Join us for coffee, homemade cake and catch up with friends. We will have some familiar favourites on sale and also some wonderful new products — all of which will make perfect gifts for Christmas!
4th NOVEMBER: 9.30 to 12.00 AM
The Flower Pots Inn, Cheriton, SO24 0QQ
I’m Laura, I work for the RSPB and I run Cameron’s Cottage. I started working here last year and in the Autumn decided to write a seasonal update of all of my goings-on. This is edition 4, Summer!
In the last edition of this blog, I wrote of how busy April and May had been and early June brought the last of that particular busy spell. Summer has since been a little quieter, allowing for moments of reflection between incredibly rewarding group visits and activities.
The group visits to the cottage have been rewarding
My frequent visits down to the lake were a highlight as I could watch the toad tadpoles developing with every visit! Another highlight was seeing a cacophony of bats on each evening walk I led. Watching the young people be amazed and enthralled by this nocturnal display was so heartwarming – and the excitement from knowing bats were flying low all around us, almost touching our heads at points, was contagious and I couldn’t help but laugh with glee alongside them.
Behind the scenes I had also been working on setting up Facebook and Instagram pages for Cameron’s Cottage to engage young audiences in the nature around them, display some of the goings-on of recent groups visiting the cottage and inviting young people to take action for nature in their local green spaces. July saw the launch of these two accounts and I’ve been enjoying creating videos and taking photos to build an online platform for young people to engage with.
Things picked up again at end of July as we busily prepared for the New Forest Show. The 3 day event is a great opportunity to share what we do with the wider public and local community. Jayne and I designed activities to engage with families and made display boards to aid conservation conversations about our work and our nature reserve.
August brought a small flurry of residential stays and day visits to Cameron’s Cottage, and somehow the team were able to squeeze in some well-deserved holiday! I’m writing this in the beginning of September, with fond memories of the whirlwind year 2025 has already been, and excited for what adventures Autumn brings, especially as while writing this I’m seeing the first signs that Autumn is on its way!
The reserve lake is teeming with pondlife
Watching the tadpoles develop
The New Forest Show was an opportunity share what we do
We made display boards to aid conservation conversations
We were delighted to once again sponsor Romsey Young Carers to spend time in nature, away from their daily responsibilities. Young Carers are young people whose lives are affected by caring for a family member who has a long-term illness or disability. Romsey Young Carers provides safe spaces for their young carers to discuss concerns, get support and have fun.
The first group consisted of 15-18 year olds who enjoyed their stay at Cameron’s Cottage, immersed in nature, walking, pond dipping and participating in team building games as well as a bat walk and a BBQ around the camp fire. The bat walk was definitely a highlight.
"During my stay at Cameron’s cottage I was able to decompress around the sounds, sights and smells of nature. We had the opportunity to explore the wildlife that surrounded Cameron’s cottage and we even got to create our own fires to make hot chocolate where we used the natural resources around us.
"Overall I had the most amazing time being able to catch up with friends and my brother expressing the love of nature and the lovely cottage stay " - Gracie
"At Cameron's cottage I enjoyed seeing my friends and having the opportunity to relax, enjoy nature and create stronger bonds with other people. I feel it was very beneficial as I am very busy working a full-time job and dealing with lots of adult responsibilities so having the time to just not worry was great. My favourite activity was going to the lake and finding bugs and eating lots of food. I also enjoyed late night uno and playing pranks on everyone". -- Ella
"Thank you so much to everyone at the Cameron Bespolka trust for enabling us to stay at the cottage and experience its surroundings, to be immersed in nature whilst learning new skills. We felt truly enriched and recharged by the end of our stay.”
We were also so pleased to sponsor their Family Fun Day at Cameron’s Cottage. The group consisted of the parents as well as the young carers and provided a perfect place for them to spend time outside together with their parents. A highlight was the campfire where they could play games.
"Our family day at Cameron’s Cottage was an amazing opportunity that enabled all of us to spend quality time together in a supportive environment, away from the pressures of daily life. The activities – from exploring local insect life to learning practical skills like fire-making – were good fun and encouraged enjoyment of nature. For my daughter, who has caring responsibilities, the day offered both respite and the chance to simply enjoy being a child. Experiences like this have a significant positive impact on her wellbeing, family relationships, and confidence, and I am very grateful that Young Carers had the support from Cameron’s Cottage to make it possible" - Alison
A huge thank you to the RSPB for organising such amazing activities as well as giving these young people some down time to enjoy their surroundings and friends.
Spending time in nature helps the young carers decompress
Enjoying a campfire BBQ
Team building games are integral to the exprience
Building a makeshift shelter
Learning how to safely build a fire at the family day
It was a chance for the young carers to explore nature
Romsey Young carers spend time at Cameron’s Cottage
It was a chance to put drawing skills to the test
Making use of the outdoor classroom
The family day was a chance to spend quality time together
Hello again! I’m Laura, I work for the RSPB and I run Cameron’s Cottage. I started working here last year and in the Autumn decided to write a seasonal update of all of my goings-on. This is edition 3, Spring!
The Cottage Chronicles will be a seasonal update, written by me, of what we’ve been up to at Cameron’s Cottage. I’ll try to include the highlights, some stories from recent groups and my general musings of what the last few months have been like.
The weather has definitely picked up since I wrote the last blog. Feb/March brought us our first residential groups of the year and since then it’s been a whirlwind of great weather and happy young people. Spring arrived in full force and it was wonderful to see the cottage and surrounding woodland come alive with wild flowers – seeing the bluebells was a particular highlight! With wall-to-wall sunshine for most of April and May, our busy season kicked off with a bang. A highlight was definitely doing a reptile survey with a group of young conservationists and finding a pair of common lizards basking in the sun.
