Flowers!

Saturday, November 25th 2017

We repeatedly say that Foxglove is special. Foxglove is a magical place. There is always something to see, no matter what the weather or season. Today she lived up to all of these statements.

Walking along Risedale Beck, which I have done several times over the last few weeks, some pale yellow leaves caught my eye. I thought it an odd colour for autumn leaves but worth a closer look. Treading carefully a little off the path, I was amazed that these leaves were actually Primrose flowers!

Primrose flowers

They were coated in tiny droplets of water that had frozen.

Primrose flowers

In another part of the reserve, something white was spotted. Had to be frost. A closer examination revealed a tiny Barren Strawberry flower. I am not sure if this will pass the 'flower test' on Wednesday.

Barren Strawberry

Both Primrose and Barren Strawberry are classed as spring flowers, so both are a little out of season, especially with the cold weather that we are experiencing. Some of the late summer flowers are still just hanging on. Common Figwort is found in many areas across the reserve and this one was near the Voley Pond.

Water Figwort

Gorse can be a weed on the reserve, taking over areas of habitat, just where we don't want it. Much of it is in flower bud. First the buds are greenish and then they turn dark brown. In an area of quite thick Gorse there was a flash of brilliant yellow. Flowers again. Photograph taken from a little way away as there were too many prickles to get close up.

Gorse

Download the photo for the blog and something else was apparent. Enlarged and cropped a tiny insect was sitting on the flower. Some of the Gorse is host to the Gorse Seed Weevil, which is what I thought it might be, but upon investigation it is unlikely, so an unamed insect on Gorse.

Insect on Gorse Flower

Foxglove lives up to her uniqueness yet again!

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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.

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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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