Habitat Updates

Much of the major habitat work here at Foxglove is done through the winter months when plants are dormant and there is minimal disturbance caused to wildlife. Three of our projects from the winter have shown brilliant results in the wet and warm weather over the past few weeks.

The coppice block, our biggest project during the last winter, is now coming on really well. After clearing out invasive species such as Silver Birch and coppicing willow the ground flora has developed with a rich assemblage of flowering plants. The willow has also grown back with several stools showing over a metre of growth already. Roe Deer, damselflies and butterflies are frequently seen in the glades by our excited visitors.

The area in front of the wildfowl feeding platform is now greening up with grass and flowers growing across much of the area. Geese and ducks have been seen feeding on the lush new growth.

Finally, our wild bird food crop has grown well this season, and is now awash with small flowers and insects feeding from these. In only a few weeks these will seed and become an important food source for birds over the autumn and winter months.

All of these projects would not have been possible without the tireless hard work of our volunteers; it is brilliant to see and enjoy the results of our labours as we walk the reserve.