Mid Wales reserve to host BBC nature show

BBC wildlife programme Springwatch is to broadcast live from a Mid Wales nature reserve this month, it was revealed today.

The nature show will be based at the RSPB Cymru's 700-hectare Ynys-hir reserve, near Machynlleth, for three weeks when the show starts on May 30.

The show will come live from the reserve each night, with the backdrop of the Cambrian Mountains as more than 50 secret mini-cameras will be used to film the goings-on, some even powered by solar panels. Live pictures will be broadcast from the reserve's nesting grey herons and little egrets.

Presenters Kate Humble, Chris Packham and Martin Hughes-Games will again be fronting the show, which will include films recorded at the reserve and beyond.

Mike Clarke, RSPB chief executive, said the organisation was delighted the team had chosen Ynys-hir as a new location, especially as the RSPB celebrates 100 years in Wales this year.

He said: "Springwatch does a fantastic job of inspiring millions of people about wildlife.

"Many of the RSPB's members, volunteers and staff love watching the programme, as do my family.

"What is especially important about it is how it encourages people out of their armchairs to enjoy wildlife first hand.

"We know that these personal encounters with nature are a crucial factor in motivating people to step up and save it."

The first show will be broadcast on May 30 at 8pm on BBC2.