Print pageAbout The Lodge
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Image: Andy Hay
The Lodge nature reserve opened in 1961. The woodland, heath and acid grassland along the Greensand Ridge cover 180 hectares, and are being restored to form the largest stretch of heathland in Bedfordshire.
You can explore this attractive nature reserve along 5 miles (8 km) of trails, visit the beautifully managed gardens, the Iron Age banks and ditches on Galley Hill, or watch woodland birds from the hide. You can see a wide range of woodland species throughout the year, and spotted flycatchers and hobbies during the summer.
The shop has an excellent range of binoculars and telescopes, books, bird food and gifts. Guided walks can also be booked here. There is a picnic area, and snacks are available at the shop. The hide, gardens and toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Opening times
The reserve is open from 7 am to 9 pm (or sunset when earlier). The shop is open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 5 pm at weekends and on Bank Holidays.
Entrance charges
Non-members: £4 per motor vehicle. Members, and those just visiting the shop, can park for free. Please get a ticket from the ticket machine in the visitors' car park and display it in your vehicle.
Information for families
Several events in the events programme, such as mini-beast safaris, are designed for families. RSPB Explorer Backpacks are available for children to use on the reserve. These contain binoculars, bug viewers, wildlife guides and activity booklets.
Information for dog owners
Dogs are only allowed on the bridleway, not on other paths due to the sensitive nature of wildlife and presence of sheep