Nesting birds

Saturday, June 24th 2023

The nesting season is the busiest time of year for members of the Swaledale Ringing Group as they monitor hundreds of nest boxes at Foxglove and around the wider Catterick Training Area. The data is collected as part of the British Trust for Ornithology's (BTO's) Nest Record Scheme. This helps to provide important information on the breeding success of British birds.

Great Tits, Blue Tits and Coal Tits are the main residents in the small boxes. When the chicks are old enough, they are fitted with a BTO metal ring and the data generated helps to increase understanding of bird survival, movement and productivity.

Other species that use the nest boxes include Redstarts. This species is a summer migrant found in deciduous woodland. This chick is just beginning to grow its stunning red tail feathers.

Pied Flycatchers also use some of the boxes. This adult female has returned to breed after wintering in West Africa. This species feeds on insects which they catch in mid-flight.

Thank you to everyone who has helped with checking, ringing and scribing!

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Upcoming Events

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.

If you would like to arrange a group visit to the reserve please contact reserve staff.

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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