Lower Lodge is a grassland to the north of the reserve. It was farmed until the 1980's and became public open space when the adjacent housing estate was built. This part of the site is mainly managed as grassland with sections cut every 3 years to prevent scrub from encroaching. Paths are cut through the long grass for walkers and this part of the reserve offers the best views of the Colne valley.
Lower Lodge has been used as a receptor site for the Common Lizard which were translocated from land that was developed in Colchester. They can sometimes be seen sunning themselves on fence posts and tree trunks.
The eastern edge of Lower Lodge is bordered by a row of impressive Oaks which would have once formed part of an old hedgerow.
Placed with kind permission from Colchester Borough Council.