Baffled by Birches? Unhinged by Hazel? Jumbled by Juniper?
Join our Assistant Warden Richard to learn more about identifying trees.
After a warm welcome and introduction, you’ll have the chance to take a look at our native tree and plant nursery – the largest in the Lake District.
Together, you’ll then head off to explore the temperate rainforest of Naddle Forest here at Wild Haweswater, looking at trees in their winter buds and discovering top tips on how to identify them at this time of year.
Round off the event with a hot drink back at our office base at Naddle Farm, where you’ll have the chance to ask lots of questions.
(Images of Naddle Forest in Winter by Bea Normington)
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 Richard at the RSPB office at Wild Haweswater. You will be sent more detailed directions a week before the event, but our address is: Naddle Farm, Burn Banks, Bampton, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2RP.
3) What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
🌳 Unfortunately public transport to Wild Haweswater is currently unavailable. There is limited parking available at Naddle Farm. Simply drive up the lane to Naddle Farm until you reach the farmhouse (the RSPB office at Wild Haweswater), where we will be waiting for you. This parking is for events only, so isn’t available as public parking outside of event times.
4) What is the terrain of the walk like?
🌳 The walk will largely take place on stone/earth paths in and around the forest, though we will go off-path at times. The gradient is very steep and rocky in places and it can be muddy underfoot. 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 trees at all. This walk is aimed at beginners and novices looking to learn more about identifying trees in winter, in the field. Unfortunately due to the terrain, this walk is unsuitable for wheelchairs and those with limited mobility. Please contact us if you have additional questions about accessibility. Due to the length and pitch of the walk, this event is unsuitable for children under 12. Sorry, no dogs on this event, other than assistance dogs.
6) What should I bring with me?
🌳 You should wear warm, comfortable, waterproof, outdoor footwear and clothing appropriate for the weather - including a raincoat. 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. You will be provided with some resources to take home. Feel free to bring snacks/drinks. Hot drinks will be available at the end of the walk.
7) What facilities are available on site?
🌳 Our toilets are located in the car park. There is single step access to one toilet and two steps to access the other.
8) What else can I do whilst at Wild 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. See question 11 for places to eat and drink. 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 £35 and £28?
🌳 £35 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 £28. If you are not an RSPB member and would like to join, we would be happy to sign you up on your visit. £1 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 Wild 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, award-winning chip shop and Birchwood Cafe.
12) Where can I stay locally?
Why not extend your day trip to an overnighter, or your weekend into a week! There’s lots of lovely options for places to stay nearby.
🌳 Our excellent, local, community pub, the Mardale Inn, at Bampton is just 5 minutes drive away and offers newly refurbished rooms at a discounted overnight rate to Wild Haweswater visitors, available using the code ‘WildHawes23YTS’
🌳 Swindale Bothy is in the heart of Wild Haweswater, on the banks of re-wiggled Swindale Beck
🌳 Nearby 4* Haweswater Hotel is just 5 minutes drive away, with stunning views over Haweswater reservoir itself
🌳 Rosie’s Barn in Butterwick, about 10 minutes drive away, is a romantic escape just for one couple, blending rustic elegance and stunning landscapes. Self-catering but with a hearty breakfast included. Dogs welcome.
🌳 The Queen’s Head and the Punchbowl Inn, both in the picturesque village of Askham, are 15 minutes drive away
🌳 Rose Cottage by Lakes For All – Newly built in 2023, Rose Cottage is a purpose built accessible holiday home located 10 minutes south of Penrith in the lovely village of Hackthorpe (around 20 minutes from Wild Haweswater). The property sleeps up to 7 guests and includes features such as an H-track ceiling hoist, profiling bed, wet room and Freedom by Symphany kitchen with motorised worktop for inclusive cooking
🌳 There are a number of bed and breakfasts, holiday cottages, and pubs with rooms, 20 minutes drive away in Shap, including New Ing Lodge, Wainwright’s Rest, The Greyhound pub and more
🌳 Local campsites include New Ing Lodge and Aragon campsite. Bridge End Garage in Bampton takes caravans and campervans.
🌳 Further afield in the Lake District, try Another Place at Ullswater or lots more options here
🌳 The nearest town is Penrith, about 25 minutes drive away with many national chains and other choices.