Keeping Your Eyes Open

Saturday, August 12th 2023

Walking around Foxglove, no matter what the season, it is important to keep your eyes open and look for things that look different or should not be there. Sometimes this means that a quiet approach to a 'thing' means that you are ready to photograph a piece of mud, of a dead leaf, or better still a dropping! A movement often gives away a creature and in this case it was a beautiful Common Toad.

It was not an adult, proably two or three years old. Its warty skin is clear to see as is its bronze/gold eye. The boardwalks are good places to hunt as many insects appreciate the warmth of the wood. Vegetation growing along both sides provide shelter, hiding places and yet more food. Common Toads hibernate and as they emerge from hibernation they head to their spawning ponds. Once this is finished they head onto land and live there during the summer and are not often found back in the water.

Something a little smaller was easily noticed, a bright red spot on green grass. It was a Seven-sopt Ladybird.

Thank you to Tim for these phtotgraphs.

Out on the moor the wind was slightly on the strong side causing insects to hang on tight to the vegetation. A small moth that we can catch in our traps was Pyrausta purpuralis and it was clinging tight to a dandelion type flower. This is a small moth which prefers grasslands. We often see it flying on the moor. The caterpillars feed on Water Mint.

Another insect flying across the moor and stopping on vegetation was this female Common Darter. August sees many of these darters flying almost anywhere on the reserve. Weather permitting they can be seen right through until October.

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Access to the Reserve: CLOSED Except for Organised Events & Groups

Monday 20th May 2024 |

The reserve is temporarily closed to the public except for organised events or groups. This is due to faults with the Foxglove Covert access gate. Entry and exit must be coordinated and at set times due to these faults.

Please see below for organised events. Booking is essential, as attendees will be contacted with access arrangements ahead of the events.

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September Wildlife Wander

Monday 16th September 2024 | 2pm-4pm

Join reserve staff for a guided walk around Foxglove Covert as the reserve transitions from summer to autumn. Spot late flying dragonflies, early emerging fungi, the last of the blooming wildflowers, and more!

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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