Shropshire and Staffordshire National Trust Volunteers Mark 100,000-Hour Milestone

A volunteer group focused on outdoor activities in Shropshire and Staffordshire is celebrating a significant achievement. Since its establishment in 1980, the Shropshire and Staffordshire National Trust Volunteers (SSNTV) have dedicated 100,000 hours of service to the organization. Equipped with hand tools, the team of 60 volunteers visits various National Trust properties across both counties to perform a wide range of conservation tasks, from planting hedges to repairing fences. Nick Swankie, the head gardener at Benthall Hall in Broseley, described them as “a roving army of crack commandos, with their saws and bonfires”. Founder member Christopher Brown commented: “The work the group has done is the equivalent to about 4,500 days of labour, worth over £1.14m at today’s minimum wage rate. “When the group started they were all in their twenties – as you can see we’re a bit older than that now and the work rate isn’t quite as prolific.” The volunteer group was founded 44 years ago at Wightwick Manor, located near Wolverhampton. Numerous close relationships have developed within the group. Christopher Brown met his wife, Chris, in 1992 while volunteering at Carding Mill Valley in Church Stretton. He remarked: “We love the fun, friendship and cake eating, the work is a side issue.” Sarah Page, the newest member from Cannock, stated that she joined to engage in outdoor work as a change from her office job, to contribute to the community, to learn new skills, and to gain insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of the National Trust. The group, which is continuously seeking new volunteers, frequently visits sites such as Shugborough Estate, Attingham Park, Dudmaston Estate, Benthall Hall, Kinver Edge, Wightwick Manor, and Moseley Old Hall. For updates, BBC Shropshire is available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC does not assume responsibility for the content of external websites, and details on its approach to external linking are provided.