Spring

Sunday, May 13th 2018

There is no story or theme to the blog unless it can all be encompassed as Spring!

Spring is well on its way and this is reflected in the many different greens on the trees, interspersed with the white blossom of Bird Cherry and the new ruby coloured leaves of Beech.

Spring colours

The bridge rails are usually full of a variety of bugs and beasties, but so far this spring few have been spotted.  It may be that I am just very impatient!  Careful scrutiny did reveal a large female and the much smaller male Alder Fly.

Female and male Alder Fly

Further on a different stonefly to the normal ones seen was also spotted.  It was larger and had patterend wings.

Stonefly species

A Dryad's Saddle fungus has regrown on a tree where it was found two years ago.

Dryad's Saddle

Male Orange Tip butterflies can be seen flitting through the new spring vegetation, rarely stopping for a photograph.  Whilst busy examining the orchard trees I realised that at my feet was a female Orange Tip on a Cuckoo flower and not only did she remain there I could see that she had an orange coloured egg on the stem of the plant.

Orange Tip female on cuckoo Flower, with orange coloured egg

Most of the female Mallards are sitting on their nests, whilst the males take life easy.  Preening is very important to keep plumage in prisitine condition.

Preening Mallards

Feeding is needed to keep up their strength when all those pesky ducklings invade the lake!

Feeding Mallards

To finish the blog some dates for your diary.  If you wish to visit the flowers of Foxglove Covert there is a guided walk on Thursday 17th May starting at 10am.  For an earlier start, 5am, then it is not too late to book onto the Birdsong Breakfast on Saturday 19th May.  And finally the Foxglove Coffee Morning will be held in Richmond Town Hall on Thursday 14th June.  There are more details on the events page.

Well almost to finish the blog.  Concentrating on the pony heading towards me I took the photograph.  Downloaded I saw that I had a right angled Exmoor Pony!

Exmoor Pony


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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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Access to the Reserve: OPEN with limited access

Monday 18th March 2024 |

The reserve is now open, although again with limited access.

Visitors will be able to access the reserve with the use of key fobs provided at the pass office upon entrance to the camp, or will be provided entrance and exit through the access gate by an officer from the camp Guard Room. In this case visitors will need a mobile phone to call the Guard Room when they wish to exit the reserve.

Please be aware that due to these circumstances, entering and leaving the reserve might take a little longer than usual.



Bird Watching for Beginners

Thursday 18th April 2024 | 10am-1pm

Improve your bird spotting and identification skills with this guided bird watching session. Learn how to identicy common species, differentiate between confusion species and how to get started learning bird calls. A great opportunity to ask questions and learn alongside others.

£3 per person. Free for volunteers and Friends of Foxglove and voluteers.

Booking essential. Fill in the booking form by clicking the link below! Pay via paypal or in person on the day.



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