Stonechats and Wren at Old Lodge, Ashdown Forest

Welcome to my wildlife photography journal! Old Lodge at Ashdown Forest is a beautiful location for exploring heathland wildlife, offering a wonderful mix of open landscapes, gorse, and woodland edges. On 27th April 2026, I spent some time photographing the wildlife in the area, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the activity that comes with the early spring season.

The highlight of the visit was a pair of Stonechats perched right at the top of the gorse, giving fantastic views as they moved through the open heath. Their habit of using exposed perches makes them a rewarding species to photograph, and watching them survey their surroundings from the highest points of the vegetation was a memorable moment.

Nearby, a Wren was also busy moving through the area, briefly appearing at the very top of a fir tree before disappearing back into the branches. These small, energetic birds can be challenging to capture, making the short opportunity to photograph this one even more special.

It was a simple but rewarding encounter in a beautiful part of Ashdown Forest, with both species making the most of the early season activity across the heathland. Moments like these are a reminder that some of the best wildlife experiences often come from taking the time to observe the smaller details of the natural world.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to explore my other wildlife adventures and photography from Ashdown Forest and beyond. Every visit brings something new, and I look forward to sharing more moments from the field soon.