Hanging Around

Sunday, August 20th 2023

Normally the hawkers and dragonflies are hunting across ponds and meadows and flying quickly and then high up into the air. I could hardly believe it when one sat in front of me and stayed there for ages allowing me to take a photograph. It was a male Southern Hawker, nowhere near water, but near the Orchard. It may have regretted this decision when it took to the air again as it was then chased by one of the fritillary butterflies!

Butterflies were more co-operative and flitted from flower to flower feeding. At one time the Brimstone was a rare sighting on the reserve, but not now, in fact it is seen frequently across many areas.

Last year the Silver-washed Fritillary was recorded for the first time on the reserve. This year we thought we had two or three, recognisable by their very battered appearance. But no, we have several and again they can be sighted in several places. A rest from feeding for some warmth from the sunshine.

Once it was the Brimstone that was hard to find and photograph, now it is the Holly Blue that is being 'chased' with absolutely no chance of a photograph, as it went that way or was blown the other way. We will keep trying. Another butterfly that is elusive at Foxglove this year is the Small Tortoiseshell, although people are seeing several in their gardens. Hopefully both these butterflies will hang around long enough for a photograph.

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Reserve Access: Limited Access, Field Centre Closure

Monday 7th April 2025 |

The Field Centre will be closed on Thursday 22nd May from 9am to 1pm due to electrical works being carried out in the building. The reserve will be open but facillities within the Field Centre will not be available until works are completed.

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Having a sense of place and connectedness, being grounded, is important for our general wellbeing and mental health. This is an invitation to pause and explore what being in nature can offer you.

Enjoy an afternoon of wellbeing starting with some mind awareness followed by a gentle walk where you get to listen, smell and watch what is around you and connect with any feelings which arise.

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