Blog

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 as a key nature-based solution to climate change. Haweswater Site Manager Lee Schofield contributes.

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. Here she shares her mini-adventure with us…

Species Highlight: Red Squirrel

Our Residential Volunteer Sam Mould has been finding out about one of the Lake District’s most infamous and beautiful inhabitants; the Red Squirrel. Here she shares her findings… The red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris is the only native squirrel in the British Isles. Red squirrel preference is for mixed or broadleaf woodlands that give a wider diversity of species, meaning an increase in the availability of food. Unfortunately, largely due to… Read More »Species Highlight: Red Squirrel

Volunteer Voices: Tamsin

Join Tamsin as she reminisces of her adventures with bracken, badgers, banana bread and so much more, whilst on her residential volunteer placement at RSPB Haweswater. A few weeks ago I boarded a train at Euston headed for Penrith, the North Lakes. I was excited and looking forward to a week outdoors, away from the constraints of the desk and otherwise generally sedentary lifestyle. I had packed all my favourite… Read More »Volunteer Voices: Tamsin

Haweswater Badger Hide: Celebrating Six Months

As fresh leaves began to open on the trees, so too opened the doors to the Haweswater Badger Hide to welcome its very first visitors this April. Construction of the hide took place through the 2018/19 autumn season by the RSPB Haweswater team, a project initiated, designed and managed by our incredible Warden, Mal. As Naddle Farm is central to a number of badger territories, therefore allowing badgers to pass… Read More »Haweswater Badger Hide: Celebrating Six Months

The Wild Haweswater Journal

Welcome to the Wild Haweswater Journal – your one-stop place to read fascinating insights into this beautiful 6000 ha reserve, nestled in a secluded, rugged corner of the Lake District National Park. In this Journal you can find regular updates on our site management, seasonal events, stories from the Haweswater Badger Hide, fascinating species spotlights and much more. Throughout the seasons Haweswater’s beautiful mosaic of landscapes and diversity of species… Read More »The Wild Haweswater Journal

Nights with Badgers

Since opening our Badger Hide at RSPB Haweswater, we have had the pleasure of introducing students, couples, filmmakers, families and sole-badger lovers to our three visiting sows (females) who emerge from their setts in the wilds of Haweswater on an evening, and visit our Badger Hide to forage and socialise. Between public sessions, it’s almost too irresistible for the Haweswater team to spend an evening watching the girls when they… Read More »Nights with Badgers

Wilderness Escapes – How It All Began…

Guest blog by Greg Wilson, MD of Wilderness Escapes Wilderness Escapes is an idea that was literally born out of years spent sitting around a campfire in some remote lake or loch far from civilisation. The silence of these places is at first startling, but then is soon replaced by the sounds of nature and natural phenomena.  In the past a friend and I would paddle from our ‘put in’… Read More »Wilderness Escapes – How It All Began…