WEYMOUTH and Portland has been praised as a birdwatchers’ paradise by the BBC’s Autumnwatch team.

Presenters Kate Humble and Chris Packham filmed in the borough for a programme for the new series of the popular show which is on TV tonight.

Kate and Chris visited the RSPB reserve at Radipole Lake in Weymouth and the Portland Bird Observatory and Field Centre to watch migrating birds.

It is another publicity coup for Dorset – Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour was chosen as a filming location to launch last year’s season of Autumn-watch. Chris Packham, who has taken over presenting duties from Bill Oddie, is no stranger to Weymouth and Portland as he used to come here most weekends as a young enthusiast.

He described Radipole as a ‘brilliantly placed reserve.’ Kate Humble, who has just taken over as president of the RSPB – only the second woman to do so in the charity’s 118-year history – said there was ‘no better place in the country, other than Portland Bill, to witness bird migration.’ RSPB Site Manager Nick Tomlinson said the area was a favourite with migrating birds because it provides one of the shortest Channel crossings. He described the reserve as a ‘phenomenal restaurant’ for species looking to fill up before they head south for warmer climes.

He said the team were particularly interested in the bearded tits at the reserve, a rare species which is confined to reedbeds. There are only about 400 pairs in the UK and Weymouth is home to three per cent of them.

Mr Tomlinson said Chris and Kate’s visit was a ‘great honour’ considering their connection with the RSPB.

Chris Packham, who is vice president of the charity, said: “I was pleased to head back to reacquaint myself with this unique part of the UK.

“Radipole Lake is a great asset to Weymouth and a brilliantly placed reserve for people.

“It’s one thing appealing to birds such as marsh harriers but putting people in contact with birds is perhaps more important in sites such as this.”

He added: “I was delighted to learn from the hospitable and extremely helpful staff and volunteers that there are some really exciting plans for the reserve's future, fingers crossed that the mix of conservation and engagement comes to fruition soon.”

n Autumnwatch is on BBC2 at 9pm tonight and is repeated tomorrow at 6.50pm.