Maple Lodge Conservation Society

Maple Lodge Conservation Society Maple Lodge is a wonderful 40 acre nature reserve consisting of lakes, marsh, hedgerows and wooded plantation.

The Reserve is basically a man-made wetland habitat consisting of two old gravel pits and a sludge settlement area formerly used by the nearby sewage treatment works. Some refuse dumping also occurred on part of the site and during the late 1950s and early 1960s an area in the east of the Reserve was planted with poplars. From the early 1970s the site was largely undisturbed and developed naturall

y into mainly woodland and rank herb rich grassland. The larger of the two lakes, being quite shallow, began to dry out and was being rapidly colonized by herbaceous growth. This resulted in an overall decline in bird diversity at the site, in particular a decline in wading birds. From 1972, the site which lies in the valley of the River Colne, was used as a bird ringing station. An average of 1500 birds from 50 species were ringed there annually. In 1980 work began, with the assistance of local volunteers and the British Trust for Conservation, to realize the considerable potential of the site as a nature reserve. In 1982 the Maple Lodge Conservation Society was formed and in 1983 granted a license by Thames Water (the owners of the land) to manage the site on a day to day basis. In managing the site the aims are to preserve a diverse habitat and to create and maintain an enhanced open water and mud habitat. In 2013 the Maple Lodge Conservation Society applied for and achieved charitable status and has been entered onto the Register of Charities with the Registered Charity Number 1153157. Work undertaken to date indicates that regular coppicing of willows increases the number of shrub-associated warblers and encourages wild flower growth. Clearing of waterside vegetation, together with water level manipulation (when feasible) maintains wader and wildfowl feeding conditions.

10/02/2026

We are returning with another NATURE DISCOVERY EVENING this month - Thursday 26th February. 6-8PM in The Black Barn.

Join The Woodoaks Team for an informative and friendly evening discovering how Woodoaks is moving forward with our nature recovery and woodland restoration plans.

This year our focus is very much on the future of Bottom Wood and the imminent works that are required to kickstart the woodland back into life!

We will talk felling, regeneration, pest and disease management and the importance of community in the ongoing restoration of the woodland.

It's a perfect opportunity to find out more about the farm, ask questions and get involved! 💚☺️

The evening is FREE. Refreshments provided.

Register now to come along! 👇
woodoaksfarm.com/event/nature-discover-evening/

⏰ 6-8pm
📍The Black Barn, Woodoaks Farm, Denham Way, Maple Cross, Rickmansworth, Herts. WD3 9XQ

There is free parking and toilets on site.

Looking forward to seeing you all! 😊Please let us know if you are unable to make it as we do have a waiting list. Thank ...
27/01/2026

Looking forward to seeing you all! 😊

Please let us know if you are unable to make it as we do have a waiting list.

Thank you.

18/01/2026
A new set of signs for our hides! Produced and installed by volunteer, Paul Marshall.
17/08/2025

A new set of signs for our hides! Produced and installed by volunteer, Paul Marshall.

04/08/2025

Address

Maple Lodge Close
Rickmansworth
WD39SN

Telephone

+447580535986

Website

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