Blog Archive (1) Posts Made in September 2024

Does it Feel Like First Week of Autumn?

Thursday, September 12th 2024

As autumnal temperatures and wet weather set in this week, early emerging fungi have been popping up all across the reserve.

The Deceiver (Laccaria laccata) is a common woodland fungi which gets its name from how its colour can change in weather and as it ages. When there is wet weather, young Deceivers are a reddish-brown colour.

Another colour changing fungi is the Blushing Bracket (Daedaleopsis confragosa) which tends to have shades of pink on its top surface, and its white underside bruises pink when touched!

The nibbled fungi pictured below is a Crab Brittlegill (Russula xerampelina), which smells like crab! The scent gets stronger as the fungi ages.

Meanwhile this week, work on the wildflower meadow continues, with staff and volunteers diligently scything away.

On the ground, among the thick thatch of the long grass, a couple of small mammal nests (likely made by Field Voles) were discovered while scything.

The reserve remains closed to the general public, with access limited to organised events. Check out the events page to find out what's coming up this autumn: https://foxglovecovert.org.uk/events.

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Upcoming Events

Access to the Reserve: Closed Weds 16th October ONLY, reopens Thurs 17th

Friday 20th September 2024 |

Please note: the reserve is closed on Wednesday 16th October. Regular opening as described below will resume on Thursday 17th.

We are glad to announce that Foxglove Covert is reopening to the general public on Monday 7th October 2024.

A partial fix of the Foxglove Covert access gate has ensured that the safety features (sensors, emergency stop buttons) are now functional. This will allow safe access through the gate.

Unfortunately, the intercom and remote opening system by which the Guardroom normally opens the gate for entry and exit to the reserve is still inoperable. We do not have a timeframe for when this will be repaired.

Entry and exit to the reserve will therefore take place via key fobs which will be issued in exchange for photo ID (driving licence/passport) to visitors when they sign in at the Cambrai Lines front entrance. These fobs can be used to open the gate when entering and exiting the reserve. They must be returned to the front entrance pass office upon exiting the reserve.

Please note access will be limited by the number of fobs available. You may therefore be turned away at the pass office if all fobs are in use at that time. Please only collect one fob per visiting group and ensure you enter and exit the reserve together.

Please see below for organised events. Booking is essential, as attendees will be contacted with access arrangements ahead of the events.

If you are part of an organised group and would like to arrange a visit to the reserve, please contact reserve staff.