Cameron's Cottage
In partnership with the RSPB in the New Forest
Cameron's Cottage is a non-profit venture in memory of Cameron to make nature more accessible to young people.
We were delighted to partner with RSPB to renovate a derelict cottage deep in the middle of RSPB’s Franchises Lodge reserve in the New Forest, Wiltshire, to create this unique residential educational facility. Cameron’s Cottage will provide a base from which small groups of young people will be able to have exceptional, immersive experiences in nature with wildlife activities being provided by the RSPB.
Now that Cameron’s Cottage is open, we work with youth groups, schools and other organisations to financially support them to bring young people to spend time in nature who would not have the financial means to do so. Please get in touch if this applies to your organisation: info@cameronbespolka.com
Booking Cameron's Cottage
For more information about booking Cameron's Cottage including pricing and availability please email the RSPB: cameronscottage@rspb.org.uk
The Cottage can accommodate up to 19 people, including leaders in 5 bedrooms. Additional discounts are available for groups who meet certain financial requirements.
Activities include:
- nature: bioblitz, bat detecting moth trapping, wildlife walk
- team building: slacklining, blind fold trail, team all maze, wild art
- survival skills: outdoor cooking, kelly kettles, shelter building, pioneering, navigation
Latest news:
Young Leaders Course moves to Cameron's Cottage
09 September 2023
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
The Kilner Path
07 September 2023
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
Winnall Primary School's Day Out
28 July 2023
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.
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BBC Radio Solent
20 July 2023
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
BBC South Today Features Cameron's Cottage
06 July 2023
Thank you BBC South Today for the coverage on Cameron’s Cottage and for telling our story.
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New Forest National Park Authority and the Cottage
26 June 2023
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
University of Winchester Nutrition and Dietetics
26 June 2023
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
Romsey Young Carers
21 June 2023
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
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Minstead Trust
16 June 2023
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
Winchester Youth Counselling relaxes at Cameron' Cottage
14 June 2023
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.
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The group takes part in a team building exercise
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The group learns how to build nest boxes
Open Days
We would love you to come and visit Cameron’s Cottage and see for yourself. If you are a school, college, university or an organisation who is thinking of taking a group of young people for a day or overnight stay, please email date you can join us to: cameronscottage@rspb.org.uk
Cameron's Legacy
To celebrate the official opening week at Cameron’s Cottage, we are very proud to share this video which shows the result of many years of collaboration between the Trust and the RSPB.
2 Minute Introduction to Cameron's Cottage:
solar powered and low-impact
Cameron’s Cottage offers an immersive outdoor experience for 15 – 25 year olds in a stunning woodland packed full of wildlife, including many rarities.
Whether it’s getting creative through outdoor cooking and wild art, tackling the grittier side of nature with survival skills and conducting research or learning conservation skills, those coming to stay at Cameron’s Cottage will have the experience of a lifetime.
Franchises Lodge is a haven for wildlife, from birds of prey to unusual fungi, orchids and loads more. In this idyllic setting, young people can come together to take part in activities ranging from shelter building to conservation skills, plus much, much more.
The newly refurhbished Cameron's Cottage will be a wonderful base fromm which to be immersed in nature
The fully-equipped kitchen
The living area where many stories will be shared
Bunk room with a view - nature is right on your doorsteps
Outdoor Classroom
Next to Cameron’s Cottage there is an open-sided wooden outdoor classroom which can be booked for day visits from schools. These day trips will include nature activities provided and led by RSPB.
The outdoor classroom will bring the guests closer to nature
"Cameron’s Cottage is completely off-grid with heating and electricity provided by solar power, so it really is the ultimate nature experience"
Sustainability
We are proud of the fact that Cameron’s Cottage is off-grid, relies on solar power and is wildlife friendly. All the timber used to renovate the Cottage has come from the site. The douglas fir trees needed to be thinned by a third to allow light to reach the ground and to increase biodiversity. Solar panels are located on the study centre and extension roof producing 10KW power per hour with battery storage.Groups can monitor their power use and adapt according to the amount being generated or stored. This is a fantastic learning resource for how we need to think carefully and consider the impacts of how we use resources. A firepit and equipment has been provided to encourage outdoor living.
The water is heated by solar heating in the warmer months but switches to solar power for the winter. Inside, all appliances have been planned to have a low energy use. There are wood burners inside the kitchen and study centre to provide additional heat but can also be used to cook indoors and has an additional hob. A heat source pump supports the low carbon heating arrangement by drawing heat from the outside air and transferring to the underfloor heating system to warm the building.
Outside, wildlife friendly features have been built into the design including swift bricks, house martin cups, greater horseshoe bat entrance and bat entrances included in the roof slates. There is an old well which supplies water to outside taps to wash boots, whilst inside the water does come from a mains supply. The property has its own sewage treatment plant to treat sewage safely and with no negative impact on the environment. This is fenced in the garden and will eventually be hidden by a native hedge that will provide a nectar source for butterflies, moths and bees to support the ecosystem.
To find out more about how sustainable and environmentally friendly this Cottage is, please have a listen to Joe Moorhouse, the Architect who worked on the whole renovation project. He explains the care and attention taken to make sure this off-grid Cottage is low-impact as well as being a home for lots of wildlife all around.
The video from Moorhouse Architecture shows the work that went into transforming the derelict cottage
Generous Support
Thank you to Garfield Weston and the National Lottery Heritage fund for their generous support.
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.
Videos
2 Minute Introduction to Cameron's Cottage:
solar powered and low-impact
The video from Moorhouse Architecture shows the work that went into transforming the derelict cottage
