2.3 million people enjoyed wildlife experiences with the RSPB last year, signalling an astounding 114% increase in visitor numbers in the last six years.

This equates to more than 1.2 million extra people enjoying birds and other wildlife with the RSPB – and the rise looks set to continue.

Visitor increases to nature reserves and other sites have been accredited to a number of things, including easy access to reserves, with many now very close to residential areas and no need to travel to see great wildlife.

The RSPB’s Paul Forecast said: “Gone are the days when people feel intimidated by nature reserves and think you have to know every bird species to enjoy these days out.

“We know there is a general increase in people’s interest in nature and the part they play and there is no better way for people to understand the importance of this than to see it for themselves. Best of all many of these experiences are free of charge and you are always guaranteed action with wildlife!”

There are over 150 RSPB nature reserves to visit throughout the UK, covering everything from days out for the whole family to quiet, tranquil walks with just the birdsong for company.

The RSPB has also set up an ‘Aren’t birds brilliant!’ scheme to show even more people wildlife at sites other than nature reserves. The scheme began with five projects in 2001 and has increased to 65 in 2008. Numbers of people visiting Aren’t birds brilliant! since it started have grown from 33,000 in 2001 to 485,000.

A Peregrine Falcon stops to rest at the Barbican, London. Photo: Peter Kenyon/RSPB.

Richard Bashford, Aren’t birds brilliant! project manager, said: ”People are thrilled when they are walking to work or doing their shopping and happen across some of the UK’s most incredible wildlife.

“This year’s Aren’t birds brilliant! have introduced all sorts of birds to people who perhaps wouldn’t normally get to see such wild creatures close up. We have had Peregrine Falcons on iconic city buildings like Cardiff City Hall and the Tate Modern, Red Kites feeding just metres from visitors’ noses in Ceredigion and unbeatable views of seabirds on Bempton Cliffs.”

To find out more about RSPB nature reserves visit www.rspb.org.uk/reserves.