Hot on the heels of our official VIP launch, our third annual Wild Coast Weekend drew record numbers of visitors from near and far. As Saturday dawned hot and sunny, three times the previous year's number of people explored the island on bike, bus or boot.
A choice of activities kept families busy, including the wildlife safari trail, creative crafts and close up viewing of lizards, caught on the island that day by our ecologists. Minibuses took the adventurous to the Far East to see the construction site and once they had worked up an appetite walking the seawall, locally-sourced hog roast and real ale went down a treat, or a trip to the W.I tea tent provided home made cake and refreshments. Our favourite musicians played all afternoon, providing the perfect excuse to laze about in the sunshine outside the marquees.Unfortunately Sunday saw the contrasting arrival of Autumn, with strong winds and cloudy skies. But the RSPB crowds are a hardy bunch and hundreds more visitors turned up - many returning from the first day as they'd had such a good time! To see some pictures of the day check out our Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/rspb_wallasea_island_wild_coast_project/sets/
If you missed out this time, our Wallasea wanders guided walks are about to start a new season. So if you'd like to hear about what we are doing on Wallasea and have a look at the birds coming through details are available on our webpages at www.rspb.org.uk/wallasea
Yep, I made it both days and had a great time again, despite the increase in numbers it still had that relaxed feel about it and was all inclusive as always. I often feel intimidated at these RSPB events as I haven't got the best of scopes over my shoulder, and I would struggle to tell the difference between one Sandpiper or another, but the staff are always so welcoming and friendly, whatever your skill set. This photo says it all.
People soaking up the atmosphere enjoying the island.......50
Birders on the seawall behind...........................................0
BOB