Fauna Gallery
On this you page you will see selection of wildlife photographs, all taken on the Box Moor Trust estate. If you would like to submit a please click here. All photos have been taken by members of the local community who take a keen interest in the bountiful wildlife that is commonplace within the Box Moor Trust.
Gadespring Cressbeds.
All of the photos in this gallery have been taking by local residents who have sign up to the Gadespring Gate Agreement, to make use of the Bird Hide. If you would like more information about using the bird hide, you can do so by clicking here.
More colourful than their name suggests the Grey Wagtail is often associated with running water, so it is no surprise that they have been spotted at the Cressbeds! A Heron rescues a Rat from the water at the Cressbeds. Heron's are a regular site across the Trust estate, but often spend a great deal of time at Gadespring. These beautifully coloured birds are often seen at the Gadespring Cressbeds, just outside the bird hide, which is where Clive Tomlinson took this photo. Gadespring also plays home to a bespoke Kingfisher Bank to encourage these mercurial creatures to call the cressbeds site 'home'. A common, but nevertheless welcome, sight, the Long-Tailed Tit. Known for the having a tail that is longer than the rest of it's body these tiny birds are instantly recognisable. The Meadow pipit is one of the UK's most common songbirds, however, unfortunately numbers have been falling since the 1970's and as a result the Meadow Pipit find's itself on the RSPB's Amber List. One of the UK's most well known butterflies, the Red Admiral is a familiar sight for many. Despite this, the majority of Red Admirals aren't residential, instead they travel over the channel from Central Europe. Our cold winters often prevent them from establishing a more significant residential population. Foxes are an increasingly controversial animal, however, they nevertheless a part of the ecosystem. Gadespring is home to a pair of Foxes, including this handsome fellow. A member of the Finch family, the Lesser Redpoll is a common bird across most of the United Kingdom, however, it is a scarce visitor this far south, and has been given Red Status by the RSPB. We were delighted when Clive captured a photo of one of two that had been spotted at the Cressbeds! Peter Gatehouse captured this brilliant shot of the Sedge Warbler and Wren, and in the process recorded the first confirmed siting of the former at Gadespring! The Warbler is a summer visitor to these shores, travelling from the Sahara desert. We were delighted when Pete Gatehouse sent us this photo; Spotted Flycatchers are an increasingly rare sight in the UK. Numbers have fallen by 87% between 1967 & 2008 due to decreased breeding numbers. A migratory bird, they are one the last to return to the UK, with the majority arriving in May & June. A common, but seldom spotted bird, we were delighted to discover Water rails visiting the Gadespring site. Wren's are one of the smallest birds in the UK, and as a result tricky to spot. They do however, have disproportionately loud and complex songs.Grey Wagtail - Iain Nibbsy
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/59f2e4c1095c0.jpgHeron and Rat - Clive Tomlinson
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/59f0e0c06e99b.jpgKingfisher - Clive Tomlinson
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/59e4d715e3dbe.jpgLong-Tailed Tit - Clive Tomlinson
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/59f766b3ccd0c.jpgMeadow Pipit - Iain Nibbsy
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/5a99a189ed555.jpgRed Admiral - Clive Tomlinson
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/59f766f23a11f.jpgRed Fox - Iain Nibbsy
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/59e7a072d87c9.jpgRed Poll - Clive Tomlinson
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/59f35393d4503.jpgSedge Warbler & Wren - Peter Gatehouse
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Sedge-warbler-Peter-Gatehouse.jpgSpotted Flycatcher - Pete Gatehouse
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Spotted-fly-catcher-Pete-Gatehouse-resized.jpgWater Rail - Rob Simons
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Water-Rail-Rob-Simons.jpgWren - Steve Rogers
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/5a5b1ad1224b6.jpg
Amphibians & Reptiles
Unsurprisingly, Frogs are most often found in and around ponds. They tend to be smaller than toads, usually reaching up to approximately 9cm in length. Common Toads are easy to differentiate from Frogs due to their warty skin, which often appears to be dry. They also tend to crawl rather than hop. The burrow underground and usually come out at night. Smooth Newts are one of only three species of UK newt, and are the most widespread of the three, and reaches up to approximately 10cm in length. Common Frog - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Common-Frog-Lucy-Flower.jpgCommon Toad - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Common-Toad-Lucy-Flower.jpgSmooth Newt - Lucy Flower
