The temperate rainforest of Naddle Forest, peat bogs of Mosedale, rushing streams running through the valleys and wildflowers of the meadows and fells, each provide homes to both rare and common wildlife.
Unlike many traditional RSPB nature reserves, Wild Haweswater isn’t a place where there are designated viewpoints, hides or spots to see specific wildlife. It is a landscape restoration partnership project, so our work here is about reviving damaged habitats and making them more resilient to the impact of climate change (for example through planting trees and Alpine plants, re-wiggling rivers, re-wetting peat bogs and more). We’re delivering benefits to nature, water and people too such as improving drinking water quality, reducing flood, drought and fire risk and storing carbon. This in turn is restoring the site for the special wildlife that lives here, along with reintroducing lost species, but the plants and animals are very much within the landscape – which is mountainous and vast and so doesn’t always make them easy to see like they are on other sites.
If you’re casually visiting, it’s a case of walking on the network of public footpaths and bridleways throughout the valleys and fells here, seeing what is around, and being lucky. See above information on parking and facilities.
The RSPB and our partners also have a range of nature-based, exciting events and experiences through the year, to help you discover the wonderful wildlife of this beautiful, rugged landscape. Check out the ‘Events and Experiences’ tab above.
🌸 Spring 🌸
As the winter fades away, spring at Wild Haweswater sees Ring Ouzels, Wheatears, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits return to the fells around the reservoir from Africa. Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers and Cuckoos migrate back to the forests of Naddle and Swindale valleys. Join us for a Dawn Chorus walk in May to experience the sound of nature’s early morning music festival.
Our Badger Watching Hide re-opens for the season from April through to October, giving you the chance to see this iconic mammal up-close.
Mountain Ringlet butterflies emerge on remote fells, flitting among the grasses.
Our flock of Cheviot sheep and herd of hardy Scottish cattle, have their lambs and calves in the fields close to our farms in Naddle and Swindale valleys.
☀ Summer ☀
At this time of year, the wildflowers in Swindale Meadows and the Arctic-Alpine plants of Mardale Mountain Meadow come into their full, colourful bloom. Join us for a National Meadows Day walk in July, to experience the magic of this season.
Dark Green, Small Pearl Bordered and recently recolonised Marsh Fritillary butterflies flit around Swindale Meadows along with Golden Ringed dragonflies and a whole host of other marvellous insects.
We cut our hay in late July onwards, to allow the wildflowers chance to set seed.
Fell Pony Adventures will take you on a unique, wild camping experience.
🍄 Autumn 🍄
As the summer moves into autumn, the unusual sound of roaring Red Deer can be herd echoing across the fells. Join us for a Red Deer Rut on Foot event in October, to experience the sights and sounds of this natural spectacle.
A wide variety of fairy tale-like fungi can be spotted in Naddle Forest (and if you’re really lucky, a pixie or two sat on top).
Listen for the sound of Pink-footed Geese flying overhead as they migrate back to the UK from their breeding grounds.
Wild Intrigue‘s Woodland Wildlife Hide re-opens for the season in November through to June.
❄️ Winter ❄️
The snow-capped fells and icy streams give the whole site a Narnian-feel this season.
Atlantic Salmon make their way from the sea into Swindale Beck to spawn.
Redwings and Fieldfares spend the winter here, feasting on berries to survive the colder months before migrating north to Scandinavia to breed.
Tree planting season is in full swing, with our staff and volunteers planting thousands of trees from our nursery, back out into the landscape as part of our restoration work. Join us for a Tree ID walk or plant a tree in Celebration Wood to remember a life or mark a special occasion.
🌳 Year Round 🌳
Red Squirrels scamper through the forest (why not have breakfast or afternoon tea with them?), recently re-introduced Water Voles plop into the becks, Dippers plunge into the fast-flowing streams, and Buzzards circle overhead.
Our herds of native Cumbrian Fell Ponies, Highland, Luing and Belted Galloway cattle, and Cheviot sheep can be seen around the site, carrying out their important conservation grazing.
At Nature’s Pace offer a range of nature connection and wellbeing adventures at Wild Haweswater through the seasons.