David Attenborough’s new series highlights how amazing British wildlife can be and local RSPB branches are keen to help people get stuck in.
Filmed over the course of three years, the five-part series Wild Isles featuring David Attenborough aims to shine a light on the challenges affecting the British Isles and celebrate nature that exists on our doorsteps, including scenes filmed at Old Harry Rocks in Dorset.
RSPB Radipole Lake and Lodmoor nature reserves are wild places that stand out in the heart of their urban location, right in the middle of Weymouth.
Just a short walk from Weymouth train station these reserves are bursting with wildlife and volunteers are eager to get people into - and understand the importance of - nature.
Dorset Visitor Operations Manager, Lesley Gorman said: “RSPB Radipole and Lodmoor are easily accessed by public transport and can be some visitor’s first connections to nature.
"It is quite awesome when you think about it. That someone’s first nature experience might be a bearded tit or a marsh harrier whilst some people come from hundreds of miles to look at those birds.
"There’s all this magical wildlife around on people’s doorsteps that they don’t realise is there."
The RSPB hold numerous walks and events at Radipole and Lodmoor to get people into nature, including events for kids like 'Nature Tots' aimed at two-and-a-half to and five-year-olds.
RSPB Visitor Experience Assistant Laura Pringle said: “Both Radipole and Lodmoor are reserves that both people new to nature or seasoned pros can enjoy. Whether you want to go on a walk or just sit in the visitor centre with a coffee and enjoy a wonderful view.
“We also have 25 free school trips a year to offer, which at the moment are underutilised so we would love teachers to get in contact.”
The RSPB Radipole Café at the visitor centre is also part of a new joint venture with the South West Regional Assessment Centre (SWRAC), which has taken over the running of the café as a training and work experience opportunity for young adults with special educational needs.
Adrian Gunner, Chief Executive of the SWRAC said: “For students to work with organisations as well known as the RSPB gives them confidence.
“I can’t overstate what working here does for people.”
Lesley Gorman added: “We feel privileged to support the students as they grow their confidence and self-esteem in a workplace setting and develop their knowledge of both employment and the natural world, all within the beautiful setting of RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve.”
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