Holes in the map, part 3: Eagles
In the third part of the series exploring the species that have disappeared from Cumbria’s landscape, Haweswater Site Manager Lee Schofield traces the rise and fall of our two native…
Welcome to Haweswater
Nestled in the folds of Haweswater’s dramatic landscape lie pockets of wildness; alpine plants cling to cliffs and ledges, whilst woodland birds, red squirrels and badgers teem in the woodlands.
The quiet, rugged charm of Haweswater sets it apart from many of the more popular Lake District honeypots, offering opportunities for seclusion and wildlife encounters unlike any other in the National Park.
Wild Haweswater is an exciting new initiative by the RSPB and United Utilities to showcase the impressive collection of events, experiences and activities on offer in this wild corner of the National Park. Coordinated by RSPB Haweswater, this website is a hub for visitors to explore what’s on offer, as well as a place to discover the conservation and restoration projects, and seasonal wildlife encounters of the area.
How will you discover Wild Haweswater?
Events at Haweswater
Immerse yourself in nature with our collection of guided events and experiences.
PLEASE NOTE: our summer events programme has been removed to accommodate
ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. We hope to host our popular events again soon.
PLEASE NOTE: our summer events programme has been removed to accommodate
ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. We hope to host our popular events again soon.
Click photo for hide availability
Prices from £104
Hire our hide exclusively for yourself or your group, and spend a memorable evening in the company of badgers! Perfect for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Mondays & Wednesdays April-October
Adults £15 (RSPB members £12)
Under 18’s £10
CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS.
Available all year
Prices from £104
An exciting, unique gift for any wildlife lover! What better gift than the promise of memorable night in nature?
Various dates. Click the photo to redirect to Fell Pony Adventures.
Three day, all inclusive pack horse treks through Swindale Valley and across the fells. A truly unique way to explore Haweswater’s beautiful landscape.
Various dates. Click the photo to redirect to Wilderness Escapes
Wilderness Escapes offer all inclusive camping trips based from their well equipped bell tents, in the heart of beautiful Haweswater.
Launching soon. Click the photo to redirect to Wild Intrigue.
Wild Intrigue are developing a a Woodland Wildlife Hide at Haweswater – perfect for photographing red squirrels and an array of birds. Look out for their launch soon!
Fascinating insights into Haweswater...
There's always something exciting happening at Wild Haweswater. Read some of our recent blog posts to discover more about our seasonal wildlife, unique events, behind the scenes news from the team, and much more.
Holes in the map, part 2: Corncrake
RSPB Haweswater Site Manager, Lee Schofield, explores the demise of a species which, until very recently, embodied British farmland. Discover how the return of traditional practices and nature-minded farming could…
More wiggles and wetland for Haweswater
We are very pleased to announce that a project to re-naturalise a 500 metre section of drain in Swindale Valley has been achieved, thanks to another multi-partner effort to restore
Rediscovering the Eurasian Beaver
With an absence in Britain that exceeds our lifetimes, and a presence which has largely escaped our heritage, we need to reacquaint ourselves with our once-common neighbour, the Eurasian Beaver.…
Guest Blog: Amy Bray, Another Way
Amy's story is one of determination, inspiration and hope. From growing up fearful about the future of our oceans, to taking responsibility in encouraging change, establishing Another Way, and recently…
Volunteer Voices: The Fence
Haweswater’s trusty volunteers may be unable to take part in our Thursday work parties right now, but they’ve been keeping in touch online. From quizzes to sharing some (very) creative…
Videos
Wild Haweswater People
Wild Haweswater is cared for by a team of dedicated people, keen to share this special place with you.
Lee Schofield
Lee is the site manager, overseeing RSPB's work at Haweswater, making sure our stewardship of the area delivers for nature, water and people.
Twitter: @leeinthelakes
Heather Devey
Heather is our visitor development officer, planning and running Haweswater's wonderful events. She's a big fan of all types of furry beasts.
Twitter: @feraheather
Spike Webb
Spike has worked as a warden at Haweswater for 20 years, and there's not much about the area's wildlife that he doesn't know. Look for him in the woods in the spring at dawn.
John Gorst
John is United Utilities' catchment partnership officer. He makes sure that everything that goes on here improves the quality of water as it flows off the land into the reservoir.
Testimonials
Wild Haweswater is wonderful, but you don't need to just take our word for it...
For the last 20 years we’ve been exploring Haweswater, starting with walking and climbing, then the wildness drew us in. We began to see wildlife like beetles, adders, rare plants, fungi and lichen. It’s amazing that our local patch has magical ancient woods, exciting remote crags and grand scenery.
Caz & Chris Walker
RSPB volunteers and local residents