Wildflowers and Waymarkers

Friday, May 1st 2020

Over recent weeks staff have continued to work in the net rides but without the help of volunteers this has taken a lot longer than usual. Brash was piled up and then a day was spent making this into woodchips which will be used on the footpaths.

The pruned trees have already turned green again and the rain yesterday seems to have deepened the shade of green overnight. These net rides are perfect butterfly glades and Speckled Wood, Peacock, Orange Tip and Small Tortoiseshell have all been seen on the wing so far.

The cutting back has not only reduced the height for the use of mist nets but it also lets in much more light. On closer inspection, the far end of this ride is covered in the dotted leaves of orchids. In a week or two, there will be a fantastic display here.

Other wildflowers growing along this clearing include Greater Stitchwort, this pretty flower is in the Carnation family. They have an explosive seed-dispersal mechanism. In late spring, when the seed capsules ripen, they can be heard popping as they noisily fire their seeds.

Water Avens have just begun to flower too, a locally common plant that inhabits damp places, such as riversides, wet woodlands and damp meadows.

Finally, one Foxglove supporter (another Tony) has kept himself busy at home by making over one hundred waymarker posts for the reserve! These new posts are made from Larch and have metal strips of colour rather than painted ones. Each strip has had to be carefully fitted into place by hand!

His hard work in this tedious task is much appreciated.

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Upcoming Events

CLOSURE: Monday 22nd April 2024

Wednesday 17th April 2024 |

Due to an important event occuring on the camp, Foxglove Covert LNR will be closed for one day only on Moday 22nd April.

The reserve will resume usual opening hours on Tuesday 23rd April.

Access to the Reserve: OPEN with limited access

Monday 18th March 2024 |

The reserve is now open, although again with limited access.

Visitors will be able to access the reserve with the use of key fobs provided at the pass office upon entrance to the camp, or will be provided entrance and exit through the access gate by an officer from the camp Guard Room. In this case visitors will need a mobile phone to call the Guard Room when they wish to exit the reserve.

Please be aware that due to these circumstances, entering and leaving the reserve might take a little longer than usual.

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