And wildlife has been all around us! From moths to toads, goshawks to buzzards and everything in between, young people have been treated to an amazing array of wildlife.
At the start of May, we also welcomed Jayne our new Visitor experience Officer who will be delivering activity sessions to groups all through the Summer and Autumn. Jayne will be with us for 6 months and has great experience of working with children and young people both in a school setting and in the outdoors.
It was a fun and engaging, full-on day, which concluded with me achieving the Bushcraft Assessment Level Two Qualification
A highlight for me over these Spring months was to head back into the woods and complete my bushcraft training, being assessed on the topics I had learnt and trained on last Autumn. This photo below shows the shelter, fire and pot hanger I made, all using bushcraft skills and techniques and culminated in me making myself a cup of tea right there in the woods! It was a fun and engaging, full-on day, which concluded with me successfully achieving the Bushcraft Assessment Level Two Qualification. A fabulous day on all accounts!
May has been jam-packed with several groups visiting the cottage, and while I was hoping to get this blog written earlier, I am glad to have touched the lives of so many young people, hopefully starting their journey in becoming keen nature lovers and wanting to help nature thrive where they live.
June and July are looking a little bit quieter, though bookings are still coming in for our Summer season. If you, or anyone you know might be interested in booking a stay at Cameron’s Cottage, particularly for June or July, please do use the links below for more information.
Booking a stay: https://bit.ly/cameronscottage
Volunteering with us: https://bit.ly/cameronscottagevolunteering
Until next time,
Laura
The shelter that Laura built
A pair of common lizards basking in the sun
A toad
A Moth
We were delighted to sponsor the New Forest Young Carers to enjoy a day in nature at Cameron’s Cottage.
They spent the day engaged in numerous outdoor activities, namely collecting branches and building dens, various team building activities and whittling tent pegs and mallets (which they used to make their dens). All activities were brilliantly led by the RSPB.
It’s always a pleasure to see groups enjoy the beautiful peaceful surroundings at Cameron’s Cottage and we are particularly pleased to work with so many Young Carer Organisations. Young Carers look after someone in their family with a long-term health problem or disability. It can often be isolating being a young carer and New Forest Young Carers Organisation has a supportive team who offers them support to ensure they are well looked after.
Fabulous den built, can you see them hiding inside?
Hello again!
I’m Laura, I work for the RSPB and I run Cameron’s Cottage. I started working here last year and in the Autumn decided to write a seasonal update of all of my goings-on. This is edition 2, Winter!
The Cottage Chronicles will be a seasonal update, written by me, of what we’ve been up to at Cameron’s Cottage. I’ll try to include the highlights, some stories from recent groups and my general musings of what the last few months have been like.
Although sunny outside today as I write this, it has been a cold, windy and rainy few months since I wrote the last blog. Cameron’s Cottage doesn’t host many groups of young people over the Winter, so it’s been strange to see the Cottage so quiet after a full-on summer! But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been busy. With less of my time spent on planning bespoke activities for groups and delivering sessions, I can bring my focus to improving current systems and devising new plans for an improved 2025 season. In addition to many other things, I have worked on finding new volunteers to help out at Cameron’s Cottage, started planning for a sensory trail around the woodlands of Cameron’s Cottage and begun research for an interpretation wall inside the Cottage to display information around how the renewable energy powers the cottage.
My other important task this season has been to create and implement a new marketing strategy, to encourage new and repeat bookings to the cottage. This has been in the form of creating a new promotional leaflet, contacting local group leaders and organisations, visiting local careers and volunteer fairs and working with other RSPB colleagues internally for a range of media and press opportunities. Keep an eye out for a Cameron’s Cottage social media page, hopefully coming soon!
I have worked on finding new volunteers to help out at Cameron’s Cottage, started planning for a sensory trail around the woodlands and begun research for an interpretation wall
And the hard work is starting to pay off, new bookings and return visits are trickling in as the calendar starts filling up for March onwards.
A definite highlight for me over these winter months was an unexpected snow flurry, turning Cameron’s Cottage into a scene from a Christmas Card! I was totally unprepared, having left my coat behind, but being caught out in the snow was a small price to pay for a magical memory and some fabulous photos.
Now the days are getting longer, and the first signs of Spring are appearing, I look ahead to the first of this year’s groups visiting Cameron’s Cottage and making lasting memories in nature.
If you, or anyone you know might be interested in volunteering with us or booking a stay at Cameron’s Cottage, do use the links below for more information.
Volunteering: https://bit.ly/cameronscottagevolunteering
Booking a stay: https://bit.ly/cameronscottage
Until next time,
Laura
Laura enjoying the snow at Cameron's Cottage
Please read this excellent blog from Leaside Trust in Hackney after their visit in October.
It’s always such a pleasure to fund groups of young people from London so that they can experience a residential trip to the countryside and Cameron’s Cottage in the RSPB reserve, is a wonderful place for them to spend some time in nature.
Leaside Returns for another New Forest Adventure
Hello everyone!
For those who don’t know me, I’m Laura, I work for the RSPB and I run Cameron’s Cottage. I started working here in June and it’s been a busy few months since then!
The Cottage Chronicles will be a seasonal update, written by me, of what we’ve been up to at Cameron’s Cottage. I’ll try to include the highlights, some stories from recent groups and my general musings of what the last few months have been like.
