Registered Charity No.1127029

Our exciting Marsh Fritillary butterfly project took on a new twist recently when students from James Rennie School in Carlisle went ‘butterfly crazy’! The students began to take an interest in these stunning butterflies as part of their contribution towards the John Muir Award – this award focusing on wild places and developing a greater understanding and awareness of what’s around them – Watchtree making for the perfect John Muir venue. Following a number of interesting ‘introductory’ sessions whereby the students ‘discovered’ and ‘explored’ the nature reserve through orienteering, cycling and investigating the many habitats, students and teachers decided to focus on engaging different senses through art-based activities. On visiting the school to see the art at first hand, it was difficult not to be overwhelmed by the beautiful mobile butterfly displays hanging gracefully in the main hall – over fifty Marsh Fritillary butterflies hung above the students, moving very slightly as if mimicking the real things! Not content with such a fantastic display, the students even made a larger version for display at Watchtree – why not pop in and see for yourself? The students then decided to help our Marsh Fritillary project directly – raising over £70 which will enable us to purchase literally hundreds of Devil’s-bit Scabious plants – the butterflies’ key larval food plant.

The students have now completed the John Muir ‘Discovery’ Award and have made a very positive contribution and impact on Watchtree and their own school. Watchtree staff and volunteers would like to say a very big thank-you to everyone from James Rennie School.

September is a great month for visiting Watchtree; many of the 65,000 plus trees planted here produce fruits and berries including rowan, elder, crab apple, holly and bird cherry,  whilst the many miles of hawthorn hedgerows provide a bounty of ‘haws’ for resident wildlife and winter visitors including Fieldfare and Redwing. The variety of fruiting trees (food) really is the spice of life as far as the wildlife is concerned as each tree ‘fruits’ at slightly different times  - offering a succession of available food over the autumn and winter.

Wheatears, so-called because of their white-arse or rump, are striking birds with a distinctive black cheek and inverted T-pattern at the end of the tail. These birds are often seen hopping or running along the recently cut meadows at this time of year. Interestingly, six wheatear were seen ‘hanging around’ some plastic bollards (with holes in them resembling a hole in a stone wall and thus their preferred breeding habitat!) during the spring but decided to move on, presumably to their typical breeding sites in the uplands.

A Green Sandpiper, a ‘passage migrant’ was sighted recently near a small pond – this species is rather nervous with the best chance of identification being at take-off when the bird’s dark plumage contrasts with the white rump before it flies off in this species’ typically  zig – zag fashion. After what has seemed like a quiet year for the Brown Hare, large numbers can be seen running throughout the grasslands and scrub. Look out for this charismatic mammal on one of the many walks and events taking place at Watchtree during forthcoming months – were also open EVERYDAY in September!

What’s on (September)

The reserve will be open every day from April-September from 9:30am to 4pm.

Watchtree Volunteer work parties every Wednesday at 10:30am (bring suitable clothing, footwear and food).’Saturday’ volunteer work party on the first Saturday of every month, again at 10:30am.

Wheelers ‘Drop-in’ sessions every Sunday 1pm to 4pm and Thursday evenings on the 16^th and 30^th. Coffee and crafts morning on Saturday 4^th  18^th 10am-1:30pm.

Other events as advertised in the press or website.www.watchtree.co.uk

Contact: Tim Lawrence, Watchtree Nature Reserve, Nr Great Orton, Carlisle. Tel: 01228 712539 or Email:wnr@watchtree.co.uk. Website: www.watchtree.co.uk. For Membership and Watchtree Wheelers information contact ryan@watchtree.co.uk

