Overview
Managed by the RSPB, this is an oak and birch woodland reserve, with areas of restored heathland. It is known for breeding warblers, Hobby and a variety of woodland birds.
Picture this: there is frost on the ground and early morning mist lines the meadow and heath. The contact calls of foraging parties of tits and finches echo around the landscape. A winter’s morning visit to The Lodge can be a rewarding experience. Rarities are uncommon, but the delightful setting and sheer numbers of birds make this an enjoyable place to explore.
During spring and summer, the resident species are joined by warblers. Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat and Garden Warbler breed here, but the highlight of any summer visit is the sight of a Hobby hawking dragonflies. Perhaps the best places from which to see them are the Plateau and the new trail across Sandy Warren. Another good spot is Sandy Heath, which is opposite the entrance to the reserve, on the north side of the B1042. Pick a warm late-spring evening and enjoy.
The reserve consists predominantly of oak and birch woodland with a scattering of Scots pine. There are several high points on the edge of the Greensand Ridge that afford spectacular views over the Ivel Valley and the surrounding countryside. The immaculate, organic gardens are not only lovely to look at, but hold many birds too. The large wildlife pond was formerly a swimming pool when The Lodge was a private house. The RSPB took The Lodge over in 1961. In 2007, they acquired 252 acres of coniferous woodland (the New Heath; or Sandy Warren) and, through clearance, are restoring this area to how it was 200 years ago. You may encounter the rare breed of sheep – the Manx Loaghtan – which are helping in the process by keeping down bracken and fern. In the not too distant future, we will hopefully be able to enjoy the return of heathland specialists such as Nightjar, Woodlark, Dartford Warbler and Tree Pipit. Nightjar has been recorded during the summers of 2009 and 2010, whilst Tree Pipit remains a scarce passage migrant. Woodlarks are now regular on spring migration, sometimes even staying and holding territory. During the autumn of 2011, as many as six remained for several weeks
Access
Off the B1042 Sandy to Potton road. Nature Reserve and RSPB HQ. Accessible trails, visitor center and car park at the top of the drive, with trail guides available.
Birds
Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Brambling, Siskin, Common Redpoll, Nightjar, Woodlark, Red Kite, Peregrine, Osprey.
Nightjar – Steve Blain
