The Olympics isn’t the only spectacle reaching incredible viewing figures this summer – british wildlife is also pulling in huge audiences each and every day.
2.3 million people enjoyed wildlife experiences with the RSPB last year – signalling an astounding 114% increase in visitor numbers in the last six years.
This equates to more than 1.2 million extra people enjoying birds and other wildlife with the RSPB - and the rise looks set to continue.
Visitor increases to nature reserves and other sites have been accredited to a number of things including easy access to reserves with many now very close to residential areas and no need to travel to see great wildlife.
There is also a growing realisation that being outdoors is good for your health and the credit crunch means that people are increasingly seeking encounters with nature in the UK as it is often free of charge 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!'
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.
It's not just reserves
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 visitors 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!'
To find out more about RSPB nature reserves or to pick a site near you visit www.rspb.org.uk/reserves.
RSPB Aren't birds brilliant! projects bring you closer to the most exciting wildlife sights throughout the UK - highlighting the struggles, successes and sheer beauty of our country's birds. For a calendar of Abb! events visit www.rspb.org.uk/brilliant.
G. B. Wildlife
AS well as the RSPB there are many local nature reserves, wildlife trust reserves, National trust sites with gardens or in the countryside and many privately owned wildlife and nature attractions in the UK. To find out what wildlife and nature days out are close to home or for day trips/ holidays in Britain see our search facilities. Remember more wildlfie and nature attractions, events and local groups are being added every day so keep popping back to check. G. B. Wildlife aims to help people of all ages and from all walks of life interact with the nature on your doorstep.
To add events, sites or local groups to the search facilities is FREE so please email admin@gbwildlife.co.uk