Fewer things are as synonymous with Wild Haweswater than Spike Webb, who is today [1 April] celebrating his 25th anniversary of being Warden here. Some say he was never born, he just emerged from the fell that day, fully formed and started walling. Others say he is a myth – created in the collective minds of volunteers of the past and present – driven mad by the endless bashing of Bracken. Word on the street is he’s not really called Spike. In honour of his Silver Anniversary, we managed to cage him for just a moment, to get some answers…
1. What were you doing before you came to Wild Haweswater?
I worked for two summers in the Forest of Bowland for the RSPB, protecting beautiful Hen Harriers and then a great year working as Assistant Warden at RSPB Geltsdale.
2. Quarter of a century is quite an achievement. What first brought you to Wild Haweswater?
The Golden Eagles brought me here – the chance to work with this iconic species but that was over 35 years ago as a teenage volunteer! I loved them so much that 25 years ago, I later became employed as Golden Eagle Warden to the only pair of Golden Eagles in England. My main job was to run the the 24-hour protection watch and staffing the public viewpoint to allow visitors to see these magnificent birds.
3. On your silver anniversary, reflecting on your time at Wild Haweswater, what are some of the most memorable moments you’ve had or something you’re most proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of helping restore some amazing habitats at Wild Haweswater, but especially the native woodlands by establishing the tree nursery and planting and expansion of this special habitat. I must have planted tens of thousands of trees here but I lost count a long time ago.
I’m also proud of taking part in woodland bird point count surveys since 2006 and so have accumulated a long data set which helps in woodland bird conservation.
My most memorable moments mostly involve impressive Golden Eagle behaviour including seeing the female Golden eagle take a Red Deer calf and the old male catching a Raven in flight!
4. What do you think makes Wild Haweswater so special?
The mountainous terrain mixed in with old woodlands, rivers, bogs and meadows. I have been very lucky to have developed a strong connection to this place. Also the people who work and volunteer here – I have met many amazing people over the years, including my wife and made lots of friends.
5. What are the biggest changes you have seen over your time at Wild Haweswater?
There have been so many important changes over the years but the main ones that have probably had the most impact for achieving our aims of increasing biodiversity, improving water quality, reducing flood, fire and drought risk, capturing carbon and connecting people to nature are probably: fewer sheep (using native cattle and ponies instead), more young trees regenerating as a result of changes to grazing and more amazing staff and volunteers.
6. Looking ahead, what do you hope will be the focus of the landscape restoration efforts at Wild Haweswater in the coming years?
I think using small numbers of large herbivores (native cattle and Fell Ponies) over large areas will be a big help in restoring natural processes to the landscape.
7. What advice do you have for any budding conservationists looking to get into work like yours?
If you can, volunteer at a reserve and get to work with like-minded people in conservation. I volunteered at many RSPB reserves as a young man and it really helped me understand and gain knowledge in nature conservation. The experience is invaluable.
8. If you could be any of the special species at Wild Haweswater, which one would you be and why?
I fancy being a speed merchant so I’m going for a Peregrine Falcon. They sometimes nest on the craggiest parts of Wild Haweswater and are just very cool.
9. And finally, is it true that you’re not really called Spike?
Outrageous! Sounds like a vicious rumour….
So there you have it – the man, the myth, the legend – Spike Webb.
Image credits:
1) Spike in his natural habitat at Wild Haweswater, taken by Lee Schofield
2) Spike at the Golden Eagle Hut, supplied by another Haweswater legend, Dave Shack
3) Spike planting a Rowan, one of the many thousands of trees he’s planted at Wild Haweswater, taken by Jim Holmes at Ashden
4) Spike dry stone walling. There are 28 km of walls here at Wild Haweswater so it’s a never-ending job, taken by Dave Shack
5) Spike looking up at one of his many precious trees, checking out its progress since he planted it, 10 years before, taken by Lee Schofield.
– Interview and blog by Annabel Rushton, RSPB People and Partnerships Manager at Wild Haweswater. Posted 1 April 2025 (after 12 noon).
