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
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