Pow Wood, one of Watchtree’s two established semi-natural woodlands is an absolute ‘must do’ for all visitors. This special woodland has its own unique atmosphere and for a relatively small wood of just a few hectares, often feels like a vast wildwood. Graceful Silver Birch gently sway in the lightest of breezes, and, depending on the season, subtle shades of green, purple or grey from within the canopy draw the visitors eye skyward. Here, birds including Redpoll, Coal Tit and Siskin chatter amongst themselves as they busily extract seed from tiny female Birch fruits. Rather than rush through this woodland (or any woodland for that matter), by stopping for just a few minutes, a new secret world emerges through the dense blanket of fern, holly, rowan and honeysuckle; The Red Fox is occasionally sighted, now content to quietly seek out potential prey. Roe Deer ‘freeze’ against the backdrop, their fur coats camouflaged against the dark herb and shrub layers.
Though apparently devoid of wildlife, fallen trees and dead (decaying) wood represent a vital component of the naturally functioning woodland, creating habitat for mini-beasts which in turn sustain other woodland wildlife including Wood Mice, Great Spotted woodpeckers, Treecreepers, Wrens and the occasional Jay.
Visitors wishing to experience this outstanding woodland should come along on one of Watchtree’s many open days or guided walks, details at the bottom of this page and also on our website: www.watchtree.co.uk
No fewer than fifteen schools visited Watchtree in June and July and with twelve guided walks and open days, June and July 2008 represented one of our busiest ever periods. The long hours of daylight and warmer temperatures no doubt a contributory factor in increased visitor activity. Now is an exciting time to visit Watchtree as the ‘dog days’ of late summer should herald the larger dragonfly species, migrant Wheatears and hopefully (fingers crossed!) roosting Sand Martins.
Finally, with the success of our calendar this year, all budding photographers should submit their favourite ‘Watchtree’ pictures by the end of the first week in September so that next year’s calendar can be prepared. Photos can be sent via email (jpeg) or by post to the address at the bottom of the page.
To book your copy of next year’s calendar, please contact the Nature Reserve Manager.
August: Children’s summer holiday activities. Friday 22nd August 1-3:30pm Outdoor arts, Tuesday 26th August 1-3:30pm Scrubland and spiders.
August bank holiday opening times: Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th and Monday 25th, 10am – 4pm each day
Sunday 14th September. Open day 10am – 4pm
Sunday 21st September. Spider safari. 10:30am
Volunteer work parties every Wednesday at 10:30am. Groups may visit 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