RSPB The Lodge is a nature reserve run by the RSPB. It is located south-east of the town of Sandy, Bedfordshire, in England.
The reserve includes areas of broadleaved and coniferous woodland, acid grassland and heathland. The area surrounding The Lodge was covered in heathland prior to the 19th century, when it was ploughed up for agriculture or planted with non-native conifer species for forestry.
In 2005, work began to restore some areas of heathland. The aim is to attract species including Woodlark Lullula arborea, European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, and Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata.[1] Sandy Warren, part of the reserve, is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.[2]
History
The Lodge sits on the Greensand Ridge, overlooking the River Ivel valley. The site has two Iron Age hill forts, built about 700 BC; the most impressive, on Galley Hill, is a univallate fort, with obvious banks and ditches. 'Sandy Warren' later became a valuable source of rabbits.
Around 1851, the 'Swiss Cottage' (which now serves as the reserve's visitor centre and shop) was built for Captain William Peel. When he died, the estate passed to his mother, and then to his younger brother Arthur Wellesley Peel, who built the large house known as 'Sandy Lodge'. Arthur Wellesley Peel was an MP and Speaker of the House of Commons.
In 1934, the house was sold to Sir Malcolm Stewart and the formal gardens were established. [3] The RSPB has had its UK headquarters at The Lodge since 1961.[4]
References
- ^ 'Our work' at The Lodge webpage
- ^ Natural England
- ^ RSPB. A history of Sandy Lodge leaflet, 2007 (reference number 000-1821-06-07)
- ^ RSPB 'about us' webpage
External links
Coordinates: 52°06′58″N 0°15′55″W / 52.116156°N -0.265382°E
 |
This Bedfordshire location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
