Foxglove’s moth night!
Sunday, September 13th 2009
Although the reserve was closed yesterday during the day it quickly became a hive of activity after 6pm. It was Foxglove's moth night! Eight intrepid moth-ers came to set up the traps in various habitats and then settled down for the night in the field centre. At 6am we were out on the reserve turning off the generators and closing up the traps. Then after a welcome cup of tea and breakfast we set off to view the catch and record the moths. You can see Charlie Fletcher, the Yorkshire recorder for this area identifing our catch assisted by a couple of young enthusiasts.
After a cold night the haul was about as expected with 41 species altogether. The most common moth was Small Wainscot with 38 individuals, followed by 21 Pink-barred Sallow. It was all over by mid morning and we went our separate ways. Here's to next year everyone!
This caterpillar was found during the morning climbing on the field centre! It will pupate before the winter and spend the cold weather underground. In the spring it will emerge as a Poplar Hawkmoth. This is one of the most common hawkmoths we see at Foxglove.
In Other news today the bird ringers were in at 6.30am. This picture shows almost two dozen Lesser Redpolls awaiting collection from a mist net. The species is a regular visitor to the reserve although quite difficult to see at times and more are trapped and ringed than are seen!
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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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Festive Crafts Workshop (Willow wreaths and Tannenbaums)
Saturday 14th December 2019 | 10.00am - 12 noon
Make a beautiful miniature, decorative Christmas tree or a wreath from natural materials. At the end of this workshop you will have a stunning centrepiece for any festive occasion. Tea/coffee and a mince pie are included. Booking is essential as places are limited. There is a required donation of £15 per person to cover materials and a discounted donation of £10 for Friends of the reserve and Volunteers.
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Saturday 4th January 2020 | 10.00am - 3.00pm
Would you like to get involved for a day and help to manage a habitat for wildlife? Come along and join in with a practical conservation task. Get outside and get some fresh air and excercise (a good opportunity to burn off all of those extra festive calories) whilst doing a good deed! This is a family friendly event suitable for all ages (ideal screen free time)! Booking is essential as a hot lunch is provided. This event is free, all you need is old, warm clothes and a pair of stout boots/wellies.
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The Dragonflies of Strensall and Foxglove Covert

This book has been published with the aim of enabling people visiting these, immensely important Flagship Pond Sites in North Yorkshire, to identify the dragonflies and damselflies they encounter - by reference to a simple text and photographs. Credits - Yorkshire Dragonfly Group & Freshwater Habitats Trust
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