It’s looking very autumnal outside as I write this; and I love using nature to reflect on the recent times gone by. Summer is a busy time for all, Cameron’s Cottage included, but Autumn sees a quieter pace of life, a sense that nature is winding down, ready for Winter. Like the trees losing the last of their leaves, the Cottage has seen the last of its residential visitors for the year. But that doesn’t mean there’s not work to be done! Like busy squirrels, the Cameron’s Cottage Team are gearing up to use this quieter season to plant some metaphorical acorns - planning and preparing for next year.
Since I started at the end of June there have been 24 visits to Cameron’s Cottage, some part-week or full-week residentials and some day visits. That’s more than one group per week! Like I say, it’s been busy!
We’ve made natural shelters, whittled mallets, discovered wildlife, explored nature by night, brainstormed conservation issues, forest-bathed, partook in teambuilding challenges, cooked on the open fire, written nature poems, designed nature art and so much more.
It’s hard to pick one highlight, my role is incredibly rewarding – I love seeing young people coming out of their shell through the medium of nature. We teach them about conservation and wildlife, but what they take away is so much more than that, it’s a confidence in who they are, a strengthening of team building skills, an appreciation of conservation work and a new-found understanding of how nature improves our wellbeing. I find, for urban groups, this is most prominent. For some individuals this has been their first time in a woodland.
“As an inner-city youth organisation, a key goal is to enable young people to get out into more natural environments. It’s fantastic to be ‘off-grid’ and for the young people to learn so many new skills in a largely outdoor environment. Many of our group have never been in a forest type environment so it was helpful they learnt more about the area and how to respect the environment.”
A stay at Cameron’s Cottage is so much more than a visit to a nature reserve, it’s a time of firsts and of new beginnings for so many – myself included! It’s a blessing to watch so many young people take part in these ‘nature firsts’. Whether that’s their first time in a woodland or developing a desire to pursue a conservation career, this is how I know Cameron’s Cottage is quietly changing lives.
To sum up just how much fun we’ve had, let’s hear one young person’s take-away:
“One of the best weekends of my summer.”
Let’s hope there’s many more ‘best weekends ever’ to come!
Until next time,
Laura
Cameron's Cottage in Autumn
Laura investigating a hive of bees by torchlight
We are delighted to welcome to new members to the RSPB's management team, Visitor Engagement Officer, Linda Ronald and Learning Officer, Laura Pringle.
We will let them introduce themselves:
Linda: Hi, my name’s Linda, and I’m the Visitor Engagement Officer at Cameron’s Cottage. My background is mostly in support work and welfare within the education system, from primary schools to sixth form colleges, and I began volunteering with the RSPB as a residential volunteer for five months at the RSPB Old Moor reserve in South Yorkshire at the start of this year. What a fantastic change of direction! I’ve always loved being out in nature, and have learned so much more this year through the RSPB. The more I learn, the more fascinated I am by the wildlife and habitats around us, and the more passionate I feel about protecting and promoting our natural world. I’m loving being part of the Cameron’s Cottage team and welcoming guests to this unique and peaceful space. It’s a privilege to lead sessions where young people can enjoy being active, exploring nature and experiencing the beauty and calm of the forest.
Laura: I am excited to have joined the team as Learning Officer for Cameron’s Cottage in June this year. I have been with the RSPB for 5 years, firstly as a volunteer then in as an employee working in a couple of different visitor facing roles since early 2020. I have spent the last 3 and a half years working for the RSPB in Dorset, with a large part of my time spent at Arne Nature Reserve. I enjoyed leading guided walks and family activities and doing all the behind the scenes planning this needed, but my favourite part of my role was definitely organising and delivering sessions to school groups visiting the reserve. Creating a space where children and young people could learn and begin to care for nature was the highlight of my role. Which is why I’m so excited to now be working at Cameron’s Cottage. This team has created an amazing facility and I can’t wait to continue to build on this work and grow Cameron’s Cottage and its ability to capture the hearts and minds of thousands of young people! I look forward to working with many of you and want to thank those of you I’ve already met for your warm welcome.
Linda Ronald
Laura Pringe
‘An absolutely fantastic, inspiring and overwhelmingly hopeful weekend’ – as put by one of our attendees, the first ever camp for Young Nature Writers at Cameron’s Cottage was very special. It was such an honour to create a space for young people with an interest in nature and writing to forge friendships with like-minded individuals, learn from experts and have time to write in the beautiful New Forest.
Hosted by Emily Hunt and Andrew Millham, and kindly supported by Alasdair Robertson from Cameron Bespolka Trust, the weekend was a unique experience and enjoyed by all. The aim of the camp was to provide young people with the opportunity to connect with nature, connect with each other and enter a space where they can focus on writing and nature.
Here is what we got up to during the weekend:
Friday
Once everyone had arrived, we kicked off with some brief introductions and an icebreaker game – guess the animal/plant on your head… This proved to be more difficult than anticipated! Everyone settled in quickly.
For our first session, we welcomed Roger for his talk on nature writing and his experiences in the field. It was interesting to hear Roger’s unique perspective, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed his talk. This was an excellent opening to the weekend!
We then ventured out on a short walk and set up our moth traps for the next morning.
Following a lovely meal, we launched into our Open Mic session. The group assembled around the campfire, and Emily, Andrew, Stephen Moss and Roger Morgan-Grenville all gave readings, along with many of the attendees. This was one of the highlights of the weekend. A special mention goes to attendee Finn who recited The Trees by Phillip Larkin from memory!
We were also treated to some wonderful music from Andrew on his Irish bouzouki while we toasted marshmallows.
Saturday
On Saturday we were all up bright and early and ready for the day! However, we were met with an onslaught of rain – which caused some rescheduling, and thankfully cleared up in the afternoon!