Registered Charity No.1127029

There is simply so much happening from a wildlife perspective at Watchtree that the space in this article is not large enough to describe everything, though here are a few highlights of recent activity; Leverets (young Brown Hares) are beginning to emerge from their nursery ‘forms’ amongst long grasses, many now free from their mothers constant care; tadpoles (in their tens of thousands) are rapidly developing from their jelly like – aquatic beginnings into fully developed amphibians; Fledgling birds, which just a few weeks ago where themselves a tiny egg, are taking their first flight and, just in the last week or so, the first of the dragonflies emerged from the many ponds, ditches and wetlands. July and August seems to ‘belong’ to the dragon and damselflies. These simply amazing creatures, despite their relatively small size, (most are no more than a few inches long), have a very domineering presence about them. Maybe this is because many seem to fly at roughly the same height as our heads and so we readily see and hear them buzzing about. It might surprise many readers but both dragon and damselflies spend most of their lives as aquatic larvae, remaining in the water for up to five years for larger species. Here, amongst the pond weeds and silt, these voracious predators are perfectly adapted; larvae have extendable lower jaws enabling them to grab passing prey including tadpoles and other invertebrates. Larvae remain hidden for long periods but at any moment these creatures force water through their body enabling them to move like underwater jets – perfect for grabbing a quick snack! . Arguably the most impressive part of the dragonfly life-cycle is when the larvae are ready to metamorphose into a flying dragonfly. Here, the larvae emerge from the water and crawl up emergent vegetation. At a suitable point the larvae’s external skin (exuvia) begins to break at a weak point behind the head and splits – enabling the winged adult dragonfly to emerge. After allowing the wings to fill with fluid and basking in the sun, (dragonflies are like solar panels and need the sun to generate energy), the adult can make its first flight. The largest of the native dragonflies will probably live for a few months. The many wetlands at Watchtree are perfect for observing dragon and damselflies, the decked area in Pond wood arguably the best. Look out for Four-spotted Chaser (brown with a distinctive ‘spot’ on each wing), Emperor (large and impressive, blue and yellow body), Common Darter (red and with a body shaped like a ‘dart’), Azure (small and slight damselfly with distinctive ‘azure’ colour), these often group together to form an azure ‘haze’.

Watchtree is OPEN EVERYDAY from April through to September in addition to various themed events and guided walks. Visitors still have the opportunity to see the rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly in our specially constructed butterfly pens. The grasslands are also at their best at this time of year – look out for Bird’s – foot Trefoil, Ragged Robin, Ox-eye Daisy, Yellow Rocket and the amazing Yellow Rattle. 

What’s on (July)

The reserve will be open every day from April-September from 9:30am to 4pm.

Guided walks every Thursday evening at 7pm

Watchtree Volunteer work parties every Wednesday at 10:30am (bring suitable clothing, footwear and food).’Saturday’ volunteer work party on the first Saturday of every month, again at 10:30am.

Wheelers ‘Drop-in’ session on Sunday 18^th 1-4pm. Coffee Morning on Sunday 18^th 10am-1pm. ‘Word on Wood’ wood carvings will be here from 2pm on Saturday 10^th.

Other events as advertised in the press or website.www.watchtree.co.uk

Contact: Tim Lawrence, Watchtree Nature Reserve, Nr Great Orton, Carlisle. Tel: 01228 712539 or Email:wnr@watchtree.co.uk. Website: www.watchtree.co.uk. For Membership and Watchtree Wheelers information contact ryan@watchtree.co.uk

Registered Charity No.1127029

Young people from Thursby Junior School, on a recent school outing at Watchtree, saw for themselves the wealth of biodiversity at this special nature reserve. First stop for the intrepid explorers was a bridge over a shallow beck, in the hope that we would catch a brief glimpse of our normally shy newts. One, two then three male Great Crested Newts decided to make a dramatic appearance in addition to what looked like a male Palmate Newt!  It’s rare that one newt is seen here – these creatures are generally secretive and often hide at the sound of approaching footsteps.  The young people were obviously in awe of the newt’s wavy crest, short sharp bursts of movement and relatively large size – looking a little like miniature aquatic dinosaurs – and a few ‘ooohs’ and ‘ahhhs’ were audible. Next stop was the bird hide and fortune was with us again as the recently hatched Mallard ducklings made for pleasant viewing…again, a few ooohs and ahhhs were heard. Little Grebes and other water birds were present but quiet – no doubt safely incubating their eggs in nearby nests. We then wandered along a trail close to a flower-rich meadow and listened to the sound of Skylark and Oystercatcher whilst Curlew flew nearby. After observing the dates inscribed on the old runways ‘21/9/1942’- which brought about much wartime debate and discussion – we entered the woodlands. It was here that the students had to hone their listening skills, as woodland creatures tend to be well camouflaged and remain hidden! The children were encouraged to listen for different bird species and much to their surprise – being quiet, for all of 20 seconds…must have felt like an eternity… enabled them to hear the songs and calls of Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Robin, Blackbird, Chaffinch and Blue Tit! Then it was off to the pond for some pond dipping – the main attraction – and again the wildlife played its part as everything from tadpoles (in their thousands), dragonfly and damselfly larvae, alderfly larva, water mites, water beetles, pond skaters, water boatmen and Whirligig beetles obliged themselves to the trusty pond net. After some closer observations through magnifying glasses, the creatures were carefully placed back in their aquatic habitat. After a long morning on the trail the young people headed back to the visitor centre, passing Brown Hares on the way, before tucking in to a well-earned packed lunch.   

