Butterfly Roundup

Friday, July 14th 2023

At this time of year species recorders and visitors enjoy the views of butterflies flitting around the reserve. It is thanks to Foxglove's staff and volunteers who carry out not only habitat work but also tasks to maintain the manmade structures, like paths and steps across the reserve, that this spectacle of flitting butterflies can be appreciated.

Jules and Nicola were hard at work, with a power tool! repairing the pond dipping platform. All work is much appreciated and valued - thank you.

Jenny was out recording the butterflies along a set transect. She recorded 110 butterflies of 12 species including Large and Small Skippers, Large and Small Whites, Common Blue, Small Heath and the Dark Green Fritillary which was being harassed by a Meadow Brown near Spigot Mere. These records are sent to Butterfly Conservation. Thanks Jenny. (There will be another blog about the moth recorders tomorrow.)

Jenny spotted a Dark Green Fritillary on her transect, whilst I had hunted for one all day! I had just about given up when one flew over my head in the Scrapes and of course disappeared, only seconds later to land on the boardwalk in front of me. Camera to the ready and I was pleased with the photo that I took, although as usual vegetation and background leave a lot to be desired.

Small Tortoiseshell populations fluctuate yearly at Foxglove. Not many have been recorded so far this year, but I did manage to photograph one on a very windswept moor.

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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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