First of all, we unboxed the moth traps, led by attendee Max who has an incredible knowledge of insects. Max guided us through the different species, and we had a great selection considering the weather. Then, with our table adorned with moths, Emily and Andrew led some moth-related writing activities, including turning a basic description into a poem and zooming in on specific parts of moth anatomy.
We then took part in a fantastic Writing in the Field session led by Stephen Moss. Due to the rain, we didn’t actually write ‘in the field’, but instead wrote about an experience in nature from our childhood. Afterwards, many attendees shared their work, and it was very impressive to hear what they had created in just an hour or so!
Thankfully, the rain stopped, and we were able to venture off into the woods for our roaming workshop. This consisted of three activities – a mindfulness activity from Andrew, writing from the perspective of a woodland species from Emily, and an activity from our guest Jeni Bell, comparing positive and negative experiences in nature. Being in the woods, it was inevitable that we were going to get distracted by wildlife while doing these activities… perhaps the most notable was Stephen’s firecrest sighting!
We then headed back to the cottage for Jeni’s session on confidence and empowerment in writing. Jeni spoke about finding your voice and overcoming barriers that may stop us from writing. The messages given in Jeni’s talk were very important, and it was a delight to be joined by Jeni for the day – the group loved Jeni’s enthusiasm and really connected with her sessions.
We then had a brief interlude between sessions, during which we lit the campfire and were serenaded by Alasdair on his low whistle.
In the evening, we were joined by Lucy Houliston, who gave a fascinating talk about bats. We learnt all about UK bat species, in preparation for our nighttime bat walk. Lucy also talked about the elements of her career that have involved writing, showing how she has used her writing skills throughout her jobs with charities and NGOs.
The bat walk on Saturday evening was a definite highlight of the weekend – picture a group of teenagers trekking out across the heathland in the dark! The bats put on a bit of a show, treating us to a fantastic view of a soprano catching a moth right in front of us. This was a wonderful end to the day.
‘The biggest thing this weekend has shown me is how much I want to learn, but it’s also confirmed that whatever I do, I want to work with people like the ones I met this weekend.’
Sunday
Thankfully, when we woke up on Sunday it was not a torrential downpour! We kicked the day off with a nature walk and bioblitz activity run by Emily and Andrew.
The bioblitz involved setting off in pairs and finding as many species as possible in half an hour, using the equipment chosen from the cottage – pond dipping kits, insect catching nets, etc. Embarrassingly, Emily and Andrew did not win… instead the winners were Rufus and Freddie, with a very impressive number of species!
We then headed back to the cottage for a talk and Q & A with Stephen Moss. This was packed full of interesting insights, and in particular explored Stephen’s incredible career.
Stephen’s talk was followed by Dominic Couzens. Dominic really captured the attention of the group, putting a smile on everyone’s faces. He gave some brilliant tips and advice to bring the weekend to a close, and a valuable insight into life as a writer.
Thank-yous
It was such a privilege to be joined by such amazing writers and speakers at the camp.
A special mention must go to Stephen, who generously joined us for the whole weekend. Being the incredible speaker and guide that he is, Stephen engaged and educated the group on many different topics. Meeting Stephen was an amazing opportunity, all of us hugely valued his company.
Thank you to Stephen, Roger, Jeni, Dominic and also Alicia Hayden who provided us with a recorded poetry activity.
Thank you to the Cameron Bespolka Trust for supporting and funding the camp - Corinne, Alasdair and Sienna. It obviously couldn’t have happened without them!
Thank you also to Andrew (Emily is writing this blog!), who helped Emily to organise and host the camp.
Comments
Below are some comments lifted from attendees’ reviews of the weekend.
James was the winner of this year’s How can you Help Wildlife Competition as part of the Cameron Bespolka Wildlife Talk held at Winchester College last November.
His prize included his whole class spending the day in the New Forest at Cameron’s Cottage.
Throughout the day, the children took part in a range of outdoor activities, including den building and a nature walk. These activities required them to show off their brilliant teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Here’s what the children had to say:
It was wonderful to see Romsey Young Carers enjoy a day out at Cameron’s Cottage in RSPB Franchises Lodge reserve in the New Forest recently.
They built dens, had a bio blitz, made fire with Kelly kettles to make hot chocolate and had lots of fun!
Young Carers are children and young people whose lives are affected by looking after someone in their family with a disability or long-term illness. It is therefore wonderful to sponsor these young people and see them enjoy their beautiful surroundings and participate in the many RSPB outdoor activities.
We feel very honored to help and will be welcoming many more local groups of young carers at Cameron’s Cottage this summer.
We were delighted to sponsor 14 children between the ages of 9 and 15 from the Leaside Trust who checked in to Cameron’s Cottage recently for four days of activities and adventures in the New Forest.
The Trust, based in Hackney, is an organisation dedicated to delivering inspiring and engaging outdoor activities to young people. Their aim is to encourage children to stay in education, develop their confidence and build leadership skills. This was the Leaside Trust’s first every dry land residential outing all made possible for sponsorship from The Cameron Bespolka Trust.
Over the course of the four days the young members of the trust took part in a range of activities in the Forest designed to enhance their social and team building skills. The group arrived around lunch time on day one leaving enough time to unpack, sort out the cooking and cleaning roster before heading out into the forest for some blindfold teambuilding games, slackline walking and wood chopping. After dinner the group gathered round the open fire to toast marshmallows and boil water for hot chocolate in ghillie kettles.
A massive thank you to Corinne, the Cameron Bespolka Trust and the RSPB for hosting us and making the trip so memorable.
