Shropshire Hills Learning

Use of the Long Mynd

As you will appreciate with over 20,000 Educational Visitors per year to Carding Mill Valley and Ashes Hollow, particular problems come to light. The National Trust would be very appreciative of your support in eliminating these irritations. We encourage school groups (particularly Primary Schools) to use Carding Mill valley (as opposed to other parts of the Long Mynd) for studies as it is better serviced (toilets, lunch room, field labs etc) and allows for conservation of the delicate habitats elsewhere.

It is always necessary to pre-book any visit to the Long Mynd.

Group leaders must make a preliminary visit to appraise suitability and conduct risk assesssments.

Ashes Hollow - Preferably not to be used by Primary School groups

• Please be aware that there are no public toilets in Little Stretton. The toilets on the camping field must not be used. There are two sets of Public Conveniences in Church Stretton.
• Please unload and dismiss your coach as promptly as possible. The publican requests no parking on road in front of “Ragleth Arms”. (Parking available in Carding Mill Valley).
• Please pass through the camping field and next field promptly to National Trust property.
• Please resist the temptation to use the first and rather overused relict terrace as your base/briefing site.

Carding Mill Valley

• Please be aware that vehicles have right of way on the road and that there are residents in the Valley. Single file on the road is helpful. Coaches to park in the designated area.
• Please supervise pupil access to the Chalet Pavilion and Shop in small groups. Ice creams only available from outside tearooms. Please request that the kiosk be opened if closed.
• Please be aware of the potential for abuse of the toilet facilities.

Both Valleys

• Please encourage a conservation attitude and leave no evidence of your visit in respect of litter.
• Please avoid bank breakdown along the stream ways and discourage building of dams.
• Please do not allow students to disturb the fragile habitats of flushes, heathland etc.
• Please return all measured/sampled bedload to the stream as quickly as possible to conserve life forms. Warn of the dangers of stone throwing.
• Please measure valley sides by clinometer from the base as other methods accelerate erosion and falling rocks and ranging poles are a danger to all.
• Please be aware of the needs of other visitors in your movements.
• Please discourage grass tobogganing, noisy groups and walking up the screes or off the footpath. Overleaf are the key messages we would like students to understand by the end of their visit.
• Leaders should ensure students are closely monitored, adequately insured and appropriately dressed.

Thanking you in anticipation of your support. The staff of the Long Mynd hope that you have a productive visit.

Key Messages learned by visiting the Long Mynd

• The landscape and wildlife of the Long Mynd have been shaped by farming over thousands of years, and without constant management it would very quickly lose much of its appeal.
• The hills may look tough and rugged but actually it is quite fragile. Without the National Trust's management, it would very quickly lose much of its special value - and you can help us care for it.
• Much of the Long Mynd is covered by heathland, which is rare and very valuable because it supports such a variety of birds and other wildlife.
• Your lifestyle has a real impact on the countryside and the environment - by making the right choices, you can help us to care for places like this.

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