I have been working over the weekend and the main highlight has been the butterfly bonanza! Visitors have been giving me lists of the butterfly's around at the moment, with perhaps the highlights being marbled whites, brown argus, holly blue and an Essex skipper.
A stoat was seen to catch a rabbit right outside the hide, a grass snake (a large one!) basked in the Lodge gardens and several common lizards were taking advantage of the warm sun at times.
Across the road on Sandy Heath, a skulking male redstart has been seen over a number of days, and was reported again yesterday.
Over the heaths, large numbers of swifts and swallows were in the air. I think this is the largest group of swifts I've seen during my seven year's here - and the hobbies were often up and taking advantage of them! Other raptors seen over the new heath were red kite, buzzard and kestrel. There have also been a few reports of crossbills flying over- I've not actually seen any this year so I hope I can see them!
With the summer holidays about to reach full swing, we are taking bookings for our children's mini--beast safari's and the new 'A Walk on the Wild Side', which is aimed at a slightly older age group. August also see the return of The Pantaloons, with the performances below. You can book all of our events on 01767 680541 or get more details from; rspb.org.uk/thelodge
Pride and Prejudice Saturday 22 August 1 pm and 6 pm and Sunday 1 pm
Much Ado about Nothing Saturday 22 August 1 pm and 6 pm
Tickets; Adults £13.50
Children (age 7-16); £9. Under 7’s: FREE.
Family ticket 2 adults, 2 children £37.50
Please note: Assistance dogs only at the performance please.
Tickets from; The RSPB 01767 680541
and Pantaloons http://www.thepantaloons.co.uk/
Treasure Island Sunday 23 August 1pm and 6 pm ( Family performance
Children (age 7-16); £7. Under 7’s: FREE.
Family ticket 2+2 £32.50
Tickets from; The RSPB 01767 6980541
Mustn't forget Big Wild Sleepout on August 8th as well! rspb.org.uk/sleepout
Hoe you can make it to our events- and come and enjoy summer at The Lodge.