As you all know, our colleagues over at Arne have been hosting Autumnwatch this year. Staff and many of the volunteers at Radipole Lake have gone over to Arne to take their turn assisting colleagues. All have done an amazing job this week. Over 3.6 million viewers tuned into Monday's show to enjoy the sights and sounds of Arne.
There has been a real buzz around the reserve. Neither staff nor volunteers have been doing their usual job this week. The estates team clearing tables, the admin team normally based in the Wareham office have been doing car park counts. Everyone has been doing everything from directing cars to building tracks, to unpacking orders, to spotting spoonbills, to making mini films, to making coffee.
All presenters have been seen around Arne, rehearsing and filming for the shows. Chris, Martin and Michaela are have been signing their books in the shop and having a delicious coffee from our cafe on the way out!
Photo Credits: RSPB volunteer photographer Terry Bagley
Photo Credit: RSPB volunteer photographer Terry Bagley
RSPB staff, volunteers and local residents have had tours of the BBC studio and backstage areas. The Wareham office staff and volunteers have sat on the famous sofas in the Autumnwatch studio.
The studio and the BBC production village was based at Arne Farm. Here the presenters are rehearsing for the live show later in the evening.
Photo Credits: RSPB volunteer Andy Jones
For Autumnwatch as it happened, check out Arne's Autumnwatch Blog: http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/arne/default.aspx and the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0079t1p
Arne will also be hosting Winterwatch in January 2017. Updates will be posted on the Arne and Radipole Lake blogs.
For the latest sightings and news, contact Radipole Lake Discovery Centre, details below or pop in and see us. Hot and cold refreshments, snacks and ice creams available.
Telephone: 01305 778313
E-mail: Weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk
Website: www.rspb.org.uk/radipolelake