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 5th at 10:30am Volunteer work party, Sunday 14th 1pm – 4pm Wheelers cyclists training session (booking required), Wednesday 17th 1-4pm Children’s cycling day (booking required), Sunday 28th 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