Ooohs and Ahhhs at the Moth Traps

Thursday, June 22nd 2023

As the moth traps were emptied and the moths identified there were a lot of ooohs and aaahs. The first to be looked at was Green Arches. They were newly hatched judging by their bright colours. These moths are locally distributed throughout Britain, but more common in Wales and the South. The caterpillars feed on a variety of plants including Bilberry and Knotgrass which are not found at Foxglove, although another food plant, Honeysuckle, is well distributed throughout the reserve.

The Honeysuckle is coming into flower.

A Light Emerald Moth was the next one to be identified. We expect to see these moths between June through to August. There are other 'emeralds' to appear, hopefully in our traps. You can see his very large greenish eyes.

An Elephant Hawk-moth was next to have its ID confirmed. Many adult moths do not feed but this one does. It feeds from Honeysuckle and other tubular flowers, whislt still flying. The caterpillar enjoys Rosebay Willowherb, again this does not grow in large quantities on the reserve.

Its proboscis is the orange piece sort of tucked in under its face - not very scientifically explained! It also has large eyes.

The moths above co-operated and sat still whilst being photographed. The Beautiful Golden Y did not. Kate kept her eye on it as it flew from the front of the Field Centre into the back garden. It landed and she was able to take a photograph. Thank you!

Thank you to one species team who put out the traps and thank you to the other species team who identified the moths and put away the traps.

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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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