Day two saw the group clearing growth of invasive rhododendrons before building natural shelters from the branches. Next they learned how to make cordage from nettles and rushes followed by a short scavenge through the woods to collect material for making mobiles. After dinner they learned how to make bannock bread, baking it on an open fire they built in the woods.
The group spent time working in teams, working independently, doing solution focused activities ... we saw huge progression through the 4 days in all our young people
On day three the group spent the morning map reading and learning how to use a compass. Splitting into the groups, they headed out into the forest tasked with navigating their way to set points on the map. It proved a tough challenge crossing boggy ground, through thick woods and over fences to reach their goals. The afternoon was spent whittling wooden owls under the expert guidance of instructors Simon and Amanda.
All too soon it was the final day of the trip. The children packed, loaded the bus and cleaned the cottage before heading outside to finish up their wooden owls, split more wood and explore the forest for one last time. In all it was a great experience for the children. They had very limited access to their mobile phones and social media so had to find other ways to amuse themselves during their free time.
Building shelters from branches
Making cordage
Making Bannock Bread
Toasting marshmallows
We were delighted to once again sponsor the Autumn New Forest Wildlife Camp. The camp was held at the newly renovated Cameron’s Cottage in the New Forest at the end of October. Izzy Fry attended the camp as a mentor and blogged about her experience.
by Izzy Fry
This weekend I have been down in the New Forest for the Wild New Forest autumn camp which is sponsored by the Cameron Bespolka Trust.
On the Saturday we spent most of the morning searching for the weird and wonderful fungi around the forest and didn’t we find some amazing specimens! Highlights included Stinkhorns, Hedgehog fungi, Fly Agarics and Purple Deceivers.
The forest is home to an abundance of fungi
I joined the camp this year as a mentor and one of my roles was leading a group as part of a BioBlitz competition! My group was fantastic and preserved through the torrential rain to find and identify a huge 81 species.
In the evening we listened to some great talks about Pine Martins and camera trapping in the New Forest as well as a bird ringing talk from me and also a mentor interview from myself and photographer Dimitri Moore.
There was much to discover in the New Forest
Later that night we headed out for another walk in the dark around the forest. We found lots of new species of fungi including Puffballs, Cauliflower fungus, False Deathcaps and many many more!
We started off our second day in the forest bright and early to do some more bird ringing and the slightly better weather led to a nice selection of birds! The highlights for me were Goldcrests and Marsh tits, one of which I was lucky enough to ring. It was brilliant to see how many of the young people were interested in ringing and the process of it and lots are inspired to start training themselves! (All birds ringed under license with HPAI precautions to ensure all birds and people involved are safe)
Happy Campers
We then checked the moth traps that were put out the evening before and my favourite species was this beautiful Merveille du Jour. Later that morning we headed for another fungi walk that led us up to a patch of heath land. We spotted loads of fungi species including Rosy bonnets, Jelly babies and Hedgehog fungus as well as the rare Nail Fungus which grows on the New Forest pony poo! In the afternoon we had a bit of time to dry off from the torrential rain we walked through earlier and played a couple rounds of bird bingo which has become a camp favourite and tradition over the years.
For our last evening in the forest we headed out to do some more fungi photography and a final walk around the cottage before saying goodbye until next year. I had a brilliant weekend as always and would like to thank Wild New Forest for organising and running the camp and the Cameron Bespolka Trust for funding us to go.
The BioBlitz is a highlight of the weekend
After a successful run at Spurn Bird Observatory, the Young Leaders Course (YLC) has moved to Cameron’s Cottage, a facility ideally suited to educate and entertain.
With the change in venue came some changes in the programme; lecturers from a range of backgrounds and sectors were invited to deliver talks and presentations to the 12 participants who had been carefully selected for the course. One of the key aims of the YLC is to make clear to participants how they can move into leadership positions, even if they are not yet at the CEO level. The sheer wealth of expertise on offer made the course hugely valuable for those wanting to forge a career in this area.
It was a busy four days for participants and lecturers
The Lecturers
The course was hosted by Faye Vogely who is Youth Entertainment Manager at the BTO. She was ably supported by youth staff member Rachael Griffiths and youth volunteer Mya Bambrick. There was a very busy programme with lectures and sessions from 9am until 6pm. Faye led practical sessions on delivering presentations, CVs and job applications, giving guided walks, and running successful meetings. Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link focused on negotiating and influencing with his interactive workshops showing participants how they can influence others by using effective storytelling and understanding people.
“A huge thank you to the incredible staff and people supporting the course. It has been a valuable week, where I learned priceless lessons which I will carry with me throughout my career, and personal life.”
Dr Anjana Khatwa, Earth Scientist and EDI specialist, focused on creating inclusive communities and understanding how to be an ethical leader. Her workshop forced participants to think about their own privilege and how to use it as a leader. Jack Baker, Pangolin Podcast creator and PhD student talked about the importance of communicating effectively as a leader, and showing the different ways we can communicate to different audiences. Helen Robinson and Paul Walton from New Forest National Park Authority looked at the importance of partnership working and how leaders need to be able to understand the needs of different stakeholders.
The outdoor classroom proved an ideal learning environment
There was plenty of opportunity for socialising
Students gather media content for presentations
Social activities were not neglected; ice breaker games were played at the start of the programme to help people get to know each other and after dinner each night camp fire games were played and evening walks undertaken. In addition attendees were given the opportunity to go birdwatching before and after the programme each day. This was an offer that was eagerly taken up. RSPB staff joined the course at times during the four days to talk about life as wardens and demonstrate bats in the hand as part of a ringing programme.
