Nature Notes

Signs of Spring are beginning to appear at Foxglove and whilst the reserve remains closed to the public, the wildlife continues to thrive. Bluebells are pushing through on banks that were strimmed earlier in the year by staff and volunteers.

Amongst the Hazel trees on the banks alongside Risedale Beck, Primroses are adding a welcome splash of colour.

The name Primrose derives from the Latin prima rosa meaning 'first rose' of the year. 

The list of flowers grows each day with Wood Anemone being a new addition. This star shaped flower depends on the growth of its root structure rather than the spread of its seed. For this reason, it is a good indicator of ancient woodland.

The wetland is coming alive too with the return of Toads to many of the pools. Snipe, Greylag Geese, Mallard, Moorhen, Lapwing and Curlew are all staking out their breeding territories.