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Birds
The commnest in-land gull is a regular sight across the length and breadth of the UK. Despite it's name for much of the year it has actually has a White head! When the head is darker, it's Chocolate-brown rather than pure black. This passerine bird is typically found in wetlands areas, with ample bushes and reeds. A common sight in rivers, canals and lakes across the UK, the Canada Goose can often be seen flying in a distinctive 'V formation'. The commonest, and most widespread, bird of prey in the UK, they number between 60-80,000. Their mewing call can often be confused for that of a cat. We were delighted when the eagle-eyed Alice sent in this photo of Snipe on the Moor as it shows the effect the Bulbourne Restoration Project has had on the area. Part of the restoration included the construction of scrapes (aka ephemeral ponds) which encourage wading birds. As such, the presence of the Snipe was seen as proof of the positive effect of the Bulbourne Restoration! The flash of yellow on the breast of the Grey Wagtail means it's significantly more colourful than it's name suggests. The largest of the UK woodpeckers, the Green is often found at ground level, where it feeds. It's beak is relatively weak and is used for pecking soft wood only. A well known sight along rivers and canals, the Heron is a regular visitor to Station Moor where it can be seen looking for fish in the River Bulbourne. Smaller than a Common Snipe, the Jack Snipe is a shy bird and as such is often considered somewhat rare, despite sizeable numbers in the UK. Jackdaws are the smallest member of the Crow family, however, it is very intelligent. Italian thieves once trained a jackdaw to steal money from cash machines! Jays are also a member of the crow family, however, they are more colourful than their monotone cousins. Whilst they are shy, and rarely leave cover, they are incredibly fond of Acorns and can be seen burying them in autumn. It's distintive wing pattern make it a well known sight, and can often be seen hovering alongside roadside verges. The spotting of a Kestrel characteristically hovering over Bulbourne Moor was a welcome sight. Not only does it mean we likely have a pair, but it also suggests that ground level fauna (such as voles and dormice) are also in abundance in the area. Small and mercurial, the Kingfisher is often seen on Harding's Moor, where a purpose built Kingfisher Bed has been constructed as part of the Bringing back the Bulbourne project. Another regular visitor to Station Moor, the Little Egret is often seen wading through the Bulbourne. A large Thrush, the Mistle Thrush can measure up to a foot in length, and is known to sit right at the very top of trees. Moorhens are a common sight in British lakes and rivers, this chick was spotted for the first time recently at the Gadespring Cressbeds. Now a common sight in the skies over Hemel Hempstead and surrounding areas, the Red Kite was driven to extinction in England during the 1800's. It is believed that over 1000 breeding pairs are now calling the Chilterns 'home'. A familiar sight to even the least ornithological amongst us, the robin is often associated with Christmas, likely due to it's bright red breast. In 2015 it was unofficially voted Britain's National Bird. We were delighted when Pete Gatehouse sent us this photo; Spotted Flycatchers are an increasingly rare sight in the UK. Numbers have fallen by 87% between 1967 & 2008 due to decreased breeding numbers. A migratory bird, they are one the last to return to the UK, with the majority arriving in May & June. Rough the same size as a Robin, males typically have jet black heads. The name is derived from their call, which sounds like to stones being tapped together. Easily spotted due to their distinctive tail feathers, there are dedicated swallow nests can be found in the eves of the Old Barn roof. The Tawny is approximately the same size as a Pidgeon. A common misconception is that the Tawny has exceptional eyesight, however, it's retina is no more sensitive than that of a Human. As the name suggests, Treecreepers spend the majority of their time up in trees in the search for food. Even more colourful than its cousin the Grey Wagtail, the Yellow is easily spotted due to its vivid yellow plumage. Blackheaded Gull - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Blackheaded-Gull-Lucy-Flower.pngBunting -Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Bunting-Lucy-Flower.pngCanadian Swan - Frank Thompson
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/8B-Frank-Thompson.jpgCommon Buzzard - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Common-Buzzard-Lucy-Flower.pngCommon Snipe - Alice Vesty
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/snipe.jpgGrey Wagtail - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Grey-Wagtail-Lucy-Flower.pngGreen Woodpecker - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Green-Woodpecker-Lucy-Flower.pngHeron - Arthur Brown
