Getting further, faster - together…

Monday, October 2nd 2023

Conservation is never top of the funding list and nature reserves such as Foxglove Covert are small compared to the landscape scale environmental action that we need for nature to thrive. While highly motivated, most local conservation groups have just a few active participants, making it difficult to have an large enough impact. This is why it is so important that we work togther wherever possible, amplifying our message which might otherwise be drowned out in an era of mass communication and multiple demands on our time. To succeed we need to be outward looking and collaborative - combining resources, knowledge and effort.

That's why we were delighted to host a Badger Trust event on Sunday 1st October, where Badger Groups from across the north of England came together for a training day. Participants, who were hugely impressed by our reserve, came to learn about wildlife crime in relation to badgers and also did some surveying around the site while they were here.

Ironically, just as the attendees were settling down for their first presentation, I was out sorting out some damage to our footpath network.

It looks like the damage was caused by a badger!

At this time of year, young boars are often forced to leave their natal clan (just as they start to challenge the established order), so it's unsurprising that this has happened in an area of the reserve where we've not seen much evidence of badgers before. It will be interesting to see if this leads to a new sett, or whether it's just a passing phase.

We hope to see our friends from the various Badger Groups across the north again in the not too distant future.

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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: 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.