Building work continues at speed

05 February 2021

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.

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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

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