Hard Work Pays Off
Wednesday, May 6th 2020
The mosaic of habitats that make up Foxglove are extremely labour intensive. Staff and volunteers worked hard all through the winter months to improve some of these for wildlife. The benefits of this toil can be seen everywhere for example in the Orchards that were planted up with new trees. The new apple trees have taken well and have survived the wet winter thanks to the 'mound' planting technique that was used. The big Willow in the background is always left untouched as it is a wonderful feature.
Another example is the reedbed that was managed by cutting. Here is a photo taken earlier in the year when this swathe was cut.
This picture is of the same area today showing the fresh, bright green growth.
Willow was coppiced on the island in the scrapes to open up the area and let in more light. Again, here is the photograph immediately after the work was carried out.
Today it is looking very different.
Sunshine and showers have meant excellent growing weather and the orchid bank that was strimmed is now a fantastic open glade. The Early Purple Orchids that grow here are just beginning to flower.
So far there are only a few spikes but this number will grow over the next few days.
Finally, the field that is managed for bird seed has been ploughed ready for sowing. Hopefully, with a bit more sun and rain this may be a success later in the year.
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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.
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Pumpkin Trail
Wednesday 21st October 2020 | During Opening Times
Come to the reserve over half term and enjoy the autumn colours on the red route (Easy Access Trail) and search for the pumpkin clues along the way. Test your knowledge of the creatures associated with Halloween by answering the fun quiz which is available from the visitor centre for only 50p.
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The Dragonflies of Strensall and Foxglove Covert
This book has been published with the aim of enabling people visiting these, immensely important Flagship Pond Sites in North Yorkshire, to identify the dragonflies and damselflies they encounter - by reference to a simple text and photographs. Credits - Yorkshire Dragonfly Group & Freshwater Habitats Trust
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