We will have plenty of other school visits during the next few months and if your school or educational establishment would like to get involved with wildlife studies or the John Muir Award, please contact Tim, contact details below.

Membership is now available at our website: www.watchtree.co.uk,by post (see address below) or by collecting a membership form at the nature reserve. The benefits of membership are many but include a personal membership card, reduced  rates for Watchtree Wheelers events, voting opportunities at AGM’s, quarterly newsletter and daylight hours access.

What’s on (June)

The reserve will be open every day from April-September from 9:30am to 4pm.

Guided walks every Thursday evening at 7pm

Watchtree Volunteer work parties every Wednesday at 10:30am (bring suitable clothing, footwear and food).’Saturday’ volunteer work party on the first Saturday of every month, again at 10:30am.

Wheelers ‘Drop-in’ sessions on Wednesday 2^nd, Sunday 13th and Sunday 27^th between 1-4pm.

Coffee morning on Sunday 13^th between 10am and 1pm. Other events as advertised in the press or website.www.watchtree.co.uk

Contact: Tim Lawrence, Watchtree Nature Reserve, Nr Great Orton, Carlisle. Tel: 01228 712539 or Email:wnr@watchtree.co.uk. Website: www.watchtree.co.uk. For Membership and Watchtree Wheelers information contact ryan@watchtree.co.uk

Registered Charity No.1127029

The first of the summer migrant birds arrived at Watchtree towards the end of March – Wheatear and Chiffchaff arrived on the same day and the sight and sound of both birds heralded the beginnings of the breeding season. Those visitors who attended a guided walk the very same day will no doubt have left with fond memories of the boldly marked Wheatear hopping along a fence line whilst the repetitive sound of the Chiffchaff will probably have played in their heads at work the following day-who needs MP3 players when nature’s orchestra is playing for free!  At the same time that these migrants from Africa arrived at Watchtree, the stunning Goldeneyes deserted our wetlands and headed further north to their breeding grounds in northern Scotland, Scandinavia and Baltic regions. Bird migration is arguably one of the most fascinating topics in natural history and experiencing this seasonal ‘exchange’ of birds is a privilege and on-the-job lesson. During the next few weeks (when you read this!) other migrants will have arrived, the majority from Africa, to include the ‘Warblers’ – Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler and Whitethroat. With the possible exception of the Whitethroat which likes nothing more than singing and displaying from prominent song posts, most warblers generally skulk in the depths of the forest or deep scrub. This article is not long enough to describe the signature sound of each warbler but it would be fair to say that some are more easily   identifiable by their song. Why not visit Watchtree and experience nature’s orchestra – we’re open every day right through the summer until September, in addition we also run weekly guided walks on Thursday evenings at 7pm.

Spring is also the time for butterflies and following the previous two, generally wet, summers, let’s hope this year’s weather provides suitable conditions for a full compliment of species. Orange-tip, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral are generally the first species seen at Watchtree – look out for these species on warm days near woodland clearings, rides and ‘rough’ ground. Watchtree is also participating in an ambitious project to reintroduce the Marsh Fritillary butterfly to former strongholds throughout Cumbria. This species was practically extinct in Cumbria as little as six years ago but through the efforts of the Cumbria Marsh Fritillary Action Group, this attractive butterfly is making something of a comeback. Before this species can be ‘released’ in the wild at Watchtree subtle changes are needed  to our grasslands, including planting the critical larval food plant – Devil’s-bit Scabious and implementing appropriate grazing. In the meantime, visitors can still see this species developing in specially designed ‘breeding pens’, located close to the visitor centre.

