A not for profit company
Watchtree Nature Reserve is a refuge for endangered wildlife as well as a venue in which the public can enjoy quiet recreation amongst stunning surroundings; on a clear day both the northern Lakeland fells and Solway Firth are visible. Visitors at our August evening walks saw for themselves jaw dropping sunsets casting shadows across Skiddaw, High Pike and Carrock Fell.
Soon, an exciting new cycling project called ‘Watchtree Wheelers’ will be based at the reserve, enabling persons of all abilities to access specially adapted cycles. This unique cycling project is made all the more exciting because of the ‘off road’, traffic free conditions at Watchtree. In addition, the health benefits associated with regular cycling are numerous; including, reduced stress, improved cardiovascular fitness and reduced blood pressure etcÖand all this at a nature reserve! We hope the local community will support this exciting project and, crucially, vote for Watchtree at the soon to be aired ‘Peoples Millions’ programme on Border TV – funded by the Big Lottery Fund. The Peoples Millions programme on Border TV should take place some time in December so, again, it’s vital that people actually vote for Watchtree.
Watchtree’s weekly volunteer work parties continue throughout the year every Wednesday at 10:30am and also the first Saturday of the month. Everyone is welcome whatever their ability, just turn up with the appropriate clothing and we provide everything else; boots, gloves etc (groups please pre-book). Recently, volunteers have installed a new path to the ‘new’ bird hide, planted flowers for endangered butterflies, drained flooded areas andÖeveryone’s favourite, removed plastic tree guards (80,000 trees, each with its own ‘tree guard!).
Despite the miserable summer, the recent ’slightly better’ weather has seen a welcome influx of wildlife: Common and Ruddy Darter, Emerald Damselfly, Great Crested Newt, frog and toad have all been sighted at the recently created ‘young persons’ pond (so-called due to young persons from Caldew school hand-digging it). Arguably the most spectacular viewing so far this autumn has been the hundreds (300+) Goldfinch descending on thistle and knapweed flower heads. The value of so-called weedy plants (Ragwort, thistle, dock and nettle etc) cannot be over-stated. Ragwort, for example, continues to flower and thus produce a nectar-rich energy source well into late summer.
Our 2009 Calendar is, as I speak, being printed so anyone wishing to purchase one for next year should request a copy by contacting Watchtree; contact details at bottom of page.
Dates for your Diary
Thursday 9th October 7pm. Social Evening at Watchtree
Sunday 19th October 10:30am-4pm. Open Day
Sunday 16th November 10:30am-4pm. Open day
Volunteer work parties every Wednesday at 10:30am. 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