Blog Archive (1) Posts Made in March 2024

Dead Hedging

Thursday, March 7th 2024

This week volunteers have been hard at work creating a new dead hedge to act as a screen along Spigot Mere. This will help reduce disturbance to nesting birds that can be caused when pedestrians pass by.

Lots of different tasks went into making the hedge, including moving material for the hedge, putting points on the hedge posts to get them in the ground easier, installing the posts, and filling the hedge.

There was even time at the end of the day for a spot of birdwatching!

Dead hedges can be used to create natural-looking boundaries while also providing a wonderful habitat for insects. As time goes by this hedge will rot down and gorse will grow around it. Eventually a screen will be formed by the gorse, but until then, this hedge will do the job!

Ground nesting birds like Lapwing and Ringed Plover have been spotted around the pond in previous years, so keep a look out in the coming months! Spigot Mere can still be viewed from a hide on the edge of the pond, which is accessible by foot and wheelchair.

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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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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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