Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve

08/06/2026

What's hiding beneath the surface at Foxglove Covert?

Pond-dipping is one of our absolute favorite ways to introduce younger visitors to the wonder of the natural world. Our dipping platforms give school groups, families, and young explorers a safe, closeup look into a bustling underwater ecosystem 🔍✨

Children love getting involved in the underwater world to discover:
🐸 Tiny tadpoles
🦟 Fascinating diving beetle larvae
🐟Sticklebacks..and so much more!

Our diverse wetland habitats offer the perfect, hands-on classroom for kids and adults alike 👫

05/06/2026

Planning your weekend? Why not come for a walk at Foxglove Covert?

We have three circular routes to help you explore and discover all of what our reserve has to offer! Whether you want a gentle stroll or a longer hike through all of our unique habitats, there is a path for everyone to enjoy. Just choose your color trail and head out into nature! 🥾🌿

🔴Our Easy Access trail is is designed so everyone can enjoy the beauty of Foxglove Covert. Follow the markers to go on a journey through the wonderful Willow Carr, winding its way down to our fantastic lakeside hide. It is both wheelchair and pushchair accessible. ♿
(1.1km (1⁄2 mile). Allow 45 minutes)

🟡 Follow the yellow markers to discover even more of the reserve! This route takes you along the beautiful Risedale Beck, via the heathland, and out to the Wetland Hide. It’s a wonderful way to spot a variety of wildlife and see the heart of our habitats
(2.2km (1 1⁄2 miles). Allow 1 1⁄2 hours)

🟢 If you're up for an adventure, Our Explorer Trail is designed to showcase the very best of Foxglove Covert. Follow the green markers to explore our semi-ancient woodland, across an open moorland with views of Barden Fell, our Willow Carr and the lake. It's the perfect route to experience all of our unique habitats in one brilliant walk!
(4km (2 1⁄2 miles). Allow 2 hours)

Although our Field Centre is closed on Saturdays, you can still access the reserve via our new entrance! 🎉

03/06/2026

Happy Volunteers' Week! 🎉

From moth identification, local wildlife and flora surveying, and reserve maintenance to educating our visitors, supporting events, and more; we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the amazing support of our volunteers.

Volunteers are vital to Foxglove Covert. By volunteering with us, you can make a real difference to your local environment, enjoy time in beautiful natural surroundings, and meet friendly, like-minded people.

So to all our wonderful volunteers: thank you for your time, your passion, and your hard work!

If you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering with us, please get in touch☺ You can find more information at https://www.foxglovecovert.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer

01/06/2026

Birds are beginning to settle into the bird boxes around the reserve and just outside the Field Centre 🏠

One of our volunteers, Lesley, checked the small nest boxes around the reserve and applied rings to a total of 65 chicks!

This number is made up of 25 Blue T**s, 17 Great T**s, and 23 Coal T**s.

Lesley says, “The broods are very healthy and will most likely fledge within a week.”
How exciting! 🐦

We kindly ask that you please be mindful that there are birds nesting near the Field Centre, and that any excess noise can be quite distressing for them.

Thank you for your continued co-operation 😊

30/05/2026

Damselflies are taking to the skies of Foxglove! They can be spotted all over the reserve, but are most commonly found in sunny spots and around the pond areas. ☀

Although they may look similar, damselflies are not the same as dragonflies. An easy way to tell them apart is that damselflies rest with their wings tucked in, whereas dragonflies rest with their wings spread out. 🪽

Damselflies lay their eggs in the ponds around the reserves, and mating pairs form a shape that looks similar to a heart! ❤️ (as seen in images 3,4)

How many damselflies will you spot during your next visit? 👀

📸 Photo credits to our wonderful volunteer, Alison.

28/05/2026

Another fun-filled Family Activity Day! 🎉

Thank you to all who attended and got involved with our crafts and pond-dipping.
You made some superb mini-beast houses and dragonflies!

Our next activity days are already in the works as we look ahead to the warmer months! ☀
More details will be posted regarding these at a later date 😊

27/05/2026

Today our dedicated volunteers identified this beautiful Poplar-Hawk Moth, one of the largest moths in the UK! 🔍

They can have a wingspan of up to 3.5 inches (which is about the length of a credit card! 💳) and can usually be found between May and July, when the weather begins to warm up. ☀

They also have a Velcro-like grip, which allows them to cling securely to leaves and bark while resting or feeding 🌲

If you pop into the reserve between 11am-12pm on a Wednesday, you might get the chance to see some of these amazing creatures before they are released 😊

Interested in getting involved with the work we do? Get in touch! We're always looking for new volunteers 🌳🐟🐞🦋🦆

26/05/2026

We've had a fantastic first day of Family Activities!
If you didn't get a chance today, make the most of the sunny weather and pop down to the reserve!
From crafts to pond-dipping, we'll be doing it all again this Thursday 😃

No need to book in advance, but you can register your interest on Eventbrite 🌳

Come along to Foxglove Covert this May half term and have a nature filled adventure.

25/05/2026

Here at Foxglove Covert, we can't think of any better way to make the most of the half-term break than in nature!

Join us this Tuesday (26th) and Thursday (28th) for our family activity days!

💧 Explore the ponds with our guided Pond Dipping sessions🦗🐟
🦋 Enjoy a walk in the great outdoors🐦
🌳Follow our "Name That Tree" trail (and make leaf rubbings using our special 3D leaves!)🌲
and to round it off, get stuck in with crafts and games at the Field Centre 🎨

The Trail is available from Tuesday 26th May to Sunday 28th June (during field center opening hours).

Pond dipping and crafts available Tuesday 26th & Thursday 28th May between 10am & 3 pm.

🍫 Snacks available to purchase at the Field Centre

We hope to see you there! ☺️

23/05/2026

The field center won't be open tomorrow (Sunday 24th May) or Monday (Monday 25th May) ☀️

We hope you have a lovely bank holiday weekend, and we'll see you back on Tuesday!

Will we be seeing you at our Half Term Activity days? 🌱
Tuesday 26th and Thursday 28th of May are full of crafts, pond-dipping and trails! 🐦🐟🦋