Watchtree Nature Reserve is a 205 acre haven for wildlife and people. Featuring flower rich meadows, old and new woodland, miles of hedgerow and wetland habitats this a place for everyone. Wildlife is perfectly at home here and we have abundant Brown Hares, the European protected Great crested Newt, numerous breeding birds, interesting moths, stunning butterflies, secretive bats and incredible dragonflies. The nature reserve is situated within much of the former RAF Great Orton airfield (1942-53) and you can still spot airfield construction dates etched into the concrete by servicemen as you explore. The Nature reserve is easily identifiable from miles away by the wind turbines located here. More recently, this place was used during the Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2001 – and even today much of the site underground is a complex network of drains, pumps and containment walls. So, if you thought this was any ordinary nature reserve you could be forgiven.
Watchtree Wheelers is all about getting people on bikes. We hire bikes; we sell bikes; we fix bikes; we teach people to ride bikes.
Cycling is great for your mental and physical well-being. It is fun to cycle together but can be enjoyed alone if you crave a little peace and quiet.
For people of all ages and abilities, Watchtree is the perfect place to ride in a safe, traffic-free environment.
We have an extensive cycle fleet of bikes and trikes for you to hire and ride around the reserve.
We have all sorts of bikes for all sorts of people. Whatever your requirements, the chances are we have something to suit your needs.
A group of 12 members from Headway North Cumbria visited Watchtree Nature Reserve on Monday 20 April 2026. Members had the opportunity to cycle around the nature reserve on a selection of paths running through beautiful scenery with spectacular views over the Northern Fells. Some opted to try out a number of different bicycles and tricycles to see which worked best for them and many completed 2 or 3 circuits of the Reserve.
The weather forecast had promised rain and everyone came ready for inclement weather. Fortunately we were spared – whilst there were dark clouds in the sky the rain held off and we even enjoyed some warm spells when the sunshine managed to find a break in the clouds.
Attendees also had the opportunity enjoy a picnic before, during or after a cycle ride or buy refreshments at the on-site Café.
As usual we would like to thank the staff at the Watchtree Nature Reserve for hosting us so well.
A selection of photographs of this event can be found in the gallery in the Photo Album called Watchtree Nature Reserve – April 2026