The feedback for the course has been overwhelmingly positive. All sessions were well received and were found to have relevant elements that will help participants in their career. Most of the participants reported that their confidence increased during the four days and said they recognised that their self-worth was key for successful leadership.
Roasting marshmallows on an open fire
At Cameron’s Cottage there is a path dedicated to the memory of Jim Kilner who died recently at the age of 83. Jim spent much of his later years quietly raising money for the RSPB and the Kilner Path has been named in his honour to celebrate his tireless efforts.
Jim was a very proud engineer by profession and still kept the tools he made when he was an apprentice in his extensive engineering workshop. From this workshop he made bird nest boxes out of felled trees to his own very specific design. The proceeds from the sale of these lovingly-crafted boxes went to the RSPB and that money was used to purchase tools for the Lodge Garden and the benches under the shelter.
Jim was invited down to Franchises Lodge by the RSPB to see what had been bought with his money. On the visit he spotted a neglected tricycle chassis and asked if he could buy it from the RSPB. Within two months he had renovated the chassis and turned it into a cargo carrying bike. It was sold to a young fisherman to carry his gear to fishing spots. The £400 of profit went to buying the trees at Cameroons Cottage and the residual used towards the costs of the Kilner Path.
Three months before died he travelled down to the cottage and took a ride in his off road tramper around the path. Jim spoke of how wonderful it was to have been a small part of the Cameron’s Cottage story and how proud he was that the RSPB had named the path after him.
Jim Kilner was tireless in his fundraising efforts
Sponsorship from the Trust enabled a group of children from Winnall Primary School in Winchester to travel down to Cameron’s Cottage and enjoy a jam-packed day of activities.
Thank you BBC Radio Solent and BBC News for sharing our story.
Inspired by Cameron, Cameron’s Cottage in a RSPB reserve is a place for groups of young people to be immersed in nature. Run and operated by RSPB, this place connects young people and nature where all activities are led by RSPB wildlife experts.
Cameron had a passion for birds and wildlife
Thank you BBC South Today for the coverage on Cameron’s Cottage and for telling our story.
Thank you so much to New Forest National Park Authority for supporting the collaboration between ourselves and RSPB to create Cameron’s Cottage in the heart of the RSPB reserve Franchises Lodge.
Alison Barnes, CEO of the New Forest NPA was there to celebrate the opening of the cottage
"Celebrating the opening of Cameron's Cottage with the RSPB and the Cameron Bespolka Trust at their residential retreat based within Franchises Lodge nature reserve. It's a dramatic and ‘secret forest’ in the north of the New Forest now saved by the RSPB and the Trust with our help "
Guests and Staff at the grand opening
Staff and first-year students from the UoW Nutrition and Dietetics Course were at Cameron’s Cottage earlier this month for a very special away day.
The students, who were on placement at the Cottage, made fine use of its facilities to whip up a first rate meal for the Team. What better way to discuss curriculum development than in the great outdoors eating delicious food.
We had a brilliant team away day today in a very special location, talking about RD curriculum development! A big thank you to our 1st year students for our fab lunch!
Staff and Students from the University of Winchester
We were thrilled to sponsor Romsey Young Carers to spend a magical day at Cameron‘s Cottage for a Family Fun day.
The day was expertly guided by a lovely group of RSPB volunteers and staff. 10 families with a total of 25 children took part in outdoor activities. A wide range of activities were on offer suitable for all ages and two new activities we’re particularly popular: playing in a drum circle and taking part in a nature escape room.
Young Carers are children and young people whose lives are affected by caring for a family member who has a long term illness or disability, mental health problems or issues with drugs and alcohol. Romsey Young Carers provide a safe space for their young carers and their families.
It’s wonderful to see them outside, enjoying carefree nature rich activities, together with their families.
It was a magical day at Cameron's Cottage for Romsey Young Carers
Cameron’s Cottage continues to be a hub for many educational and vocational opportunities for young people from all walks of life.
Thank you to RSPB team at Cameron’s Cottage for supporting Josh from the Minstead Trust and allowing him to develop skills to enable him to apply for jobs in conservation.
Minstead Trust is a charity who nurtures the unique potential of people with learning disabilities and their ‘Step Up for Work’ programme offers work and training opportunities. Please have a look at their website if you might help host and train someone.
Josh from the Minstead Trust
We are thrilled to sponsor the Winchester Youth Counselling. This wonderful charity provides free, confidential counselling for young people aged 11 to 25 who are based in the district of Winchester.
During the Easter holidays their nature therapy group enjoyed a visit to Cameron’s Cottage. The group took part in a range of nature based activities led by the RSPB team. The activities included team games, bug hunting and making bird boxes.
"Thank you to the team at Cameron’s Cottage for such a fantastic day. The young people really enjoyed making the bird boxes and doing the teambuilding games. The day was really helpful for young people and was enjoyed by all who attended."
The WYC nature therapy group recognises that spending time connecting with nature is proven to reduce stress and anxiety and improve emotional health and well-being.
The group takes part in a team building exercise
The group learns how to build nest boxes
We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the New Forest Wildlife Camp for a third year. The Wild New Forest chose the newly renovated Cameron’s Cottage as its venue for camp which ran from Friday 22 October to the Sunday.
The Trust has sponsored this event since its inception and it was wonderful to welcome this energetic group of teenagers to the Franchises Lodge RSPB reserve in the northern New Forest.
It was a jam packed weekend for the campers. The activities included everything from nocturnal wildlife hunts to bird ringing demonstrations. The campers were also able to set moth traps and to see how camera traps are set to capture nocturnal activity. The camera traps yielded video footage of Fallow Deer, Grey Squirrel and Wood Mouse.
