Newsletter Archive

Looking back at 2025

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:55:26 GMT

Birds of prey competition

January is a wonderful time to reflect on all that we have achieved last year and the impact we were able to make thanks to all of you. None of this would be possible without your incredible support and generous donations. In addition to funding these projects, we also need partners to make it happen. Their leadership and skills make such a difference to the lives of these young people. Thank you, it's been a fantastic year working with you.

I’ve highlighted some of our accomplishments and full details are on our website. We celebrated a monumental milestone in 2025: in the past 11 years we have engaged with over 10,000 young people who have benefited from connecting with nature in some way. It means such a lot to us.

The Hawk Conservancy Trust
Andover

It was a pleasure to work with the Hawk Conservancy Trust and sponsor 2 intern positions last summer. Sorcha and Aderyn were part of the Conservation Research and Education department. Our sponsorship gave them the funds to allow them to work there, enabling them to gain important skills to pursue a career in conservation.

The Hawk Conservancy Trust at the Cameron Bespolka Memorial Talk

“I have really enjoyed my time working here and I couldn’t ask for better people to work with. My biggest thank you goes to Dr Jamie McKaughan, the Conservation and Research Coordinator, who has supported me immensely throughout this internship. A huge thank you to the Cameron Bespolka Trust. This internship has been a huge stepping stone into a career in conservation and without their support I would not have been here.”
Sorcha, intern.

Sorcha, Conservation and Research Intern at the Hawk Conservancy Trust

And we were truly grateful to the Hawk Conservancy for the amazing talks they gave at the annual Cameron Bespolka Wildlife Memorial Lecture last November, hosted by Winchester College. Over 470 primary school children enjoyed an interactive talk in the afternoon given by 3 of their Rangers, followed in the evening by a lecture delivered by Dr. Campbell Murn, their leading scientist who gave us fascinating insights into the role of birds of prey.

Talk by the Hawk Conservancy Trust

Young Naturalist Fund

We continue to work with young people to help fund a wildlife project, big or small, that helps nature and engages others in the natural world. We sponsored a variety of projects last year and applications for funding for 2026 is now open.

Have a look at some of the projects we were able to support last year.

Monitoring Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers

View projects

Birds of Poole Harbour
Poole Harbour Young Birders Club, Dorset

Young Birder Event with Birds of Poole Harbour

Birds of Poole Harbour are a charity which aims to raise the profile of bird conservation, preservation and observation in and around Poole Harbour, Dorset. We are thrilled to again sponsor their fantastic Young Birders Club, established in 2024 where they run free events for young people 13-18 years.

Have a look at some of the amazing events they ran last year, a highlight always being their cruises around Poole Harbour. Please share with any young person who you think might be interested in joining them.

Cameron's Cottage
RSPB reserve Franchises Lodge, New Forest

Author Roger Morgan-Grenville talks about wildlife writing and books to participants at the Young Writers camp

Cameron’s Cottage accommodated so many groups of young people last year who were bursting with excitement at being in such a welcoming and peaceful place, surrounded by nature.

Most groups book direct with the RSPB (Cameron’s Cottage is run as a non-profit venture) and we sponsor groups who do not have the financial means to do so. Last year we funded 20 groups to visit Cameron’s Cottage; groups included schools, Young Carer organisations, youth organisations and nature conservationists. For some it was a first time experience and for others it was an opportunity to increase their skills and knowledge. A Young Writer’s creative camp as well as a Young Leaders camp were held at Cameron’s Cottage with outside experts being invited to share their knowledge to build skills and confidence in conservation and writing.

“It was also great to have a chance to talk to authors about their tips, and about nature literature in general, and get to ask questions, especially regarding confidence.”
Young Writers camp participant.

We work closely with the RSPB to explore new ways to engage with young people and reach new groups who would benefit from time connecting with nature. Laura, who works for the RSPB, does a tremendous job running Cameron’s Cottage and is constantly adding new features as well as exploring new activities to offer. Activities are tailored to individual groups and reflect the seasons.

“It has been such a privilege to stay in such a beautiful place surrounded by people with such a pure passion for nature. Thank you.”
Young Writers camp participant.

Follow your dreams

Learning how to safely build a fire

The RSPB own and manage Cameron’s Cottage and run all the nature activities and it’s a pleasure to work with them on the strategic development and planning.

First time for Free to be Kids from London at Cameron's Cottage

Woodland team building

Full details of all groups and activities at Cameron's Cottage:

Eco-project
Cumbria

What an amazing eco-education building, finished last year. It was great to support this fabulous project, initiated by Andy Lester.

Fabulous wildlife views from this eco-education building

Fundraising

Coffee morning sale at the Flower Pots

Thank you to the everyone who came and supported our annual coffee morning at the Flower Pots pub. We couldn't do it without the help of so many friends who tirelessly give up their time and energy to support us, year after year. And thank you for the wonderful hampers; they were kindly sponsored by so many generous local businesses. The lucky hamper winners were Vicky Lush, Sio Axelberg and Penny Scott. Huge congratulations!

Tracey Newman delighted with the hamper she won

And thank you to my lovely friend Jackie for organising a coffee morning sale in London, lucky hamper winner was Tracey Newman.

Both events raised close to £10,000. Thank you to everyone who made them such a huge success.

Three Major Marathons
Thank you for supporting me Running for Cameron in the Boston, London and New York marathons. I feel so grateful that I can run 3 iconic major marathons in one year, although my body is suffering! Thank you for all your donations, as well as your friendship, constant marathon talk and encouragement!

Running for Cameron in New York

London Marathon
Good luck Emily-Rose Holland who is one of the very few people I know to get a London Marathon spot the very first time they actually applied! Thank you so much for Running for Cameron, you will fly through the streets of London on 26^th April and we will be cheering you on all the way! Please support Emily-Rose who had never run more than 5km until she took on this mammoth challenge. Great job Emily-Rose, you’ll smash it!

Support Emily-Rose

And finally, it was so great to hear this from Liz Smith CBE MSP:

“Throughout all my 16 years as a secondary school teacher and the 2 subsequent decades as a parliamentarian, I have been very firmly of the view that outdoor education is one of the most valuable and rewarding learning experiences that any young person can have. And a residential outdoor experience, when young people can experience an environment that is very removed from the usual everyday situations, is often life-changing.”

We couldn’t agree more.

For Cameron always. 💚

With huge gratitude and thanks from me and all our Trustees,

Corinne x

Donate

"The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us."
David Attenborough

Registered Charity No: 1156567

Copyright © 2026 The Cameron Bespolka Trust, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have shown interest in The Cameron Bespolka Trust.

Our mailing address is:

The Cameron Bespolka Trust

St. Giles House

St. Giles Hill

Winchester, Hampshire SO23 0HH

United Kingdom

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Email: info@cameronbespolka.com

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November dates for your diary

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:35:00 GMT

Dates for Your Diary

Cameron Bespolka Wildlife Memorial Talk
hosted by Winchester College

Wednesday
26th November, 2025
Doors open at 6.30 for refreshments
Lecture starts at 7pm
New Hall, Winchester College

We are so honoured to welcome this year’s guest speaker, leading scientist, Dr. Campbell Murn, FRSB FLS from the Hawk Conservancy Trust to our annual wildlife talk.

Dr Campbell Murn FRSB FLS shares the highs and lows of devoting his life’s work to the research and conservation of Birds of Prey.

Hear fascinating stories about working hands-on with these birds, through to the scientific research that supports their conservation in Africa, Asia and here in the UK with various species of owls, kestrels, kites, buzzards and vultures.

Book your free tickets now.

Book Now

Christmas Coffee Morning Sale
hosted by the Flower Pots Pub

Friday
14^th November
9.30 – 12.00
The Flower Pots pub,
Cheriton, SO24 0QQ

Don't forget to mark your calendars. Come and join us for our Annual get-together. Fabulous gifts, coffee + cake and friends.

