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Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve
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Eco Club

Sunday, April 28th 2013

After a short introduction that ranged from Tawny Owls to weather and bees, we set off to walk along Risedale Beck to look for signs of spring.  Yesterday in the warm spells the hive bees had been out collecting pollen from the willow flowers and returning with full pollen sacs.  There was no pollen coming from the rather wet willow flower that the children examined.

Examining a willow flower

As we walked down the hill Wood Anemones and Celandines were seen but the petals were tightly closed as there was not enough sun and warmth for them to open. Scarlet Elf Cup fungus was pointed out.  Whilst searching for Hazel nuts chewed by squirrels and mice another fungus was found.  It was holding water in its cup like shape.

Fungus

We carefully looked at Blackthorn in bud.  Not a bud was opened so we would not be able to put it on the April observations.  However like the pantomime 'it is behind you', Sue found many open flowers!

Blackthorn

Brian showed the children mayfly and caddis larvae hidden under stones in Risedale Beck.   A mole hole was seen.  Leaves of Bluebell and Greater Stitchwort were found and Wild Garlic leaves were smelt.  Curled fern fronds were just beginning to push through the vegetation.

Fern fronds

Our walk then took us to the Scrapes where we hoped to point out some toads at the bottom of the ponds.  Not a one was to be seen.  We were able to use our 'new technology' - a fly fishing rod - to point out tiny tadpoles, pond snails and sticklebacks on the bottom of the ponds.   (Thanks Brian for a great idea!)

Using our 'new technology'

Arriving back at the Activity Room the children filled in an alphabet sheet on what they had seen today.

Thank you to everyone who helped  taking photographs, finding things, answering questions, making tea and washing up.

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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.

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Upcoming Events

Minibeast Safari 2

Wednesday 12th August 2020 | Various time slots available

Come along and find out which minibeasts are living in some of the habitats at Foxglove. Book a minibeast session for your family bubble of up to six people. There will be a socially distanced brief to set you off and then you can use the equipment for the remainder of the session. You will be requested to use hand gel on arrival and the equipment will be cleaned between sessions. Please call the Reserve Managers on 07754 270980 to book your allocated slot. You are advised to arrive 15 minutes before your allocated time. A donation in advance (card payment by phone) of £5 per family bubble is required in order to secure your booking. 


Family Pond Dipping 3

Wednesday 19th August 2020 | 45 minute sessions on the hour

Come along and find out which animals are living in some of the Foxglove ponds. Book a pond dipping session for your family bubble of up to six people. There will be a socially distanced brief to set you off and then you can use the equipment for the remainder of the session. You will be requested to use hand gel on arrival and the net handles will be cleaned between sessions. Please call the Reserve Managers on 07754 270980 to book your allocated slot. You are advised to arrive 15 minutes before your allocated time. A donation in advance (card payment by phone) of £5 per family bubble is required in order to secure your booking.  There will be a socially distanced brief to set you off and then you can use the equipment for the remainder of the session. You will be requested to use hand gel on arrival and the net handles will be cleaned between sessions. Please call the Reserve Managers on 07754 270980 to book your allocated slot. You are advised to arrive 15 minutes before your allocated time. A donation in advance (card payment by phone) of £5 per family bubble is required in order to secure your booking. 


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The Dragonflies of Strensall and Foxglove Covert
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This book has been published with the aim of enabling people visiting these, immensely important Flagship Pond Sites in North Yorkshire, to identify the dragonflies and damselflies they encounter - by reference to a simple text and photographs. Credits - Yorkshire Dragonfly Group & Freshwater Habitats Trust

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