Sandy Lodge, in Bedfordshire, is
the headquarters of the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protectopn of
Birds).
The lodge is situated just two miles from my home and a visit makes a
splendid Sunday afternoon walk. The lodge itself, an original country
mansion, is just one of several adjoining buildings. Each one is in a
different architectural style yet the mix manages to work - the place
just looks as though it has evolved rather than been built, and the
ensemble is most pleasing to the eye. The buildings are surrounded by
ornamental gardens, which in turn are surrounded by woodlands. The
grounds are not a bird reserve as such - there are certainly no exotic
species - but the grounds, woods and a nearby lake provide a good mix
of habitats and a couple of observation hides are provided. Although
one is expected to pay to enter the grounds, a public footpath runs
right through the woods and very close to the house and gardens.
These photos were taken one Sunday afternoon in the early spring of
2003. I thought the light was especially beautiful.
Click on any of
the thumbnails for a full-sized image.
This page last
updated 27th December 2004
