Registered Charity No.1127029
Skylarks have been particularly vocal of late and a welcome sign that spring, and with it the arrival of breeding birds, spring flowers and boxing hares is just around the corner. Spring seemed a far away place when, at the beginning of February, snow covered much of Watchtree, and indeed much the surrounding area. Despite the cold, the beautiful snowy landscape created magical vistas throughout the nature reserve – the woodlands in particular resembling an enchanted place that only seems to appear on Christmas films or postcards!. On one particular morning every conceivable branch, twig, leaf, moss and fern was covered in snow. The snow also shows us how amazing and adaptable wildlife is: as we humans venture outdoors after wrapping ourselves in the latest technologically advanced clothing after sitting comfortably in centrally heated houses – Roe Deer, fox, Brown Hares, birds and numerous small mammals, (evidence in the form of prints in the snow!), must brave the elements to find foodÖto simply survive.
How do early spring displaying birds, the Skylark for example, cope with the Great British weather – snow one minute then mild, sunny weather the next? Literally just a few hours after snowfall these hardy open country birds are busy singing away as male birds begin to establish territories in readiness for breeding in just a few weeks time.
The Goldcrest. A bird often overlooked because of its small size, was also busy as somehow it darted throughout the tight, spiky gaps of the Gorse bush searching for invertebrates.
The first few sods of soil have been removed in readiness for the construction of our new dedicated cycle path. Again, our volunteers have been hard at work preparing surfaces and literally moving, the earth so as to make the main contractor-based work relatively straightforward. As always a big thank-you to all the volunteers who continue to make Watchtree such a great place to work and visit.
In the meantime a number of specially adapted cycles are available for use on Fridays only, ‘Watchtree Wheelers day’ on a strict booking basis. If persons or groups wish to use the bikes in a designated area of the reserve until the path is ready, please contact the Nature Reserve Manager to make a booking with as much notice as possible please.
A quick reminder that Watchtree will be open to the public during the final weekend of each month throughout the year and at other times as advertised on our website: www.watchtree.co.uk or in the local press. The reserve is generally open during the working week but visitors are advised to contact the Nature Reserve Manager before visiting, details at bottom of page.
Dates for diary
Saturday 28th February 10:30am – 4pm Open Day
Sunday 1st March 10:30am – 4pm Open day
Saturday 7th March 10:30am – 1pm Watchtree Volunteers
Saturday 28th March 10:30am – 4pm Open Day
Sunday 29th March 10:30am – 4pm Open day
Thursdays (April-August) 7pm Guided Walks
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