Dawn Chorus and Volunteering

Monday, May 8th 2023

The forecast did not look promising but nine people arrived at 0530 to listen to the Dawn Chorus on the reserve. Although bird song was the aim of the walk it was not always easy to stop looking for other species and at long last an Early Purple Orchid, the first of our four species to flower, was spotted.

Back to concentrating on bird song, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff were heard, along with Blackcap and Garden Warbler. Blue Tit, Great Tit and Coal Tit, along with Song Thrush and Robin sang. Also the Reed Bunting was singing in the Reed Bed. Sometimes these birds can be seen at the feeders in the back garden.

The Shelduck on Spigot Mere were attempting to impersonate Snipe - and doing quite a good job of it. As usual a long distance shot!

Few nature reserves are able to include Lapwing in a Dawn Chorus walk, but our Pee-wits called on cue.

The bird ringers have been out on the training area ringing Lapwing chicks.

On returning to the Field Centre for a well earned cup of tea the rain began to fall - good timing.

The reserve is home to a large variety of birds and many other species, from tiny flies to the larger Roe Deer; Dandelions to massive Oak trees. There are 12 habitats and all the fringe areas associated with them and to keep them all in pristine condition requires a lot of hard work. This work is carried out by the reserve managers and many volunteers, some giving up two or three days a week, some a few hours. Any time given is much appreciated. Volunteers who keep an eye on the species are busy too, identifying flowers, fungi, moths, butterflies, mammals, bugs, beasties and birds. Other volunteers help with bird ringing, school visits, and events. There is always plenty to do. If you would like to lend a hand then contact the reserve managers or pop in to talk to them and other volunteers. Volunteer days are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You will be made most welcome.

(0) Comments:

There are no comments for this blog post yet. Why not start the discussion? - use the form below:

Back to Top

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.

More Details

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.

VIEW ALL EVENTS