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Badger Hide | Exclusive Hire
Enjoy intimate views and excellent photography opportunities of badgers, from the comfort of RSPB Haweswater's custom built hide.
As the sun sets over Haweswater, our woodland residents emerge for their nightly foraging escapades.
Our comfortable, custom built hide at Naddle Farm offers the unique opportunity to observe and photograph these secretive mammals in the Lake District National Park at close range. With lights covering the viewing area, you can continue watching and photographing the badgers well after sunset.
Our Badger Hide offers an excellent experience for wildlife photographers, families and couples keen to have a real, wild night out! You will have the hide exclusively to yourself for the whole evening.
Seating is provided, and the hide is entirely enclosed making for a comfortable (midge free!) badger watching experience. As the hide is situated less than a 10 second walk from the car park too, it is suitable for those unable to walk long distances*.
You will be greeted upon arrival by a member of the Haweswater team who will give you a brief introduction to badgers and show you the location of our toilet facilities. You will then be guided to the Badger Hide, and from there will have the freedom to leave the hide whenever you like after spending the night with our brocks.
This hide is NOT located at a badger sett, instead it is located along the foraging route of the badgers.
PLEASE NOTE that the times stated are not indicative of badger activity. Within the week of your selected date, you will be contacted by a member of the RSPB Haweswater team to tell you when the most appropriate arrival time would be according to recent badger activity.
*Please bear in mind that there are several concrete steps to access the hide.
(Photo credit: Denise Creely, taken from the RSPB Haweswater Badger Hide)
FAQs
How can I contact the RSPB Haweswater with any questions?
Please contact Visitor Development Officer Heather Devey at the RSPB Haweswater office on 01931 713376 or at heather.devey@rspb.org.uk if you have any queries.
Is the Badger Hide suitable for wildlife photography?
Yes. The hide has been built to be ground level, offering you the greatest opportunity to photograph Badgers at eye-level. The windows are maintained to afford you a clear view out to watch and photograph Badgers this way without obscurement. There is also a camera port which you are welcome to open. We recommend that you bring a tripod with you.
Can I book the Hide on a date not listed?
If you have a particular date in mind to book the Hide exclusively which is not listed on the booking system, please get in touch with us directly to discover whether this can be arranged.
Can I bring food and drink for myself into the hide?
Yes you are welcome to bring a flask and snacks (without rustling packets!) to enjoy with you whilst in the hide, we just ask that you please take your rubbish home with you.
What is your refund policy?
Refunds can be requested up to 7 days prior to the date of your hide booking. In the unlikely event we need to close the hide due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be offered to either reschedule your booking, or receive a refund.
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
Unfortunately public transport to RSPB Haweswater is unavailable.
There is parking available at Naddle Farm for those driving. Simply drive up the Naddle Farm lane until you reach the farmhouse (the RSPB Haweswater offices), where a member of the Haweswater team will be waiting for you.
Our address is RSPB Haweswater, Naddle Farm, Burn Banks, Bampton, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2RP. Find us on What3Words here: https://w3w.co/spearhead.encloses.tractor
Are toilets available on site?
There is a toilet which you are welcome to use before and after entering the hide. This is external to the hide and will be cleaned to a COVID-secure standard prior to your arrival.
Good to know
Our Badger Hide experience has achieved the industry standard 'We're Good To Go' accreditation from Visit England, indicating we're able to offer a COVID secure experience.
We have installed a hand sanitiser dispenser in the hide which you are welcome, and politely encouraged, to use when entering and leaving the hide.
The toilet is cleaned frequently, and will be cleaned prior to your arrival following a thorough COVID-secure protocol. Hand sanitiser and sanitising spray will be available in the unit.
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