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Foxglove Covert is a superb Local Nature Reserve near Richmond. With 100 acres of heath, wetland, moorland, flower-rich grassland and ancient deciduous woodland, and over 2,600 resident species, the reserve and its Visitor Centre welcome tens of thousands of visitors each year.

But there's a 'but'...

Foxglove Covert has traditionally been entered through Army barracks, in Catterick Garrison, the largest military garrison in Europe. Visitors had to provide photographic ID and be escorted to the reserve by soldiers - not a great experience for the visitors, and probably not what the soldiers signed up for.

Those days are now over! There's a new entrance from the Waithwith Road (the 'Tank Road', as it is locally known) on the moors above Richmond. Access is simpler, and everyone is happier.

To drive to the new entrance from Richmond, cross Green Bridge and head towards Leyburn, climbing for about three miles. Postcodes are not very effective on Army land: the grid ref for the new entrance is SE 15845 97447; the What 3 words reference is shipyards.extent.darling; but you can just look for the roadside signs.

The reserve's opening times are 09:00 - 17:00 weekdays, and 10:00 - 16:00 weekends and Bank Holidays. Entry is free.

Foxglove Covert is a great place to visit, and visiting is now much easier.

(Can you get there by bus? We don't know. The 159 bus from Richmond to Leyburn certainly goes past the entrance, and the driver could probably be persuaded to drop you, but getting back might not be so easy.)