CREATIVE schoolchildren from Weymouth and Dorchester have given Radipole Lake’s viewing shelter an artistic facelift.

The children from Wyke Regis Junior, Holy Trinity Primary, The Prince of Wales, Broadmayne First, Radipole Primary, St Andrew's, Conifers Primary, Westfield Technology College and The Compass Centre have been busy painting the walls of a viewing shelter inspired by the wildlife at the reserve.

The RSPB’s Daniel Bartlett said: “The viewing shelter is used by many visitors to the reserve, not only as a lookout onto the lake but as a picnic spot and a place to hide away from the British weather.

“It has been in need of a facelift for some time and the local children have excelled themselves with some absolutely amazing paintings.”

The new artwork was put up on the reserve before the summer holidays and is now open for all to see. The RSPB Schools Wild Art project was paid for by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Wyke Regis Junior school teacher Maria Blackwood said: “The children took part in designing the boards for the shelter as part of our after school club, and my year three class created boards with British butterflies on that visitors might see at the RSPB lake.

“The children were excited because their work was going to go towards the local environment and they’re looking forward to seeing their work on display.”

Daniel added: “They have put their own take on the wildlife at Radipole, some using sponges, others print and others brushes.

“There are detailed otters and butterflies, and more impressionist dragonflies and birds. It just looks fantastic.”

The RSPB is inviting people to see the children’s work and take part in events.

See rspb.org.uk/radipolelake or call 01767 680551 for details.