News

Thursday, July 3rd 2014

There was good news today about the bird colonies at Cape Wrath. There are more birds this year than there have been over the last few years. Ledges that last year had empty places, have been full. Razorbill and Guillemot chicks are almost ready to go to sea. They leave their nest sites and sort of glide or fall onto the sea. It is only later that they learn to fly. On Wednesday the team ringed over 950 Guillemots - one of the best days ever. Yesterday they heard from the team of RSPB bird ringers who are busy fitting GPS trackers to Kittiwakes. They have found that they fly a round trip of 150 miles, NW from Cape Wrath in order to collect food.

The team start their long journey south tomorrow. Have a safe hassle free journey.

Meawhile back at Foxglove, volunteers continue to strim paths and edges of paths. No Bramble dare show its face over the path - if it does it is chopped! The first count of cows and sheep this morning failed miserably, however this afternoon volunteers counted them all! Thank you so much for all your hard work. It is really appreciated.

Yesterday Peter came and give us some information that will help us ID the grasses on the reserve. Firstly we looked at some we had picked previously.

Looking at the grasses in the Activity Room

Then we headed out to the middle moor. Some of the very small grasses that are not fully in flower yet, were identified.

Looking at grasses on the middle moor

We were shown hairy knees and striped pyjamas as an aid to identifying some grasses! Some had hairy leaves, some smooth and some had hairs along their stems. When we head out at the end of July on the flower walk, hopefully we will be able to record some of the grasses. Thank you very much for all your help Peter.

Ringlet butterflies are flying all over the reserve in the sunshine but they do not sit still long enough for a photograph. This Speckled Wood was much more co-operative.

Speckled Wood butterfly

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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.