Franchises Lodge (Day Trip)

Summary

Franchises Lodge is a newly acquired nature reserve in the north of the New Forest on the Wiltshire/Hampshire border. The vast array of habitats from ancient woodland to open grassland holds an incredible variety of wildlife. In the winter, finches are the main species of interest with Crossbill, Hawfinch, Brambling and Redpolls likely to be seen alongside an array of thrushes. If we are lucky, we might even get the chance of seeing some of the scarcer winter visitors to the area such as Woodcock. As we head through into the spring and summer, the reserve comes alive with Goshawks patrolling their territories and Hobbies returning to the lake to breed. The site also holds the highest concentration of Firecrest, Goldcrest and Treecreeper of anywhere in the New Forest, which is an incredible sight and sound. The ancient woodlands come alive with the song of Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher as we head into the late spring and occasionally, although more infrequently, they can be joined by Wood Warbler. On the warm summer nights 'roding' Woodcock can be heard touring the forest rides in large numbers, as can a small population of Nightjars. The site also holds a good population of Little Grebe at the lake and has recorded passage waders and ducks. It also holds impressive numbers of Marsh Tit, Coal Tit and Siskin as well as a small but tantalising population of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers which just about hangs on. 

Aside from birds, the reserve has many other attractions for the naturalist. Wood Crickets can be heard and seen in the summer and early autumn. Adder, Common Lizard and Grass Snake are a possibility on a warm summer day, as are a good selection of butterflies including Silver Studded Blue, Silver Washed Fritillary and Marbled White. The site also hosts huge numbers of Odonata at the lake in the early summer, with some rare species also found including Downy Emerald, Beautiful Demoiselle, Small Red Damselfly and is the only site in the New Forest to have recorded Willow Emerald (as of Sept '21). In the autumn and early winter the site holds a wide variety of different Fungi species as well as large numbers of Fallow, Roe and Muntjac Deer especially during the autumn rut!

We will be meeting at 8:45am with the 6 or 7-mile walk finishing around 4:15pm. After periods of wet weather walking boots or wellies are recommended. We cannot guarantee access to toilets on the reserve so please bear this in mind.

• Superb woodland habitat 
• Wintering finches include Hawfinch, Brambling and Crossbill  
• The highest concentration of Firecrest in the New Forest
• Impressive numbers of Marsh Tit, Coal Tit and Siskin
• Wintering flocks of Redwing and Fieldfare
• Possibility of Woodcock