Lodge Pond Trail
The Lodge Pond Trail is a very attactive route which takes you into the heart of the forest. After taking you past the exciting play structures on the Habitat Trail it then leads you away from the hustle and bustle as it passes through mixed broadleaf woodland and open mature pine forest. The highlight of the walk however is Lodge Pond. It is believed that Lodge Pond was created as one of a series of fisheries by Medieval monks. They would have used it to breed carp which formed an important part of their diet.
This is an excellent trail for all the family as it offers both the excitement of the play areas and the serenity of the peaceful woodland.
Please be aware that the Lodge Pond Trail follows unsurfaced woodland paths for much of its route and is unsuitable for pushchairs.
How to get there:
Lodge Pond Trail can be started from Main entrance in Alice Holt Woodland Park which is part of Alice Holt Forest. Farnham is the nearest town or village.
From the A31 turn off at Farnham onto the A325. Stay on the A325 for approximately 3 miles.From Portsmouth and Petersfield take the A325 towards Farnham. At the Halfway House Pub on the A325 turn off the main road following signs for the Woodland Park. The entrance is 300 yards along this road on the left., The nearest station is at Bentley. From here you can walk through Alice Holt Forest to the Woodland Park along public rights of way., Alternatively take the train to Farnham and catch a bus to the Woodland Park.
OS Grid Reference: SU 807 416
Mammals: Roe deer are seen quite frequently in the early morning and evening. They tend to lie low during the busiest times although the Lodge Pond Trail offers the best chance of seeing them throughout the day as it passes through the quieter areas.
Foxes are present in the Woodland Park. Badgers are known to pass through the site although it is uncertain whether or not they have a sett here.
Lodge Pond was known some years ago to have been home to a population of water voles. Surveys are underway to determine whether or not they are still present. We have information about Roe deer and Badger
Birds: Woodpeckers are commonly seen (and heard) on this trail. Keep your eyes peeled when walking through the areas of mature pine, where it is possible to see evidence of feeding and nesting activity in the standing dead wood.
Sparrow hawks are known to hunt in the wood, but are seldom seen.
In a large clearing opposite the Habitat Trail nightjar nest in the summer.
Hobbies have also been seen hunting in the same clearing. We have information about Nightjar
Insects and reptiles: In hot weather you may come across common lizards basking beside the path in the sun. This weather will also increase your chances of seeing adders which like open forest and heathland to hunt in.
The ridesides and clearings on certain parts of the Lodge Pond Trail are excellent for a diverse range of woodland butterflies. The summer of 2003 was a particularly good butterfly year and saw large numbers of Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Ringlet and Red Admiral. White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary were also seen. The striking Purple Emperor is the emblem of the Woodland Park although it is difficult to spot as it spends most of its life in the canopy of mature oak trees. We have information about Adder and Silver-washed fritillary
Habitats: Mature pine wood and mixed broadleaf stands form much of the trail although there is some variation in age structure.
Woodland clearings and grassy verges also feature. We have information about Pinewood