It was once home to the founding father of global conservation and this weekend the public will have the chance to look around Sutton Bridge's East Lighthouse.

The historic lighthouse's current owners Doug and Sue Hilton will also open it up for the other two weekends this month as well as the bank holiday on August 29.

They have said the tour of the site will give families the chance to learn more about Sir Peter Scott, son of Scott of the Antarctic, and his time at the lighthouse and the Fens.

People will be able to have a look round the lighthouse between 11am and 4pm, with admission costing �3 for adults and �1.50 for children.

The couple bought the lighthouse, which stands at the mouth of the River Nene looking out on to the Wash, last November from Commander David Joel who spent 25 years reviving it.

Cdr Joel, who shared his time between his home in Hampshire and the East Anglian coast, also opened the lighthouse to the public in 2008 and about 2,200 visitors went along in 10 days.

The couple are hoping for a similar turnout as they look to raise funds for the visitor centre and museum on the site, which they have submitted planning applications for.

Mr Hilton said the museum will be dedicated to Sir Peter Scott, who lived in the lighthouse from 1933 to 1939, and the developed site will allow people to engage with wildlife.

One of the lighthouse open days is also being incorporated as part of a Sir Peter Scott Discovery Day where families will be able to learn even more about the life of the former lighthouse owner.

The event is being organised by Natural England and will begin at 11am on Sunday, August 28 with children receiving a goodie bag on completion of the trail.

Sonia Reveley, from Natural England, said there was no need to book and asked for people to meet at the Wash National Nature Reserve by the lighthouse.

She added: 'The discovery day is free and suitable for families and children of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.'

During his time at the lighthouse, Sir Peter Scott, founder of numerous wildlife conservation societies, painted dramatic oil paintings of the wildfowl, which flocked to the remote Lincolnshire outpost. He left the lighthouse for duty with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

For more information about the discovery day, contact Ms Reverley on 01553 818503.

david.blackmore@archant.co.uk