Experience the magic of nature’s music festival on this exclusive event, and be immersed in the wild symphony of the dawn chorus here at Haweswater.
Under the expert eyes and ears of our Warden Spike, amble through the enchanting ancient oak woodland of Naddle Forest, as an array of woodland birds come to life with their morning song.
Haweswater's woodlands explode with the sounds of birds such as Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Treecreepers and a variety of Finches, Tits, and Thrushes – each with their own unique melody. The yaffling of Green Woodpeckers and the mewing of Buzzards is a great way to start the day! At this time of year, these resident birds are also joined by migrant birds such as Chiffchaffs, Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts, who arrive here in spring from Africa, to raise their families in this special site.
Being the first on the site there's a chance you might spot some of Haweswater's more elusive residents - Red Squirrels, Roe Deer, Red Deer and Badgers too.
We’ll round off the event with a hot drink back at our office base at Naddle Farm, where you’ll have the chance to ask questions and discover more about Spike’s 20+ years of experience working here.
1) Who do I contact with any questions?
🐦 Please contact our team on 01931 713376 or haweswater@rspb.org.uk if you have any queries, and we will be happy to help.
2) Where is the meeting place?
🐦 You will be greeted by Spike at the RSPB office at Haweswater. Our address is: Naddle Farm, Burn Banks, Bampton, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2RP. Find us on What3Words here.
3) What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
🐦 Unfortunately public transport to Haweswater is currently unavailable. There is parking available at Naddle Farm. Simply drive up the Naddle Farm lane until you reach the farmhouse (the RSPB office at Haweswater), where we will be waiting to meet you.
4) What is the terrain like?
🐦 The walk will largely take place on stone/earth paths in and around the forest. The gradient can be a little steep in places.
There are opportunities to explore further on site after the event should you wish to discover more of our beautiful corner of the Lake District. Our team can advise you on some other excellent places to explore.
5) Who is the walk suitable for?
🐦You don’t have to know anything about birds or birdsong. Whether you’re a seasoned dawn chorus festival-goer or a newcomer keen to experience nature’s celebratory symphony, you will enjoy the magic of this experience.
Unfortunately due to the terrain, this walk is unsuitable for wheelchairs. Please contact us if you have additional questions about accessibility.
Due to the terrain and length of the walk, this event is unsuitable for children under 12.
Sorry, no dogs on this event.
6) What should I bring with me?
🐦 You should wear comfortable, outdoor footwear and clothing appropriate for the weather - including a light raincoat. It can be chilly in the early morning so bring warm layers.
We recommend bringing a pair of binoculars if you have them. You may also like to bring a camera or take pictures on your phone.
A notepad and pen to record what you learn is useful, but not essential if you simply want to absorb the experience.
Feel free to bring snacks/drinks. Hot drinks will be available at the end of the walk.
7) What facilities are available on site?
🐦 There is a toilet available for use on the event at Naddle Farm. It is located in the car park.
Hot drinks will be available at the end of the walk.
See questions 11 and 12 for food/drink and accommodation options locally.
8) What else can I do whilst at Haweswater?
🐦 We have a whole host of events and experiences available, or you might just like to explore other parts of the site at your leisure. Visit wildhaweswater.co.uk for full details. See questions 11 and 12 for food/drink and accommodation options locally.
9) What is the difference between a booking of £30 and £24?
🐦 £30 is the full non-member price. As a thank you for regularly donating to our nature conservation work, RSPB members receive a 20% discount on all RSPB events, so have a lower price of £24. If you are not an RSPB member and would like to join, we would be happy to sign you up on your visit. 50p is added to each booking as a booking fee, for the third party booking system used by the RSPB.
10) What if I need to re-schedule or cancel?
🐦 Full details of the RSPB’s events refund policy can be found here. Please contact our team on 01931 713376 or haweswater@rspb.org.uk if you have any other queries, and we will be happy to help.
11) Where can I eat and drink locally?
🐦 You won't go hungry when visiting Haweswater, with plenty of nearby places to eat and drink. The 4* Haweswater Hotel just 5 minutes drive away, community pub the Mardale Inn at Bampton just 5 minutes drive away or the Queen's Head and the Punchbowl Inn at Askham, both 15 minutes drive away are our most local pubs. There is also a café at Lowther Castle, 20 minutes drive away and a number of options in Shap, also 20 minutes drive away, including the Kings Arms and The Greyhound pubs, a chip shop and The Abbey Kitchen café.
12) Where can I stay locally? 🐦 There's lots of lovely options for places to stay nearby. The 4* Haweswater Hotel is just 5 minutes drive away and the Queen's Head and the Punchbowl Inn, both at Askham are 15 minutes drive away. There are a number of bed and breakfasts, holiday cottages and pubs with rooms in Shap too.