What’s on

The reserve will be open every day from April-September from 9:30am to 4pm.

Guided walks every Thursday evening at 7pm

Watchtree Volunteer work parties every Wednesday at 10:30am (bring suitable clothing, footwear and food).’Saturday’ volunteer work party on the first Saturday of every month, again at 10:30am.

Guided walk for birds on Sunday 2^nd May

Saturday 15^th May-National Moth night from 7pm

Sunday 16^th May- Coffee morning 10am-1pm

Saturday 29^th May-Butterfly day 10am-4pm

Watchtree Wheelers ‘Drop-in’ sessions on Sunday 2^nd, 16^th and 30^th May between 1-4pm

Contact: Tim Lawrence, Watchtree Nature Reserve, Nr Great Orton, Carlisle. Tel: 01228 712539 or Email:wnr@watchtree.co.uk. Website: www.watchtree.co.uk. For Membership and Watchtree Wheelers information contact ryan@watchtree.co.uk

Registered Charity No.1127029

Spring is here! Famous last words of course but the thrilling sound of skylark high above really does bring it home that the bird breeding season is just around the corner. Its not just skylarks that have been dominating the airwaves of late, curlew have been particularly vocal – this, the largest of the European waders makes a memorable appearance as, when it lands, its mournful call gets faster and faster. The sound of these two birds alone is worth a visit to Watchtree…but there’s more! goldeneye – birds of open water and with roughly triangular shaped heads, put on elaborate ‘neck breaking’ displays as birds will often turn their heads quickly towards the sky or from side to side, all of which is very amusing for the bird watcher. This behaviour is believed to be a ritual undertaken by both sexes before mating commences though research also suggests ‘neck breaking’ is performed for displaying to a large flock. The boldly coloured and ‘cheeky’ character of the bullfinch was also noticeable recently; this plump looking bird is commonly seen on the woodland ‘edge’ feeding on buds, berries and fruit. For the really keen birdwatcher, or ‘twitcher’ as they are commonly known, a jack snipe was recently seen close to the old bird hide. Locating this bird represents a real challenge even for the ‘expert’ as their small size, combined with cryptically coloured plumage, appears to blend perfectly with just about any vegetation. One particular jack snipe was located literally yards in front of the old hide – only because it decided to feed, and at the same time ‘bounce’, as if on a spring, was this rare bird seen.

Visitors to this fascinating nature reserve will see some exciting new ‘features’ during the coming weeks and months; New sections of footpath are currently being constructed close to Pond wood, this will benefit both walkers and cyclists as the new path will accommodate all of our ‘specially adapted’ cycles including the two-person ‘joy-rider’. The path is being built by hand, using shovels and wheelbarrows, so visitors should consider the blood, sweat and tears experienced by our brilliant volunteers during your walk! Closer to the visitor centre students from Caldew and Limehouse Schools are constructing an ‘elementary’ garden consisting of raised flower beds, interactive minibeast homes and a dedicated bird feeding area. The garden will be surrounded by a species rich hedgerow to provide a biodiversity rich boundary, again, all of which is being constructed by hand – if any of these projects grab you then why not pop along on a Wednesday morning at 10:30am and join in, everyone welcome.

From April through to September the reserve is OPEN every day…yes every day (9:30am – 4pm)…so now there’s no excuse for not visiting this gem of a nature reserve. For those of you who would like the flexibility of visiting outside of normal opening hours we operate a membership scheme which provides, amongst other benefits, daily access to the reserve during daylight hours. This is particularly beneficial to those who like to visit after work or during sunny evenings. Our website will soon provide full membership details including an easy to use payment feature. In the meantime please contact reserve staff for membership details, see bottom of page.