Lou checking the corrugated iron sheets for sheltering reptiles and amphibians
The Saturday afternoon bio blitz competition showed just how rich the area is in flora and fauna; the three teams recorded between 130 and 150 species, with highlights including Raft Spider, Wood Cricket and Palmate Newt.
Trustee, Corinne Cruickshank paid a visit to the cottage on the Saturday to give the attendees an inspiring speech about Cameron’s legacy and the vision for Cameron’s Cottage.
Andy Page, Head Keeper at Forestry England, joined the group on the Sunday walk and was able to talk about wildlife and woodland management and reveal some of the rich history of the area.
By the end of the camp the attendees had recorded nearly 100 species of fungi, 45 species of bird, over 30 species of moth, and numerous invertebrates, plants, and trees. It was great to see the group sharing experiences and enjoying each other’s company after what has been a tough couple of years due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Team photo outside the cottage
Huge thanks to Nigel Jones, Andy Page, Andrew Colenutt and Helen Schneider for leading the activities and to Anneka and Lou from RSPB for their assistance at Cameron’s Cottage.
To read a full report on the weekend please visit the Wild New Forest website
Setting camera traps
Examining Flora and Fauna on the night walk
Trustee Corinne Cruickshank met up with RSPB Chief Executive, Beccy Speight, recently to check on progress at Cameron's Cottage. It won't be long before the doors will open to young naturalists everywhere.
Beccy reflected on the progress so far; "The partnership between the Cameron Bespolka Trust and the RSPB feels like a real meeting of minds. Cameron’s Cottage is a very special place and the opportunity to have young people come and stay and have the chance to be immersed in such nature rich surroundings is hugely important. Nature’s restoration needs all of us to care and take action and we know that people only care for what they can understand and therefore grow to love.
We also know that being in natural surroundings brings huge benefits in terms of an individual person’s physical and mental wellbeing. The kind of experience offered by a stay at Cameron’s Cottage in a supportive communal environment will definitely start young people on that journey, both for nature and for themselves. We’re incredibly grateful that the Trust has chosen to fund and work alongside us to achieve this vision.”
Beccy Speight and Corrine Cruickshank
We were very proud to be the first group to test out Cameron’s Cottage last weekend. All our Trustees and 10 Young Ambassadors came to Cameron’s Cottage and find out what a stay is like and to discover the RSPB Franchises Lodge nature reserve.
Cameron’s Cottage is so nearly ready, just final touch up details before the building is handed back to the RSPB. So we had fun camping close to the Cottage but using the facilities which made the whole weekend even more of an adventure.
The focus of Cameron’s Cottage is to invite young people from all walks of life to come and stay, learn, develop skills and confidence in this beautiful wildlife rich forest. The Cottage will sleep 19 (and additional camping available) and has an Outdoor Classroom adjacent to accommodate day time activities as well as being a perfect place to eat outside. There is also an enclosed study centre at the end of the Classroom which will have facilities for research and data analysis to take place.
Cameron’s Cottage is also a home for wildlife. There are bat boxes in every roof space as well as on the surrounding trees, Swift bricks, House Martin cups and many other nooks and crannies around the place for birds to nest.
This building is off grid but there is mains water and but no mains gas or electricity. Much research has gone into making this place reliable and energy efficient. There are 72 solar panels, 3 large batteries, a mechanical ventilation system, an air source pump and under floor heating. There will also be a back up generator for those dark winter days. The most energy efficient part of the Cottage is the superb insulation. And the RSPB are very proud to have supplied all the timber (douglas fir) from the surrounding reserve.
We can’t wait for you to organise your group and come visit, aimed especially at 15-25 year olds from all backgrounds and walks of life. We are working with educational establishments such as schools and universities, conservations groups, youth groups, specialist charities, scouts and more. Reservations will be on line as of September but please email me in the meantime if you have any questions or enquiries info@cameronbespolka.com or Anneka Schofield, Project Officer RSPB Franchises Lodge anneka.schofield@rspb.org.uk.
Cameron's Cottage
Young Ambassadors outside the Cottage
Cottage at night
Anneka, RSPB Project Officer inside the Outdoor Classroom
Outdoor Classroom
Wildlife talk in Outdoor Classroom
Team building exercises
Young Ambassadors
Franca's bug hotel
One of the many species we saw
Lake dipping
Wildlife observation
Toad
Bio blitz
Bio blitz
Franchises Lodge Nature Reserve
Camping is a great option if you have a larger group
What an altogether awesome week it has been! An incredibly momentous occasion to be hosting the first groups of young people at Cameron’s Cottage to experience just a few of the outdoor activities that will be on offer.
The RSPB hosted three separate small groups to test out some of the outdoor activities at Franchises Lodge nature reserve. The first group, Employ My Ability, is a charity that helps students with learning disabilities develop vital skills. They learnt about habitat management and helped clear the invasive non-native rhododendrons.
The second group Black To Nature led by Birdgirl took part in a bio blitz activity organized by Russell Wynn and Marcus Ward from Wild New Forest with each group identifying over 110 different species in just 1 hour!
And the third group of University students and volunteers carried out deer population and impact surveys in the New Forest.
These are just some of the endless possibilities around Cameron’s Cottage. For now, groups could not stay due to COVID restrictions and the Cottage is not 100% ready but it was very special indeed to be part of the day.
The event was expertly organised by Anneka at RSPB England. We are so grateful to our amazing supporters for making this possible. Thank you.
What a glorious day to be in the New Forest. Cameron’s Cottage was basking in sunshine, amongst a hive of activity. It was wonderful to see such amazing progress and see so many people working on site.