3 Major Marathons in one year!

As many of you know, running marathons has become a huge part of my life since losing Cameron and this year presented me with an even bigger challenge: to run Boston, London and New York, 3 of the iconic major marathons in one year. These major marathons are incredibly difficult to get into so when I qualified for Boston and London in April, I jumped at the chance, even though they were only 6 days apart! And New York was a bonus, my Boston time qualified me to enter New York on 2 November and my challenge was complete.

These fundraising challenges enable us to continue to fund activities that connect young people and nature. We have doubled the amount of groups we sponsored this year to visit Cameron's Cottage and hope to increase that number again for 2026. Cameron's Cottage is a perfect place to stay and experience exceptional outdoor activities led by the RSPB. There are so many young people who don’t have the opportunity to spend time in green spaces and we are passionate to change this and open up access to nature.

Any donations and support would be so much appreciated.

Donate to Corinne’s page

Thank you all so much for supporting us, we could not do what we do without you. Look forward to seeing you at one of the above events soon.

Much love,

Corinne x

Registered Charity No: 1156567

Copyright © 2025 The Cameron Bespolka Trust, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have shown interest in The Cameron Bespolka Trust.

Our mailing address is:

The Cameron Bespolka Trust

St. Giles House

St. Giles Hill

Winchester, Hampshire SO23 0HH

United Kingdom

Add us to your address book

Web: cameronbespolka.com
Email: info@cameronbespolka.com

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Cameron Bespolka Memorial Wildlife Talk

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:08:59 GMT

Dear Supporter

We are thrilled to warmly invite you and a guest to the annual Cameron Bespolka Memorial Wildlife Talk, kindly hosted by Winchester College. This years talk will be given by Dr Campbell Murn FRSB FLS from the Hawk Conservancy Trust.

Cameron Bespolka Memorial Wildlife Talk

Dr Campbell Murn FRSB FLS shares the highs and lows of devoting his life’s work to the research and conservation of Birds of Prey. It all started with a book in a second hand book shop. Held in awe, frequently misunderstood and often under-appreciated, Campbell delves into not only why raptors are just amazing and inspiring, but also vital.

Hear fascinating stories about working hands-on with these birds, through to the scientific research that supports their conservation in Africa, Asia and here in the UK with various species of owls, kestrels, kites, buzzards and vultures. He will share the challenges these birds face, the success stories and working with others across the globe to champion these species.

Wednesday
26th November, 2025
Doors open at 6.30 for refreshments
Lecture starts at 7pm
New Hall, Winchester College

Tickets are free. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Book Now

We are very much looking forward to seeing you on 26th November.

Much love
Corinne
x

Registered Charity No: 1156567

Copyright © 2025 The Cameron Bespolka Trust, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have shown interest in The Cameron Bespolka Trust.

Our mailing address is:

The Cameron Bespolka Trust

St. Giles House

St. Giles Hill

Winchester, Hampshire SO23 0HH

United Kingdom

Add us to your address book

Web: cameronbespolka.com
Email: info@cameronbespolka.com

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Looking back at 2024

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:33:00 GMT

Thank you to all our amazing supporters. Your donations have made all these wonderful projects possible. We are so proud to share our achievements for 2024, only attainable thanks to you!

We feel very honoured to sponsor and partner with so many exceptional nature organisations who lead and share their expertise with a variety of youth groups. They are passionate and knowledgeable and we feel very fortunate that through our sponsorship, these events can take place.

Here's a recap of what we achieved in 2024:

Birds of Poole Harbour
Poole Harbour Young Birders Club

Boat trips are one of the activities planned

We are excited to partner with Birds of Poole Harbour to sponsor their new youth engagement club for 13-18 year olds, interested in birds and wildlife. To-date they have over 61 young people signed up. These free monthly events enable them to meet like-minded young people, gain skills and learn about nature.

So far the sessions have included bird ringing demos, guided walks, ID sessions and talks. For this year, the activities planned include a Poole Harbour boat trip, a guided bird ID walk, bird ringing demos and a guided tour of Dorset Wildlife Trust's rewilding site - Wild Woodbury. Some fabulous opportunities to get involved.

Cameron's Cottage
RSPB reserve Franchises Lodge in the New Forest

It was fabulous to see Cameron’s Cottage thriving last year with so many young people from all walks of life. The new Cameron’s Cottage RSPB team have been fantastic in welcoming these groups and providing them with nature-rich activities that are educational, hands-on and fun.

In total, we funded 14 groups to spend time at Cameron’s Cottage in 2024. This included some day visits with RSPB run activities and some residential stays from either local youth organisations or from other groups from London and further afield. As one of the leaders said to me: “The RSPB really make the magic of nature come alive.”

Wild New Forest camp, October 2024. Their wildlife knowledge impressed Dr.Olivia Chappele, High Sheriff of Wiltshire, who spent the morning with the group.

Activities are tailored to each group and you can choose one of the RSPB led activities that best suit your group. For a group who is spending their first time in a truly safe and magical woodland, games and activities are pitched just right for them to learn about their surroundings and nature through play.

Leaside Trust: Leaside Trust is a diverse inner-city community hub in Hackney, East London. Hackney is in the top 10% deprivation bracket for the UK and 29% of young people in the borough are not in employment, education or training. Leaside offers young people and the local community the chance to shine by delivering inspiring and engaging outdoor sporting and educational activities. This is the 2nd year we have funded a camp for them to bring a group to Cameron’s Cottage. They offered the trip to young people eligible for free schools meals as well as Leaside Youth members to spend 4 nights at Cameron’s Cottage. Eight children attended in total and they described the camp:

“ a perfect blend of fun, education and outdoor adventure, with Cameron’s Cottage providing a truly off-grid experience.”

Leaside Trust, leaf foraging

Leaside Trust, watch that puddle!

Leaside Trust, building a makeshift camp in the forest

Leaside Trust, outdoor cooking at Cameron’s Cottage

Young Carer Organisations: We continued to fund many groups from Young Carer Organisations from Winchester, New Forest, Southampton, and Romsey to come and spend time at Cameron’s Cottage. It's been wonderful to see the impact that being in nature has on their well-being. Much needed time outdoors, surrounded by sights and sounds of nature, have been an excellent way for them to have a break from their everyday responsibilities at home.

Romsey young carers enjoying the space around Cameron’s

Romsey young carer developing his ID skills

Young Writers Camp: We funded the first Young Writers Camp last August which was run and led by young naturalists who were keen to use Cameron’s Cottage as a peaceful and inspirational place to encourage participants to write about wildlife and nature. 15 young people were able to attend and take part in writing activities provided by leading wildlife authors and journalists. Writing skills are hugely important for communicating and connecting us to nature as well as the important role we have to protect it.

It was wonderful to spend time with this group and hear how much inspiration was gained by the advice and activities provided by the guest speakers. A huge thank you especially to Stephen Moss, Lucy Houliston, Jeni Bell, Dominic Couzens and Roger Morgan-Grenville.

The outdoor classroom is the perfect place for talks

“ ‘I have really really enjoyed the weekend. You have created something so special here. I especially liked meeting other young people that read books, love nature and are generally lovely people! Thank you so much Emily and Andrew!’ ”
Writers Camp participant

Presentation by Dominic Couzens, a leading wildlife writer

Wild New Forest Camp: A lot of research suggests that it’s essential to educate the next generation in conservation and we are very proud to continue to work with Wild New Forest and sponsor their spring and autumn camps at Cameron’s Cottage. Wild New Forest are experts at leading young nature lovers and providing them with tools and knowledge to increase their skills in conservation, as well as advising them on various career paths.

Wild New Forest educating the next generation

British Trust of Ornithology: Another great example of this is working with British Trust of Ornithology. We are so pleased to once again sponsor their Young Leaders course held for the second year at Cameron’s Cottage. This four- day course empowers young people who care about the environment to take positive action, equipping them with leadership skills.

