HITCHIN: Moorhens have been present in Hitchin for centuries, with the original 1642 site where the Three Moorhens is situated taking its name from the beguiling bird.

A familiar black bird of our lakes, ponds and rivers, the moorhen is widespread.

However, as the total area covered by wetlands in our area, and elsewhere, shrinks year on year, the bewitching creatures called 'little hen' in Latin, face a struggle for survival.

A number used to live around the riverside, but the period around lockdown has not been kind to their numbers in Hitchin town centre.

Which is why the heartwarming observations of a Hitchin man are helping to raise awareness in a bid to save a family of moorhens nestled on the riverside, near to St Mary's Church, in the heart of our town.

Nick Senechal takes up the story. "In 2020, as lockdown began, I followed a pair of moorhens who raised two broods on an improbable nest, built on the base of a fountain in the centre of Hitchin," he explains.

"Watching their determination, organisation and sheer courage as they chased away geese five times their size, and took turns searching for food and minding the nest was almost inspirational."

Unfortunately, during the pandemic, North Herts Council switched off the fountain in front of St Mary's, which deprived the cute creatures of their water supply.

Nick explains: "In 2021 the Moorhens came back repeated the show and the fountain was again switched off.

"Once the nest was vacated the council moved in to turn the base of the fountain into a 'hostile environment' with anti bird spikes, although they did build two nesting platforms in the lake nearby."

Yet, the moorhens proved to be hardy Hitchinites and refused to be downhearted.

Undeterred, the Moorhens have now returned and are busy building a platform nest around sharp spikes that the council added.

Nick added proudly: "I don't think the fountain actually bothers them so I hope the council neither evict them nor turn the fountain off this time."

And so say all of us!