BBC Radio 4 and WWT Welney Wetland Centre are looking for people to be in the audience for a special recording of BBC Radio 4’s popular natural history programme, Saving Species, at WWT Welney.

The programme, presented by Brett Westwood, has only been recorded in front of an audience once before but wildlife enthusiasts are being encouraged to flock to Welney to be part of the special event.

A team from Radio 4 will visit the centre on December 4 to record a ‘wetlands special’ with a panel of experts to explore the topic against the beautiful backdrop of Welney’s famous swans.

Before the recording there will be a swan feed as the numbers of Bewick’s and whooper swans, arriving for the winter from their Arctic breeding grounds, will be nearing their peak.

Last week Gary Prescott, also known as the ‘biking birder’, enjoyed watching a swan feed as he arrived at WWT Welney during his charity cycle around the UK.

Mr Prescott has taken a year out from his teaching in Bromsgrove to cycle his way around every WWT and RSPB site in the UK to raise funds for the two charities.

He said: “The reserve offered a still, silent scene as a spectacular sunrise broke from the East.

“It was made more beautiful by the rousing whooper swans calling to one another before taking to the air to fly out to the surrounding fields.’

Anyone interested in being in the audience for the recording on December 4 should call 01353 864024 or e-mail emma.brand@wwt.org.uk

There is no additional charge for this event but places are limited so bookings are will be taken on a first come first serve basis.

The audience are expected to arrive by 3.15pm and the show will end at around 5.30pm.