“ Overall, I think I gained a lot personally from being on the course and I am really proud of what I achieved - particularly joining in with discussions and leading my own activity, neither of which I have felt able to do in the past. Being surrounded by a group of like-minded nature nerds definitely boosted my confidence and both staff, speakers and other participants altogether made it a fantastic experience.” ”
Anna, a 2024 participant

Hampshire Ornithological Society

Bird Ringing with Hampshire Ornithological Society

We again sponsored the Hampshire Ornithological Society Young Membership programme in 2024. HOS organise specific Young Member events and talks throughout the year which educate and inspire their young members.

Inspiring young members

Young Members Mammals Day

Cameron in 2013 had just started training to be a licensed bird ringer

Cameron Bespolka Wildlife Memorial Talk
with Holly Budge, hosted by Winchester College

Holly Budge highlighting the plight of the elephant

Thank you to Winchester College for hosting the annual Cameron Bespolka Wildlife Memorial Talk again in 2024 which allowed 480 local primary school children to attend and listen to the inspiring and exciting Holly Budge. Holly’s phenomenal talk on elephants ‘Disappearing Giants’ highlighted how important keystone species are to our planet. Holly’s charity “How Many Elephants” gets involved in local communities to help protect these beautiful animals.

Holly kindly gave the whole talk again in the evening to a captive audience of friends, supporters and wildlife enthusiasts.

Holly's talk captivated the young audience

Fundraising

Thank you for all your very generous donations throughout the year. We could not do any of this without you help, friendship and support. A special thanks to Toni for Running for Cameron in her first half Marathon in Slovenia in October and raising a huge amount of £650. Congratulations and thank you Toni.

Congratulations to Toni (right) who raised £650

We also held some wonderful fundraising events, two at the friendly and welcoming Flower Pots pub in Cheriton in November. It was so wonderful to see so many friends who supported our Christmas coffee morning and continue to help us raise another huge amount. Thank you for coming and spending time with us. And a huge thank you to so many wonderful friends for making the morning run so effortlessly: Olivia, Isabel, Sarah W and Sarah N, Caroline, Tessa, Sienna, Emily and everyone at the Flower Pots.

We were then back again at the Flower Pots for the “Christmas Fete in the Barn” together with other small local businesses and had a wonderful time fundraising and meeting so many new people.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Flower Pots event

Our last event of the year was at the Expedia Winter Charity Market in London. Thank you to Expedia for inviting us and to the Hubble family, especially Matilda, for helping organise the event and help run the stall and raise funds. We enjoyed being there and meeting other lovely charities doing such wonderful work.

Expedia Winter Charity Market

Thank you so much for reading and please do get in touch if you’d like to fundraise for us or if there is an organisation or group you would like to introduce us to who needs our financial help.

News from our Young Naturalist Fund will be coming up soon with a review of some of the wonderful initiatives that are organised and run by young people. We can’t wait to share this as well as some of our new projects for 2025 with you.

For Cameron always.

With huge gratitude and thanks.

Corinne x

Cameron’s bench, St. Catherine’s Hill

Donate

"The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us."
David Attenborough

Registered Charity No: 1156567

Copyright © 2025 The Cameron Bespolka Trust, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have shown interest in The Cameron Bespolka Trust.

Our mailing address is:

The Cameron Bespolka Trust

St. Giles House

St. Giles Hill

Winchester, Hampshire SO23 0HH

United Kingdom

Add us to your address book

Web: cameronbespolka.com
Email: info@cameronbespolka.com

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November Dates for Your Diary

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 13:24:00 GMT

Dates for Your Diary

This November we have two exciting events, our annual Wildlife Talk and our pre-Christmas Coffee Morning Sale.

The Cameron Bespolka Memorial
Wildlife Talk

kindly hosted by Winchester College on
6^th November at 7pm,
New Hall, Winchester College

We are delighted to welcome Holly Budge, a conservationist, an adventurer and a keynote speaker who has inspired thousands to think big:

“How many Elephants? The Disappearing Giants”

Sign up information available soon.

This talk is free.

Coffee Morning

Join us for our annual pre-Christmas Coffee Morning,
kindly hosted by
The Flower Pots Inn, Brandy Mount,
Cheriton, SO24 0QQ
8th November,
9.30 - 12.00

Tawny Owl Tea Towel

Rose Geranium Soap

Please come and support our sale which helps us raise money for the work we do. Some beautiful new gifts, perfect for Christmas, delicious Manuka Honey and enjoy coffee and cake in the beautiful barn at The Flower Pots pub.

Make it a date to come and see us and catch up with friends.

Shop

Donate

Registered Charity No: 1156567

Copyright © 2024 The Cameron Bespolka Trust, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have shown interest in The Cameron Bespolka Trust.

Our mailing address is:

The Cameron Bespolka Trust

St. Giles House

St. Giles Hill

Winchester, Hampshire SO23 0HH

United Kingdom

Add us to your address book

Web: cameronbespolka.com
Email: info@cameronbespolka.com

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Spring Newsletter - Take a look...

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 11:13:35 GMT

The Leaside Trust from Hackney

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:

Cameron's Cottage
RSPB reserve Franchises Lodge, New Forest

Wild New Forest Camp

BTO Young Leaders Course

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

A day at Cameron’s Cottage with Minstead Trust

Winchester University Team Building day

Leaside Trust Hackney enjoying building outdoor shelters

Stunning Fungi in the woodlands around Cameron’s Cottage. Photo: Izzy Fry

Team Building activities

Wild New Forest Camp. Photo: Izzy Fry

For detailed information on all groups we sponsor, read the reports on Cameron's Cottage.

Cameron's Cottage

Wild New Forest Spring Camp
Brockenhurst

Busy day in the New Forest

Hawfinch ringing. Photo by Henry Jones,

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

Wild New Forest Camp

Young Naturalists Fund

Alicia with a freshly printed copy of Multi-coloured Ghost Towns

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.

Zeiss/CBT Award to Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Young Birder weekend, New York

Rosie Johnson

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.

“ 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

We look forward to hearing about the trip after their stay.

Cameron Bespolka Wildlife Memorial Talk with Megan McCubbin
“How to Stop Extinction”, hosted by Winchester College.

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.

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.

“Look deep into nature and you’ll understand everything better”
Albert Einstein.

Christmas Sale
at the Flower Pots Pub

Christmas sale at the Flower Pots Pub

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 8^th November, 2024
9.30am – 12pm

Freddy, Nicholas and Luke

Fast and furious: Freddie, Nicholas and Luke

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!

Running for Cameron

Running one and a half marathons in 2 weeks

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 7^th and finishing with London Marathon on 21^st April.

“I run to remember Cameron and for the amazing work we are able to do in his memory”
Corinne

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.

JustGiving page

Exploring the Birds of Winchester

Thank you so much Carl for producing a wonderful book about birding in Winchester:

“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

Thank you so much for reading and following our journey. Cameron’s love is always with us.

Much love,

Corinne

Getting together at Cameron’s Cottage with supporters and friends

Donate

"The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us."
David Attenborough

Registered Charity No: 1156567

Copyright © 2024 The Cameron Bespolka Trust, All rights reserved.

Web: cameronbespolka.com
Email: info@cameronbespolka.com

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Memorial Lecture - How to Stop Extinction

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:56:08 GMT

Cameron Bespolka Memorial Wildlife Talk

We are honoured and delighted to welcome Megan McCubbin, zoologist, naturalist, wildlife broadcaster, author and television presenter to deliver this year’s Cameron Bespolka Memorial Wildlife Talk. She loves nothing better than to share the wonders of the natural world and stand up for wildlife. She has just written a book ‘An Atlas of Endangered Species’ which discusses how scientists and rangers are fighting to protect our planet’s miraculous biodiversity and she asks the very tough question: ‘What can I do to make a difference?’.

This talk is kindly hosted by Winchester College and we hope you can join us.

Wednesday 15th November, 2023
at 7pm
New Hall, Winchester College

Doors open at 6.30.

Tickets are free. Please make your booking through the link below. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Book Tickets

If you would like to support the work of the Cameron Bespolka Trust, any donations would be gratefully received via the website: www.cameronbespolka.com

We look forward to welcoming you.

"The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us."
David Attenborough

Registered Charity No: 1156567

What's next?

