Holes in the map, part 6: Wildcat
In part 6 of our series about the Lake District’s missing wildlife, Site Manager Lee Schofield writes about wildcats, a species that was common in our woods and fells until…
RSPB Haweswater is in Tier 4: Stay at Home
This means we are in an area with a very rapidly rising rate of COVID-19 infections.
Government guidance is to stay home and exercise locally.
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
Immerse yourself in nature with our unique collection of wildlife experiences.
(Our guided events programme is currently on hold accommodate ongoing
Covid-19 restrictions. We plan to host our popular events again from spring 2021.)
(Our guided events programme is currently on hold accommodate ongoing
Covid-19 restrictions. We plan to host our popular events again from spring 2021.)
NOW OPEN
NEW Woodland Wildlife Photography Hide
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This much-awaited wildlife hide is set within beautiful. mossy woodland here at RSPB Haweswater, and is the perfect location to enjoy photographing species such as Red Squirrel, Nuthatch and Great-spotted Woodpecker in comfort.
The hide is operated by Wild Intrigue, so all enquiries and bookings can be made directly at wildintrigue.co.uk. Fixed dates are available from January 2021, and gift vouchers are available – ideal to treat someone (or yourself!)
Gift Vouchers
The Haweswater Badger Hide has welcomed hundreds of guests since launching in 2019, with 100% success of close badger ecnounters every single 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 the photo to purchase online!
NEW for 2021, the Woodland Wildlife Hide has been designed with photographers in mind, by our friends Wild Intrigue. The hide offers excellent opportunities to photograph species such as charismatic Red Squirrels and colourful Nuthatch.
Wild Intrigue’s Woodland Wildlife Hide Gift Vouchers entitle the recipient to book from a selection of dates. Click the photo to purchase online!
Adventures at Haweswater
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.
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.
End of year Q&A with the team: Roe deer, orchids and fly-campers
A personal insight into the favourite wild moments of 2020, and exciting prospects for 2021, from some of the RSPB Haweswater team.
Holes in the map, part 5: Pine Marten
In the fifth installment of the series about specices missing from the Lake District, Site Manager Lee Schofield focuses on one of our most elusive native predators, the pine marten.…
RSPB Haweswater to help lead green recovery across the Lake District
The Government has today announced that RSPB Haweswater will receive funds to set-up the largest native tree and wildflower nursery in the Lake District; creating vital new jobs while helping…
Holes in the map, part 4: Water Vole
The fourth part of the series focusing on species missing from the Lake District, Site Manager Lee Schofield looks for water voles. For aeons, The Lake District and its abundance…
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…
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