Page 38 • The HERALD • 23rd April 2026 v THE HERALD - ENCOURAGING LOCAL ENTERPRISE v Andy Morrison Builders FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS • Renovations • Alterations • Cedral cladding • Fascias & Guttering • EPDM Rubber Roofs • Drives & Patios 07768 599704 adlmorrison@sky.com Free Estimates • Fully Insured • Based in Dibden Purlieu M. C. HALL LTD 4 Carpentry 4 Fencing 4 Decoration 4 Extensions 4 Kitchens 4 Loft Conversions 4 Bathrooms 4 New Build First Rate Building & Carpentry Work Start to Finish Service • References Available • Fully Insured • 1 year guarantee Free Quotations and Friendly Advice Given Contact: mchall126@btinternet.com or call 023 8089 8456 or 07976 937941 Website: www.mchallltd.co.uk M.D.S. DIGITAL INSTALLS/SERVICE • DIGITAL AERIALS/FREEVIEW • SKY DIGITAL/FREESAT DIGITAL • EXTRA TELEVISION POINTS • TELEPHONE LINES/POINTS • TELEVISION SYSTEMS SETUP/TUNED • WALL MOUNTED TV’S QUALIFIED, FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE FREE SURVEYS/QUOTES BEAULIEU: 01590 611011 MOBILE: 07717 194441 RESEARCHERS STUDYING PINE MARTEN CROSSING POINTS IN THE NEW FOREST Conservationists are studying how pine martens travel across the New Forest and navigate the road network. e project is the next phase of ongoing research into the population of these rare cat-sized creatures since they were rst discovered to have returned to the New Forest exactly a decade ago. e study by Forestry England and Wild New Forest Guided Tours began following a chance discovery of the rst recorded image of a live pine marten in the area for decades captured on a trail camera in March 2016. Since then, the New Forest study has used hidden cameras to collect over 500 clips of pine martens. ese con rmed that a signi cant population is here and that they are successfully breeding. e team have also discovered that these largely tree dwelling creatures favour the ancient woodlands areas, using fallen trees to move around and avoid touching the ground. Last year the team began investigating how pine martens navigate key areas of the Forest close to the road network. Initial research revealed that when underpasses become wet and naturally gather water the pine martens may not use them, instead venturing onto roads that present high risks when crossing. e team have put out a further 24 trail cameras across six di erent areas of the Forest to continue to undertake research and better understand this behaviour. e work will be used to develop additional ways for pine martens, and other key wildlife, to cross water logged areas and could lead to the installation of special mammal shelves and crossings around these points. Katiana Saleiko, Species Reintroduction O cer at Forestry England, said: “Pine Martens used to be widespread across the New Forest and it’s incredible to see their successful return. The nation’s forests provide such important areas for wildlife to thrive and expand, and the New Forest is doing just that for these special creatures. As generalist omnivores they play a critical role in supporting biodiversity in the Forest. We hope this next phase of our research will develop new ways to support this rare species.” Over the next few years, the team also hope to combine the deployment of trail cameras with other methods, including DNA analysis, to assess the population size of pine martens in the New Forest. Mostly chestnut brown in colour, each pine marten has a uniquely shaped bib – a pale yellow section of fur on its chin and throat. is can help to identify individuals and, by observing their interactions, the team may also be able to monitor family groups. Marcus Ward from the specialist conservation consultancy, Wild New Forest Guided Tours, said: “We couldn’t quite believe our eyes this time ten years ago when we saw a glimpse of a pine marten on one of our trail cameras. Since then, we have learned so much about these incredible creatures and how they are behaving here. The footage collected by the cameras gives us a really unique view into their hidden world and will help advance our understanding of these special creatures and how best to support them.” e project shares its ndings with the national pine marten working group that is focussing on wider recovery of the species. e survey team are also being supported by the New Forest Badger Group and are keen for other organisations and landowners to get involved. Pine martens Senior Citizens’ Lunch Club In Hythe Church in Hythe serve up a delicious twocourse cooked meal for just £5 per person in St John’s Church Hall. Meals are prepared from scratch, masterminded by head chef Emma and hot drinks are included before and/or a er the meal. Members are encouraged to stay for a chat over tea or co ee a er the lunch. ey currently have room for several new members who would like to attend on a regular basis. Booking is not necessary as they prepare enough food for a few extra places. Special diets can usually be catered for, if discussed in advance. For further information please call St John’s Church o ce on: 023 8084 4336 or just turn up next Wednesday between 11.30am and 11.50am to see what they have to o er. You will be most welcome! Every 2 weeks on a Tuesday morning from 9.30am-12noon there’s a great TABLE TOP SALE at Cornerstone Hythe URC in New Road. ere’s always a great selection of jewellery, collectables, kitchenware, glassware, toys, electrical items, a great many jigsaw puzzles and an extensive library of paperback books, CDs and DVDs. All proceeds currently go to the Cornerstone Building Repairs Fund. Co ee, tea and biscuits are always available at Cornerstone Cuppa in the Foyer too. e next sales are on Tuesday 28th April and Tuesday 12th May. On most Wednesday afternoons at 12 noon, volunteers from St John’s Table Top Sales At Cornerstone
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTIyNzI=