A Request and ...

Thursday, December 26th 2013

The results of the 2013 CES season have been published. (These can be viewed on the BTO web site.) We have been asked to write an article about the CES record we have at Foxglove Covert. If you would like to read more about our successes during CES over the last 21 years, it is reported on the blog of 1st September 2013.

However this blog is not about facts and figures. The article requires photographs and so an enjoyable time was had searching through the many that have been taken over the years. These are just some of them.

Tawny Owls are calling loudly and will soon be taking up residence in their nest boxes.

This juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker was a late arrival on the scene this year. Is he one of the three that are frequenting the back garden? They come to feed on nuts and enjoy the food in the fat containers.

Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker

Nightjars had been heard calling in July. We were just a little surprised that it arrived in the ringing room! We hope that they will return next year.

NIghtjar

Bramblings have been seen on the reserve but none have been caught yet. Hopefully it will not be too long before we can see these beautiful winter migrants in the ringing room.

Brambling

And finally the Long Tailed Tits. These tiny birds fly onto the feeders, especially those just outside the kitchen window. They are always on the move and flitting from feeder to feeder.

Long Tailed Tits feeding

Many thanks to all the bird ringing volunteers who, at times, arrive at Foxglove at 0400 or some days, stay late ringing and then checking all is well. Thanks also to Tony, who after each session, has to deal with all the data and ensure it is sent to the BTO.

Habitats have to be looked after, net rides need to be maintained, feeders filled, cups of tea made and cakes baked. None of this would happen without the reserve managers and the volunteers who work hard throughout the year.

Many thanks to all our volunteers.

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Upcoming Events

Access to the Reserve: OPEN with limited access

Friday 20th September 2024 |

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.

October Wildlife Wander

Thursday 10th October 2024 | 2pm-4pm

Join reserve staff for a guided walk around Foxglove Covert as the reserve begins to settle into autumn. Explore the reserve as tree leaves begin to change colour, migrating birds start to pass through, and fungi thrives throughout the reserve's grasslands and woodlands.

2pm-4pm.

Donation of £3 per person. Free for Friends of Foxglove. Booking essential.

Due to faults with the Foxglove Covert access gate, entry and exit will be coordinated and at set times. Booked attendees will be sent access arrangements via email prior to the event.

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