The Mudlarks is a voluntary association of National Trust members who carry out
regular practical conservation work for the National Trust on the Longshaw and
High Peak Estates in North Derbyshire.
The group was formed at Longshaw on Sunday 1 April 1990 following publicity
features in local Sheffield and North Derbyshire newspapers. A good number of
people turned up for the inaugural meeting at Longshaw Visitor Centre. There
was an introductory talk and walk followed by the first day’s conservation work – repairing walls and erecting fencing near White Edge, and resurfacing the path
from the Lodge up to Fox House.
Two months later the work clearing out drainage ditches at Greenwood Farm was so
muddy that the group became known as the ‘Mudlarks’. Originally set up to work on Longshaw Estate, it was decided in April 1993 to
divide the Mudlarks’ workdays up between Longshaw and High Peak Estates alternately each month. The
Mudlarks continue to meet every first Sunday in the month.
Some members carry out additional work mid-week on one or two days each month.
Occasionally the opportunity arises to help other organisations such as the YHA
and the Friends of the Porter Valley.
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