Tours to Nonsuch Island, one of Bermuda's most treasured wildlife reserves, could be the start of a massive expansion of the National Parks system.

With Nonsuch Island set to become the focal point for weekly trips by visitors, conservationist David Wingate said an increased network of nature reserves would take the pressure off the oasis.

And with Tourism Minister David Allen hoping to sell `eco-themed' package holidays with a tour to Nonsuch as the highlight, the need for other attractions could be even more urgent.

Dr. Wingate said tourism is usually developed on the periphery of reserves, not at the core, as in the case of Nonsuch.

He said a much bigger Castle Harbour parks area would be the answer, increasing resources and decreasing pressure on Nonsuch's fragile environment.

"If the US ever gave up their lease on Coopers Island, it could not be developed for anything else. We should look for opportunities to expand eco-tourism,'' he said.

"We don't need to keep increasing pressure on conservation reserves because these are the only reserves we have.'' Speaking during the official launch of the new tours, which start next week, Dr. Wingate said the 15-acre island could handle one trip of 25 people a week and eventually may tolerate two trips.

He said Nonsuch was restored with visitors in mind and already entertains 3,000 people a year.

"There is lots of special interest in tourism, bird watching is the fastest growing branch of eco-tourism and eco-tourism is the fastest growing branch of tourism,'' he said.

Mr. Allen said Nonsuch could provide a `Robinson Crusoe' experience, and added that Cooper's Island could be expanded as a bird sanctuary if the Government ever got it back.

"People are looking for something beyond just laying on the beach. By next year we hope to grow this into a complete four or five day eco-experience with Paget Marsh or Spittal Pond, with hotel and air.

Bermuda Biological Station for Research director Dr. Tony Knap said the tours, which are being organised by his facility, will also feature talks on marine life en-route to the site.

"This is going to be terrific, to get the public and tourists out to see this unique environment. We will be able to present the development of this property and bring it alive again,'' he said.

The tours have been organised with Tourism, Parks, BBSR and David Wingate, and will feature Mr. Wingate and his successor Jeremy Madeiros. Visitors will be able to see the rare Cahow bird and other species from special trails and observation blinds.

All the proceeds raised will go to support the BBSR's environmental research and education programmes