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:03:47 GMT

Cameron's Cottage provided the ideal venue for this summer's New Forest Wildlife Camp

Thank you so much for following our progress. We’ve been involved in so many fantastic projects for young people this year and are delighted to see what a huge impact these events are having.

The official opening of Cameron's Cottage organised by the RSPB, has definitely been a highlight for us this summer.

Cameron's Cottage
RSPB reserve Franchises Lodge, New Forest

Opening events at Cameron's Cottage

Ready for the presentation

Cameron's Cottage has already been welcoming a steady stream of groups for the past eighteen months. It was wonderful, however, to celebrate the official opening with a week of activities, talks and events organised and run by the RSPB. Thank you to everyone who joined and thank you to the RSPB for hosting so many events during the week. It was obvious to see the huge amount of work that has gone on at Cameron’s Cottage from conception through to opening. To date, approximately 2,000 young people have come, enjoyed, learnt, relaxed, laughed and got immersed and inspired in nature.

What activities can you expect to participate in when visiting?
There's a whole range to choose from: bio blitz, fungi identifying, bat detection, bird watching, shelter building, outdoor cooking, escaping from wildlife rooms, outdoor team building activities…. the list is endless. And the RSPB staff and volunteers run all of these activities for groups of young people who have come from schools, universities, nature organisations, scouts, Prince’s Trust, Young Carer Organisations and other.

Many of these groups visit on a weekly basis and participate in ongoing activities and develop skills such as habitat management and collecting data research.

Photo: Signs kindly made by Ed and Tilda Key and Minstead Trust

Young Ambassadors Kabir, Samuel, Mya and Ellie sharing their wildlife experiences at Cameron’s Cottage opening celebrations

Outdoor cooking

Thank you to BBC South today, BBC Radio Solent, BBC Radio Wiltshire and BBC News for sharing our story. You can listen to interviews here

Photo: With reporter Jo Palmer, BBC Radio Solent and BBC South Today

And what is our aim now that Cameron’s Cottage is built and open? Our partnership with RSPB enables us to work together and to continue to reach and identify groups of young people from all backgrounds. And we will continue to sponsor groups and give them new opportunities to spend time in nature at Cameron's Cottage. They will be able to take part in outdoor activities best suited to their age and experience.

Wild New Forest Camp

Amongst the many groups who visit, below are some of the groups that we have sponsored this year:

Winchester Youth Council
Romsey Young Carers
New Forest Young Carers
Winnall Primary School
Sparsholt Primary School
Stanmore Primary School
BTO Young Leaders Course
New Forest Wildlife Camp

“When I visited Cameron's Cottage, I liked everything but I especially liked the rare things like the Heather Crab Spider and Silky Rosegill.”
Samuel

“Wildlife camp has helped me connect with other wildlife enthusiasts from across the UK.”
Colin

Any group in need of funding, please email Corinne: info@cameronbespolka.com

Or to make a booking, please email RSPB direct: cameronscottage@rspb.org.uk

Homeless Children’s Foundation
Indian River County, Florida

It’s always such a privilege to help the Homeless Children’s Foundation who do such an incredible job providing nature programmes for homeless young people (sadly a fact in USA). We have again been fortunate to support their winter and spring holiday camps so that parents are able to work and know that their children are being looked after and fed.

The camp leaders are sensitive to the trauma these young people face on a daily basis and they commented on the true resilience and talents that they showed during the camps.

“ I believe that your support has made a difference in the lives of many many children (actually mostly teens, I guess.) We appreciate your support through thick and thin! ”
Carla Meyer, President Homeless Children's Foundation

BTO Summer Camps
England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

We are delighted to sponsor the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Youth summer camps. There were so many new young naturalists join the camps and learn new conservation skills, meet like-minded friends and listen to experts. In total there were 4 camps held in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

These camps are run by BTO Youth to reach young people throughout UK. The camps are a 3 day residential, held in natural settings, with local experts, to give young people access to nature and develop their birdwatching skills as well as many other outdoor activities.

Zeiss and Cameron Bespolka Scholarship
to Cornell Young Birders weekend in New York

Rosie Johnson’s winning entry about Peregrine Falcons (left) and other Zeiss age category winners at Global Birdfair 2023.

We were thrilled to once again receive some incredible entries for the above scholarship. The award was presented to Rosie Johnson who will travel to Cornell Lab of Ornithology in New York next July and participate with other young ornithologists from US on field trips, presentations and workshops on field notes and sound recording as well as exploring the famous Macauley Library which is the world's largest archive of animal media. Huge congratulations to her and to the other finalist Izzy Fry.

And thank you to Zeiss for hosting the awards at Global Birdfair and the other sponsors British Bird Rarities Committee, British Birds and Cornell.

Fundraising

Cameron and Pod at school. Below - Pod running to victory!

Thank you to everyone who continues to fundraise and support us, we are so incredibly grateful. A special thank you to Pod Thackeray, Cameron’s school friend, for taking on an Ironman for Cameron and completing his first Ironman in Bolton in July. Pod finished 27th in his age group which is phenomenal! Huge congratulations and thank you for raising an amazing £4731! We are all so proud of you for undertaking this huge physical challenge as well as raising such a huge amount for us. Cameron was cheering you all the way.

Fundraising

Our Shop

Please have a look at our on-line shop which has so many wonderful gifts and is a great way to support us. 100% of every purchase goes directly to our work.

Hedgehog Card
Who doesn’t love hedgehogs? Hedgehog cards designed by artist Joachim McDonald

Swift Tea Towel
Back by popular demand! Swift tea towels with beautiful design by wildlife artist Richard Allen

Shop Now

Save the Date
Flower Pots, Cheriton, SO24 0QQ

9.30 - 12.00
3^rd November at the Flower Pots pub in Cheriton.

Come and have a coffee, meet up with friends, buy some early Christmas presents (or treat yourself!). We are thrilled to be joined by the Award Winning honey, Manuka Direct as well as our favourite local speciality coffee roastery, Moon Roast. Don’t forget to mark your calendars and see you there!

With huge support form Isabel Boissier, Nicky Bryant and Sarah Wigley

Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Thank you so much for all the continued support. We couldn't do any of this without you.

Thank you for reading

Corinne xx

A magical surprise moment

Donate

"The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us."
David Attenborough

Registered Charity No: 1156567

Spring Newsletter

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 16:57:40 GMT

Young Carers visit Cameron’s Cottage

We have been involved in many wonderful projects these last few months all of which we have been very excited to support. Here are some of our highlights that we would like to share with you:

Cameron's Cottage

It's been busy at Cameron’s Cottage and it’s wonderful to see so many exciting activities going on. RSPB have been working hard with many organisations to offer various programmes such as nature-based escape rooms with Southampton University, teaching woodwork skills with Princes’ Trust, fruit tree planting with various local youth groups, conservation internships as well as many activities for groups of young people looking for a nature-rich stay. And we continue to provide funds for various groups of young people to visit, such as Young Carer Organisations, schools and New Forest Wildlife Camps. On top of that, our resident brown long-eared bat is happily hibernating in the purpose built bat box in the roof!

Brown long-eared bat hibernating at Cameron’s Cottage

Discovering fungi at the New Forest Wildlife Camp led by Wild New Forest

Outdoor cooking at Cameron’s Cottage

Cameron's Cottage

RSPB Events at Cameron’s Cottage

Keep a look out for RSPB events happening at Cameron’s Cottage during the New Forest Awakening Festival and Open Days.

Come and join us to celebrate the official opening of Cameron’s Cottage and sign up for various activities going on all week. And anyone who can’t attend on these dates, please get in touch with me if you’d like to visit Cameron’s Cottage. I’d be very happy to show you around.

Please book via the RSPB website. All events are free:

RSPB Events

Cameron Bespolka Memorial Talk

We are so grateful to Roger Morgan-Grenville, who was our guest speaker at the annual Cameron Bespolka Memorial Talk, kindly hosted by the Natural History Society at Winchester College. He spoke to a captive audience of 450 local primary school children and shared his love of the English countryside as well as his love for the endangered Curlew.

