Around the Reserve

Monday, May 22nd 2023

It is amazing what a little bit of warm weather can do. It just seems a few days ago that we were all walking around with coats and scarves, hats and gloves. Yesterday it was shirt sleeves and t shirts. There were plenty of Large Red Damselflies around and sometimes a blue streak flew past, but not allowing for any identification other than it was a blue damsel.

Walking near Plover's pool a slight movement caught my eye and I realised that it was the first of the chasers to leave its larval case to become a flying insect. The exuvia can be seen underneath the adult.

Across the wildflower meadow there are plenty of Yellow Rattle leaves and one or two flowers.

Whilst some flowers are opening their buds the willow trees are just beginning to release their tiny seeds. Soon the reserve will be covered in a white fluffy carpet.

Their are a few moths around and this Brimstone moth was found on the Field Centre. Moths that sit with their wings flat tend to be a bit more flighty than those that sit with their wings closed. Although the background is not a very good one it was better to get a photograph then none at all.

The bird ringers have been out and about checking small bird boxes. There have been a range of results, from adults still on eggs to some chicks that have just hatched to those that are near fledging. 'Our' Blue Tit on camera now has several chicks. The male is bringing in food and appears to be giving it to the female who then feeds the tiny chicks.

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Friends of Foxglove

The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.

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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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