Teamwork makes the dream work

Recently we all undertook a Lantra approved 4x4 training course, destination Bestwood Country Park due to it's challenging terrain.
Lots of things were covered including; failed hill start, winch rescue and working as a team to navigate through dense woodland.

We undertake these courses to better understand the vehicles we use on site but also so that we can apply the skills learnt in everyday running of a Country Park.

We used both our site vehicle and the trainer's Landrover to test the differences, and to see which one was better for different reasons. Both did very well on all tasks with the Ford Ranger just pipping the Landrover to be crowned the best all rounder. 

Operation Bestwood

Recent goings on at Bestwood include;

• Building steps down a Horse Trail so the riders can descend safely
• Meadow sweeping to see what lies in the grasses of a Bestwood
• Tree felling to open up light into existing pathways
• Ragwort pulling on the Pit Top so this species does not invade too much space

Fox caught on camera again

Once again the Fox has been up to lots of shenanigans, seen here playing with a ball possibly???

New beginnings

As May turns to June Rufford Rangers are having to change the way they operate. From the 1^st of June our colleagues from Bestwood Country Park will be joining us here at Rufford to run both parks together from one base so we hope you will join us in offering a warm welcome to Steve, Rob and Steve. The next few months will be interesting as all the team get to know one another and settle in to their new surroundings and new routines. There are many differences between the parks so it will take some time for them to get to know the areas, habitats and wildlife.

Tree of the Week

LIME - Tilia x europaea

Native to the UK, the common Lime is a hybrid between Small-leaved and Large leaved Limes. Common lime is most often seen as an ornamental tree in large parks and estates. Here at Rufford, the lime trees make up what was once the old driveway, from the Western gates main entrance (A614) to the Abbey's grand doors.

(During the war, lime blossom was used to make a soothing tea).

• Look out for the heart shaped leaves. Usually 6-10cm,  toothed on the outer side and dull green in colour.
• The bark is a grey-brown, with ridges appearing on more mature trees and large burrs (abnormal growth) at the base of the tree.

Cygnets again.

Good news again this year, the Swan has had 7 cygnets and they are all in good health.

Also seen on site today was a female Orange-Tip Butterfly on Red Campion.

Here is a close up of one of the cygnets.

Tree of the Week

HORNBEAM - Carpinus Betulus

The Hornbeam, horn meaning 'hard' and beam 'tree' in old English, is traditionally used for furniture and flooring due to it's hard wood, as it's name suggests. Native to Britain it is a deciduous (leaves fall in winter) broadleaf tree, growing up to 30m tall and 300 years old.

• Look out for it's smooth grey bark, often developing  vertical fissures (cracks) as it ages. The leaves are oval and pointed with serrated edges and grows 7-12cm long. In Autumn the leaves look particularly attractive, turning yellow through to orange and then a reddish- brown. 

•  In the Autumn, Finches and tits along with small mammals will eat the seeds. The plant is also food for caterpillars of many different moth species, including the nut tree tussock.