The Wildlife Lodge

November 24, 2025

Kettering Nature Group (KNG) is working with Wicksteed Park to create something special: a building that will be alive with wildlife.

This project, called The Living Lodge, will turn an ordinary structure into a sanctuary. Bat boxes, bird boxes, insect hotels, climbing plants, and rainwater features will all be part of the design. Every wall and corner will be used to give nature a home.

More Than Just a Building

The Lodge is not about bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a place where people and wildlife can meet. Imagine:

Birds nesting in boxes tucked safely under the eaves
Bats roosting in hidden spaces designed just for them
Bees and butterflies drawn to flowers climbing up the walls
Insects sheltering in hotels built from natural materials
Rainwater features that provide drinking spots and cool refuges

Every detail will be chosen to help wildlife thrive.

A Place for People Too

The Lodge will be open to everyone who visits Wicksteed Park. Families will be able to stop, look, and learn. Children will discover how small changes, like adding a bird box or planting flowers, can make a big difference. Visitors will see how nature can be welcomed into everyday spaces.

The lessons won’t stop at the Park. The Lodge is meant to inspire people to take ideas home to gardens, schoolyards, and even city streets. A single act of care, like planting pollinator-friendly flowers, can ripple outward and encourage others to do the same.

A Vision for the Future

Kettering Nature Group believes the Lodge will become a beacon of care and creativity. It will show that buildings don’t have to be lifeless, they can be places where nature thrives. Visitors will be able to walk past it, sit beside it, and feel proud knowing they helped make it possible.

Community Support

This project depends on community support. Donations, large or small, will help bring the Lodge to life. Every contribution will play a part in turning walls into a sanctuary and creating a space that future generations can enjoy. Use the link below if you would like to donate.

Donate Here

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Customer Reviews

"Had a wonderful day at wicksteed in half term. Not overly busy, children went on all the rides and as many times as they wished. We booked wristbands for them on line and was great value for money. Staff were all friendly and professional. Love being able to go back to a place I lived as a child with my own child and nieces and nephews."

Emma

"We booked the day before as we knew it would be warm but not too hot. The number of places to pick up wristbands was pretty good so you weren't to be queuing for ages. The ride operators were so lovely and if no one was in the queue they let my daughter stay on. She had the best day ever. Though saying that the queues never got very long which was really handy, especially if you have restless kids."

India

"Fabulous day out, pre-ordered wrist bands and love you do a 'family of 3' option ❤️ All staff were super helpful and cheerful, no long queue times and site was all clean and tidy. All on a sunny day in half term so it was busy but never felt crowded. Thank you"

Claire

"Fantastic day with my grandchildren aged 4 and 2. All of the staff were so friendly and helpful. The “ Time for Tots” day was excellent value- very easy to book- just the perfect sort of rides available made even more enjoyable as no queues. A big thank you to everyone who is involved with Wicksteed Park."

Shelley

"This historic fun park and country park has something for all ages. There is a parking fee but it is low and supports the charity which owns and runs Wicksteed Park. There are a variety of rides for children of all ages. Without children, the park has great views, walks, miniature train, garden, etc. We had a drink at the Carousel Cafe, coffee and cake was great and sat on a nice table outside on the veranda."

Robert

"Had a wonderful time in the park today! Had lunch at the garden café, brioche baguettes and jacket potatoes, and the food was amazing !! Generous portions and super tasty! Staff in there were lovely, smiley and helpful, with lots of recommendations about what to do in the park! We took some cakes home too and they were also fab!! Will definitely be back."

Lucy

"Treated my nieces to a day at Wicksteed Park during Easter. They had an amazing day from start to finish, when buying our tickets, we were informed of the rides that were closed, we went on all the rides that were open, multiple times, hardly any queuing. For lunch we stopped for food at Lighthouse Bites, the food was cooked fresh and my nieces really enjoyed it. When the park finally closed, the girls were so disappointed their day had come to an end, we decided to spend some time in the free play park, the park was busy with happy children, lots of climbing frames and different play equipment to try. All in all, my nieces had the best day and we are planning on coming back in the summer!"