Species Highlight: Northern Wheatear
A member of the Chat family, the Wheatear is one of Haweswater’s most striking summer visitors, returning first from an incredible migration-by-night across Africa, to our rocky fells in readiness…
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.
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
Enjoy a magical evening discovering one of Britain’s most enigmatic mammals, on one of our popular RSPB Haweswater Guided Badger Watches.
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?
20 March | 10am – 12.30pm
Adults £12 (RSPB members £10)
Under 18’s £6
Explore the nooks, crannies and creatures of gnarly Naddle Forest on the first of our brand new RSPB Talk & Walk events for 2020.
10 April | 10am – 12pm
Adults £10 (RSPB members £8)
Children £5
Embark upon an RSPB Guided family adventure of gnarly Naddle Forest in search of red squirrels, bugs, wildflowers, birds and more!
10 April | 2pm – 5.30pm
Adults £15 (RSPB members £12)
Under 18’s £8
An RSPB Guided exploration of beautiful Swindale Valley to discover the wildlife and habitats benefiting from the newly restored Swindale Beck.
17 April | 10am – 12.30pm
Adults £15 (RSPB members £12)
Under 18’s £8
Discover how Haweswater is an important safe haven for one of the Lake District’s most notable mammals, the red squirrel, before heading out to search for them in Naddle Forest.
24 April | 6am – 8am
Adults £20 (RSPB members £16)
Under 18’s £10
Start your morning immersed in the melodic birdsong of Haweswater, on this fascinating event led under the specialist expertise of RSPB Haweswater site warden, Spike.
5 May | 5.30am – 7.30am
Adults £20 (RSPB members £16)
Under 18’s £10
With International Dawn Chorus Day taking place two days prior, head out with RSPB Haweswater site warden, Spike, to discover the diversity of Haweswater’s birds.
22 + 25 May | 11am – 12.30pm
Adults £12 (RSPB members £10)
Under 18’s £6
Join an RSPB Guided exploration of Naddle Forest at the most beautiful time of year, as it becomes blanketed in carpets of bluebells, and search for the woodland’s wild inhabitants
11 May | 8pm – 9.30pm
Adults £10 (RSPB members £8)
Children £5
Children and their teddy bears are invited to embark upon a nocturnal RSPB Guided family adventure, in search of one of the most curious nocturnal creatures – bats!
25 May | 8.30pm – 10pm
Adults £12 (RSPB members £10)
Under 18’s £6
Embark upon an RSPB Guided evening foray into Naddle Forest to discover the signs, sounds and creatures that roam Haweswater after sunset, and of course eavesdrop on bats using detectors!
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.
Welcoming spring together
Today marks the First Day of Spring, and amongst the uncertainty presented in ‘our’ world right now, the natural world – that which we remain a part of – is…
RSPB Haweswater Coronavirus Update
Following the latest government advice we are taking action where possible to prioritise the health and welfare of our staff, volunteers and visitors.
Species Highlight: The Alder
Haweswater Residential Volunteer, Sam Mould, takes us through her investigation into the ecology, folklore and historic use of this little celebrated tree.
Woodland: A Nature-Based Solution to Climate Change
As part of National Tree Week (23 November – 1 December), this blog by RSPB volunteer and nature writer, Nic Wilson, explores the critical importance of woodland creation and conservation…
From Saltholme to Haweswater… and back again
Last week, Visitor Experience Intern Laura Pringle travelled from RSPB Saltholme in industrial Teesside to our rural Haweswater base, on a trip to explore the distinctions between our two sites.…
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