Springwatch comes to Norfolk

The cast of creatures at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve will have to share the limelight this year as Springwatch spreads its wings for its grand finale.

The cast of creatures at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve will have to share the limelight this year as Springwatch spreads its wings for its grand finale.

The BBC's flagship nature programme will be broadcast live from the reserve, near Fakenham, for a third and final year - with a promise to venture further into the wilds of Norfolk for the first time.

The presenting team, led by Chris Packham and Kate Humble, will make regular forays away from the temporary studio at Pensthorpe to explore the diverse wildlife of the Broads and the north Norfolk coast.

And as well as using high-definition nest-box filming for the first time, the team will also be using underwater cameras to capture the dramas of daily life in the freshwater habitats of the River Wensum with the help of award-winning film-maker Hugh Miles.

At yesterday's Norfolk launch, conservationist and TV naturalist Packham said he was looking forward to the prospect of further exploring the county which he regarded as one of Britain's finest wildlife-watching haunts.

'We have been out filming more widely around Norfolk this week, both along the coast and in the Brecks, which is a very interesting habitat all on its own. Tomorrow, we are going to the Broads. It is our chance to give a fuller flavour of Norfolk.

'When you think about it, the north Norfolk coast is accessible from end to end and there is a great network of nature reserves, public footpaths and more and more bed and breakfasts. 'It is up there as one of the best eco-tourist attractions in the country.

Springwatch will be shown on BBC Two at 8pm from May 31 to June 17.