Today we went for a walk around the RSPB Lodge Nature Reserve at Sandy, Bedfordshire. The Lodge Nature Reserve opened in 1961. The woodland, heath and grassland cover 180 hectares, and are being restored to form the largest stretch of heathland in Bedfordshire.
The reserve was very, very busy today because this weekend a female Two-Barred Crossbill (a rare species if bird) had been spotted at the reserve. The last recorded sighting of this bird in Bedfordshire was in the 1840s so needless to say there were a lot of bird spotters out with their binoculars and digi scopes trying to catch a glimpse of this bird. They pointed out to us the flock of Common Crossbills that this rare bird had hooked up with, but we weren't able to pick it out ourselves from the 20+ other birds.
Within the reserve is 'The Lodge', built in 1870 as a private home but has been occupied as the national headquarters of the RSPB since 1961.
I can't imagine workign in such an impressive building! I love the triple chimneys.
At the reserve there are lots of wild flowers......
These miniature irises caught my eye.
Around 1851, the 'Swiss Cottage' at the entrance to the estate was built and is now the reserve's visitor centre and shop.
At the reserve there are lots of wild flowers......
....... and other flowers in the formal garden of The Lodge.
.
.
These miniature irises caught my eye.
Around 1851, the 'Swiss Cottage' at the entrance to the estate was built and is now the reserve's visitor centre and shop.
1 comment:
Great photos, looks like you had a good day out.
Post a Comment