Autumn at Foxglove

Autumn started then slowed but it is now almost as it should be.  The trees are changing to their autumn dress.  The Sycamore Avenue, which should really be Maple Avenue or even Lime Avenue, is showing the golds and yellows of the season.

Further along Larch is also changing colour as its needles begin to drop.  Soon the path will be covered in orange needles.  Up in the Larch trees flocks of finches and tits are feeding on the seeds of the cones.

This year has been a bumper year for fungi with nearly 100 recorded by the species team, this month alone.  Although some are 'going over' there are still plenty to see.  This is nearly a fairy ring!

Out on the moor small birds are flitting and were identified as Stonechats, a male and either a female or youngster.  When the records were checked Stonechats were first observed during June 2004, with no more sightings until March and April 2013 and finally January 2015.  It is lovely to see these birds making an appearance after nearly seven years absence.

The reserve managers and volunteers are now into the long list of winter work, no matter what the weather.  This week brash and reeds have been removed, repairs have been carried out and small nest boxes have been emptied ready for next spring, just to name a few of the tasks.  Many thanks for all of your hard work, which is really valued.