In his regular blog, Conservation manager Stuart Benn provides a behind the scenes look at his recent brush with fame.
One of the things I really like about my job is that you never quite know what is going to come up next.
The day had started as planned – a wee trip east of Inverness to meet up with Ian, my counterpart in Aberdeen. But, rather than sit down in an office, we’d arranged to have a chat as we walked around Findhorn Bay. The date had been set weeks ago so it was a real bonus to find it was a stunning winter’s day – crisp, clear and very cold. It was great to talk about what we’re working on and the brilliant views of a flock of Waxwings and a Peregrine hunting pigeons were the icing on a very icy day.
Then at lunchtime I got a phone call from our Edinburgh media team. Winterwatch had been on and wanted someone from the RSPB to take part in the programme that evening - was I up for it? Yes I was, so I called Euan MacIlwraith and got the info. It turned out that it wasn’t the live telly broadcast but the web-based bit after that, Winterwatch Extra. Could I answer any viewers’ questions and talk to Euan about what was happening on the webcams – sounded good!
I was to be on live sometime between 9 and 10 so I made sure that I got to Aigas well before that – dashing in at the last moment wouldn’t be the most restful preparation! I’d worked with Springwatch a few years back so I had some idea of the scale of these operations but it still surprises me just how much is involved in getting these programmes to air. Even in the pitch dark, there seemed to be huge trucks bristling with antennae and aerials everywhere. Inside, there were loads of folk beavering away - producers, directors, webcam operators, researchers, the list did seem to be endless!
I had a bit of time before I was on so I watched the live show from the warmth of one of the lodges and could hear all the off-air communications to the presenters and the countdowns to the clips – all amazingly slick and professional. Soon enough it was my turn and, as I headed off, Chris Packham passed by – much taller than I’d imagined!
I got ushered into what looked like a normal truck from the outside but inside it was a fully set-up TV control room – banks of monitors and screens, wires everywhere and very, very cramped. I squeezed in next to Euan got handed the headphones and we were off!
I think I was on for 40 minutes or so but it passed in a blur – I had no idea what was coming next and, being live, you don’t get a second chance. All a bit nerve-jangling but great fun too! But, all too soon, it was over and, after a wee chat with Euan and the director, I made my way back to the car under the most gorgeous intense starlight.
Who knows what today will bring but I don’t expect it will compete with my unexpected brush with the first Winterwatch ever. I’ll definitely be tuning in again tonight and thinking back to what it was like to be part of it even for just a tiny wee bit!