Dates for your diary

April: Open every day 9:30am – 4pm. Coffee morning Sunday 18^th 10am-1pm. Guided Walk (Newts and Beetles) Sunday 25^th at 11am. Thursday evening guided walks at 7pm April-September.

(Children’s activities during Easter holidays; places are limited so booking essential, children 8 and above only, all children must be accompanied by an adult – Thursday 1^st 10am-12:30pm pond dipping, Tuesday 6^th 10am-12:30pm Orienteering)

Watchtree Wheelers ‘open sessions’ (anyone welcome) Sunday 4^th, 11^th and 18^th 1pm – 4pm

Groups and Schools welcome to visit Watchtree on request.

Contact: Tim Lawrence, Watchtree Nature Reserve, Nr Great Orton, Carlisle. Tel: 01228 712539 or Email:wnr@watchtree.co.uk. Website: www.watchtree.co.uk. For Membership and Watchtree Wheelers information contact ryan@watchtree.co.uk

Brown hares are particularly noticeable near the main visitor centre with the undulating grasslands to the north of the reserve a hare hot spot. Early morning and dusk are the best times to see them though be aware that during the day this mammal will often go unoticed as it keeps out of the cold winds in its well concealed form.

Suprisingly for this time of year, adult great crested newts were active in the partially frozen  waterbodies. An adult female was recently seen moving amongst the dead reed stems in a ditch. Newts are normally tucked away in refugies when temperatures are so cold! Three palmate newts were also observed in a temporary waterbody in the woodland areas.

Birds are particularly noticeable at this time of year as trees and scrub remain bare and leafless. Grey partridge have been seen throughout the grasslands whilst approximately 20 lapwing were seen in the damper meadows. With most of the waterbodies now thawed, goldeneyes and teal were back on the main lake, whilst on the south lagoon, 2 tufted ducks are a common sight.  Skylarks were heard displaying during a brief mild spell earlier in the week – a welcome sign of spring following the unusually cold a wet winter. Throughout the woodlands the birdwatcher is spoilt for choice. Great, blue, coal and long-tailed tit are all regular visitors, particularly to bird feeders. The patient bird watcher may even catch a glimpse of the great spotted woodpecker, two pairs bred at Watchtree during 2009! treecreepers, redpoll, tree sparrow, robin, blackbird and wren are present. Fieldfares and the odd redwing are never far away during the winter and even if you dont see them, these ’overwintering’ members of the thrush family can usually be heard in a nearby field or hedgerow.

Buzzards are very common at the moment as are kestrel and sparrowhawk. The sparrowhawk was seen flying a couple of feet above the ground along one of the former concrete runways – no doubt trying to catch a meadow pipit  or linnet unaware.

The fox has been seen on a number of occasions recently and the prolonged covering of ice revealed that this cunning mammal regularly used the frozen waterbodies as a short cut. A confused picture of fox and hare footprints on the lake edge looked like these two mammals played out Watchtree’s very own version of ‘dancing on ice’ – no doubt the outcome was  full marks for the fox!

Visitors should also notice some subtle habitat changes this year as areas of meadow (those with poor species diversity) have been re seeded with additional devil’s-bit scabious – the larval foodplant for the rare marsh fritillary butterfly. Watchtree have just begun a captive breeding programme and we hope that all being well, this butterfly will grace the meadows at Watchtree in years to come…watch this space….indeed why not visit us?

Watchtree Nature Reserve January 2010 

Registered Charity No.1127029

2010 looks being a very busy time at Watchtree Nature Reserve – arguably one of Cumbria’s most fascinating nature reserves that’s not only a haven for endangered wildlife, but also a  ‘breathing space’ and place of enjoyment for the visiting public. The reserve is home to some of Europe’s most threatened species, including the Great Crested Newt, and hopefully soon, the Marsh Fritillary butterfly, a species that declined to such an extent that by 2004, the sum total of the Cumbria population was down to literally one small egg batch – situated in a field not that far from Watchtree!  Watchtree is now part of the Cumbria Marsh Fritillary Action Group and already we’re on track towards creating optimum habitat for this beautiful butterfly – damp grasslands with abundant Devil’s-bit Scabious – this butterfly’s larval food plant. But how do the butterflies get to Watchtree I hear you ask?  Well, we’ve created a butterfly ‘captive breeding pen’ where hundreds of larvae, collected and reared as part of a bigger captive breeding programme, are initially left to over-winter in the ‘pen’. As days lengthen and temperatures rise the larvae begin to grow by eating the all-important scabious leaves. The larvae then ‘bask’ in the sunshine before emerging into adults. Hopefully we’ll see these butterflies on the wing at Watchtree in forthcoming years

