Watchtree Nature Reserve

Call Directions Website Contact the organisation

Watchtree Nature Reserve A place to enjoy wildlife, walking, cycling, orienteering, learning and being outdoors.
(622)

Watchtree is a haven for wildlife, maintained and developed by a team of dedicated volunteers. Our aims are:

To maintain, monitor and develop the habitats which have been created to provide a haven for wildlife, especially species that are in decline locally or nationally. To provide managed access to the Nature Reserve for groups and individuals....

To develop the use of the Nature Reserve for education and research. To Promote and encourage access for the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged.

Unfortunately Senga is unable to run the parents walk today, but it will be back on Tuesday :)
16/10/2026

Unfortunately Senga is unable to run the parents walk today, but it will be back on Tuesday :)

A huge milestone for conservation! 🐁🌾We recently hosted our latest mini-release on the reserve, bringing the total numbe...
15/10/2026

A huge milestone for conservation! 🐁🌾

We recently hosted our latest mini-release on the reserve, bringing the total number of captive-bred harvest mice from the Cumbria Harvest Mouse Project (CHMP) to a whopping 307 reintroduced into our landscape!

The release followed a fantastic talk from CHMP, perfectly wrapping up the first, incredibly successful phase of this project. But the work doesn't stop here! Thanks to an overwhelming response to our call for survey volunteers, we now have an enthusiastic new crew lined up to be trained by CHMP as we embark on Phase Two.

A massive thank you to the Cumbria Community Foundation for supporting this vital project to bring a missing species back to where it belongs. Here’s to the next chapter of restoring our local biodiversity!

Autumn is here, and with it comes the magical appearance of fungi! This year, the reserve is enjoying a particularly imp...
14/10/2026

Autumn is here, and with it comes the magical appearance of fungi! This year, the reserve is enjoying a particularly impressive crop of the striking Blackening Waxcap.

Unlike many other fungi, waxcaps are creatures of open grassland rather than woodland. Because they are exceptionally sensitive to artificial fertilizers and chemicals, they've vanished from much of our modern farmland. Finding them here is a true testament to our chemical-free management,just another fantastic reason to support organic!

13/10/2026

YOUR NEXT CHALLENGE STARTS NOW!

Grab your place before it fills up, go to: www.watchtree.co.uk/events

Watchtree Half Marathon 2026 entries are OPEN

Whether you're aiming to beat the clock or take on your very first 13.1 miles, we’re here to encourage you every step of the way.

​Race Date: Sunday, 15th November 2026 (Just 33 days to go!)
Vibe: Super friendly, supportive, and community-driven
Goal: Cross that line with a massive smile

This event is kindly supported by David Allen financial services

Get ready to make some noise! 📣 The Wigton Road Runners 10k is THIS Sunday, and we need your help to bring the energy! ...
13/10/2026

Get ready to make some noise! 📣

The Wigton Road Runners 10k is THIS Sunday, and we need your help to bring the energy!

The race is completely SOLD OUT, which means there will be a fantastic field of runners taking on the route from Barton Laws to the finish line in Phoenix Park. Whether you are supporting a family member, a friend, or just want to cheer on our amazing local running community, come down and line the streets!

Every single step these runners take is helping to raise vital funds for Watchtree Nature Reserve and Wigton Youth Station.

Grab your cowbells, make some signs, and let’s give everyone the massive cheer they deserve to get that finisher's medal!

📍 When: This Sunday, 18 October (Race starts at 10:00 AM)
📍 Where: Barton Laws to Phoenix Park

Recently we had Sarah helping out at Watchtree. What a fantastic day she had using her The Cumberland building society v...
13/10/2026

Recently we had Sarah helping out at Watchtree. What a fantastic day she had using her The Cumberland building society volunteering day to plant even more wildflower plugs and help our green spaces bloom.
Thanks Sarah !!

Can you believe it? Half-term is creeping up on us already! 👻Treat your little monsters to a wild and wonderful outdoor ...
12/10/2026

Can you believe it? Half-term is creeping up on us already! 👻

Treat your little monsters to a wild and wonderful outdoor adventure at our October Kids Club Forest School! It’s the perfect way to keep ages 5–12 entertained during the break.

We’ve got a cauldron of exciting activities brewing, including woodland crafts, nature games, bushcraft, and exploring the reserve on foot and by bike.

Dates: Tuesday 27th October 2026 & Wednesday 28th October 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Price: £35 Non-Members / £28 Members (20% discount for members)

As OFSTED-registered childcare, parents don't need to stay, just drop them off for a day of fresh air and exploration. A nutritious hot lunch is included, so you don't even have to pack a lunchbox!

Don't let these spaces vanish into the night!

Book now at www.watchtree.co.uk/events.

12/10/2026

To book go to: www.watchtree.co.uk/events

Ready for some spooktacular running fun?

Our Watchtree Running Community Halloween Run on Oct 28th is officially LIVE for booking!

A friendly, no-scare 5K social run where fancy dress is strongly encouraged.

Plus, every ticket includes a hot/cold drink and a delicious cake waiting at the finish line!

Kindly supported by:
David Allen Financial services

ENTER NOW 👻

This week, Ryan has been part of a small group undergoing their chainsaw qualifications in Pow Wood. (don’t worry, he st...
09/10/2026

This week, Ryan has been part of a small group undergoing their chainsaw qualifications in Pow Wood.

(don’t worry, he still has all of the fingers he started the course with).

As a result the woodland has had a bit of a thin. Allot of our woodland is all the same age and there are blocks of same specie trees. Careful thinning promotes diversity of age and species. Allowing light to the forest floor also encourages ground flora and shrubs which are great for wildlife.

In one of these photos you can see Rowan and Hazel saplings growing either side of a large Scots Pine. By removing the Scots Pine the saplings will hopefully flourish and fill the gap with new, lower growth.

Once Ryan and Belinda are both qualified, they’ll be undertaking more thinning work around the reserve. Which is all thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Address

Watchtree Nature Reserve, Nr Wiggonby
Carlisle
CA56NL

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:45pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:45pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:45pm
Thursday 9am - 4:45pm
Friday 9am - 4:45pm
Saturday 9am - 4:45pm
Sunday 9am - 4:45pm

Telephone

+441228712539

Website

, , ,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Watchtree Nature Reserve posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Watchtree Nature Reserve:

Shortcuts

Share

Category