Full report

Young Naturalist Fund

Andrew Millham (left), our young CBT Trustee who is overseeing the Young Naturalist Fund

We want to encourage young individuals to run their own projects that benefit nature and need funding. This new programme has just started and we think it’s a great way to help young people take initiative and kickstart a potential career in conservation. Take a look to see what is already underway.

Projects

Homeless Children’s Foundation

Nature provides solace and peace

It’s always an honour to support the Homeless Children’s Foundation in Florida. They do an incredible job supporting families struggling with poverty. We sponsor their nature camps which they organise with Pelican Island Audebon Society, allowing these young people to enjoy the outdoors and nature.

“Most children come from noisy shelters and/or cramped living quarters, such as a motel room. The camp participants are given an escape from their chaotic environment to spend time outdoors. One camper remarked that he has never felt so at peace before!”
Hannah Hite, Homeless Children Foundation.

Read full story

Fundraising

Fundraising at The Flower Pots Inn, Cheriton

There are so many people and businesses we would like to thank for continuing to support us and fundraise for us. We couldn’t do it without you and we are so incredibly grateful for everything you do for us.

Local residents at Sutton Scotney served coffee and cakes to raise funds for us

More fundraising

Our Shop

Thank you for supporting us and buying unique gifts from our online shop. 100% of all purchases go directly to our work.

Birdsong Puzzle
Gorgeous bird illustrations in eco-friendly packaging
Puzzle

Sea Salt Candle
Crafted in Cornwall, inspired by the rugged Cornish Coast
Sea Salt Candle

Our Shop

Tree of Trees

Amelia Riviere, Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire and Richard Snelling, RSPB Franchises Lodge Site Manager

We are so proud to receive one of the 350 trees from the Tree of Trees sculpture displayed outside Buckingham Palace to celebrate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. A lime tree was awarded by His Majesty The King’s Lord Lieutenants and planted at Cameron’s Cottage.

Thank you

Cameron’s uncle Carl sitting underneath his striking photo of an Osprey, proudly hanging in Cameron’s Cottage

Another beautiful gift. A Redwing painted by Virginia Wright hanging in one of the bedrooms

Thank you so much for reading, following us on social media and supporting us. We look forward to another year of helping nature and young people.

Much love,

Corinne x

Cameron’s bench, St. Catherine’s Hill, Winchester

"The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us."
David Attenborough

Registered Charity No: 1156567

A 1,000 mile walk through a British Spring

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:19:00 GMT

“A 1,000 mile walk through a British Spring”

Dear Supporter,

Winchester College is once again very kindly hosting the annual Cameron Bespolka Memorial Talk. We are delighted to welcome Roger Morgan-Grenville who is a conservation writer, storyteller and environmental campaigner with a deep interest in the restoration of British biodiversity and a passion for birds.

You are invited to hear about his epic journey as he recounts his 1,000 mile walk from Lymington to Cape Wrath in Scotland. He tells us why he went, what he learned and what lessons he drew from the many people he met and the wildlife that he observed.

When: Wednesday 2nd November, 2022
Where: New Hall, Winchester College, 34 College Walk, Winchester SO23 9NF
Time: 7pm
Cost: Free

Book Tickets

Come and be immersed in Roger’s gripping adventures in the spectacular New Hall at Winchester College.

Please reserve your place via the button link above.

Hope you can join us.

Corinne and Kevin xx

"The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us."
David Attenborough

Registered Charity No: 1156567

Christmas at The Flower Pots Inn

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 15:49:51 GMT

Dear Friends,

Another year has whizzed by and we are delighted to invite you to our annual Coffee Morning. We are so grateful to The Flower Pots Inn for hosting us again in their fabulous and spacious barn.

4th NOVEMBER

9.30 - 12.00 AM

The Flower Pots Inn
Cheriton, SO24 0QQ

Please do come, have a delicious coffee, homemade cake and catch up with friends. We will have some familiar favourites on sale but we will also be introducing some wonderful new products — all of which will make perfect gifts for Christmas! The delicious Manuka Honey from Manuka Direct will be there too.

It would be so great to see you. Lovely place, lovely things to buy, lovely friends — a perfect mix.

Please feel free to bring others — the more the merrier!

Thank you so much for your continued support. It means so much.

Huge love

Corinne, Nicky, Isabel and Sarah xx

Ps. If you are unable to come, please have a look at our online shop: www.cameronbespolka.com

Our Shop

Christmas Shop

Christmas Cards

Gifts

Wildlife

"The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us."
David Attenborough

Registered Charity No: 1156567

Invitation to Minster Gallery

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 14:44:00 GMT

Dear Supporter

I never forget that it is thanks to all of you that we are able to do as much as we do. It means so much to me to be able to create new opportunities to help young people connect with wildlife which is crucial for nature and equally important for their well-being. I am so grateful and could not do it without you.

Please come, spend time and immerse yourself in some incredible wildlife art. Each painting captures the beauty of nature. The very talented artist Andrew Stock, specialises in bird and landscape painting in oils and watercolours.

The Gallery is open Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
from 11am until 4pm and at any other time by private appointment
3a Great Minster Street Winchester Hampshire SO23 9HA
info@minstergallery.com 01962877601 minstergallery.com

Private View

Come and meet Andrew and have a drink in this welcoming gallery:

20th June from noon until 2.30 or 5.30 - 8pm
or
1st July from noon until 2.30 or 5.30pm - 8pm

I am so grateful to Ines from the Minster Gallery for selecting us as her chosen charity. It’s wonderful to be part of this local event.

Best wishes,

Corinne

"The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us."
David Attenborough

Registered Charity No: 1156567

A Busy 2022

Mon, 30 May 2022 16:00:12 GMT

A Busy 2022

It’s been a while since we’ve up-dated you on our progress as life slowly gets back to normal. We’ve been keeping busy as well as making up for cancelled and postponed events. Nature is amazing and we all need to protect it. And a very important place to start is by making it accessible to young people.

After 4 years of renovating this derelict Cottage, it was wonderful seeing Cameron’s Cottage filled with young people last summer, enjoying being outdoors and immersed in nature. This residential cottage will provide affordable access to nature for groups of young people, expertly managed and run by the RSPB and plenty of homes for wildlife too!

The Wild New Forest Camp at Cameron's Cottage

And much work is ongoing behind the scenes. The RSPB has been busy finalizing activities that can be offered to various age groups as well as tweaking the many logistical details that go with running an operation of this scope.

The RSPB are finalising activities and meeting new group organisers

Bug and reptile home

This off-grid cottage is powered by solar panels and after a few adjustments, has been working very efficiently. How much energy is actually supplied by the solar panels on a dark December day? Answer: not much but luckily there are 3 back-up batteries that can store energy. It’s fascinating to see how small your carbon footprint can be if the house is properly insulated and heat dispersed efficiently with a heat pump.

72 Solar panels used at Cameron’s Cottage and Outdoor Classroom

Two camps we recently sponsored are Romsey Young Carers and Wild New Forest Camp. It was wonderful to see these young carers enjoying themselves and spending a much deserved day out in nature. They were delighted to take part in various activities including shelter building.

Romsey Young Carers enjoy RSPB Franchises Lodge Nature Reserve

And we were thrilled to once again sponsor the Wild New Forest camp to stay at Cameron’s Cottage. This group of 18 young people were expertly led by Marcus and Russ from Wild New Forest and their volunteers, and everyone spent the weekend moth trapping, wildlife safari, bio blitz and bird ringing (under license).

Wild New Forest Camp. Enjoying a new card game SOS, highlighting endangered species and created by young participant Jackson

Enjoying Cameron’s Cottage.

Book your Group to Cameron’s Cottage

Please get in touch direct with RSPB if you are a school or organisation and want to make a booking for a group of young people to Cameron’s Cottage. cameronscottage@rspb.org.uk

Or come and visit and see for yourself.

RSPB are holding a series of open days throughout the year so you can come and see the facilities at Cameron's Cottage and meet RSPB staff.