The Watchtree Wheelers Cycling Centre is now running smoothly with weekly sessions on Fridays (booking essential). There is a small charge for use of the bikes, with proceeds being ‘re-cycled’ back into the centre by way of bike maintenance, new parts and of course, new specialist bikes. Speaking of new bikes, we have almost reached our funding target for a ‘Veloplus’ cycle which will allow wheelchair-bound persons access to cycling and the great outdoors. Thank-you to everyone who purchased tickets during the recent prize draw and other fundraising events.  A very special thank-you must also go to the Ayers Explorer Scouts based in Carlisle – their 100 mile sponsored cycle ride which took place at Watchtree, helped to raise over £1000 for charity. 

Raffle Winners; Watercolor painting, painted and donated by Ray R Nichol – Mrs. Dowell of Wigton. Meal for 4 people at Oddfellows Arms in Bolton Low Houses, donated by the hosts Andy and Lesley Kerr – Bob Bushby. Swimming session for 4 people at Maia Pool Bowness on Solway, donated by Bill and Patsy Knowles – E. Mallinson

(Prizes also donated from Alternative Takeaway, The Beauty Box, Orton Grange and Lightfoot’s Fruit and Vegetables)

We have now introduced a new Membership scheme with the key benefits of membership as follows; daylight hours access to the reserve, receive a quarterly newsletter, free or reduced rates at special events, priority booking for Watchtree Wheelers and a personal membership card. To become a member, log on to our website www.watchtree.co.uk or contact reserve staff, details at the bottom of the page.

Dates for your diary

February: Saturday 5^th at 10:30am Volunteer work party, Sunday 14^th 1pm – 4pm Wheelers cyclists training session (booking required), Wednesday 17^th 1-4pm Children’s cycling day (booking required), Sunday 28^th 1-4pm Wheelers cyclists training session (booking required). Open days every Sunday 9:30am -3:30pm  

. Groups and schools welcome to visit Watchtree on request.

Contact: Tim Lawrence, Watchtree Nature Reserve, Nr Great Orton, Carlisle. Tel: 01228 712539 or Email:wnr@watchtree.co.uk.  Website: www.watchtree.co.uk. For Membership and Watchtree Wheelers information contact Ryan at ryan@watchtree.co.uk

The landscape at Watchtree has undergone significant changes in recent decades. The effects are most obvious above ground – the construction of a Second World War Airfield, (RAF Great Orton), built in 1942 meant the end of the then Watchtree Farm – known locally as ‘Watchtree House’. More recently, wind turbines were constructed during the early 1990’s and then, most notably in 2001, the site changed forever when the site was used to bury animals during the Foot and Mouth crisis. But what about changes below ground and the effects these have had on the present day landscape and the land managers trying to manage it? It would not be unreasonable to suggest that the ‘land’ – the soils and upper geological layers to be more precise – have undergone tremendous change, particularly since 2001, as huge numbers of plant (machinery) churned over and modified the soil layers.

Pre-2001 the original geological profile would have consisted of mudstones and siltstones, (the Lias group), formed from the late Triassic to early Jurassic period which are approximately 5-6m below the surface. These were overlain by deposits of glacial ’till’ following the most recent ice age retreat approximately 10,000 years ago and consist of varying bands and mixtures of clay, sand and gravel. Today however, the soil is essentially a hard ‘mix’ of everything – compacted by the immense weight of so many plant which inhibited good drainage – crucial for the target meadow grasses and herbs we are trying to encourage!

