Sounds like a great day out – from the comfort of your sofa!
5 min read
Channel 5’s new nature series with RSPB ambassador Sam West spotlights birdwatching, beautiful backdrops and best friends.
Follows Sam, an avid birder for more than 20 years, as he shares his beloved pastime with friend, comedian and fellow actor, Ade Edmondson, who is very much a newbie when it comes to birds.
Together, the two set out to spend time in some beautiful nature reserves, where they attempt to spot a variety of birds – some rare and elusive, some a little more commonplace. On the way, they find the calming locations help conversation flow easily, allowing the friends to chat and reflect on everything from bereavement to careers and geeky hobbies.
Each episode acts as a gentle reminder of how important nature is, and birdwatching’s ability to offer a much-needed antidote to hectic and stressful lives. Enjoying it with a friend can be even more joyful, whether the quiet space allows easier talks or just a chance to relish some companionable peace!
If you love seeing the incredible landscapes and backdrops featured in the series, which include some of our own stunning nature reserves – why not go and see them for yourselves?
Spring is the ideal time of year to get out and about, as nature’s party season bursts into colour and birds are busy finding mates, building nests and raising broods across our reserves.
Over three weekends, Sam and Ade travelled to West Cornwall, North Norfolk and the Somerset Levels to see which birds they might find across these special landscapes.
Our Hayle Estuary reserve features in Sam and Ade’s Cornish trip where they searched for Chough, the county’s emblematic bird. Hayle is a perfect spot to see migratory waders such as Dunlin and Bar-tailed Godwits as well as gulls and terns. The site is close to local beaches and seaside towns to add to your day out.
Follow in the pair’s footsteps and head to RSPB Ham Wall to look for a Bittern – one of the best places in the country to see this elusive bird, which is enjoying an amazing comeback. Listen out for its loud boom or see if you can catch a glimpse of one in the reedbeds. The wetland site is a great place to visit in spring – its magical marshes play host to Hobbies, egrets, Kingfishers and more, all looked over by Glastonbury Tor in the distance.
For more ideas on reserves to visit across the UK, click the button below.
Birding with Sam and Ade will air on Tuesday evenings, starting on 14 April and will be available to watch and stream on 5!
