Volunteer Voices: Megan’s first week
Join RSPB Haweswater's first residential volunteer of 2021, Megan Jones, for an insight into her first week on the reserve.
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?
Experience Wild Haweswater
NEW Wildlife Photography Hides
We are very pleased to announce that we have TWO new Wild Intrigue wildlife photography hides at Haweswater.
Nestled in a private section of Naddle Forest, this hide has been custom-built for wildlife photography. With features such as two-way mirror windows, photography ports, gimbal heads and soft comfortable chairs, this is the perfect base to enjoy a tranquil day of wildlife photography in our wild corner of the Lake District National Park. The hide is visited daily by Red Squirrels, Nuthatch, Great-spotted Woodpecker, and an array of spectacular woodland birds which reside in Naddle Forest.
A characteristic species of Atlantic Oak woodland, the song of the Pied Flycatcher can be heard each spring at Haweswater. A summer visitor, these beautiful birds return to Naddle’s temperate rainforest each year to breed, after spending a winter in the warmer climes of West Africa. After careful monitoring of nest sites over the past two years, Wild Intrigue have identified two active nests suitable for two pop up photography hides within Naddle Forest, providing perfect opportunities to capture exceptional images of Pied Flycatchers without disturbance.
Both hides are managed by Wild Intrigue who would be happy to answer any enquiries you may have.
For more information and to book, click the button below.
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Wildlife Experiences
Discover the wildlife of our wild corner of the Lake District. From red squirrels and badgers to botany and birds, we host a tempting collection of expert-led, immersive wildlife experiences for all to enjoy. Our experience collection will grow throughout 2021, so check back regularly to discover what’s new.
Dates through 2021, click here to discover more.
Spend a day immersed in wildlife from our NEW Woodland Wildlife Hide, built and operated by local experts Wild Intrigue. This hide has been custom built for wildlife photography, offering excellent opportunities to capture Red Squirrels and woodland birds in comfort, within a beautiful, private section of the reserve.
Limited dates through June, click here to discover more.
Discover the jewel of Haweswater’s temperate rainforest, the Pied Flycatcher, by booking a day in Wild Intrigue’s Pied Flycatcher Photography Hide. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy photographing this beautiful summer visitor without disturbance, whilst supporting our work to protect the species.
Dates from 12th April – November 2021, find out more here.
Enjoy intimate views of one of Haweswater’s most enigmatic woodland mammals, the Badger. With exclusive access to our comfortable Badger Hide for a full evening, you can experience a real wild night out in the tranquility of the reserve, as you observe and photograph these beautiful animals up close.
Limited dates in summer 2021, click here to explore more.
Enjoy the antics of Haweswater’s Red Squirrels from the comfort of Wild Intrigue’s Woodland Wildlife Hide, and learn more about these fascinating animals under the expertise of a Wild Intrigue Guide. All whilst enjoying a delicious, locally sourced breakfast, naturally. Part of the National Parks Experience Collection.
Multi-Day Adventures
Explore wildlife and landscapes by day, relax by camp-fire and sleep under canvas by night. These adventures are the perfect way to escape into nature with like-minded people, into the peace and tranquility of our spectacular landscapes in the eastern Lake District.
Dates throughout summer 2021, click here to find out more.
A tranquil, 3-day wild camping experience into the spectacular Swindale Valley. With pack horses and passionate guides by your side, this adventure is the perfect way to explore and sleep under canvas, within one of our more secluded parts of Haweswater. As featured in The Telegraph.
Limited dates in summer 2021, click here to explore more.
An all inclusive, 4-day wild camping trek across the stunning fells of Haweswater. From Haweswater to Mosedale Common, over the Gatescarth Pass and Harter Fell to Kentmere, and across High Street. Accompanied only by wildlife, your pack horse and a small group of guides and like-minded adventurers.
Dates throughout summer 2021, click here to find out more.
Escape the hustle and bustle of life and reconnect with yourself and nature on an all inclusive mindfulness retreat, based in the heart of beautiful Swindale Valley.
Dates throughout summer 2021, click here to discover more.
Unique opportunities for adult individuals to truly explore the therapeutic value of nature, on an expert guided programme of rejuvenation and restoration.
Gift Vouchers
Do you know special someone who would love a day photographing Red Squirrels and woodland birds, or an evening spent in the company of Badgers?
A Wildlife Hide Gift Voucher is the perfect treat for any nature-lover, take your pick below.
The Haweswater Badger Hide has welcomed hundreds of guests since launching in 2019, with 100% success of close badger encounters every night!
Badger Hide Gift Vouchers entitle the recipient to book an exclusive evening in the hide on a date of their choosing, between April and October 2021. Click here to make someone’s day.
NEW for 2021, the Woodland Wildlife Hide has been designed with photographers in mind, by local experts Wild Intrigue. The hide offers excellent opportunities to photograph species such as charismatic Red Squirrels and an array of woodland birds.
Woodland Wildlife Hide Gift Vouchers entitle the recipient to book from a selection of dates. Click here treat someone
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 9: Wolves
In the final part of our series about species missing from the Lake District, Site Manager Lee Schofield takes on the wolf. A ruined stone building known as Low Loup…
Holes in the map, part 8: Ospreys, goshawks & kites
Part 8 of our series about the Lake District’s missing wildlife, written by Haweswater Site Manager Lee Schofield, strikes a cheerier tone and focuses on three avian conservation success stories.…
Macrofungi of Haweswater’s Mirkside
Delve into the fascinating Kingdom of Haweswater's fungi in this new report by Cumbria Fungi Group, following extensive surveys undertaken in Merkside Wood.
Holes in the map, part 7: Wildcat
In part 7 of our series about the Lake District’s missing wildlife, Site Manager Lee Schofield writes about the wildcat, a species that was common in our woods and fells…
End of year Q&A with the RSPB Haweswater team
A personal insight into the favourite wild moments of 2020, and exciting prospects for 2021, from some of the RSPB Haweswater team.
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
