are thinking of an Arts in ’s Kelmscott Manor creating a huge diversity of shades, sizes of wild daff odils as once it was, as many and Crafts Garden. With its garden garden, through watercolour illustrations, and fl owering periods. populations in grassland have been lost to rooms, secret corners, its topiary and seed catalogue design and children’s One of the best places to see early- cultivation, but it remains locally frequent butterfl ies and bees, this is the romantic book illustrations, to the two men fl owering varieties in profusion is The in woodlands – including Croft Castle and image that fi lls our imagination. responsible for Manor’s in

Weir Garden near Hereford, where the Parkland’s Fishpool Valley in Herefordshire, © National Trust Images/ChrisLacey garden design, artist and sheltered south-facing bank above the River where rangers and volunteers have rescued garden designer Alfred Parsons and the Wye can be covered in yellow blooms in and relocated a fi ne patch of bulbs which landscape architect Thomas Mawson. February. However, my personal favourite were at risk of being submerged when one Head Gardener Cat Sobolewska said: remains our native wild daff odil Narcissus of the dams was repaired as part of the ‘This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate pseudonarcissus. Its charms are more subtle valley’s restoration project. the way in which our garden refl ects the than those of the bigg er, blousier varieties wonderful quality and variety of the arts Simon Barker, Wildlife Advisor and crafts collection in the house. 2020 is the centenary of the death of Alfred Parsons which feels to us like the perfect opportunity to show the way that trends in garden design were infl uenced by what was happening in the world of art.’ A new garden leafl et and children’s trail will help to explain the links as well as garden walks and talks throughout the seasons.

To discover more, visit

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wightwick-manor-and-gardens © National Trust Images/RupertTruman Rooted in Place: Helping nature thrive at Brockhampton News in brief connected to home Brockhampton is nestled in the Herefordshire © National Trust ImagesKatherineManning countryside and is surrounded by orchards 40th anniversary celebrations and a farming landscape. Thanks to support 40 years ago this spring, we welcomed visitors to Dudmaston in Shropshire © National Trust Images/RupertTruman Trust © National At Upton House and Gardens in from players of People’s Postcode Lottery Warwickshire, we’re bringing the outside and Arts Council England, plans to restore for the fi rst time. Back in 1980, the in this spring. Step into an immersive art a healthy, beautiful natural environment at house and garden was open just two installation, inspired by the words of Peter Brockhampton and to help nature thrive are afternoons a week, with ‘homemade Montefi ore Samuel, 4th Viscount Bearsted, making progress. teas’ served between 3-5pm. To mark the when he wrote home during WWII: ‘I can The ambitious plans include the anniversary, the property is hosting ‘Hart shut my eyes and sniff and imagine myself creation of three new orchards, reversion Last winter, teams of volunteers supported of the Wood’, a year-long art project and lying on the lawn at Upton with the smell of of arable land and grassland to lowland by the property team planted hundreds of one-off performance in celebration of fl owers and the humming of bees, and no meadow, restoration of hedgerow as well as new trees. These will form the centre piece Dudmaston’s woodland heritage. one to bother me.’ the replacing of old or installing new fences of the property’s Reimagining Orchards Each year, thanks to the generosity of across the estate. project that will tell the story of traditional On 28 March, Baddesley Clinton in our supporters, we care for the majestic Improving biodiversity is at the heart orchards and the impact that they have Warwickshire celebrates its 40th cedar trees that have stood guarding the of the project. Arable grass which is used had on Brockhampton, Herefordshire and anniversary of being in the care of the south lawn for over 300 years. As a symbol for grazing is only made up of two or three further afi eld. National Trust. Join us this year and fi nd of resilience, they provide a place of shade species of grass, the traditional meadows The property has also worked with the out all about the people who lived here, and safety on hot sunny days and clearly that have been sewn are a mix of at least Herefordshire Meadows Group to host joint how it came into the National Trust’s care evoked strong images of home for the seven. Wider variety supports a broader mix bumble bee identifi cation training, teaching and the work that has been done since to viscount during his time in Egy pt. of benefi cial insects – including hardworking the staff and volunteers who will support our restore and look after this special place. Until 5 May, we invite you to sit, lie, stop pollinators like bees and butterfl ies. In turn, habitat monitoring. A carpet of crocuses and dream beneath the cedar trees whilst an abundance of insects will encourage Area Ranger Nick Hinchliff e said: ‘This As though somebody has sprinkled jewels in the sheltered space of our gallery. more birds and small mammals to make work will have such a positive impact on on the grass, every spring crocuses their homes in the hedgerows that have the natural environment at Brockhampton appear like shining amethysts on the lawn been planted. and will deliver real benefi ts to our visitors, of Benthall Hall in Shropshire. Find out more about supporters and wildlife too.’ The crocuses were fi rst introduced to Rooted in Place exhibition at the garden by tenant George Maw, an To learn more about the project and it’s developments, please visit industrialist with a keen eye for botany. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/upton-rooted-in-place His book ‘A Monograph of the Genus www.nationaltrust.org.uk/reimagining-orchards Crocus’ is on display in the Hall – visit Benthall in March or April to see his detailed watercolour illustrations and to enjoy the real crocuses themselves heralding the arrival of spring in the garden. Busy for bees at Edge For more details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/benthall-hall

© National Trust Images/TomGriffin Coventrys and Art at Croome Works from famous artists such as Allan This spring the Ranger team at in To learn the best techniques for creating these Ramsay and Sir Joshua Reynolds feature Staff ordshire will be busy making homes for scrapes the National Trust staff and volunteers in Croome in Worcestershire’s new bees – but this doesn’t mean building hives. visited local Staff ordshire Wildlife Trust site ‘Coventrys and Art’ exhibition. From a distance the grass at Kinver Edge looks , where they have already Portraits, from Croome’s own collection like a freshly mowed lawn, but get closer and a dug out several of these bee homes. and private collections, showcase the network of little holes are revealed in the sand Experts will be monitoring the success history of the Coventry family from the – these are the nests of bees that live in of the project at Kinver Edge with a full bee turn of the 17th century to present day. tunnels in the soil. survey this summer, but anyone can enjoy A new commission from Malvern In the past, farm waste was discarded on the sight of these little creatures buzzing contemporary artist Antony Bridge and this important wildlife space, so now the staff in and out of their holes in the ground on artworks by artist Lincoln Taber, and volunteer Rangers are scraping back the a warm day. a member of the Coventry family, top layer of grassy earth to reveal the soil can also be seen. below again, creating miniature sandy cliff faces that the bees can burrow into. Further information on the exhibition can be found at To fi nd out more, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kinver-bee-homes www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coventrys-and-art If you’d like to volunteer, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mids-volunteering

For membership queries please call 0344 800 1895 If you require this information in alternative formats, including the Talking Newsletter, please telephone 0121 224 7460 or email: [email protected]

National Trust Midlands Region, Hardwick Consultancy Office, The Croft, Doe Lea, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 5QJ Printed on 60% recycled paper. Printed by Walstead Bicester. Director for the Midlands: Andy Beer. Editor: Andrea Walker. © National Trust 2020. Registered Charity No. 205846 Please recycle after use. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 4 Spring 2020