Walking Around

Thursday, July 16th 2020

When walking around Foxglove it is always worth looking for something that should not be there. A nettle leaf with a dark mark on it proved to be a beautiful snail. There are not too many land snails on the reserve, although there are plenty of slugs on damp mornings!

A flash of orange and a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly landed on a Knapweed flower. Two years ago we saw very few of these butterflies but since then the sightings have increased.

Walking through Plover's Pool, wondering where the sheep were, I realised that I was being watched, by the ram (tup). Obviously I was a likely intruder so he had to guard his flock. Once he saw me move away he settled down again. I was no threat.

Gorse is controlled otherwise it would take over, but unfortunately it soon grows its spiky stems again. Sitting on one of these stems was a Black-tailed Skimmer. Usually found in the southern part of the UK it is spreading north and was a new species at Foxglove, recorded last year.

Whilst out on the training area Sophie and Ian spotted some pupa on a fence. On closer inspection a burnet moth was seen, probably Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet moth. The pupa are usually found high up on plant stems. These have gone for high and missed out the plant! Larva mainly feed on Meadow Vetchling, Red Clover, Sainfoin, and Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil, occasionally Common Bird's-foot Trefoil, White Clover and Bitter Vetch. Adults nectar (feed) on many flowers and sometimes can be seen on the Rayed Knapweed on the middle moor.

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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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Upcoming Events

Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve is now OPEN

Monday 4th November 2024 |

The security gate and it's safety features are to be working, so we're reopening to the public.

However the intercom and remote gate opening system is currently non-functional. Entry and exit to the reserve will therefore take place via key fobs which will be issued 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 check the FAQs for further information on entrance procedures.

https://foxglovecovert.org.uk/about/frequently-asked-questions/