Thurs 16 June 2022
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Sun 3 July 2022
11 am -12:30 pm

Weds 7 Sep 2022
11:00 am-12:30 pm

Thurs 6th Oct 2022
5:30 pm- 6:30pm

Please book your open day online:

Book Open Day

Funding
Please get in touch with us if you need funding for your group:
info@cameronbespolka.com

Other work we continue to sponsor

British Trust for Ornithology Camps (BTO)
We are also very pleased to work with BTO again and sponsor their very popular youth camps that have been so important for getting groups of young people together to build a better understanding of local wildlife.

At the camps experts are on hand to pass on knowledge to the young birders

This year the Camp programme has been increased from just one camp in Norfolk to include one in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Camps will include trips to local nature areas, citizen science projects, mindfulness and creative sessions, ringing demos and many other exciting science activities and bird-related experiences.

BTO has worked really hard to create a Youth Team of passionate young naturalists who will be present to assist at the camps, providing their support, knowledge and inspiration.

Read more...

The BTO camps take place in all four nations of the UK

70 Bird Boxes for 70 Years - Young Ambassador Project
We were thrilled to support Kabir Kaul, one of our Young Ambassadors, who came up with a wonderful way to engage more young people in the London area with wildlife. To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, schools were approached to apply for a Bird Box to hang up at their school. “70 Bird Nests for 70 Years” has been a huge success and in the end, 106 bird boxes were sent out to inner city schools. Some fabulous stories and photos have shown how quickly birds were using these new nest sites. The bird boxes were generously supplied by C.J. Wildlife and we also worked with Swift Conservation Organisation to identify additional spots for Swift Boxes.

Read more...

In total 106 nest boxes were sent to schools in the London area

Hampshire Ornithological Society (HOS)
We continue to support HOS and provide free membership for local budding young naturalists. HOS started with just two members and now have over 70 young members.

Read more...

Chris Packham, HOS President, with young members at the recent AGM

New Trustee
We are delighted to welcome new Trustee, Clare Talks on board. Clare comes with a wealth of experience of working with schools and will be crucial in helping us reach more young people in the education sector who do not have easy access to green spaces in their everyday life. Clare will help us identify schools from deprived areas who do not have the means to fund such trips.

Clare will be a great asset in helping us to reach young people

A huge thank you to Sarah Neish and Keith Betton who have stood down as Trustees after serving two terms. They have helped us tremendously and we could not have done it all without them.

Cameron Bespolka Scholarship
We are delighted to once again offer the Cameron Bespolka Scholarship to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Event in New York and are particularly thrilled to have teamed up with Zeiss UK and their partner, British Birds Rarities Committee.

Zeiss UK have just launched the Young Birder Awards which will have three age categories with various prizes. The winner of the 17-18 year old category will be offered the the Scholarship to Cornell. Applications are now open and successful applicants will be invited to the Zeiss stand at Global Birdfair in Rutland Showground on Saturday 16th July.

Read more...

Winner of the 17-18 category will win a Scholarship to Cornell

Please support us
You can support us by shopping from our online shop. Perfect gifts for a teacher, friend or family member. We have some beautiful new gifts that have been added for 2022.

Shop online

Or come and visit us:

Winchester College Open Day
18^th June from 10am to 3pm.

Annual coffee morning
Flower Pots Inn in Cheriton
Friday 4^th November
Put the date in your diary and make the perfect start to your Christmas shopping.

Swifts
I love looking out for returning Swifts and the sound of Cuckoos, two birds that are sadly both endangered. A very simple way to help Swifts (they come here only two months of the year to breed) is to provide a home for them to nest. Local organisation Hampshire Swifts have lots of recommendations on their website www.hampshireswifts.co.uk or else check out a group near you.

Hampshire Swifts have put up boxes on all the houses on our road and we are eager for them to be occupied this summer.

Save the Date
Evening of the 23rd November, 2022
Please join us at the Cameron Bespolka Memorial Talk, kindly hosted every year by Winchester College. This year we are very honoured to have guest speaker Roger Morgan-Grenville, author, conservationist, enthusiastic amateur beekeeper as well as Chair of Trustees of Curlew Action Group.

Roger has just returned from walking 1000 miles, starting in Lymington and finishing in Cape Wrath at the top of Scotland, to raise awareness for the endangered Curlew, as well as carry out research for his next book. Keep checking our website for up-dates to join us for this fascinating evening.

Best wishes,

Corinne

Full details on our website

Any donation big or small is very gratefully received.

Donate

"The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us."
David Attenborough

Registered Charity No: 1156567

Cameron's Cottage is now open!

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 13:54:00 GMT

Cameron's Cottage is now open!

Inspired by Cameron - 2 minute introduction to Cameron’s Cottage

We are thrilled that the renovation work on Cameron's Cottage is now complete and is open for bookings. Inspired by Cameron, it will provide access to nature for young people from all walks of life. This joint non-profit venture with the RSPB in the heart of their Franchises Lodge nature reserve, is a place where they can learn, develop skills, make friends, build confidence and take part in wildlife activities, all within this beautiful 'secret' forest.

We live in an increasingly urbanised world and it’s crucial that young people have time to connect with the natural world and Cameron's Cottage will do just that. We know how important this is for their own well-being as well as for our wildlife.

Setting camera traps and hunting for bugs at night

Cameron’s Cottage is off-grid, relies on solar power and is wildlife friendly. All timber used comes from the RSPB reserve site and all power comes from the solar panels and groups can monitor their power usage throughout their stay.

Solar panels on the roof of the outdoor classroom will help power the Cottage

The water is heated by solar power and a heat source pump supports the Cottage by drawing heat from outside air and transferring to the underfloor heating system to warm the building. In combination with the substantial natural insulation used throughout, the Cottage remains cool in the summer and cosy and warm in the winter.

The Cottage has a fully equipped kitchen

Outside, the Cottage has incorporated Swift bricks, House Martin cups, bat boxes for Great Horseshoe bats as well as smaller cracks for Pipistrelle bats. There is an old well outside which supplies water for cleaning boots etc, whilst the inside water comes from mains supply.

Swift bricks and bat boxes provide homes for the local wildlife

Have a look inside. All appliances are lower energy rated and there are wood burners inside the kitchen and study centre to provide additional heat. They can also be used for cooking.

It will comfortably sleep 19; there are five bunk rooms to choose from. A range of activities can take place in the outdoor classroom which is also a beautiful place to eat. The RSPB have done a phenomenal job running this project. Their painstaking attention to detail will ensure that this low impact high-quality cottage will be used for many years to come.

Room with a view of nature - one of the five bunk rooms

The outdoor classroom has multiple uses

"We have had 4 groups stay at the cottage to date and it has been awe-inspiring to observe them. Our vision looks to inspire a lifelong love of nature and improve young people’s lives through immersive experiences. We look to set up young people with tools which include opportunities onsite. It is exciting to be part of the team developing and realising the dream of Cameron’s Cottage."

Anneka Schofield - RSPB Project manager, Cameron's Cottage

Franca's bug hotel - Boys hunting for fungi

Make a Booking at Cameron's Cottage

You can book Cameron's Cottage for a group of young people through the RSPB website.

Book Cameron's Cottage

A huge thank you to everyone for being part of our journey and making Cameron's Cottage a reality. We are so grateful to the RSPB, National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Garfield Weston Foundation for being such amazing partners.

We look forward to welcoming you in the spring to our grand opening event.

Best wishes,

Corinne and Kevin
and all the Trustees of the Cameron Bespolka Trust

Full details on our website

"The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us."
David Attenborough

Registered Charity No: 1156567

It's springtime at Cameron's Cottage

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 16:18:28 GMT

It's Spring!

Photo competition winner: Felix Walker-Nix, aged 12

Spring is here and nature is in full flow. The sights and sounds this time of year are incredible with so much beauty right here on our doorsteps. And we too, have been busy.

