Weather and Flora and Fauna

Sunday, August 6th 2023

Our flora and fauna is getting on with the 'fantastic' assortment of weather we are having. The sun did come out this morning but the wind had a real nip to it and people were back to wearing coats! Bees were busy collecting pollen, this one was on Knapweed.

Another was on Betony.

A 'blob' on a Silver Birch leaf turned out to be a shieldbug. It was well camouflaged and the red colours stood out, making it appear a very strange shape!

Whilst still supposedly the height of summer the fungi are already making an appearance. The Parasol fungi in the Stone Circle have appeared again, but this year they are massive!

The spawning seasons of both Common Frog and Common Toad did not reach their usual activity and we were concerned that there would be few young, but several young Frogs and Toads have been seen. This young Toad was obviously searching for small insects amongst the moss.

And finally, people have noticed that the Common Lizard has appeared on the Monthly Observation Board, but it is a while since any have made it onto the blog. In the sun this morning this one was sunbathing resting her (probably) feet and head on her tail!

(0) Comments:

There are no comments for this blog post yet. Why not start the discussion? - use the form below:

Back to Top

Help Support Foxglove

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.

More Details

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.

VIEW ALL EVENTS