RSPB HQ, The Lodge, Sandy

[PeterB]

Never visited despite it being only 30 miles from me, mind you there are probably a hundred places within that radius (must get out more). I decided to go out because the forecast was for a sunny day, it was, until I arrived there and it then clouded over, until I left, when the sun came out again. Ho Hum.

Can't believe there is only one hide, it's a nice hide but I did expect more stuff. Saw a fair amount which has boosted the year list with Siskin, L Redpoll, Raven, Stock Dove (I hope it's a proper one) and a Solitary Waxwing no doubt on his way up north. Highlights were the Redpoll party going on in front of the hide which has boosted my picture collection and a pair of Goldcrest who I saw mating high up in a silver birch (appalling picture, sorry). I was hoping to get some Nuthatch but saw none. I don't have any good pictures of them, next time.

[PeterB]

[astafjevs]

Sounds a good visit, I've never been. Was there anything about on the heath?

Looks good for a stock dove to me, well done!

[PeterB]

Thanks, most of the paths onto the heath were closed today due to works being carried out and I ran out of time.

[Twitcheruth]

Nice images Peter,I especially like the Repoll and Siskin and well done on even getting the mating Goldcrests in shot!

I've only ever been to the Lodge on one ocassion......hubby was down in Beds on business so I cadged a free ride down.......I too was pretty disappointed especially if you compare it to reserves like Conwy or Leighton Moss.....and feel that as the flagship of the RSPB a lot more could (and should) be done to improve the reserve.

[astafjevs]

Its not really their flagship reserve though, its just the grounds of their offices

I think they are doing a lot to improve it as a reserve, judging by the stuff they send out regularly. I shall have to get up there myself and see it one day, but maybe make sure I combine it with something else in the area in case I'm also disappointed by it!!

[PeterB]

Yes, it is not a flagship reserve by any means, but there is a lot of area, parkland and woods, but only one hide, which is a "feeder watcher" hide. With no water (it is on top of a hill) there will always be wildlife limitations however as the HQ you would have thought they would want to use the place to demonstrate the best practises in making a reserve, having it visitor friendly and demonstrating things like hide design etc. But I may be being too harsh here, I'll visit again soon and take the parkland paths.

[Richard Prior]

I agree with you Peter I have found that the wildlife trust reserves are better than rspb ones but that is my personal taste. I do visit the lodge a few times in the year as it's only on my doorstep but it could be better as it is the rspb HQ.

[Richard Prior]

By the way great pictures

[Twitcheruth]

Originally Posted by astafjevs

Its not really their flagship reserve though, its just the grounds of their offices

Originally Posted by PeterB

Yes, it is not a flagship reserve by any means,.

Yes I accept flagship isn't the correct word but as a kid when my YOC mag arrived from "The Lodge,Sandy,Beds" it was always a destination that I longed to visit.....maybe my childlike expectations of the place were still in my mind when we visited!