06/05/17 - Tern arrival

This week saw the arrival of two new custom made tern rafts from GFB (Green Future Builds), which, with the help of our volunteers, were swiftly moved into position on the pool at Wheldrake Ings and at Bank Island. These rafts were purchased by the Friends of the Lower Derwent Valley, following a private donation, which was very gratefully received, along with funds raised from the cards, calendars and logs which have all helped to make this possible. 

After several years of having ‘homemade’ rafts, it’s fantastic to have the ‘real deal’ now, fingers crossed the local Common Terns who have started to colonise the wider area will take advantage of these new rafts and add to the valley’s breeding birds. It’s looking promising already - two days after the rafts were put in place a pair were seen copulating on them - watch this space... Many thanks to the great efforts of our team of volunteers for helping to get them into place, and also to the fantastic work done by the Friends of the LDV in delivering such projects, and all of those who have helped support them in generating funds - more news to follow soon on their great work. 

Thanks also to Green Future Builds for designing such high quality rafts, GFB is a not for profit social enterprise, that works in partnership with other trusts, charities and social enterprises. Projects are aimed at creating opportunities for people and communities to develop skills, continue training and generate employment in the nature conservation and green build sector. Thanks once again to all those involved.