4 August 2007

There is a new face behind events run at the RSPB’s headquarters nature reserve. Anna Riach, 24, is the new Visitor and Recruitment Officer at The Lodge nature reserve in Sandy.  She joins the team to organise public events at the reserve – currently some 80 every year.She has just returned from a seven month round the world trip visiting Asia, Australasia and South America and has enjoyed seeing such wildlife as elephants, kiwi birds, albatrosses and alpacas.Anna originally comes from Scotland’s central belt and has recently moved down to Bedfordshire to work for the RSPB.  She says: “Having never lived in the south of England before I’m discovering a host of wildlife which dislikes the cold Scottish weather.“
 
Anna continued: “We run regular events to cater to all interests. Our popular mini-beast safaris really enthuse children as they catch grasshoppers and discover woodlice and I’ve been enjoying hunting for bugs and beetles just as much!”“Every Tuesday we have people joining us for Single Strollers to enjoy a walk round the reserve with others and the Birds for Beginners events gives people the chance to find out more about birds. On this reserve, which is undergoing many changes while creating new heathland, Mystery Tours are a great way to show people the work that’s been going on in the area.”This month the reserve will also attract many visitors to its moth night and to its wool spinning demonstration day.If you would like to find out more about RSPB The Lodge events pick up a What’s On leaflet at the reserve or phone the shop to book an event on 01767 680541. If you would like to arrange a group visit to the reserve call Anna on 01767 693253.

1. Anna has a Masters degree in Zoology, and has previously worked with North East Wales Wildlife, a small wildlife charity in Flintshire. She replaces Neil Renwick at The Lodge, who has moved to the new RSPB nature reserve at Fen Drayton Lakes in Cambridgeshire.

2. The Lodge nature reserve is a mixture of woodland, heathland and acid grassland and includes the formal gardens of the RSPB's UK headquarters. New heathland has been planted on an area that used to be covered with exotic conifers. The reserve is open from 9 am - 9 pm (or sunset when earlier). The shop is open from 9 am - 5 pm on weekdays and 10 am - 5 pm at weekends and Bank Holidays.

3. Finding the Lodge: From Sandy town centre, take the B1042 Potton road, passing the railway station and cemetery on your right. After 1.2 miles (1.75 km), at the top of the hill, turn right into the RSPB marked entrance.