Cameron's Cottage

Throughout lockdown, renovation work has continued at Cameron’s Cottage in the RSPB Franchises Lodge nature reserve in the New Forest. This accessible, idyllic, residential outreach centre is a safe place where young people can immerse themselves in nature. Young people visiting the Cottage will engage in activities to boost their confidence and well-being. Practical skills about wildlife and habitat management as well as creative activities will be on offer that will help them connect with their surroundings.

Cameron’s Cottage and the Nature Outreach Centre with solar panels

In partnership with RSPB, we are working hard to create packages of activities that will be available for groups of up to 18 when staying at Cameron’s Cottage. Packages, booking systems as well as the hiring of a Project Officer are just some of the behind the scenes work that is going on. We are very excited to be holding trial day activities over the summer and fully opening in the autumn.

Wood clad extension

A huge thank you to the builders, AV Development, who are doing a phenomenal job keeping the project on track, to SA Energy for expertly installing the Solar panels and sustainable energy and to Moorhouse Architecture who have drawn up plans that sympathetically compliment this beautiful old brick Cottage. And to the RSPB, who are doing a brilliant job working around the clock to make this place come alive as a nature destination for young people.

We will keep you posted as work progresses.

Inside the Nature Outreach Centre, with an enclosed laboratory at the end for research projects carried out by young volunteers and university students

Nestled in this ancient woodland in the RSPB nature reserve Franchises Lodge

Other News

Hampshire Ornithological Society

For the third year, we are offering free membership to young people in full time education with the Hampshire Ornithological Society to help increase their young members. We are thrilled that they now have over 50 young members who will benefit from everything the Club has to offer.

Read more

Lockdown Photography competition

Our Lockdown Photography competition run by our Young Ambassadors had an overwhelming response of 85 entries that included observations of the pure and simple beauty of nature around us. It was impressive to see how many photos captured some elements of nature that are easy to miss. Thank you everyone who took part.

See all winning entries

CBT Young Ambassadors

The Young Ambassadors are active on many fronts

Our Young Ambassadors have been very active and reaching large audiences by numerous on-line talks about all things wildlife as well as numerous articles and blogs in press and social media. They have become hugely skilled at conversing on Zoom, creating nature videos, vlogs and writing blogs. Have a look at Amy Hall’s award-winning 60 second educational Zoology videos covering all sorts of subjects.

It’s great to work with these talented environmentalists and help them reach their full potential. Have a look at some of the things they do…..

Thank you to Young Ambassador Megan who has been selling her handmade masks to raise funds

Support and Fundraising

Our gifts on sale at The Yard

Thank you so much to so many of you for all your continued fundraising. We are so fortunate to have your support and have been so grateful for the amazing ways you have raised money for us: making masks, selling wildlife calendars celebrating birthdays by observing wildlife, running crazy races, supporting our online shop and making donations.

A huge thank you to Virtual Runner UK for choosing us as their charity and donating an incredible £3250.00. And, although it seems ages ago, we loved being at The Yard at Chilton Candover, Hampshire, a café which serves the most delicious coffee and food who supported and raised a huge amount for us. Thank you so much for donating 100% of all the proceeds made selling our gifts.

Shop

Water for drinking and bathing is crucial for garden birds and wildlife

Our online shop is always open. Please have a look at some of our great new gifts: beautiful cards drawn by talented wildlife artists, recycled glass bud vases and lovely new bird baths. And Megan's wonderfully creative masks are still on sale if you need an extra environmentally-friendly face mask.

Shop now

And finally...

Swift boxes being installed

I just wanted to highlight the threat that Swifts are under. These beautiful birds have declined more than 50% over the last 23 years and much of this is due to loss of habitat. I am therefore so grateful that all my neighbours agreed to have Swift boxes put up on our houses and our small road now has a total of 15 Swift boxes!

A huge thanks to Tim Norriss and Roger from Hampshire Swifts for climbing up high to install the new homes. They do an amazing job helping Swifts. Have a look at their website to read more about how we can all help: www.hampshireswifts.co.uk

"The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us."
David Attenborough

Please donate

Registered Charity No: 1156567

Work begins on Cameron's Cottage

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 17:15:18 GMT

What a glorious day to start construction on Cameron’s Cottage

It feels like a long time ago that we first saw the huge potential of a run down Cottage in the middle of the newly acquired RSPB nature reserve in the New Forest.

In 2018, the RSPB took ownership of this 1000 acre site, which they consequently named Franchises Lodge reserve, and it quickly became apparent that this "secret forest" holds many real wildlife treasures.

“We have been working with the RSPB since 2017 about finding a place in a reserve where young people can stay and experience nature first hand. The moment we saw this Cottage, we both saw the huge potential to create a unique place to engage budding naturalists from all walks of life. We have worked tirelessly these past 2 years to create a place that will instil a life-long love of nature to the next generation. It feels like a very fitting legacy in Cameron’s honour. ”

Corinne Bespolka, Cameron’s mother.

Although we have encountered challenges, the support has been tremendous. The RSPB has spent so much time with the New Forest National Park Authority and the local community to make sure we are working together. Once the Architect Joe Moorhouse (Moorhouse Architects) was on board, plans and drawings were sympathetically drawn up. The result is a low-impact facility that will sleep 18.

The site has security fencing all the way around

Cameron's Cottage is off-grid and it’s been exciting discovering how to make it as green and sustainable as possible. The renewable energy will include solar panels, a heat recovery ventilation system that generates heat through air as well as an Ecorock sewage treatment system.

Work begins inside the cottage

A few months ago, RSBP selected AV Developments to carry out the work, together with SA-Energy who are responsible for renewables. They will renovate the Cottage, build an extension as well as construct a Field Study Centre right next to the Cottage. This open-feel Field Study Centre will be an area where educational activities can take place, with a small laboratory room attached that will be used by University students to carry research projects.

Illustration: Moorhouse Architecture

Estimated completion is June 2021.

Please have a look at the beautiful drone video footage filmed recently by RSPB on our website:

Drone Video of Cottage

Thank you to everyone for helping us make this happen. New friends, old friends, family, supporters, nature lovers, conservationists and every single supporter, we are very grateful to have you be part of our journey. We could not have done it without you

Please donate

Please consider making a small donation to support our work.

Registered Charity No: 1156567

A Christmas Invitation

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:11:51 GMT

You are invited to our virtual online shop

Spare a thought for wildlife this Christmas.

Our extremely easy to use online shop is ready for you. If you are local, just press 'collect' upon check out as there’s a group of lovely friends on stand-by to help with deliveries. Otherwise there’s an option to post the package to your door.

Winter is coming! Our new bird feeders, together with the high energy, high protein food, is just what our feathered friends need when it gets cold. Or how about one of our bird, bug or hedgehog homes made by local charity Minstead Trust?

Our recycled Christmas wrapping paper and cards continue to be very popular and ever so environmentally friendly. Are you looking for that special gift? Check out our Christmas hamper.

Fill your home with the wonderful scents from our popular candles, diffusers and soaps and add a splash of colour to your kitchen with our organic tea towels and oven gloves.

For all of us trying to be environmentally responsible, look no further than our travel mugs, collapsible mugs and reusable jute bags. Feel good on the go!

Do hope you can come! We look forward to 'seeing' you.

Online Shop

And if you spend more than £25.00 before 1st December we will send you one of our environmentally-friendly jute bags. This will be sent out with your order automatically.

Thank you for supporting us; 100% of sales goes to our work.

Registered Charity No: 1156567

Moving forward after the lockdown

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:25:12 GMT

"While we struggled with the pandemic, nature took the opportunity to flourish"

Back in January, who would have known that our everyday lives were soon to change so drastically? Who could have predicted that nearly everything that we sponsor and support would be postponed; no nature, wildlife or bird camps, no educational scholarship to Cornell, no Young Naturalists monthly meetings and no Young Leaders course.

For all the above and more, we partner with a wide range of organisations who are actively involved in protecting and promoting the natural world. We can't wait to continue working with them.

This lockdown has shown us how important wildlife and nature are and how access to nature-rich spaces support our physical and mental well-being. Less pollution and noise have allowed nature to flourish in front of our eyes and this is something we have all been able to take advantage of and enjoy.

