A Quiet Walk

Tuesday, August 22nd 2023

Before I start on my story of a quiet walk around the reserve, Brian sent me this beautiful photo of a quiet morning at Foxglove. If you look closely you can see a second rainbow. This was the peaceful scene before the volunteers started various tasks. Thank you very much for all your hard work, it is very much appreciated.

Continuing on the quiet and peaceful theme, I recently set out for a walk. Walking along looking for things that should not be there in the hope that it might be an insect or other bug, I noticed a movement in the long grass. Stopping and watching intently, using binoculars, I realised that it was a Roe Deer doe's ears twitching, presumably the flies were annoying her. A photograph of course, the brown splodge being her ears!

Tip toeing along the path, hidden by a tree, I rounded the corner and not only was it the doe but she had a kid with her. Another photo but yet again lots of vegetation. By this time she was looking at me and quietly moved away with her kid following her.

Continuing my walk in the blustery sunshine I was amazed to see a Common Lizard perched on a sunny bridge support. It was a long way from our normal sightings, however it was not too far from sightings recorded in the early years of the reserve.

Not a bad start to my walk. Over Hague Bridge hidden by the trees, I peered round, hoping for a Kingfisher sitting really close for an excellent photo. No, but a Grey Heron flew up and I was surprised when downloading the photos that I had actually taken a decent photo.

A movement saw me stop a while and I noticed a very co-operative Silver-ground Carpet moth resting on a leaf, in clear view.

Bees, butterflies and flowers filled the rest of my walk.

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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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