Cameron's Cottage Given The Green Light!
Harbouring passion and adoration for something is key within today’s society - especially for the younger generation…
Cameron Bespolka was incredibly dedicated to nature, and his love for the outdoors will live on forever, thanks to this amazing new venture. A derelict cottage in the heart of the New Forest has been given the green light to be transformed into a unique, residential education centre for young people. Planning approval from the New Forest National Park Authority means that Cameron’s Cottage, named in memory of sixteen-year-old naturalist Cameron Bespolka, will be an immersive outdoor learning retreat by 2021.
Cameron Bespolka, who died tragically in 2013, loved nature and everything about the outdoors…
Cameron’s Cottage, based at a secluded RSPB woodland reserve near Nomansland, will provide accommodation and will be a research facility for schools, colleges, universities and small groups to embed themselves in nature for days at a time. The project is a partnership between the RSPB and the Cameron Bespolka Trust. It aims to sow the seeds for a life-long love of nature, whilst inspiring the next generation of conservationists.
“Cameron’s Cottage is a truly wonderful venture that provides an unparalleled opportunity for people to completely absorb themselves in trees, plants and wildlife, free from electricity and the bonds of daily life. We are delighted to be working with the Cameron Bespolka Trust, which has an important vision to educate, inspire and open up the leaders of tomorrow to the wonders of nature.”
The new cottage is being renovated as a legacy to Cameron Bespolka who died tragically in an accident in 2013. Cameron, an avid nature lover, ignited his passion for conservation at a similar outdoor retreat in Florida at the age of fifteen. Cameron’s Cottage hopes to act as a catalyst in much the same way, engaging young people in the environment for their own personal well-being and that of the wider planet.
Located within the National Park, from ancient woodland to open heath land, the cottage offers an idyllic backdrop within which to discover an abundance of wildlife, including birds of prey, butterflies, orchids and fungi.
Corrine Cruickshank is the mother of Cameron Bespolka, co-founder of the Cameron Bespolka Trust and brainchild behind Cameron’s Cottage. Through her own dedicated efforts, and those of friends, family and followers, the trust has raised a whopping £425,000 for Cameron’s Cottage. Most recently, a team of sixteen individuals ran the Berlin marathon, raising an impressive £75,000.
“Now more than ever children and teens are widely disconnected with their natural outdoor environment and are spending more and more time indoors. We know that nature is important to their development in every way and there is a real need to educate young people as the future guardians of our planet. We strongly believe Cameron’s Cottage will offer them a way to experience and appreciate wildlife and the outdoors first-hand.”