The Specialist SEN college which runs the café at Radipole in Weymouth is appealing for volunteers and local organisations to help it offer exciting community events and projects at the reserve once the RSPB scales back its involvement.
Students from SWRAC, which has specialist colleges in Dorchester, Bournemouth, and Merseyside, operate the Radipole Café and welcome visitors and enthusiasts from across the UK and the world.
SWRAC CEO Adrian Gunner said: “While the RSPB’s decision to reduce its practical involvement in the reserve has caused disappointment and an initial level of uncertainty, SWRAC would like to reassure people that it has no intention of leaving and on the contrary is planning a range of exciting features and projects for bird enthusiasts and the wider community.”
Adrian continued: “Radipole is an oasis which we are all passionate about. It’s unique and free, a great place for children and families to come, learn about nature and just relax and be together – and we want to continue to make it appealing to bird enthusiasts, local community groups, schools, and visitors from far and wide.
“We want to offer walks, pond dipping, litter picks, and special events, alongside the opportunity to see the wonderful wildlife both above and below the water.
“To make this a success we need the support of people living locally, both official RSPB members and those with a passion for Radipole, who would like to be involved with our plans and help us keep the reserve beautiful and accessible to all.
“We are not asking for a huge commitment – we are looking for people to volunteer half a day – and in doing so they will become part of us and be valued. We want their expertise and their passion and in return they will receive delicious refreshments and be part of life here.”
SWRAC has already started putting its plans into place. An underwater camera with a monitor is being installed inside the café so people can see wildlife below the water as well as above it. A new part-time warden is also being recruited and a bird sound recording device, bird reference library and disabled buggy will also be added in the coming months.
Existing volunteers Hilary Ebbage and Jean Watling have urged others to join them in getting involved:
Hilary said: “This place gives me a lift. I chat to people who come from all over to see the birds here, including overseas. We record bird sightings and work alongside the lovely students and it’s a lovely place to be.”
Jean said: “We have walking groups, litter picking groups who are wonderful, duck feeding, and pond dipping. Lots of schoolchildren visit, and it’s the perfect place for families. As volunteers we give the amount of time which fits us, and it would be great to get a lively group all working together to make it as popular as it could be.”
Helen Masters, Manager of Radipole Café said: “We would like to invite people who are interested in getting involved, or just in finding out more, to pop in and see us on Wednesday June 3 from 10.30 until 2pm. You can talk to us and our volunteers, enjoy some delicious coffee and homemade cake and hopefully see why becoming part of this is so enjoyable and rewarding.”
People can also email Helen for more information at: HelenMasters@swrac.ac.uk
