The nationally renowned site is noted for being located on Ministry of Defence (MoD) land with access via security control on part of Catterick Camp.

The section was an area of foxholes, slit trenches and gullies that were designed to test tank crews as part of their training.

[5] In 1992, Major Tony Crease of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, realised the potential of the site[6] and was granted 28 acres (11 ha) by the British Army to convert into a nature reserve.

The downside to the plan was that the new access road would be at least a 4-mile (6.4 km) diversion and would cross an active training area where soldiers would be using blank ammunition.

[20] Foxglove Covert now covers over 100 acres (40 ha)[21] and includes heathland, wetland, moorland, flower-rich grassland and ancient deciduous woodland.

[24][25] The centre also has an observation bee hive that can be viewed through clear plexiglass and the local beekeeping association then sells some of the honey produced.

The stones were donated by a local quarry based in Leyburn and the design is meant to replicate a clock face.