By Andy Wooldridge
Andy has been Centre Manager at WWT Martin Mere since March 2007 and has worked at the centre for over 30 years.
Starting as a volunteer when he was just 16 Andy progressed to Grounds Manager in the early 1980's. Andy loves Martin Mere so much he said "even if I didn't have to work here I'd still do it for free".
- 8 Nov
After closing
So what does happen after the Centre has closed to visitors? I live on site so it is very easy for me to spend each evening with the BBC. What generally happens is that I spend a lot of time with the crew, wandering round the filming locations with them and ensuring everything is in place for the forthcoming programme. I tend to eat with the BBC at the Centre and this time is spent doing any last minute bird identification or allowing the researchers to gather any last minute information – last night it was details about the avocets breeding season and whether the terrible weather affected the numbers. During the actual live show I tend to watch the programme in doors and ensure there are no distractions. By 9.30pm I have usually locked up and wander home to rest after a busy day.
Post a comment - 7 Nov
Another busy day
It was yet another successful programme last night. Yesterday was a busy day organising things for the BBC, I had to find a suitable place for Bill and Kate to trial the duck cams so they could practice manoeuvring the birds and there is always plenty of props to organise: a hard hat, fishing line and a syringe were just yesterday’s challenges for the deer sketch.
Every day we also do a waterfowl count for the BBC as well as my daily slot at 2.50pm on BBC Radio Lancashire to answer any questions that have been emailed in; I certainly never know what to expect each day whilst the BBC are here which is why I enjoy the experience so much. Tomorrow I will bring you the details of what I do behind the scenes during the live filming.
Post a comment - 6 Nov
The morning after the night before
The Centre, and myself, is breathing a huge sigh of relief this morning now that the first programme has been screened. It is difficult to believe how much work and preparation goes into making this programme and I personally get very nervous before it goes live. We have known since January that the programme was returning to Martin Mere, so 11 months of preparation came together at 8pm last night and thankfully the swans had returned and we are delighted that the beavers were out and about as seeing what the beavers get up to each night is going to one of my personal highlights of Autumnwatch. Martin Mere has a great atmosphere at the moment and I will be bringing you a daily update throughout Autumnwatch of what the BBC are up to and how you can get involved.
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Marie 13/11/07: may i enquire have your visitor numbers increased a lot since autumnwatch first came to you
Steph 13/11/07: WWT Martin Mere a fantastic place to spend a winter's day - the staff and the wildlife always raise our spirits. You and your team manage the wetlands superbly - not just for the birds but for people as well - THANK YOU!
Paula Daly 8/11/07: I have been a visitor to Martin Mere for many years and i think it is fabulous to see it on television. Well done and keep up the good work!