Hive of Activity

Friday, May 5th 2023

Where to start? Volunteers from the Swaledale Ringing Group have been checking the owl boxes at Foxglove and out on the training area. The results from this work not only go to the BTO but also the Hawk and Owl Trust.

Usually it is the ringers who can spy on the nest boxes with a camera on a stick, to save disturbing the nest if the chicks are too small to ring, but in this case it was the other way around!

They did catch one adult Tawny Owl, details of whether it was ringed and where have not come through to me yet. Surprisingly they can nest in the same box year after year. Even the young once fledged, do not stray too far, just away from their parents territory, and often nest near to the nest box where they were hatched.

Meawhile back at Foxglove volunteers were carrying out some repairs on the boardwalk.

The moth traps had been set and volunteers had identified the moths but the catches are still low.

Flowers are slowly opening and I spotted a Cuckoo Flower in the Scrapes.

Not many insects were out and about although St Mark's Fly was on the moor. This insect was seen in a Marsh Marigold flower. You can see that it is covered in pollen.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who have supported Foxglove, as always your help is very much appreciated.

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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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