Purbeck Cider Volunteers
After noticing apples wasting on the grounds of the estate, this group of conservation volunteers wanted to do something with them. They received funding from the Traditional Orchards project which has been used to restore orchards on the estate, plant new trees and build a proper cider-making shed, which helped them make a £1,000 profit in 2010 when the cider was sole in the property shop.
The group have helped to change perceptions of the Trust and they have formed links with other Trust properties, orchard owners and cider makers to share tips and expertise. They have involved the local community in the project by holding events involving apple pressing and apple juice making. They have vastly helped to raise awareness of the importance of orchards.
Second place – The restoration of the Victorian Greenhouse at Oxburgh Hall
The volunteers identified specialist skills amongst them and restored the dangerous replacement of the original structure, along with the help of local community groups and businesses. The project was completely volunteer led and was a new and improved way of encouraging them to work with staff.
Joint third place – Longshaw Estate Kitchen Garden
The derelict kitchen garden was taken on by volunteers and now provides the tea room on the Estate with fresh seasonal produce. Visitors are actively encouraged to go into the garden and talk to the team, many of them leaving feeling encouraged to try growing their own produce at home.
Joint third place – Volunteer Support Team at Seaton Delaval Hall
This team of five volunteers manage all aspects of volunteer recruitment and management on site. They successfully recruited a team of volunteers ready for the opening day and now support 107 volunteers. The team have built good relations with staff and have discovered new ways of involving and reaching the local community which has helped change perceptions of the National Trust.