Technology - From the North!

Saturday, July 1st 2017

Before I start the blog, on behalf of the Management Group, I would like to say a huge, sincere thank you to all the volunteers who are helping the reserve to get ready for Foxglove 25. The range of tasks is so varied. They include taking on Word and producing new labels, strimming around the orchids along the path sides, pruning wet branches, filling feeders, stock taking, washing up and supporting guided walks. Some volunteers must be tired of coloured paints as the marker posts have been repainted. Paths have been re-laid and net ride discs collected and cleaned ready for a new coat of bright red paint. Sugar, flour and butter has been purchased to make the cakes and tray bakes. The list is endless and all of the tasks are carried out with a smile, enthusiasm and great energy. Comments from two groups on guided walks were extremely complimentary and with an understanding of the amount of time and care taken by volunteers to keep Foxglove looking so good. Thank you.

Other volunteers, members of the ringing group, are now at Cape Wrath. Technology, as I have said before, is amazing and we have photos flying through the ether to me, to go onto the blog!

The photos are from Thursday and Friday as the signal has been a little variable. Although a long journey ahead of them, if wader chicks are spotted then the landrovers stop for a ringing session.

Ringing

The rain kept pace with the journey as they neared Balmacara.

The convoy near Balamamra

Some of the islands in the area of Ardheslaig, have to be reached by boat.

Boat journey to the islands

Boat journey

All the kit packed on Wednesday has a use, and much of it has to be taken with them on each excursion.

Waiting for the boat with kit

For several years the team have found a Barn Owl on one of the islands. One year she had 14 eggs, this year she has chicks about 4 days old. Our Barn Owls have fledged.

Barn Owl chicks

Thanks to Roger and Leanne for the update. The email said that they were now at Cape Wrath and just setting out to visit the islands - but black clouds were looming!

(0) Comments:

There are no comments for this blog post yet. Why not start the discussion? - use the form below:

Back to Top

Help Support Foxglove

Friends of Foxglove

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.

More Details

Upcoming Events

Access to the Reserve: OPEN with limited access

Friday 20th September 2024 |

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.

October Wildlife Wander

Thursday 10th October 2024 | 2pm-4pm

Join reserve staff for a guided walk around Foxglove Covert as the reserve begins to settle into autumn. Explore the reserve as tree leaves begin to change colour, migrating birds start to pass through, and fungi thrives throughout the reserve's grasslands and woodlands.

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.

VIEW ALL EVENTS