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Springwatch studio 2008

Springwatch, the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s much-loved wildlife programme, has moved from Devon to Norfolk for its new season which began on Monday, 26 May, 2008 on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳2.

Moving the entire operation from the South West to the east of England has taken more than five months in the planning, with an intensive two-week build on the show's new site at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, near Fakenham.

Jigsaw puzzle

"Everything has to slot into place, but more than that, it has to do it at the right time," said Ian Dewar, the Springwatch team's engineering manager.

"We first knew we were coming to Norfolk at the start of the year, since then I've been devising plans until the first day of the build which was on 12 May," he added.

As the team were running the final lengths of cable, fibre-optics and checking camera shots, Bill Oddie was getting his bearings on the site which included taking a look at the new studio.

A home-from-home for him and co-presenter Kate Humble for the duration of the programme, it's built inside an area known as Five Cottages and overlooks the grounds of the reserve.

Live broadcasts

"We're in Pensthorpe and my first impression is that it's absolutely fantastic. This is a place where you're absolutely surrounded by wildlife," said Bill.

The Springwatch sofa is back

"This is taking me right back to when we first started these live broadcasts. Starting somewhere else you realise the immense amount of effort that is going in from so many people. It's thrilling," he added.

Offering a sweeping vista towards the River Wensum, with cranes and waterfowl just outside, the studio also has an unexpected guest!

A wren decided to enjoy the company of the crew, the warmth of the studio lights and build her nest in the rafters or maybe she just wanted to be on national telly!

Bill offered to give us guided tour of the new studio, so enjoy this exclusive sneak preview.