Blog Archive (3) Posts Made in November 2023

Making A Start

Thursday, November 23rd 2023

Yesterday team members from National Highways joined us here at Foxglove Covert to pollard and coppice some of our willow carr. This was the first day of coppicing this winter, so there was alot to do!

The day begun with pollarding trees along the edge of the woodland, where it meets a net ride. Pollarding trees on both sides of the net ride will encourage birds to fly at the right height to be caught in a mist net so they can be ringed.

As the edge of the woodland starting opening up, the team could get further in to the woodland and make a start on coppicing.

The team worked hard, and with this many branches being cut down, there was lot of material to process! Material like this can be cut and collected into similar sizes and left in piles, proving shelter for insects as it decays slowly.

Thank you to the members of the highways team for your hard work.

Visitor Information (Update)

Monday, November 20th 2023

Due to drainage issues the toilet facilities at the visitor center are unavailable. The reserve is still open but toilets cannot be used. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.

Update: the toilet facilities are now available.

Autumn Crafts and Autumn Colours

Thursday, November 2nd 2023

Yesterday we had a successful autumnal crafts day, filled with fantastic creations, including pine-cone owls and deer made out of fallen leaves. Those who visited also explored the reserve, watching the trees dropping multicoloured leaves and visting the outdoor classroom to get a look at our collection of animal skulls.

Thank you to everyone who visited and took part in the activities, we hope you had a wonderful time. Thank you also to all the volunteers who worked hard to prepare and deliver this event.

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.

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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.

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