Foxglove Covert, Catterick 2006

Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve, Catterick Garrison

1 July 2006

On what proved to be one of the hottest days of the year so far, 43 members and guests assembled at the Cambrai Barracks, Catterick Garrison for the summer 2006 visit to the Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve.

Our guides for the day were Warden Sue Rowley and Assistant Warden Gez Marshall who escorted our party in a military-like convoy into the reserve situated at the edge of the Army training area. The purpose built and fully equipped educational Field Centre facility was our base for the day. Following an introduction and light refreshments a series of conducted tours of the reserve took place.

We learned that Foxglove Covert had been fenced off by the Ministry of Defence for additional security during the IRA 'troubles' and largely forgotten and so had grown naturally. However, in 1992, a conservation minded senior officer realised its potential to be developed into a nature reserve and the land was released for conservation purposes.

Originally a bird-ringing site the reserve has been transformed into a regionally important wildlife haven extending to over 31 hectare (75 acres). The reserve is renowned for the remarkable mix of habitats, including raised bogs, wetlands, ponds, streams, a lake, semi-natural woodland, planted conifers, alder carr, heath, willow coppice and an area of recently acquired acidic-grassland. The impressive list of over 1600 recorded species of wildlife is increasing as the reserve flourishes. The core activity of the reserve as a nationally recognised centre for bird study and ringing continues, in conjunction with the British Trust for Ornithology, with a superbly constructed hide now overlooking the main ponds.

During 2001 the reserve was declared a Local Nature Reserve (LNR), being the first LNR both on Ministry of Defence land and within the Richmondshire District.

An independent Management Group, funded entirely from donations, grants and fundraising efforts together  with local volunteers has allowed the reserve to develop, including the provision for education at all levels with particular emphasis on the local community. Strong links are being formed with regional colleges who are offering educational events at the reserve including, bird watching, flower identification, sessions on mammals, insects and "fun" events with an environmental awareness theme. However, links with the MoD and local barracks remain strong, with considerable funding provided, as well as physical assistance with providing paths, digging out ponds etc.

Highlights of the reserve tours and afternoon activities included groups seeing the effect of naturally regenerated broad-leaved species, details of the Biodiversity Action Plan, pond dipping and identification, observing Cuckoo, hawker dragonflies, the five-spot Burnet moth, Eyebright, Marsh Marigold, Dog Rose and Ragged Robin to name but a few, and not to overlook foxgloves. One group undertook a longer guided walk to the raised bog habitat.

The Yorkshire Branch Committee would like to thank our hosts for a most enjoyable and informative day. We would welcome members and guests at any of our future events.

John Dickinson Yorkshire Branch