Moth Trapping
Saturday, November 24th 2018
We made the decision that we would continue to put the moth trap out on a Tuesday evening, over the winter, weather permitting. Since that decision was made the moth trap has been out once! Heavy rain, cold and strong winds that could easily see the trap not where it was originally placed at the beginning of the evening, have been the norm. I have just checked the ten day forecast and the trap looks like it will be staying put in the Field Centre! Ah well fingers crossed we may get some good weather.
Looking at the weather made me go back and look at some of the moths we have caught over the year.
The Ruby Tiger always stands out in the trap as it is very red. The caterpillar feeds on various herbaceous plants including ragworts and plantains, Heather and also Spindle, which is a small tree.
Straw Dot is a small moth and we caught many of them this year. Grasses are the main food plant for the caterpillar.
From late August through to October we may catch the Frosted Orange Moth. The larval food plants include Foxglove, Hemp Agrimony, thistles and figworts.
There are plenty of Willows and some Aspens on the reserve and these feed many species of caterpillar, including The Herald. This moth hibernates as an adult and emerges from hiberation in March and flies through to June. The second sightings are between August and October once the pupa has hatched.
We do see moths on the wing whilst out for our ambles around the reserve. The Antler Moth enjoys feeding from Ragwort, and usually sits still for a photograph.
Whilst looking closely I noticed that this one had managed to get rather a lot of pollen on his antennae. It is a male as it has feathered antennae. This increases the surface area so that he can detect female pheromones to enable him to find a mate.
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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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Jubilee Trail
Friday 27th May 2022 | During Reserve Opening Times
A trail around the red route (wheelchair friendly) to find all things red, white and blue! Pick up a clue sheet from the Field Centre for only £1 and learn some amazing facts about British wildlife as you stroll around the reserve.
No need to book a place as this is a self guided activity. Please bring your own pencil. You can check your answers back at the centre.
The clues will be out for the duration of the Whitsun school holidays (North Yorkshire dates).
Butterflies and Moths Treasure Trail
Friday 22nd July 2022 | During Reserve Opening Times
Enjoy a walk around the red route (easy access trail) and find the clues to learn all about these wonderful insects.
Pick up a clue sheet from the Field Centre for only £1 and check your answers at the end.
No booking required as this is a selg guided activity! Please remember to bring a pencil from home.
The clues will be out for the duration of the school summer holidays (North Yorkshire dates).
Undergrowth Newsletter
Undergrowth Newsletter Winter 2020/21 Issue 54

Find out what has been going on at the reserve during the lockdown!
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Recent Blog Posts
- Plenty To See
- No Snow, No Hail
- Tawny Owls and Grey Herons
- More Flowers
- Nature
- Moving Slowly Through Spring
- Nesting Time
- Winter Spring
- Warm Days
- Biscoff Cheesecake, Brownies and Bakewell Tarts!
- A Busy Day for Some
- Volunteers at Work
- Around the Reserve
- A Ringing Day
- Flowers at Last!
- More Spring Photos
- Moths!
- A Special Visit
- Spring Has Sprung!
- Reducing, Reusing and Recycling!
- Almost Spring
- Thank you!
- Ringing Resumes!
- Arrival of Spring
- Strong Support
- Back To Work!
- We Are Open!
- Update
- Temporary Closure
- Large, Little and In Between
- The Weather
- A Wild Worky Day!
- Malik and Corrie
- Forest School Fun
- Winter Work
- Preventing The Spread of Bird Flu
- Thank You and Congratulations!
- Job Jobbed!
- Hazel, a Hedge and more High Vis!
- Moths
- Many Happy Returns!
- Winter Scenes at Foxglove
- Sheer Dedication!
- Back to Work
- Happy New Year!
- All Kinds of Weather
- Last Volunteer Day 2021
- Pillwort
- Volunteers at Work
- Winter Work Continues
- Edward the Elf Returns!
- Sunshine and Blue Skies
- More Clearing Up
- December Winter Worky Day
- Dangerous Trees
- Tidying Up After Storm Arwen
- Storm Damage
- Willow Weaving
- Considerate Contributions
- Storm Arwen
- Look Both Ways
- Never Work With Wildlife
- Traditional Woodland Skills
- Technicolour Nature!
- November Worky Day
- Woodland Work
- All About Fungi
- Look North
- Autumn Views at Foxglove
- Happy Halloween
- Bat Monitoring
- Forest Fun
- Hazel Coppice
- Wildlife Activity Day
- Winter Visitors
- Fungi Walk
- Happy Holidays!
- Bakewells, Banana Cake and Brushcutting!
- A Busy ‘Typical’ Day?
- Wet and Wild!
- Autumn Bird Ringing
- Changing Seasons
- Moths
- Extra Help
- Redwing
- Lively Livestock!
- Meadow Management
- Half Term Plans
- Autumn Worky Day
- QAVS Award on Display
- The Beginnings of Autumn
- Weekly Round Up
- Busy Bees
- Views Around the Reserve
- Colours
- Army Welfare Service
- Ringing at the Crater
- Hints of Autumn
- Sightings Various
- Moths Butterflies and a ‘Dragon’
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