British wildlife watching increasingly popular

13/08/2008 13:16:31 August 2008. 2.3 million people had a wildlife experience with the RSPB last year - signalling a 114% increase in visitor numbers over the last six years. This is the equivalent of more than 1.2 million extra people enjoying birds and other wildlife with the RSPB, and the rise looks set to continue.

Increased visits to nature reserves have been accredited to a number of causes, including easy access to reserves with many now very close to residential areas so there is less need to travel to see great wildlife. There is also a growing realisation that being outdoors is good for your health. People are also increasingly seeking leisure time in the UK as it is often free of charge to visit nature reserves and there are no time restrictions.

The RSPB's Paul Forecast, says: "Gone are the days when people feel intimidated by nature reserves and think you have to know every bird species to enjoy these days out. People come to our reserves for a nice walk, fun activities to keep the children amused and perhaps a nice cup of tea afterwards. These figures are fantastic because they mean that so many more people are seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.

"We know there is a general increase in people's interest in nature and the part they play and there is no better way for people to understand the importance of this than to see it for themselves. Best of all many of these experiences are free of charge and you are always guaranteed action with wildlife!"

150 RSPB reserves
There are over 150 RSPB nature reserves to visit throughout the UK covering everything from action-packed days out for the whole family to quiet, tranquil walks with just the birdsong for company.

Aren't birds brilliant
The RSPB has also set up an ‘Aren't birds brilliant! (Abb!), scheme to show even more people wildlife at sites other than nature reserves. People can see birds of prey on cathedrals, starling roosts over piers and seabirds on cliff faces.

The scheme began with five projects in 2001 and has increased to 65 in 2008. Numbers of people visiting Abbs! since it started have grown from 33,000 in 2001 to 485,000.

Richard Bashford, Aren't birds brilliant! project manager says: "People are thrilled when they are walking to work or doing their shopping and happen across some of the UK's most incredible wildlife.

"This year's Abbs! have introduced all sorts of birds to people who perhaps wouldn't normally get to see such wild creatures close up. We have had peregrine falcons on iconic city buildings like Cardiff City Hall and the Tate Modern, red kites feeding just metres from visitor's noses in Ceredigion and unbeatable views of seabirds on Bempton Cliffs. With sights like this on our doorsteps its no wonder more and more people come and enjoy wildlife and we can only hope that word will spread even further!"