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Heron-2.jpgJack Snipe - Clive Tomlinson
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/5bd74a324a530.jpgJackdaw - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Jackdaw-Lucy-Flower.pngJay - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Jay-Lucy-Flower.pngKestrel - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Kestrel-Lucy-Flower.pngKestrel (female)- Clive Tomlinson
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/5a2038b8e1c5d.jpgKingfisher - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Kingfisher2.pngLittle Egret - Derrick Dunks
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Little-Egret-Derrick-Dunks.jpgMistle Thrush - Dan Forder
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Mistle-Thrush-Dan-Forder.jpgMoorhen Chick - Mike Nott
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/moorhen_chick_Mike_Nott.jpgRed Kite - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/red-kite-lucy-flower.pngRobin - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Robin-Lucy-Flower.pngSpotted Flycatcher - Pete Gatehouse
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Spotted-fly-catcher-Pete-Gatehouse-resized.jpgStonechat - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Stonechat-Lucy-Flower.pngSwallows _ Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Swallows-_-Lucy-Flower.pngSwan - Chris Ward
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Swan-Chris-Ward.jpgTawny Owl - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tawny-Owl-Lucy-Flower.pngTreecreeper - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Treecreeper-Lucy-Flower.pngYellow wagtail
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Insects
The Banded Demoiselle is one of only 2 British damselflies to have coloured wings. Females have iridescent green wings, whilst males have a dark blue or black band across the central portion. The Banded Demoiselle is one of only 2 British damselflies to have coloured wings. Females have iridescent green wings, whilst males have a dark blue or black band across the central portion. The defense mechanism of this beetle is certainly something special; when threatened the beetle spits out droplets of bright red hemolymph. This hemolymph is foul tasting to predators. As small group of these beetles have been found at Gadespring. The name Brimstone is a reference to the colour of this butterfly, as it is sulphur yellow. Although technically a 'blue' butterfly, the colouring of this the Brown Argus is, unsurprisingly, Brown. The Common Blue is a one of the most frequently seen of the seven species of Damselfly in the UK. The Common Blue is likely the most commonly seen blue butterfly in the UK, hence the name and can be found almost everywhere across the country, with the exception of Shetland. The Common Blue is likely the most commonly seen blue butterfly in the UK, hence the name and can be found almost everywhere across the country, with the exception of Shetland. Named because it looks like a classic carpet pattern, the Carpet Moth can be found across the UK. Unlike the Banded Demoiselle, the Common Darter is a Dragonfly. The easiest way to tell them apart is by their wings. Dragonflies, such as this one, hold their wings flat and away from their body, whilst damselflies hold their wings closed against their body. Commonly mistaken for a moth, the Dingy Skipper is in fact a Butterfly. It has a wide, though patchy, distribution across the UK. Found is course, damp grass in most parts of the UK, the Common Green typically grows between 14-23mm. The most common of all British Hairstreaks, the Green is has a wide variety of food plants, meaning it is common across the country. Despite also being known as the 'Sloe bug', during a survey in Surrey, the bug was never found on Blackthorn! We were delighted when local lepidopterist Ben Sale reported (and photographed) the Jersey Mocha - it was the first one ever recorded in Hertfordshire! The Painted Lady is found in every continent, aside from South America and Antarctica, they are one of the most regonisable butterflies. The distintive pattern on the wings is also a defense mechanism. The blotches at the back form a pair of eyes, whilst the body of the butterfly forms a 'beak', when looked at from head on. To butterfly predators such as mice, this must look fearsome! Named due to the rings on its wings, the Ringlet has a huge range across the UK. Slightly smaller and less common than the Common Darter, they can often be distinguished by the slightly different colourings; male Ruddy's tend to be blood red, whilst females are Mustard yellow. The Shaped Broad-bar is a 'Macro' moth, a grouping that includes the largest of all the moths the Atlas Moth. Despite this, the Shaded Board-bar typically has a wingspan of approximately 3cm. This day-flying moth is easily spotted due to it's distinctive patterned wings. It is found in every corner of the UK and is the UK's mot common burnet moth. Once a common sight across the UK, numbers of the Small Copper have diminished considerably over the last few years, with numbers decreasing by a quarter in 2014. It is suspected that this decline is a result of climate change. Sparsley found in the UK, we were delighted when Trust Chairman David Kirk found one at the Gadespring Cressbeds - for the second time!Banded Demoiselle - Dan Forder
