By Sophia Long
Volunteers are urgently needed to lend a few hours at the popular community café at Radipole Lake Nature Reserve in Weymouth to keep it thriving.
SWRAC, a specialist SEN college in Dorchester, runs the café, with many of its students gaining valuable life skills and growing in confidence.
The café was previously owned by the RSPB, but has been handed over to SWRAC. An SWRAC Facebook post states: “We’re so excited to share that SWRAC will now be fully taking over the running of the beautiful Radipole Lake Café in Weymouth.
“The café was previously owned by the RSPB and lovingly managed day-to-day by Helen, our SWRAC staff, so this next chapter feels incredibly special to us. We’d also like to say a huge thank you to the RSPB for all their support over the years as they hand the café over to SWRAC – we’re so grateful and excited for what’s ahead.
“Some visitors have heard the news and mistakenly thought the café had closed, but don’t worry, we’re still here every day from 10am to 4pm ready to welcome you with great coffee, tasty treats and stunning lake views.”
The RSPB is scaling back its presence at the nature reserve, however SWRAC is planning an array of projects and features for bird enthusiasts.
SWRAC CEO Adrian Gunner said: “While the RSPB’s decision to reduce its practical involvement in the reserve
has caused disappointment and an initial level of uncertainty, SWRAC would like to reassure people that it has no intention of leaving and on the contrary is planning a range of exciting features and projects for bird enthusiasts and the wider community.
“We are not asking for a huge commitment – we are looking for people to volunteer half a day – and in doing so they will become part of us and be valued. We want their expertise and their passion and in return they will receive delicious refreshments and be part of life here.”
A new part-time warden is also being recruited and a bird sound recording device, bird reference library and disabled buggy will also be added in the coming months.
Volunteer Hilary said: “This place gives me a lift. I chat to people who come from all over to see the birds here, including overseas.”
If you would like to volunteer email helenmasters@swrac.ac.uk