Watchtree Nature Reserve

About Us

“Watchtree Nature Reserve a Wildlife Haven and Community Asset for All.” 

The limited company title – ‘Watchtree Nature Reserve Ltd.’ encompasses all that we do, which includes the reserve itself, Watchtree Wheelers, our Educational Services, the Café and our many associated events such as trail runs and health walks. 

We are a registered charity with the following objectives: 

• To maintain, improve or provide public amenities 
• To promote; for the public benefit, the Watchtree site in Cumbria and its environs, in particular by associating local community organisations in a common effort to advance education, to relieve poverty, need, and hardship. 
• To provide facilities for leisure time occupation in the interest of social welfare, and to conserve and improve the environment. 

We have developed into a successful community asset with a small team of staff and active volunteer force. The reserve has become a popular visitor attraction due to the warm welcome from our team, the variety of wildlife and the additional attractions, including cycle hire service.  

Plan Your Visit

Watchtree is a 205 acre, fully accessible nature reserve, situated on the Solway plain, 6 miles south west of Carlisle. The reserve has clear views to the northern hills of the Lake District and overlooks the Solway Firth estuary. 

Our reserve hosts different habitats, teeming with wildlife. A network of accessible trails makes it easy to explore and experience our UK wildlife in their natural habitat. 

If you want a different adventure, why not hire a bike from our Watchtree Wheelers fleet? With over 100 bikes suitable for all abilities, we are sure we have a bike that will kick start your adventure. 

Why not treat yourself during your visit to some tasty homemade food, fresh from our Watchtree café? 

Parking and Admission

Parking at Watchtree is free from 9am, it is also free to enter but donations are welcomed. Watchtree Nature Reserve is a registered charity and every penny you donate to Watchtree goes back into the reserve. 

Additional information: There is a cost to hire bikes and to join in some of our events. As a regular visitor you could save money by becoming a member of Watchtree, find out more.