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Banded-Demoiselle-Dan-Forder.jpgBanded Demoiselle - Iain Nibbsy
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/59eb8b866d878.jpgBloody-Nosed Beetle Larvae - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Bloody-Nosed-Beetle-Larvae-Lucy-Flower.jpgBrimstone - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Brimstone-Lucy-Flower.jpgBrown Argus - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Brown-Argus-Lucy-Flower.jpgCommon Blue - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Common-Blue-dfly-Lucy-Flower.jpgCommon Blue - Brendan Sheridan
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/brendan-sheridan-common-blue.jpgCommon Blue Chris Ward
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Common-Blue-Chris-Ward.jpgCommon Carpet Moth - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Common-Carpet-Moth-Lucy-Flower.jpgCommon Darter - Dan Forder
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Common-Darter-Dan-Forder.jpgDingy Skipper - Karen Poore
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/dingy-skipper-Karen-Poore.jpgCommon Grasshopper - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Common-Grasshopper-Lucy-Flower.jpgGreen Hairstreak - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Green-Hairstreak-Lucy-Flower.jpgHairy Shieldbug - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Hairy-Shieldbug-Lucy-Flower.jpgJersey Mocha - Ben Sale
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Jersey-Mocha-Ben-Sale.jpgPainted Lady - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Painted-Lady-Lucy-Flower.jpgPeacock butterflies - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Peacock-butterflies-Lucy-Flower.jpgRinglets - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Ringlets-Lucy-Flower.jpgRuddy Darter - Iain Nibbsy
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/5b63289120ea3.pngShaded Board bar - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Shaded-Board-bar-Lucy-Flower.jpgSix Spot Burnet - Brendan Sheridan
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/brendan-sheridan-six-spot-burnet.jpgSmall Copper - Brendan Sheridan
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/brendan-sheridan-small-copper.jpgTawny Pinion - David Kirk
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Tawny-Pinion.jpg
Mammals
Glis Glis are not native to the UK, and were accidentally introduced in the town of Tring, after some escaped from the Rothschild collection. As a result, approximately 30,000 of these little critters reside in Herts, Beds and Bucks. Red Foxes are an increasingly common sight in both the countryside and more urban environments. The European Hedgehog numbers are, unfortunately, falling in the UK. They are almost exclusively nocturnal so consider yourself very lucky if you happen to see one! Although a welcome site on the Moors, the 'Boxmoor Ponies', as they are known, do not actually belong to the Trust. Instead, they are owned by local graziers, who, via the use of Pasture Tickets, have the right to graze the land. Pete Gatehouse shared this fantastic photo of an Otter that had made it's way to Hardings Moor. The presence of an Otter on the moor, an animal seldom seen on the Trust Estate was delightful news, as it means the recent River Bulbourne Restoration Project dramatically improved the ecosystem of the River. Although rabbits are common around the Trust estate, they are rarely seen. Being crepuscular, they are mainly active and dawn and dusk, and are often skittish around Humans. As the name suggests, these sheep originate from Norfolk. In 1919 only one flock of the sheep existed. Since then numbers have increased, with the Norfolk Horn no longer facing the threat of extinction. Glis Glis - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Glis-Glis-Lucy-Flower.jpgFox - Trail Camera
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Fox-Trail-Camera.jpgHedgehog - Keith Barton
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Hedgehog-Keith-Barton.jpgHorse - Stuart Scott
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Horse-Stuart-Scott.jpgOtter - Peter Gatehouse
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Otter-Peter-Gatehouse.jpgRabbit - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Rabbit-Lucy-Flower.jpgNorfolk Horn - Lucy Flower
https://www.boxmoortrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Norfolk-Horn-Lucy-Flower.jpg