Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The RSPB Lodge Nature Reserve

The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

About this venue

Located on Bedfordshire's Greensand Ridge, RSPB The Lodge nature reserve and gardens has over 5 miles of trails, leading through tranquil woodland, an historic Iron Age hillfort,heathland and formal gardens. A hide looks over small pools where birds and other wildlife come to feed. The RSPB shop sells gifts, optics and bird food, and you can enjoy a fresh sandwich or salad from the chiller, or a well deserved ice cream or hot drink after your walk.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Sandy.

Opening Hours

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for members and visitors to the shop, for all other visitors there is a parking charge.
    • The car park is located off Potton Road.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are loose chippings.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There is a signposted Blue Badge parking area, with 6 parking spaces.

Outside Access (Shop - Ramped Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.

Outside Access (Shop - Stepped Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
  • Comments View
    • The hand rails are located to the left and right of the steps, respectively.

Shop

  • There is step free access throughout the shop.
  • The surface of the flooring is carpet.
  • There is clear space along the majority of aisles.
  • Refreshments can be purchased from the shop.
  • There are two payment counters.
  • Both payment counters are 91cm high.

Picnic Area

  • The picnic area is located between the parking and the shop.
  • There is step free access to the picnic area and throughout the picnic area.
  • The picnic area has a grass surface.
  • There are picnic tables available.
  • Some of the picnic tables have space for a wheelchair user to sit at the table.
  • The height from the floor to the underside of the adapted picnic tables is 74cm.
  • There is a sheltered seating area with bench seating.
  • There are water bowls for dogs available.

Outside Access (Café Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located 25 metres from the main car park, along a gravelled path.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the approach to the cafe entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Eating and Drinking (Cafe)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 58cm (1ft 11in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • The standard height for tables is 75cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are hand held and wall.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks with a vegan and vegetarian option.

Accessible Toilet (Café - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the café entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located around the back of the café, outside.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 151cm x 214cm (4ft 11in x 7ft).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 119cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located to the right upon entering the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 72cm (2ft 4in).

Standard Toilet(s) (Cafe)

Accessible Toilet (External Toilet Block - No Lateral Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the toilet block area, to the right of the picnic area.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 195cm x 144cm (6ft 5in x 4ft 9in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 81cm (2ft 8in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (External Toilet Block)

Level Change (Standard Toilets)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in the doorway of each toilet.
  • There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Wild Play Trail

  • The Wild Play Trail is the reserve's play area, it is located next to the main car park and off the start of the Woodpecker Trail.
  • There is step free access at both access points to the Play Trail.
  • There is step free access throughout the area.
  • There is bench seating available.
  • The type of play equipment includes -
  • Den building area
  • Natural play equipment
  • Insect hotel – add your own twigs to help give bugs a home.

Visitor Centre

  • The Visitor Centre is located opposite to the car park.
  • The path from the car park to the Visitor Centre crosses the access road.
  • Caution is advised when crossing the road.
  • There is step free access to the Visitor Centre.
  • The doors to the visitor centre are double width, they are held open and they are 225cm wide.
  • The height of the counter is 102cm.
  • There are information points around the Visitor Centre about the reserve.
  • There is a member of staff located at the Visitor Centre who can answer questions.

Nature Reserve - Buzzard Trail

  • The Buzzard Trail begins next to the Visitor Centre.
  • The Buzzard Trail is 1.5 miles long. Allow around 1.5 hours to complete this trail.
  • The route takes you through the Iron Age Hill Fort and around the heathland.
  • There are maps of the trails available online which can be downloaded or available from the shop and the Visitor Centre.
  • There are finger posts directional sign posts located along the trails at regular intervals.
  • There is bench seating located along the trail.
  • The Buzzard Trail is circular route starting and ending at the Visitor Centre.
  • There is step free access along the trail.
  • There are very slight, slight and steep places along the path.
  • There is a long steep on the path leading up to/down from the Galley Hill Iron Fort.
  • If the slope at Galley Hill is not suitable, it is advisable to retrace the trail back to the Visitor Centre.
  • The majority of the paths have a compact earth surface.
  • At the bottom of Galley Hill the surface of the path is sand.
  • The underlying sand base means that the paths do not become muddy.
  • The path may be uneven in places due to rocks or tree roots.

Nature Reserve - Nuthatch Trail

  • The Nuthatch Trail begins next to the Visitor Centre.
  • The Nuthatch Trail is 1.5 miles long, Allow around 1.5 hours to complete this trail.
  • The route takes you around The Lodge buildings, through woodland and linking up with The Lodge gardens.
  • There are maps of the trails available online which can be downloaded or available from the shop and the visitor centre.
  • There are finger posts directional sign posts located along the trails at regular intervals.
  • The Nuthatch Trail is circular route starting and ending at the Visitor Centre.
  • There is step free access along path's at the beginning of the trail.
  • The Meadow Hide (closed at the time of surveying for refurbishment) and the Lodge Gardens are located along the Nuthatch Trail.
  • Shortly after the trail passes the gate to the Lodge Gardens, the path goes towards the Old Quarry and there are a large number of steps located along the remainder of the trail.
  • If the steps are not suitable it is advisable to retrace the trail back to the Visitor Centre.
  • The underlying sand base means that the paths do not become muddy.
  • The path may be uneven in places due to rocks or tree roots.

Lodge Gardens

  • The Lodge Gardens are located off the Nuthatch Trail.
  • The gate located on the path have the Meadow Hide provides step free access to the gardens.
  • There are gates located further along the trail in the old quarry area which have stepped access to the gardens.
  • There is step free access throughout the majority of the gardens.
  • The majority of the gardens have a grass surface.
  • The paths around the pond have a paving stone surface.
  • There is bench seating located around the gardens.
  • There are areas of the gardens near the pond which have stepped access.
  • The Tree of Life is located next to the gardens and there is a bench located next to the tree.

Nature Reserve - Woodpecker Trail

  • The Woodpecker Trail begins next to the Visitor Centre.
  • The Woodpecker Trail is 2 miles long. The route takes you through grassland, woodland and heathland habitats.
  • There are maps of the trails available online which can be downloaded or available from the shop and the Visitor Centre.
  • There are finger posts directional sign posts located along the trails at regular intervals.
  • The Woodpecker Trail is circular route starting and ending at the Visitor Centre.
  • There is step free access along paths.
  • There are very slight, slight and steep slopes located along the trail in places.
  • As the path reaches the main woodland there is a long steep slope leading down into the woodland.
  • If the slope is not suitable it is advisable to retrace the trail back to the Visitor Centre.
  • The underlying sand base means that the paths do not become muddy.
  • The path may be uneven in places due to rocks or tree roots.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.