Minibeast Safari Day
Wednesday, August 28th 2019
Three Minibeast events took place at Foxglove throughout the day. These were led by Dr Roger and Rosy Key who are both well known entomologists or as they describe themselves 'walking books with a few missing pages'! With over 30, 000 different types of invertebrates to study, it would be impossible to learn them all!
The day began with a workshop for adults who work with children and at the start of each session Roger and Rosy demonstrated the specialist equipment that would be used to capture and study the creatures found.
With pooters, sweep (or swish) nets and plenty of small containers each group was well equipped. A small area close to the Heathland was the perfect place to begin and was near to the field centre in case of a heavy downpour!
Late in the morning, some of the finds were taken back to the classroom to be identified with the help of microscopes and reference books.
An interesting specimen was this Swallowtail Moth caterpillar that when disturbed became a master of camouflage by standing at a 45 degree angle and imitating a twig.
The weather held off in the main and both adults and children enjoyed testing out their newfound entomological skills!
There was a lot of discussion about the various animals that were caught and Roger used many amusing anecdotes to help people remember their names.
Our sincere thanks to Roger and Rosy for giving up their time and for sharing their incredible knowledge, hopefully there may be a few future entomologists as a result!
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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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Festive Crafts Workshop (Willow wreaths and Tannenbaums)
Saturday 14th December 2019 | 10.00am - 12 noon
Make a beautiful miniature, decorative Christmas tree or a wreath from natural materials. At the end of this workshop you will have a stunning centrepiece for any festive occasion. Tea/coffee and a mince pie are included. Booking is essential as places are limited. There is a required donation of £15 per person to cover materials and a discounted donation of £10 for Friends of the reserve and Volunteers.
January Winter Worky Day
Saturday 4th January 2020 | 10.00am - 3.00pm
Would you like to get involved for a day and help to manage a habitat for wildlife? Come along and join in with a practical conservation task. Get outside and get some fresh air and excercise (a good opportunity to burn off all of those extra festive calories) whilst doing a good deed! This is a family friendly event suitable for all ages (ideal screen free time)! Booking is essential as a hot lunch is provided. This event is free, all you need is old, warm clothes and a pair of stout boots/wellies.
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The Dragonflies of Strensall and Foxglove Covert

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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