MEET THE COWS
Saturday , 24 February 2024 10:30am - 11:30am Howe ' s Retreat , Felden Lane , Hemel Hempstead , HP3 0BY
Our Belted Galloway cattle would like to invite you to visit them in their winter home , the cattle barns at Howes Retreat . See all the cows up close ( including the newest additions ), learn all about our living lawnmowers and the important role they play in the management of the Box Moor Trust estate , and ask the Rangers any questions you have about our wonderful four-legged friends . There will be refreshments and some children ' s activities as well as information on the Box Moor Trust .
This is a bookable event with four 1-hour timeslots throughout the day . To ensure that everyone can attend , please aim to stick to your timeslot . All are welcome . Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian and remain supervised throughout the day .
Book via : https :// bookwhen . com / boxmoortrust 75 spaces available . Suggested donation : £ 5.00 adults , £ 2.50 child ( under 18 )
CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS UPDATE
At the end of November , our conservation volunteers were working on Apsley Triangle ( a corner of Box Moor Trust land sandwiched between the river and the road at Apsley ) to complete the second stage in the creation of a wildflower meadow . They have scattered yellow rattle seed , a semi-parasitic plant that feeds off the nutrients of nearby grasses . This will supress the growth of the more dominant species and make more room for wildflowers to grow and thrive .
Photo by Matt Shrimpton
should grow and thrive to create a great habitat for pollinators , amphibians , and small mammals . The species that were planted are : Musk mallow , Wild carrot , Selfheal , Salad burnet , Meadow cranesbill , Birds foot trefoil , Yarrow , Betony , Common knapweed , Ribwort Plantain .
In December , the volunteers undertook the spiky job of scrub clearance at Preston Hill Pond , Westbrook Hay . It is important to keep the newly renovated pond edge clear of scrub to protect the new Bentonite liner from any damage , thus keeping the pond full of water .
They also started laying the hedge leading up to the pond and have been creating a viewing area at the end of the newly laid path . This will help provide habitat for wildlife , creating shelter and a corridor for small mammals and birds .
To give the wildflower meadow a kickstart , our volunteers have also planted wildflower plugs which
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