Springwatch 2007: Still drawing in the crowds on Islay
It may have ended months ago, but Springwatch fever is still alive and kicking on Scottish island Islay. The special reports from the island, which featured golden eagles, choughs and hen harriers amongst other things, has meant an increase of 30% in visitor numbers to the area's RSPB reserves. As many as 100 people have been attending the weekly walks around Loch Gruinart and The Oa reserves to see the Springwatch 'characters' for themselves. Generally people are most interested in the fate of the golden eagle chick and the chough chicks being raised by their dad (all of which are doing well by the way).
Michael Copleston, RSPB wildlife information and tourism officer on Islay, said: 'Millions of people tuned in to Springwatch, but it could be said the success of the programme can also be measured by the response of visitors to the wild corners of the UK it featured. It's certainly true that on Islay, many tourists are making the trip on the back of seeing the island's beauty and its tremendous wildlife on their television sets at home and we've seen big increase in visitors and enquiries.'
If you fancy getting up close and personal with some of Islay's famous residents the guided walks continue until the end of October.
