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.
A group of 17 members from Headway North Cumbria visited Watchtree Nature Reserve on Monday 16 June 2025. Members had the opportunity to walk or 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 most completed 2 or 3 circuits of the Reserve. The more energetic did further tours of the circuit and one member managed to complete 10 full laps – equivalent to about 20 miles.
We were blessed with a clear sunny day although it was a little windy making some of the slopes a little more challenging than they might have been. A good time was had by all.
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 and Cumbria Community Transport who kindly provided a minibus for our use.
A selection of photographs of this event can be found in the gallery in the Photo Album called Watchtree Nature Reserve – June 2025
