Cameron's Cottage
In partnership with the RSPB in the New Forest
Photo by Matt Pringle: May 2020
We are thrilled to be partnering with RSPB to renovate a derelict cottage deep in the middle of RSPB’s new reserve in the New Forest, Hampshire, Franchises Lodge, to create a unique residential educational facility.
Artist's impression
How the site will look once the project is complete:
Illustration: Moorhouse Architecture
Bird's eye view
Take an aerial tour around Cameron's Cottage and the surrounding forest:
Latest news:
Steady Progress
01 December 2020
Construction work is progressing steadily. The foundations have now been laid for the extension as well as the new free-standing Field Study Centre.
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Construction work is progressing steadily
Foundations have been laid for extension and field study centre
Builders on site and renovation begins!
26 October 2020
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.
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Young Ambassador Alex in front of scaffolding
Franca’s bug hotel being built
Cottage Roof Completed
25 July 2020
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.
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Cottage roof completed
Architect selected for Cameron's Cottage
02 February 2019
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.
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Architect's Plan of the Cottage
1000 acres RSPB Reserve, Franchises Lodge
Cameron's Cottage
Read all about how we came to be partnering with the RSPB to create this wonderful retreat and learning centre deep in the New Forest.
Cameron's Cottage Video
Young Ambassador Amy Hall has produced a great video of Cameron’s Cottage before the work begins. Take a look at this magical place, immersed in nature and nestled in the woodlands of RSPB Franchises Lodge in the New Forest.
