Top Lodge

Christmas is coming..

2008-11-12T13:38:00Z

But we certainly are not getting fat. In fact we are busier than ever with two exciting events to prepare for.

This Sunday sees the start of our red kite roost walk season. We are running walks to see the entirely natural spectacle of red kites coming to roost at night every Sunday and Wednesday from now until 2 February. The events start at 2:30 with a short talk about the reintroduction of red kites to this area followed by refreshments. We then drive to a nearby wood where the kites roost and watch them come in. Numbers of birds can be variable, but we have had up to 100 kites in the sky all at once. Advance booking is essential as these are very popular, phone the centre to do so on 01780 444691. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £1.50 for children.

The other exciting event we are planning is the Top Lodge medieval festive weekend on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December. There will be knights in armour, wandering minstrels, falconers, tapesty makers, traditional crafts and even a bar serving mead and mulled wine. And of course you can buy your Christmas cards, calendars and gifts from the RSPB shop, whilst the Forestry Commission will be selling sustainably grown Christmas trees. It promises to be great fun and we are all looking forward to it. The activities run from 11 am to 3:30 pm both days are entry is free (although car parking charges may apply).

An eventful time

2008-08-24T11:37:00Z

Today is a busy day for us here at Top Lodge, as we are holding a 'Meet the RSPB' event. Visitors can come along to hear about all the marvelous work the RSPB does, both locally with the red kites and also across the rest of the country and internationally. We have a year long programme of events here including regular walks, talks and family fun days. So check out the events section of the website to find out whats on.

One big event that we are very proud of here is our series of red kite roost walks that we hold during the winter. Visitors get the chance to witness a true spectacle of nature as red kites come into roost at a local wood, with up to 100 being seen at once. And this is a completely natural sight, no need for artificial baiting. There has already been a lot of interest in these walks, which will begin again in November, so keep your eyes open for details of them and book your places early!

Out and about

2008-08-11T12:57:00Z

Last week was a chance for staff and volunteers to leave the centre and meet the local community as we travelled to Leicester. There we took part in BBC Radio Leicester's annual garden show, spreading the word about the Homes For Wildlife campaign, and giving help and advice on how to attract birds to gardens. It was great to meet so many friendly and interested people and we look forward to being back next year.

If you would like any tips on making your garden a wildlife haven, the shop here at Top Lodge has a wide range of goods that can help. From bird boxes and feeders to ladybird houses and seeds of native british flowers, there is sure to be something useful. So come along and pay us a visit.

Dragons and Damsels

2008-07-31T13:31:00Z

No, not tales of brave knights and fearsome creatures. For that you'll have to wait for our 'Medieval Christmas' event that is being planned. Instead I'm talking about insects. With the warmer weather of late we have been seeing ever increasing numbers of both dragonflies and damselflies. These breed in the pond by the wildlife hide and also in the reedbed sewage treatment system. Meanwhile butterflies flit amongst the trees or sun themselves in clearings. Peacocks and Red Admirals are particularly prominent with their bold colours.

On Sunday 10 August we will be holding a family fun day to look at these and some of the other smaller residents of the woods. As part of the 'Summer Bugs' event we will be going on a mini-beat hunt to find what creepy-crawlies live in the forest. Participants will also get the chance to make a dragonfly from pipecleaners, design their own insect and build a bug boudoir to put in their garden to encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds to set up home there. There are two separate sessions, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm and 1 - 3 pm. Places are strictly limited so advance booking is essential, call us on 01780 444691 to secure your place. The event costs £2 per child, with accompanying adults free.

Now you see them....

2008-07-22T14:35:00Z

True to form, the red kite chicks have been popping on and off the nest for all of last week. At anyone time, visitors could see anything from an empty nest to all three youngsters, sitting around and bickering. Some of the spats have been quite fierce, although no grudges ever seem to be held. One minute the chicks can be pecking one another, the next quietly grooming each other.

The kites should hopefully still be viewable on the camera if you were to come to our 'Birdwatching for Kids' class. These are being held each Wednesday morning through the summer holidays and cost £2 per child (accompanying adults free, but only one adult per booking). Places are strictly limited, so please phone us on 01780 444691 to secure your place.