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.


(0) Comments:

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


Leave a Comment:

Please complete this field, it's required. Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?


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


Reserve Access: Open, Field Centre Closure Tues 17th June

Wednesday 4th June 2025 |

Access is currently as normal and the reserve and field centre are open as usual.

 

The Field Centre will be closed on Tuesday 17th June for one day. The reserve is still open.

The Field Centre will resume normal opening hours on Wednesday 18th June.

Apologies for any inconvenience.



Dragonfly Walk

Sunday 20th July 2025 | 1pm-3pm

Spot dragonflies and damselflies on this guided walk led by dragonfly county recorder Keith Gittens. Enjoy a leisurley walk around the reserve’s ponds and pools, and learn all about the Odonata species found at Foxglove Covert.

Donate what you can.

Bookings close Friday 18th July.

Foxglove Covert is now taking bookings via Eventbrite.

Click Here to Book

Or visit foxglovecovertlnr.eventbrite.com



VIEW ALL EVENTS

Recent Blog Posts

Blog Archive