The Outreach Centre, with a spectacular 360 degree view of woodlands, creates a feeling of open space and being totally immersed in nature. All the solar panels have now been fitted on the roof of the Outreach Centre as well as the Cottage and electricity is now being entirely provided by renewables.
One highlight was seeing the Swift bricks being installed. A total of 6 Swift homes will be added to Cameron’s Cottage and we are hoping for Swifts as well as a variety of other birds to make their nests in them.
Inside, work has progressed and all the glass panels have been installed, stairs are in and bedrooms have been painted.
We are so grateful to the Garfield Weston Foundation for their wonderful grant of £40,000 that we were awarded last week. This grant will enable us to kit out the Cottage and install all the necessary fixture and fittings. A huge thank you to all the Trustees at the Garfield Weston Foundation for their tremendous support and generosity.
Due to open in the autumn, our young visitors will be able to enjoy a wealth of nature-based activities, whilst living off-the-grid for days at a time. Cameron’s Cottage is a unique nature outreach centre located in the idyllic RSPB Franchises Lodge woodland reserve.
A total of six swift bricks were installed
Front of the cottage
Spectacular 360 degree view from Outreach Centre
The stairs are in
Solar panels fitted to the Outreach building
Swift bricks being installed
The cottage and the Outreach Centre
Work continues on the wooden extension
It was wonderful to see such progress at Cameron’s Cottage last week. Now more than ever, this residential nature outreach centre will be a place where young people can connect with nature, understand wildlife, boost their wellbeing, learn new skills and socialise in an outdoor environment. Cameron’s Cottage, in the heart of the RSPB nature reserve, is surrounded by pristine ancient woodland and open heathland where young people can experience this unique natural heritage and immerse themselves in outdoor learning experiences.
Inside the Cottage, the stairs have been fitted and all three bedrooms on the top floor are looking good and all the original windows have been refurbished and refitted. Below, all the other rooms are taking shape and the Cottage has been insulated throughout. The new extension has been clad and will be used for the showers plus a large dorm room which will sleep up to 8. This area is spacious and has been insulated and installation of ducting for the ventilation systems are being installed in the walls and ceilings.
This new extension is beautifully clad with wood all from the reserve which compliments the old brick building. Next to it is the Nature Outreach Centre which is nearing completion and all the solar panels have been fixed on the roof. Inside the Nature Outreach Centre is a small Field Study Centre which will be used for research projects by University Students and other young RSPB volunteers.
All renewable equipment has been installed inside a security caged outhouse and has been tested and is working which is fantastic. See the flow chart below to show how energy will be created to heat Cameron’s Cottage as well as supply hot water. All this has been expertly done by SA Energy Ltd.
We are hoping that the weather continues to improve so that building work can carry on without any hitches. So far our builders, AV Development, have done a remarkable job continuing all the work. Our aim is to complete the project by this summer.
The Nature Outreach Centre
View from the back of cottage
Solar panels on Nature Outreach building
Portico at the rear of the cottage
Front of cottage with the wooden extension left
Cottage nestled in the woods
The solar panels have been installed and the new staircase is in place. Ancient Anglo Saxon burial mounds have also been discovered in the Reserve.
Approach to the cottage
Solar panels are in
Lake on the reserve
Cottage stairs
Inside cottage March 2021
Building continues into March
Cottage March 2021
Clearing the Anglo Saxon burial mounds on the reserve
Wow, what progress. I was blown away with how much work has been done and what a hive of activity was on site. In a time when so much can sadly not happen, it was so wonderful to see this incredible progress. The construction company AV Developments have done an awesome job inspite of everything.
The place has taken on a new dimension and you can get such a real sense of what it will be like when groups of young people come and stay. The RSPB have the most beautiful reserve in the New Forest and we are just thrilled to partner with them on this exciting project.
Front view of Cameron's Cottage
Solar panel supports
Cameron's Cottage with extension and Field Study Centre
Field study centre
Room with a view, from the field study centre
Interior of Cameron's Cottage
Interior of Cameron's Cottage
Construction work is progressing steadily. The foundations have now been laid for the extension as well as the new free-standing Field Study Centre.
Construction work is progressing steadily
Foundations have been laid for extension and field study centre
What an incredible day. We are thrilled to announce that the builders are on site and renovation work has started at Cameron’s Cottage.
This magical place will be given a new lease of life and will soon be occupied by young people from all walks of life. RSBP have selected AV Developments to carry out the work, together with SA-Energy, responsible for renewables and Moorhouse Architects. They will renovate the Cottage, build an extension as well as construct a Field Study Centre.
This low-impact renovation will provide a residential educational base for small groups from schools, colleges, universities andother organisations. This RSPB Cottage in memory of Cameron, will provide nature-based activities that will fascinate budding naturalists to encourage a life-long love an understanding of nature and the environment.
Estimated completion: spring/summer 2021.
Young Ambassador Alex in front of scaffolding
Franca’s bug hotel being built
We are thrilled to report that Steve Cuff, who very generously and kindly offered his services, was able to completely water-proof and fix the roof of the cottage.
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.
Cottage roof completed
We have been very busy these last few months and are delighted that RSPB have appointed an architect, Joe Moorhouse, who shares our vision to renovate Cameron’s Cottage.
We are looking at the endless possibilities to transform this run down, three bedroom cottage into a place where groups of young people can stay in the heart of the 1000 acres RSBP Franchises Lodge Reserve. Not only are we looking to up-date the cottage, we hope to create a field study centre that will be a base for young people to carry out research and other nature related activities.
Architect's Plan of the Cottage
1000 acres RSPB Reserve, Franchises Lodge