What a fantastic first Autumnwatch broadcast here at Slimbridge.

The rain that has quite literally been chucking down on and off all day finally held off for the live broadcast and it all went brilliantly.

Slimbridge looked fabulous bathed in the TV lights and the swans on Swan Lake certainly enjoyed their moment of fame!

It was great that Chris spoke so affectionately of Slimbridge on the programme and the conservation work that WWT does here, and we really enjoyed the VT of Martin Hughes-Games in Sir Peter Scott’s house here on site – a rare treat for anyone to go into Sir Peter’s famous studio.

The Scott studio is frozen in time and is exactly how it was when Sir Peter and his family lived there.

What a cameo from our very own Dave Paynter – Reserve Manager here at Slimbridge. He sat in the Peng Observatory overlooking the Rushy Lake and talked Martin through the arrival of our first three Bewick’s swans of the winner, headed – predictably – by Dario.

Keep watching Autumnwatch next week because if the wind direction changes then we expect a few more of the Bewick’s to arrive ready for next week’s programme.

Can’t wait to see what’s in store for next week!