Conservation in action: Common Tern chicks
The Common Tern is of conservation concern (BoCC5 amber listed) due to a decline in both the breeding population and the breeding range (by around 30-40%). A major cause of their decline is the lack of suitable breeding sites. They require open ground free of vegetation and have traditionally nested on coastal shingle or on low lying inland islands. They are increasingly dependent on the latter as a result of coastal development and human disturbance. Another cause for concern is the potential spread of avian flu to the larger colonies.
A couple of years ago, the Trust was instrumental in the deployment of a new floating tern raft at Pixies Mere, specially designed to create nesting habitat for terns. For the first time this year, we are delighted to report that three Common Tern chicks have successfully hatched and fledged – a very significant development. As an isolated colony, the terns at Pixies Mere have a higher chance of breeding successfully, so we are very hopeful of having more chicks in the future. This is real conservation in action from Box Moor Trust.
Peter Phillips (Trustee)
Peter Phillips (Trustee)
Recognition for young local cricketing talent
Once again this year, the Trust has been very pleased to award cricket bats, made from willow grown on the Trust estate, to deserving young cricketers from each of the two clubs that play on the land.
At Hemel Hempstead Town Cricket Club the award went to Jacob Hodgins, one of a number of young cricketers who have made a notable transition into senior cricket at the club. Boxmoor Cricket Club’s Junior Cricketer Award went to Aiden Manning, who this season has progressed to play Saturday 1st XI cricket. Both bats were presented by Trustee Peter Phillips.
For over 100 years now the hybrid willow Salix Caerulea has been grown along the canal and riverbanks on Trust land. Every ten to twelve years, a number of trees become ready for cropping and new young setts are then planted in their place. Once felled, the trunks are sent to the sawmills where they are cut into clefts and sold on to bat makers. It takes about a year to make a fully seasoned bat.
Donating made easy
As a charitable Trust, we are most grateful to our supporters and beneficiaries who kindly make financial donations towards our work. If you would like to donate then please use the button below. Thanks to everyone who has generously donated so far.
www.boxmoortrust.org.uk
01442 253300
