AN exciting documentary profiling the happenings in and around the Walton Backwaters over four seasons is currently in the making.

Broadcasting favourite Chris Opperman, a former presenter on the BBC's World Service and Radio Suffolk, began filming the 15-month project in February.

A Year in the Life of the Backwaters will chart the history, wildlife, landscape and people of the Backwaters from spring to winter.

The film is a collaboration between Mr Opperman and former BBC Suffolk pal David Webb, of Lawford, who contacted him out of the blue.

Mr Opperman said: "We'd worked together previously for ten years and lost touch when life ambled on.

"David was thinking about doing a general piece on the Backwaters to which my reply was 'three minutes? You must be joking. It's worth about three hours', so we got together and decided to take it further.

"The film was inspired by my love of the Backwaters. I've had a boat there for 40 years and adore the place. At one time I considered myself fortunate enough to get the job as assistant warden working at weekends on a patrol boat named Limosa.

"We'd keep an eye on the seals and birdlife to make sure the nesting sets for endangered species weren't invaded, and generally look after the place - it was wonderful.

"This is something I've always wanted to do so it's a life ambition about to be fulfilled."

Picturesque locations like Horsey Island, Skipper Island and Stone Point at the end of Walton Channel are all scheduled for recordings as well as profiles of those who live and work in the Backwaters such as Walton Marina's Harbour Master.

Inspiration for the film has also been taken from famous children's author Arthur Ransome whose wanderlust characters "chart the Backwaters" after landing on Horsey Island in book Secret Water.

"We'll be following their steps in my little boat and filming it in 21st century style," Mr Opperman explained.

"The life of the Backwaters are those who earn their living there like Steven Henderson, who lives at Landermere Quay. He's a world renowned wood carver who we filmed at work.

"So far we've shot some lovely seascapes using time lapse photography and panorama shots.

"As the months roll on we'll be concentrating on the seals, birdlife, wildlife, flora and things that make up the bedrock of the Backwaters.

"For me this is a labour of love. We hope bookshops will take a couple of DVDs and we'll also try to get them into tourist information offices."