Today Watchtree Nature Reserve Ltd are undertaking a number of initiatives to enhance the soils and so make them more suitable for biodiversity: Our smaller meadows are being ploughed over and reseeded – so creating the optimum habitat for the Marsh Fritillary butterfly, a species which recently almost became extinct in Cumbria! Many areas of grassland will also be ‘flat-lifted’ – a technique whereby special tractor mounted ‘tines’ and discs are dragged through the soil thereby breaking the hard ‘pan’ so encouraging drainage. We hope to also create additional lowland hay meadows in Area 4d – a small field which has, up to now, not been managed for nature conservation purposes. Fortunately there are still abundant areas of quality grassland that provide great habitat for biodiversity – thereby offering something for wildlife and the visitor. Why not visit Watchtree and see for yourself the amazing biodiversity we have on the reserve?

Watchtree held a number of activities for young people during the summer holidays, (remember all those wet days!), including bird nest box making, arts and crafts and story- telling trails. Teachers and schools wishing to visit this superb nature reserve during term time should contact the Nature Reserve Manager who will be able to organise a range of activities and sessions ranging from National Curriculum based sessions to more general pond dipping, habitat studies, mini-beast safaris, orienteering and bird identification sessions. Those schools and youth organisations intending to focus on longer-term projects may wish to participate in the John Muir Award and follow in the footsteps of the legendary John Muir, arguably the greatest conservationist of the past century.

Finally, our stunning 2010 Calendar will soon be available for purchase, please contact Watchtree for more information.

Dates for your diary

Saturday 3^rd October: 10:30am Watchtree Volunteer work party

Saturday 31^st October: 10:30am – 4:30pm Open Day

Sunday 1^st November: 10:30am – 4pm Open day

Saturday 7^th November: 10:30am Watchtree Volunteer work party

See our website for other events later in the year!

Volunteer work parties every Wednesday at 10:30am. Groups and schools welcome to visit Watchtree on request.

Contact: Tim Lawrence, Watchtree Nature Reserve, Nr Great Orton, Carlisle. Tel: 01228 712539 or Email: wnr@watchtree.co.uk.

Website: www.watchtree.co.uk

Registered Charity No.1127029

On Friday 10^th July 2009, Watchtree Nature Reserve Ltd officially opened both the new ‘Wheels for All’ cycling centre and unveiled the new ‘Big Lottery’ funded cycle track. Both the centre and track are now open to the public on a booking basis – currently Fridays, and interested persons should contact Ryan Dobson (Watchtree’s new Access and Development Officer) on 01228 712539 or email: ryan@watchtree.co.uk) for more information.

Attended by over sixty people, the opening ceremony was a tremendous success with the highlights being the performances of the two special guests; The Sunbeams Trust including Annie Mawson with a special singing performance by Steven Shears, and Aileen McGlynn, Double Gold medal winning Paralympian.

We currently have a small fleet of specially-adapted cycles including Trikes, Hand-cycles, Quad-bikes, Two-person ‘freerider’ and Recumbent cycles. In addition a range of step-over bikes are available for those able to cycle on two wheels. A number of community groups are already making good use of the cycles and despite only attending for a few weeks, feedback from clients and their carers has been very positive – it is rare that cycling allows access to nature, open space and peace and quite to the degree found at Watchtree!

Please note that to make the centre truly accessible for a range of clients, (particularly those confined to wheelchairs), we require a selection of new bikes. Anyone wishing to help fundraise for such bikes should contact Ryan using the above contact details.

Wildlife continues to thrive at Watchtree. Our young Sparrowhawks are almost at the fledgling stage – no doubt the many smaller birds are keeping a close eye on these opportunist predators as we speak. Young hares, (leverets), are common at the moment, although the nature-watcher will have their work cut out trying to locate them amongst the tall grasses and herbs in the meadows. To everyone’s delight, the Barn Owls have been particularly active hunting – no doubt taking advantage of the many small mammals that live amongst the meadows and plantations at Watchtree. On a less positive note, our Mute Swan cygnets have not fared so well – just one of the original six cygnets has survived the hot summer and a laboratory test should help us discover the likely cause of the problem. Another owl, the Little Owl, (Britain’s smallest and most likely to be seen in daylight!), abandoned its nest box. although visitors may still be able to catch a glimpse of this special little owl not far from the visitor centre.

