Old Lodge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Lodge |
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| Type | Local Nature Reserve |
| Location | Crowborough, East Sussex |
| OS grid | TQ 462 305 |
| Area | 103.1 hectares (255 acres) |
| Managed by | Sussex Wildlife Trust |
Old Lodge is a very special natural area located west of Crowborough in East Sussex, England. It covers a large space, about 103.1-hectare (255-acre), which is like 250 football fields! This beautiful place is a Local Nature Reserve, meaning it's protected for its wildlife and natural beauty. It's managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust, an organization dedicated to looking after nature. Old Lodge is also an important part of the much bigger Ashdown Forest, a famous area known for its unique habitats and amazing creatures.
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What Makes Old Lodge Special?
Old Lodge is more than just a pretty place; it's a protected area because of its important natural features. It's part of Ashdown Forest, which has several special titles given to it to ensure its nature is kept safe.
Why is Ashdown Forest Protected?
Ashdown Forest, including Old Lodge, has been given several important conservation titles. These titles show how valuable the area is for nature:
- Nature Conservation Review site, Grade I: This means it's one of the most important places in the country for nature.
- Special Area of Conservation (SAC): This is a European title given to areas that protect rare or endangered habitats and species. It helps make sure these special places are looked after across Europe.
- Special Protection Area (SPA): This European title is specifically for protecting wild birds and their habitats. It means the area is vital for birds, especially those that are rare or migrate long distances.
- Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): This is a UK title given to places that have special wildlife, geology, or landforms. It means the area is important for scientific study and needs to be protected.
These titles help ensure that Old Lodge and Ashdown Forest are carefully managed. This management helps to keep the plants and animals living there safe and healthy for many years to come.
What Can You See at Old Lodge?
Old Lodge is a "highland site," meaning it's on higher ground. This gives it a unique mix of habitats, which are perfect homes for different kinds of plants and animals.
Plants and Trees
The main types of plants you'll find at Old Lodge are:
- Grassland: Open areas covered in various grasses.
- Heather: Beautiful purple and pink plants that grow in large patches, especially on heathland.
- Gorse: Spiky, green bushes with bright yellow flowers, often smelling of coconut.
You'll also see scattered birch and oak trees, which are common native trees in the UK. In some parts, there are small groups of Scots pine trees, which are tall evergreen trees.
Amazing Animals
Old Lodge is home to a variety of interesting animals, especially birds and insects:
- Redstart: This is a colorful bird, known for its bright orange-red tail that often quivers. They like to live in woodlands and heathlands.
- Common crossbills: These birds are unique because their beaks cross over at the tips. This special beak helps them to extract seeds from pine cones.
- Red wood ants: You might spot large nests of these busy ants. They build impressive mounds on the ground, made of twigs and leaves, and are an important part of the forest ecosystem.
Exploring Old Lodge is a great way to discover the different plants and animals that call this special nature reserve home.
