Cameron’s Cottage is located in RSPB Franchises Lodge nature reserve, a dramatic woodland in the New Forest National Park. It is a unique activity centre for 15-25 year olds, providing the opportunity for young people to connect with nature.
Cameron’s Cottage has all the facilities for guests to stay comfortably for days at a time. Visitors can meet like-minded people, relax and get stuck into a host of activities tailored to them.
It's a great place to enjoy the natural world, have fun, make friends and relax. The setting of a serene woodland on the edge of the New Forest National Park in a working nature reserve makes a perfect venue for an immersive wildlife experience. Visitors can connect with each other, build confidence, improve mental heath and build life skills.
Whether it's getting creative through outdoor cooking, tackling the grittier side of nature with survival skills and shelter building or learning conservation skills, visitors will be encouraged to make any stay their own.
Cameron’s Cottage has been created as a legacy to Cameron Bespolka who died in 2013 aged sixteen. Cameron had a deep passion for nature, which began as a young child and developed further as he got older. Together, the RSPB and Cameron Bespolka Trust want to keep Cameron’s memory alive by encouraging more young people to find the same joy that Cameron found in the outdoors.
Cameron’s Cottage is situated in RSPB Franchises Lodge reserve down a private gravel track. It is a superb modern eco-friendly facility which can sleep up to 19 young people and group leaders. A beautiful outdoor meeting space and equipped study centre are adjacent to the Cottage. There are facilities available for sleeping, eating inside and out, relaxing and learning. Groups of young people can visit and take part in a large array of activities in and around Franchises Lodge and stay overnight in the Cottage. RSPB-trained session leaders can be provided or specialist instructors arranged.
Location: Franchise Cottage, Telegraph, Redlynch, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 2PX
Google reference: 50.94875977983864, -1.6667396841258724
Public transport links are limited. The New Forest Tour bus Red Route stops on the B3078 just outside Franchises Lodge reserve. The New Forest Tour
Parking: There is room for a minibus and a car.
Image credit: Matt Pringle.
We aim to provide young people with low-cost life changing experiences using nature as the catalyst. We are looking for support with delivering sessions on site and would welcome enquiries from new potential volunteers.
Financial donations can support with our campaign for these sessions to be accessible to all young people. To donate please follow this link.