Some of the most unlikely household items can make an ideal birdhouse.

Help wildlife visit your garden by providing food and most importantly water.

Young Ambassadors
These last few months have given us time to explore our Cameron Bespolka Young Ambassador programme and how we can make a difference to these young naturalists. We want to offer them opportunities to improve their knowledge and passion, collaborate with like-minded young people, speak publicly, enhance writing skills and increase wildlife knowledge.

We are delighted that our Young Ambassador programme will be working in association with C.J. Wildlife who offer a wide variety of wildlife products.

Our Young Ambassadors are the next generation who will care and help protect nature and will be our leaders of the future. Lockdown has given them a huge amount of extra time to create wildlife gardens, write blogs, build a wildlife pond, record and submit vital data, improve their knowledge and use their social media platforms to campaign for conservation. And I am so proud of how much they have achieved. Have a look to see how much they have been doing:

We are also thrilled to welcome Amy Hall to our Board of Trustees. She is studying Zoology at Exeter University and is a passionate naturalist and will bring a heap of knowledge as well as an additional perspective to the Board.

Cameron's Cottage in RSPB's Franchises Lodge Reserve
A place for young people from every background to discover all things wild and natural.

Illustration: Moorhouse Architecture

Cameron’s Cottage has been basking in peace and sunshine in RSPB’s Franchises Lodge nature reserve in the New Forest. Despite obvious delays, together with the RSPB we are still very busy working behind the scenes. We are in the process of selecting a construction company to carry out the rest of the extensive renovation work as well as build the Field Study Centre. It's great to see the architect's illustration above showing how Cameron's Cottage will look once all the work is complete.

New roof at Cameron's Cottage

In the meantime, we are thrilled that Steve Cuff, who very generously and kindly offered his services, was able to completely water-proof and fix the roof. Thank you to Steve for this fabulous work! He also installed a bat box for the Rhinolophidae bat (commonly known as the horseshoe bat) and one for the Common Pipistrelle bat, giving them places to roost.

We can't wait to proceed with the next phase.

The Shop
We are enormously grateful for your continued support and generosity. We appreciate your donations, shop purchases and enthusiastic fundraising. Our shop continues to thrive with many new items available and even a beautiful hamper created by Megan, if you are looking for a special gift.

Megan and Aya

To say I was blown away by Sarah and Ed Neish walking an incredible 85km in one rainy day, is an understatement! We are so proud of them and so grateful. Sarah is one of our Trustees and she ended up raising an absolutely staggering amount of £4,031.25! Thank you Sarah and Ed.

The rain came down on Sarah and Ed during their 85km walk, but they carried on smiling through

A huge thank you too to Ben Porter for so generously donating the proceeds from the sale of his beautiful wildlife calendar to us and to the talented Jake Gauntlett for writing a musical tribute in memory of Cameron. Please listen to Jake's composition Nightingale , it is moving and very beautiful.

It is exciting that some things can still go ahead, such as the RSPB WildArt competition. This is a perfect opportunity for under 18 year olds to connect with wildlife by observation and creating beautiful pieces of art. More information on this exciting competition can be found on our website

And we are very happy to continue to work with Hampshire Ornithological Society and offer free membership to under 21 year olds so they can join and be part of this active and dynamic bird club. I am pleased to report that HOS has increased their young membership from 1 to 35.

Together let’s keep doing small things that make a huge difference.

Stay safe.

Corinne, Kevin, Nicholas, Megan and Sienna

Donate

Registered Charity No: 1156567

Walk into a world of opportunity

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 16:48:25 GMT

Walk into a World of Opportunity

Dear Young Nature Lover,

It is hard to imagine a time when the natural world needed our attention more. There is a desperate need for people to show passion and take action. Fortunately there has never been a better time to be a young naturalist with a whole host of opportunities to pursue. If you want to make a difference, we can think of no better starting place than our young peoples' events page dedicated to people like you.

Here you will find everything from nature camps through wildlife walks to scholarships. There are events for all young people from seven to twenty-five and they run throughout the year.

These events provide a great environment in which to meet like-minded people and to expand your network of contacts. If you are looking to make the natural world your passion or your career we can point you in the right direction.

Start Your Adventure

Extended Deadline

We are extending the deadline for applications for the Cameron Bespolka Scholarship at Cornell, New York by an extra two days

This is the fifth year we are working with Cornell Lab of Ornithology to sponsor one UK birder to attend their educational and life changing Young Birders Event held 25th - 28th June, 2020 at Cornell. This event aims to inspire young naturalists with amazing experiences and special insights into birds and conservation. The knowledgeable staff discuss multiple opportunities to pursue a career in ornithology. Please share with anyone who might benefit from this scholarship.

“To say I am grateful would be an understatement. Only now has it hit me just how amazing the event, the people involved and the place were” - Alex Chapman, Winner 2019

Closing date now the 16th February.

Apply Now

Children need nature and nature needs children

Registered Charity No: 1156567

The Homeless Children's Foundation

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 16:22:00 GMT

The Homeless Children's Foundation, USA

Even on holiday, I am always thinking about the Trust. Here’s an up-date of how we spend our time connecting young people with nature in the USA. I was fortunate enough to attend a reception hosted by the Homeless Children’s Foundation (HCF) to hear about the crucial work that they are doing.

HFC was founded by Vin Ryan and Carla Meyer in 2014 in Indian River County, Florida. Today they provide much needed opportunities to homeless children, while at the same time guiding their parents to self-sufficiency.

We are delighted to help this incredible organization by funding, for the fourth year, a group of children to attend a week-long nature camp during their spring holiday. These children get to be outside, observe, respect and photograph wildlife whilst also enjoying outdoor activities. It has been deeply moving to hear some of their personal stories of how these homeless children live. It’s striking how despite living in an area surrounded by nature, they have been unable to experience and enjoy it.

“The Cameron Bespolka Trust funds one week nature-based camps. Typically, it is the first time these homeless children have been taught about species of birds, how to identify plants and much more. They learn the importance of caring for the environment. Unfortunately, these children and teens are more used to being crammed in a vehicle, motel, or shelter with their entire family. Sitting outside and observing their surroundings is a welcome change. It is an activity that should be available to all children, regardless of their housing status.”

- Hannah Hite, Executive Director of the Homeless Children’s Foundation

It was also wonderful to support four homeless teenagers' participation in the Junior Guide Programme at Pelican Island Audobon Society. They were trained to become assistant camp counsellors to enable them to volunteer during the summer holidays at various camps. Every child in America has to spend a number of hours volunteering as part of their education and these four teenagers were therefore delighted to have received skills to enable them to volunteer throughout the summer.

Internships are an incredibly important way for High School students to gain skills. After successfully sponsoring two 17 year old students last year, we are again looking for additional placements within nature based organisations. These internships are an invaluable way to help connect young people with nature and potentially pursue a career in conservation.

It seems unthinkable to imagine having no home to go to and spending every night either sofa surfing or sleeping in a car. It is incredibly special for us to be able to expose these children to the beauty of nature and to see the positive impact it has on their lives.

“I appreciate and I am grateful that I got to go to camp and experience kayaking, swimming, photography and making new friends. THANK YOU.”

- Nature Camp participant

Cameron Bespolka Scholarship at Cornell, New York
This is the fifth year we are working with Cornell Lab of Ornithology to sponsor one UK birder to attend their educational and life changing Young Birders Event held 25th - 28th June, 2020 at Cornell. This event aims to inspire young naturalists with amazing experiences and special insights into birds and conservation. The knowledgeable staff discuss multiple opportunities to pursue a career in ornithology. Please share with anyone who might benefit from this scholarship.

Closing date 14th February.

Apply Now

Thank you to the Windsor Community for all their on-going support as well as promoting and selling our gifts in their Village Store

We are so grateful to all our supporters both here and in the USA for their tremendous support and for continuing to help us reach young people across the globe.

With much love from all of us,
Corinne

Registered Charity No: 1156567