National Meadows Day is a celebration of magnificent meadows around the UK.
Join our Site Manager and author of Wild Fell, Lee Schofield, to experience the magic of our hay meadows, at their midsummer best.
At this time of year they’re bursting with life and colour as the stunning array of wildflowers are in bloom and humming with insects. Stroll through this Site of Special Scientific Interest, under the expert guidance of Lee, to discover more about this incredible but fragile habitat.
(Image of our wildflower hay meadows in Swindale Valley, taken by Dave Morris)
1) Who do I contact with any questions?
🌸 Please contact our team on the phone number or email listed above, if you have any queries, and we will be happy to help.
2) Where is the meeting place?
🌸 You will be greeted by Lee at the small car park in Swindale Valley. You will be sent more detailed directions a week before the event, but the location is at What 3 Words: texts.cavalier.wake
3) What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
🌸 Unfortunately public transport to Haweswater is currently unavailable. There is a small amount of parking available in Swindale, where Lee will be waiting to meet you.
4) What is the terrain of the walk like?
🌸 The walk will largely take place on grass and stony tracks with some of it on tarmac. It is mostly flat but can be quite uneven and is steep in places. It can be muddy underfoot and we also cross a stream. 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 / what is the accessibility of the walk?
🌸 You don’t have to know anything about wildflowers. Whether you’re a botany boffin or just keen to experience the magic of meadows, you will enjoy this experience. Unfortunately due to the terrain, this walk is unsuitable for wheelchairs. Please contact us if you have additional questions about accessibility. 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 clothing appropriate for the weather. A light raincoat is useful as it can be wet, even in July. Wellies are recommended as we will be crossing a river as part of the walk. If we have a hot summer, then a sun hat and sun cream will be essential as this event is out in the open. You may 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. You may wish to have a picnic in Swindale after the event.
7) What facilities are available on site?
🌸 There are no toilet facilities in Swindale. The nearest toilet is at the RSPB office at Naddle Farm, a 10 minute drive from Swindale. 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. Visit www.wildhaweswater.co.uk for full details, or ask our team on the day and we'd be happy to point you at some great places to go.
9) What is the difference between a booking of £32 and £25.50?
🌸 £22 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 £17.50. If you are not an RSPB member and would like to join, we would be happy to sign you up on your visit. 75p 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 closest are the 4* Haweswater Hotel, our local community pub the Mardale Inn at Bampton and Bampton Community Shop, all just 5 minutes drive away. There is also the Queen’s Head and the Punchbowl Inn at Askham, both 15 minutes drive away as well as the Askham village shop with a selection of hot drinks, pies, sandwiches and cakes. There is a café at Lowther Castle, 20 minutes drive away and a number of options in Shap, also 20 minutes drive away, including The Greyhound pub, 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. Our local community pub, The Mardale Inn at Bampton,is 5 minutes drive away and offers newly refurbished rooms at a discounted overnight rate to Wild Haweswater visitors, available using the code “WildHawes23YTS.” The 4* Haweswater Hotel is just 5 minutes drive away overlooking the reservoir 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 20 minutes away in Shap such as New Ing Lodge and the Greyhound pub. Campsites include Setterah Park Farm, New Ing Lodge and Aragon Camping. Further afield in the Lake District, you can find lots more options here.