It finally feels like Spring is around the corner and we are looking forward to another busy and fulfilling year.
2023 was certainly jam packed and we were proud to sponsor and fund many activities that made it such a memorable year. As always, we are so grateful to our amazing partners, organisations and leaders who are able to lead these events and to all our donors and friends who tirelessly support us.
I wanted to share highlights from these past few months: |
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Cameron's Cottage
RSPB reserve Franchises Lodge, New Forest
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| Wild New Forest Camp |
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| BTO Young Leaders Course |
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Cameron’s Cottage, managed and run by the RSPB, continues to host many groups of young people. Most groups book direct with the RSPB whilst others, who are looking for financial support, are sponsored by us. In total we funded 11 different camps, each one tailored to the age, size and experience. These included day visits to Cameron’s Cottage for larger groups, as well as overnight stays. All activities were organised by the RSPB.
For direct bookings and availability please have a look at the RSPB website. For funding requests please email info@cameronbespolka.com
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| A day at Cameron’s Cottage with Minstead Trust |
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| Winchester University Team Building day |
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| Leaside Trust Hackney enjoying building outdoor shelters |
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| Stunning Fungi in the woodlands around Cameron’s Cottage. Photo: Izzy Fry |
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| Team Building activities |
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| Wild New Forest Camp. Photo: Izzy Fry |
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For detailed information on all groups we sponsor, read the reports on Cameron's Cottage.
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Wild New Forest Spring Camp
Brockenhurst
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| Busy day in the New Forest |
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| Hawfinch ringing. Photo by Henry Jones, |
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These camps are run every spring and autumn to give groups of young people a look at wildlife in the New Forest. It is a wonderful hands-on way for young passionate naturalists to connect, experience and gain skills in nature, as well explore education and career choices in conservation. (all bird ringing is carried out under BTO bird ringing licences).
If you are interested in attending future camps please email info@cameronbespolka.com
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| Alicia with a freshly printed copy of Multi-coloured Ghost Towns |
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We were pleased to work with Alicia to produce a collection of illustrated nature poems to engage a new audience, connecting them to nature through poetry and art. It’s beautifully written and illustrated and they were distributed for free to young people.
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Zeiss/CBT Award to Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Young Birder weekend, New York
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Rosie Johnson
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| In partnership with Zeiss UK, British Birds Rarities Committee and British Birds, we are thrilled to be sending 2 winners to Cornell this year, Rosie Johnson winner 2023 and Esther Rumsey, winner 2022. Cornell Lab is a leader in conservation and their aim is to equip the next generation of science and conservation leaders. |
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“ For me, birdwatching connects me and my family together and it’s a passion I’ve been encouraged to pursue as I’ve grown up. I am beyond grateful to win this year’s Award and the scholarship to The Cornell Lab next year. I really enjoyed combining my interests in art and nature to create my piece on Peregrines and I’m extremely excited for the opportunities that this experience will open up for me! ”
Rosie Johnson |
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We look forward to hearing about the trip after their stay.
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Cameron Bespolka Wildlife Memorial Talk with Megan McCubbin
“How to Stop Extinction”, hosted by Winchester College.
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| Thank you to Megan McCubbin for being this year's speaker at the Cameron Bespolka Wildlife Talk. She delivered a brilliant talk to just over 450 Primary school children who were captivated and enthralled by her passionate and enthusiastic presentation. |
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Later in the afternoon, there was time to meet some of the winners of the “What can you do to help wildlife” competition and then in the evening, Megan kindly gave another talk to an overwhelmingly appreciative audience of supporters and nature lovers.
We are so grateful to Megan for sharing her passion and knowledge and making such a difference to so many. And for always standing up for wildlife. |
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“Look deep into nature and you’ll understand everything better”
Albert Einstein. |
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Christmas Sale
at the Flower Pots Pub
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| Christmas sale at the Flower Pots Pub |
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Thank you to the lovely Flower Pots Pub for once again hosting us for our annual Christmas sale and to Nicky, Is, Sarah, Tessa, Sienna and Emily for all their hard work. We loved seeing so many of you and huge thanks for coming and supporting us. It’s definitely a yearly highlight!
We are delighted to have raised a huge amount again which makes a tremendous difference to our work. All sales from our shop goes 100% to the charity.
SAVE THE DATE
Friday 8th November, 2024
9.30am – 12pm
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Freddy, Nicholas and Luke
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| Fast and furious: Freddie, Nicholas and Luke |
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| Thank you Freddie, Nicholas and Luke for running the Winchester Half and raising such a phenomenal amount for us. We are so grateful for your tremendous support, energy and enthusiasm. Well done! |
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| Running one and a half marathons in 2 weeks |
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| Most of you know, running is now a very important part of my life and I am again Running for Cameron this April. I am undertaking one and a half marathons in 2 weeks, starting with the London Landmarks Half on 7th and finishing with London Marathon on 21st April. |
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“I run to remember Cameron and for the amazing work we are able to do in his memory”
Corinne |
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I’d be so grateful if you would donate to my page, however big or small, it certainly helps justify the many hours, weeks and months I have spent training.
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Exploring the Birds of Winchester
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| Thank you so much Carl for producing a wonderful book about birding in Winchester: |
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“Inspired by Cameron’s enthusiasm and his example, I took up birding two years ago. I love the walks through nature, the connections with the birds, experiencing the weather, seeing the other animals I might have missed and talking with the other birding enthusiasts – regardless of whether we ‘dipped’ on a particular bird that day”.
Carl Bespolka |
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Thank you so much for reading and following our journey. Cameron’s love is always with us.
Much love,
Corinne |
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| Getting together at Cameron’s Cottage with supporters and friends |
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"The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us."
David Attenborough
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Registered Charity No: 1156567
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