Old Lodge Nature Reserve

Welcome to Old Lodge Nature Reserve, a crown jewel of the Sussex Wildlife Trust situated within the expansive and historic Ashdown Forest. As we stand here, we are approximately 200 meters above sea level, a significant elevation…

To the uninitiated, the heather might appear as a simple backdrop, but for Glenn, the Sussex Wildlife Trust ecologist, it is a bustling metropolis of arachnid activity. Old Lodge is exceptional for its spider populations, which…

In the world of heathland management, 'bare ground' is not a sign of neglect, but a vital and rare habitat. At Old Lodge, you will notice patches of exposed earth known as 'scrapes.' These are man-made interventions designed to…

Nestled within the heath are several ponds that serve as vital freshwater oases for the reserve's wildlife. These water bodies are the primary habitat for one of Old Lodge's most spectacular summer sights: the dragonflies. …

The open skies and scrubby edges of Old Lodge provide ideal hunting and nesting grounds for a variety of bird species. One of the most frequently sighted raptors is the Kestrel. …

While the heather is the undisputed star of the Old Lodge flora, the reserve contains a rich variety of plants that have adapted to its acidic, nutrient-poor soils. The heather itself is a mix of species: Ling (Calluna vulgaris),…

As the warmth of summer fades, Old Lodge undergoes a dramatic transformation. The purple heather turns to a rusty brown, and the dragonflies disappear, leaving behind their exuvia as the only evidence of their summer reign. …

As we conclude our walk through Old Lodge Nature Reserve, we reflect on the delicate balance of intervention and preservation that maintains this extraordinary place. This is not a wilderness left to its own devices, but a…