Spring Sun Winter Wind
Wednesday, April 19th 2023
It was a beautiful day yesterday, in the shelter away from the bitter northerly wind. Despite the not spring like weather nature is doing what it does best and coming out of winter. As you drive onto the reserve there is a flowering Cherry on your right. You could also look for the Robin which often frequents the grass around this tree.
Gorse can be classed as a weed when it grows where it is not wanted, but when it is in flower it makes a spectacular show. Many insects and spiders enjoy the prickly protection. Birds can also nest in it.
The moth trap has had variable catches as has the Field Centre, particularly the front of the building. One morning there were 7 moths hanging on tight. First for this year was a Streamer which has lovely markings and is easily identified. Photograph for blog, except it did not co-operate but eventually settled on a log where, although colourful, shows its excellent camouflage.
Last week I noticed Marsh Marigold flowering in its usual place in the Scrapes. This is not a common flower on the reserve and although in garden ponds in can spread and become large and unruly ours does behave.
Walking along the boardwalk automatically checking for something bright yellow, it wasn't there. Double checked, found some leaves but no flower!
Later in the day I saw a pair of Mallard in the pond, so I think I have found the culprits!!
And finally. I spotted this fungus and it reminded me of the Walt Disney film Fantasia where the little fungi danced!
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The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.
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Reserve Access: Limited Access, Field Centre Closure
Monday 7th April 2025 |
The reserve access gate intercom and remote opening system is currently broken. Visitors will be provided fobs to open the gate. Due to the limited number of fobs available you may be turned away if you arrive when all fobs are in use.
Learn to Scythe with Steve Tomlin
Sunday 25th May 2025 | 10am
Learn how to scythe with the UK's leading scythe instructor, Steve Tomlin, at Foxglove Covert LNR!
A full day course with all kit provided which will “leave you enthused and confident to scythe efficiently and safely”.
For more information visit Steve's website stevetomlincrafts.co.uk.
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Recent Blog Posts
- Working in the Sun
- Flowers at Foxglove Covert
- Working in the Sun
- Winter Work
- Wonderful Woodcock!
- Listing Birds
- Ring Barking in the Conifer Plantation
- Creating a Woodmeadow
- Coppicing and Pollarding
- Wrinkled Club and Candlesnuff
- Wetland Work
- Does it Feel Like First Week of Autumn?
- Caught on Camera
- Behind the Barrier this July!
- Reserve Update
- Would You Like to be a Trustee?
- Damselfly Emergence - Exuviae Everywhere!
- Creating a New Path
- Bumblebee ID
- More Dead Hedging
- Dead Hedging
- Beautiful Bird Boxes!
- Completed Coppice
- Unconventional Scything
- Garden Birds
- Winter Fungi
- Winter highlights
- Happy 2024!
- Wonderful winter workers!
- Making A Start
- Visitor Information (Update)
- Autumn Crafts and Autumn Colours
- Weekend Waxcaps
- Meadows and Ponds
- Meet Foxglove’s New Ranger
- All Work and No Play?
- Field Centre open Sunday 15th October 12 noon - 4.00pm
- Paving the Way
- Getting further, faster - together…
- Brian’s Baler!
- Reserve closed Tuesday 26th September 2023
- The Revolution has begun!
- Learning to Scythe with Steve Tomlin
- A fine time was had by all!
- Bird Ringing
- Galls
- Late Summer into Autumn
- News from the North
- Thank you!
- A Quiet Walk
- Hanging Around
- Mipits
- Common Lizards Again!!
- Species
- Bird Ringing
- Keeping Your Eyes Open
- Weekend opening hours Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th August
- We are recruiting!
- Thank yous and Bye Bye
- When the Sun Comes Out
- Weather and Flora and Fauna
- Volunteers at Work
- More Photos from the BBQ
- Jenga
- Volunteer and Bye Bye BBQ
- Summer
- Summer Work
- More Wildlife
- Wildlife
- A Good Growing Season
- Weekend opening hours Sat 22 & Sun 23 July 2023
- Moth News
- Butterfly Roundup
- More Moths
- Butterflies and Moths
- Weekend opening Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th July 2023
- Watching
- Juvenile Birds
- Common Lizards
- The Scrapes
- Nesting birds
- Ooohs and Ahhhs at the Moth Traps
- Co-operative Plants and Animals
- Summer Maintenance
- Moth Update
- Warm Days
- The Bees Return!
- June Flowers
- Lots of Legs
- Sharing Ideas
- Questions
- Caught Chasers!
- Some Bugs and Beasties
- Snow in June?
- Chasing the Chasers and Other Insects
- A Lesson - Perhaps?
- Small Nest Box Time
- Half Term Trail
- A Winding Way Through the Reserve
- Checking the Ponds
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