As always, our volunteers have managed to undertake a tremendous amount of work since the last edition of the Parish magazine. Anyone interested in volunteering should follow the contact details at the bottom of the page.

Dates for your diary

Thursdays (April-August) 7pm Guided Walks

Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday 29^th, 30^th and 31^st August. 10:30am – 4pm. Open Days

See our website for other events later in the year!

Volunteer work parties every Wednesday at 10:30am and first Saturday of the month. Groups and schools welcome to visit Watchtree on request.

Contact: Tim Lawrence, Watchtree Nature Reserve, Nr Great Orton, Carlisle. Tel: 01228 712539 or Email:wnr@watchtree.co.uk. Website: www.watchtree.co.uk

Registered Charity No.1127029

With the warmer and longer days of spring now here, what better way to experience nature than a visit to one of the regions most fascinating nature reserves – Watchtree Nature Reserve. It’s not just the wildlife (more of this later) that makes Watchtree such a unique place to visit. The reserve has an interesting history – the name ‘Watchtree’ for example probably originated from the reputed ‘Watch trees’ once situated on the site – two tall trees used as look-outs for the many raids during the time of the Border Reivers. The name ‘Watchtree’ continued in the name of the farm located on what is now the nature reserve and which was farmed by Robert and Irene Timperon, both now Friends of Watchtree. The Second World War changed the local landscape forever and as the farm disappeared so a huge airfield was constructed which became known as RAF Great Orton (also known as RAF Wiggonby as seen on one local road sign!). Whilst the main runways are clearly evident to all visitors, smaller, interesting artefacts include dates inscribed into the concrete ‘11/08/1942′, ‘14/08/1942′ and so on every ten yards or so, indicating the rate at which the airfield was constructed. The RAF ceased to operate from Great Orton on the 15^th August 1952. Since then the land was used for farming, clay pigeon shooting, motor rallying, a wind turbine cluster (still present) and of course, in 2001, was used as a burial site during the Foot and Mouth outbreak.

Restoration and subsequent creation of habitats has continued right up to the present day and the visitor cannot fail to be impressed by the diversity of wildlife. A recent one-hour walk, stopping off at two bird hides, passing meadows, hedgerow, scrub and woodland, revealed the following species: Brown Hare (2), frog (3) Buzzard (6), Skylark (40+), Curlew (2), Oystercatcher (7), Tufted Duck, Mute Swan (2), Moorhen, Mallard (5), Stonechat (2), Meadow Pipit, Goldfinch, Willow Tit, Dunnock, Song Thrush, Great spotted Woodpecker, Kestrel, Wren, Greenfinch, Blackbird, Robin (3) and numerous Great Tit, Blue Tit and Chaffinch. Visitors wishing to see these and many other species can visit during our regular guided walks and open days (see below or website www.watchtree.co.uk).

Construction of our new ‘Wheels for All’ cycle path is progressing steadily with the bulk of the work so far being undertaken by our regular volunteers – why not join them every Wednesday at 10:30am. It’s not every day you can learn something new whilst nature’s radio, (singing birds), plays alongside!

Other groups who have helped include the Carlisle branch of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and students and work placements from both Wigton Youth Station and Caldew Secondary School. A big thank-you to everyone who has helped with this and other projects so far.

Dates for diary

Saturday 28^th March 10:30am – 4pm Open Day

Sunday 29^th March 10:30am – 4pm Open day

Thursdays (April-August) 7pm Guided Walks

Saturday 4^th April 10:30am Watchtree Volunteers

Saturday 11^th April 10:30am – 4pm Open Day

Monday 13^th April 10:30am – 4pm Open Day

Saturday 25^th April 10:30am – 4pm Open day

Sunday 26^th April 10:30am – 4pm Open Day

Volunteer work parties every Wednesday at 10:30am and first Saturday of the month. Groups welcome to visit Watchtree on request.

Contact: Tim Lawrence, Watchtree Nature Reserve, Nr Great Orton, Carlisle. Tel: 01228 712539 or Email:wnr@watchtree.co.uk. Website: www.watchtree.co.uk