In a continued commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the National Trust has invested in a powerful and eco-friendly tool to help maintain the picturesque Nostell Priory near Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Paul Dibb, Garden and Landscape Manager at Nostell Priory, recently spearheaded the acquisition of the Avant E6; a ground-breaking fully electric compact loader with Lithium-ion batteries, marking a significant step towards sustainability.
Paul Dibb has dedicated 36 years tending to Nostell Priory’s 300-acre site, overseeing the maintenance of grass lawns, hedges, trees, rose gardens, and more recently, cycle paths. Over the years, he has operated various landscaping machinery, from John Deere ride-on tractors to Toro grass cutters. However, as the National Trust prioritised an eco-friendly culture, Paul sought a more versatile and environmentally conscious solution to the various jobs his machinery would regularly perform. The chosen machine had to be fully electric, efficient, and durable.
Paul’s search for the perfect machine led him to Central Platform Services (CPSLift), his local Avant dealer. After extensive research and consultations with Paul Debnam, CPSLift’s resident Avant Expert, he settled on the Avant E6 – a choice that aligned seamlessly with the National Trust’s environmentally friendly policy and was well-suited to a range of tasks within the Nostell Priory grounds.
To ensure the National Trust team could assess the machine’s capabilities first-hand, a demonstration was arranged. CPSLift delivered and demonstrated the Avant E6, showcasing its impressive features and performance.
Paul Dibb, a now satisfied customer of Avant and CPSLift, emphasised the importance of the National Trust’s Climate & Action Policy in making this choice. He highlighted the Avant E Series’ superior power and versatility compared to other options, and the convenience of the rapid charge unit, which ensures the team can continue working efficiently throughout the day.
The Avant E6 came equipped with various options, including an L Cab for all-weather use, a rear weight for maximum lifting capacity, boom flotation for ground clearing, anti-slip differential lock for challenging terrain, rear ball hitch for towing, rear hydraulics for a tipper trailer, and the rapid charge station, which was installed by CPSLift Director John Burton whilst being ably assisted by his daughter Cherry Burton.
The National Trust selected a range of attachments to go with their new E6 loader, including a 4-in-1 bucket, pallet forks with a log grab, a 1200mm lawn mower, and an Avant hydraulic tipper trailer. Upon delivery, operator training was provided by John Burton, Director at CPSLift.com. This training session ensured the Nostell team could operate the compact loader both safely and efficiently.
A Glimpse Into Nostell Priory’s Rich History
Nostell Priory, a National Trust property in West Yorkshire, holds a rich history spanning centuries. Initially, it was the site of an Iron Age/Romano-British settlement, and later, in the 12th century, an Augustinian priory was founded. However, it was dissolved in 1539 as part of Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. Today, the only standing remains of the priory are the 15th-century Monks’ Refectory, a former Brewhouse, and the church of St. Michael and Our Lady.
The existing 18th-century house, surrounded by meticulously designed landscape gardens, lakes, and pleasure grounds, overlays the site of the medieval priory and its buildings. The parkland itself has evolved over the centuries, beginning as a deer park for private use and later expanding under the ownership of the Winn family, who acquired Nostell Priory in 1654.
The National Trust took over the care of the house, gardens, and estate in the 20th century. The 18th-century house, designed by James Moyser and refined by architect James Paine, remains a testament to the estate’s rich history.
Nostell Priory continues to be a cherished heritage site, and the addition of the Avant E6 compact loader reflects the National Trust’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty while reducing its carbon footprint.
For more information about Nostell Priory and its conservation efforts, please visit the National Trust website at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/nostell.
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