Walks around Melbourn & beyond

Walks

around Melbourn & beyond Walking at RSPB The Lodge Nature Reserve (Part 2)

Following on from last issue’s look at RSPB The Lodge Nature Reserve, we revisit the reserve to look at some of the other walks and trails on offer. Situated in Sandy, the reserve itself is only around a half-an-hour drive from Melbourn and can provide that dose of nature we all need.

The Woodpecker Trail, one of the reserve’s main walks, is its south-eastern trail, exploring both heathland and woodland. The first point of interest along this walk, after a short journey through woodland, is a newly created viewpoint that offers a stunning vista across sloping heathland, with Biggleswade clearly visible in the distance. This view can be enjoyed in comfort as a bench has been strategically placed there.

The small patch of woodland opens up on the northern side of the path, revealing acid grassland. Whilst an unassuming stretch of land during winter months, it is an important site for many invertebrates and becomes a treat for the eyes as the sorrel flowers, turning the field red. A wind turbine spins away happily in the background, creating green energy that has drastically reduced carbon emissions at the reserve and generates the equivalent of over half the RSPB’s total energy usage.

Great Spotted Woodpeckers quarreling

Continuing on, the path enters woodland, where goldcrests flit about and woodpeckers drum in Spring, before sloping downwards towards a valley. The path itself gets steadily sandier the further you go, revealing the sandstone foundations the area sits upon. The valley reveals The Lodge’s most established area of heathland, a truly beautiful sight in August when flowering.

The path then splits offering a shorter option back to the bridleway, albeit with some steep steps, through what is known as Jack’s Valley. To the left, the longer option sweeps around more heathland, past a secluded pond which is a magnet for dragonflies and damselflies, whilst buzzards and kestrels can often be seen overhead.

Eventually, the southern-most entrance to the reserve is met, offering a route to and from Biggleswade common. To finish the route, the bridleway must be followed north from here. It is a beautiful path through ancient woodland, where bat roosts can be seen amongst gnarled oaks and wildflowers sneak up through the undergrowth.

The shortest trail at The Lodge is the hardest. The Nuthatch Trail takes you around the southernmost section of the reserve on a very undulating route. Starting off is simple enough, however, with a stroll past a meadow before arriving opposite the RSPB HQ. The main RSPB building has a stately-home look to it and was in fact built for Arthur Peel, MP and son to Robert Peel, in 1870. The RSPB acquired the site and buildings in 1961 after Princess Margaret had been advised against purchasing it, due to the public bridleway running through it seen as a security risk.

Moving past the headquarters, the trail enters woodland that surrounds the main RSPB complex. Cliffs of sandstone appear throughout the walk which have holes of differing sizes. Many of these holes were made by sand martins nesting and other mammals creating a home, protected from the elements. These exposed sandstone faces were created when that area was a quarry, long-since disused.

The rest of the trail winds round, through the woods, breaking every now and then for spectacular views, reminding you of how high you are. Although often difficult to spot, plenty of woodland birds make their home in here, with nuthatches and treecreepers being amongst the most impressive. Muntjac deer can be found wandering through as well as even the odd peacock that has sauntered in from nearby farms, making for an unexpected experience.

Branching off from the trail are several paths that lead to the gardens. These gardens are to the back of the headquarters and still retain a lot of the stately home aesthetics. Classical busts hide amongst the greenery and climbers wrap around columns as the garden undergoes a process of rewilding. The open swimming pool is now a pond and other areas are left to grow, with nectar-rich, native flowers the choice in the beds. This has had a profound effect as kingfishers have been spotted hunting here, rare species of saxifrage now grow and the place is alive with insects. It truly is a beautiful garden all times of the year but is especially spectacular in May and June when the wisteria flowers.

The gardens make a wonderful place to stop and relax before heading back towards the entrance, however that does not have to be the end of a visit. For those with children who still have some energy left, there is a natural play area next to the car park, offering den building, bug hotels, a squirrel agility course and more. It is the perfect spot to sit with a cup of tea and watch the kids before the journey home.

Wisteria RSPB Sandy

Den building in the play area

Vincent Wright Images courtesy of Robin Gilmore & Shannon Shaw