The Lodge nature reserve in Central Bedfordshire is home to the national head office of the RSPB ( Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ) It was founded in 1889 and works to promote conservation and protection of birds. The reserve near Sandy, in central Bedfordshire, covers an area of around 1,000 acres and includes several trails , a large carpark , visitor centre , shop , cafe and the head office complex for the RSPB.

Admission if free and there is a large flat parking area for around 70 cars which again is free to use for RSPB members . ( there is a £6 charge to park for non-members ) adjacent to the car park is the visitor centre where most of the trails start from , the cafe and the shop. Whilst dogs are welcome in this area some of the trails are out of bounds for our furry friends , assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.

The reserve has the largest stretch of heathland in Bedfordshire. This rare habitat is the place to spot some of the reserve’s iconic species such as breeding Hobbies, Nightjars, Ravens, Common Lizards and Natterjack Toads. The reserve’s acid grasslands are a magnet for large flocks of thrushes who feed there in winter. Its hilly woodlands are filled with towering oaks, where in summer Spotted Flycatchers catch food for their brood. The reserve includes an area of farmland, managed to attract wintering farmland birds, as well as part of a sand quarry where you can find rare minibeasts and, in summer, Sand Martins.

Be warned , in places , especially on the Old Quarry trail the paths can be steep and stepped so it’s not a reserve suitable for anyone with mobility issues or young children in pushchairs. The visitors centre is staffed by volunteer’s usually between 10am and 4pm. As you would expect the facilities are kept in excellent condition and the staff are friendly and knowledgable. Is it worth a visit , yes is you are a bird watcher . With no hides as such the site isn’t geared to photography but as a nature fan still well worth the visit.

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