Trial Run

Sunday, April 30th 2023

Forecast scrutinised, not bad, mist and drizzle early then dull, cloudy and damp, but no rain. Unfortunately the weather had not consulted the forecast, so we got the mist across Spigot Mere,

the Stone Circle and right across the moor.

This soon turned to heavy rain so instead of doing a trial run for the new CES (Constant Effort Scheme) a net was mended.

This involved lots of pins, thread, scissors and needles. It also meant that the conversation was interesting. 'Do I put a knot here or there?' 'Do I go under or over or both?' 'Pin here or there?' 'Where is the square?' Eventually with hard work and the help of YouTube the holes were mended.

Whilst this net was being mended another was repaired, so the net could easily be strung between the poles. A change of ringers and the mending continued. Also the 'Repair Basket' was sorted out.

Before the rain came down heavily a walk across the bridge at the head of the lake spotted something white. A white Mallard? No, it was not standing like a Mallard then realisation that it was a Little Egret. The camera was stretched to its limit to gain this photo. This species was last seen on 3rd March 2018 and it has not been recorded since then.

Thank you to the bird ringing volunteers for their perseverance with net 'wrangling', all helped by several cups of tea and cake!

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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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Upcoming Events

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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