Dozens of nature lovers have been given top tips on getting close to wildlife – by one of the country's best known naturalists.

Broadcaster Simon King – known to millions as the face of Springwatch – gave his audience at Rheged near Penrith on Saturday a fascinating insight into how he manages to get so close to the creatures he films.

He provided tips on so-called fieldcraft – the art of observing wild animals without disturbing the creatures you're watching.

Much of that advice has been summed up and expanded upon in Simon's new book “Nature Watch, how to track and observe wildlife.”

Speaking after the event, Simon said: “I hope my book will act as a bridge between people and the natural world because there's an increasing divorce – a separation between human beings and the natural world we all depend on.

“If you don't have that sense of connection, it's harder to emphasise.”

Simon went on to commend the Cumbrian countryside but he believes it has huge potential to build on is reptuation, and act as magnet for wildlife lovers.

“There's a tremendous opportunity in Cumbria to look at what I call landscape restoration," he said.

“There could an alternative economy that supports a broad spectrum of players – a balance between farming and natural habitats.”