Wildlife watch groups

image of Wildlife Watch kids reading magazine - copyright tom marshall

© Tom Marshall

Wildlife Watch groups

What are Wildlife Watch groups?

Our Wildlife Watch groups are for children to make friends with other nature detectives and have lots of fun taking part in practical nature activities  - from pond dipping to wildlife safaris.

Who runs the groups?

Our Wildlife Watch Groups are organised by volunteer leaders who know about the local places and wildlife. They generally work with their young members and local experts to organise all kinds of wildlife and environmental activities.

Barrow Badgers

Barrow Badgers is led by Leanne Parr and meets once a month on a Sunday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 am at Barrow Park. Sessions are for 6 to 12 year olds. We explore the park, help wildlife and go on excursions to the beach and other nearby nature reserves.

No Membership fee, just a recommended donation of £1.50 per session. 

To book, please contact Leanne via barrowwatch@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk  

Cockermouth Caterpillars

The new Cockermouth Watch group is led by Ruth Davey and meets on Tuesdays once a month, at the Scout Centre on St Helen’s Street in Cockermouth. Sessions run from 6.30-8pm for children aged from 6-12 years old. 

Activities may include things like outdoor games, bug hunting or pond dipping so come dressed ready to get outside!

There is no membership fee, just a recommended donation of £2.00 per session.

For more information or to book a place please email Mia at CockermouthWatch@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk

Gosling Sike Wildlife Watch group

The Houghton Watch group is led by Geoff Norman and meets on Thursday evenings once a month, at Gosling Sike in Houghton, Carlisle. Sessions run from 5:00 pm-6:30 pm for children aged from 6-12 years old.

There is no membership fee, just a recommended donation of £1.50 per session.

For more information or to book a place please contact Geoff via email

Kendal Kingfishers

Kendal Kingfishers is led by Seb and meets on Saturdays once a month, at Plumgarths, Cumbria Wildlife Trust's Headquarters near Kendal. Sessions run for children aged from 6-12 years old.

In the spring and summer months, sessions usually take place in the grounds of Plumgarths – wellies and outdoor clothing are recommended for the fun activities e.g. pond dipping, minibeasting, tree games, moth identification. We often visit other nature reserves too. 

There is no membership fee, just £1.50 per session. There are a few spaces for new members, but numbers are limited to 20 children.

To book a place

For more information or to book a place please email Seb or call 07786 442334

Grange Wildlife Watch group

Grange Wildlife Watch group is run by Danni Chalmers. The group meet once a month on a Sunday morning and we like to visit somewhere new each time. 

No membership fee, just a recommended donation of £1.50 per person per session. 

To book, please contact Danni on grangewatch@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk 

No group in your area?

If there is no Wildlife Watch group in your area then why not think about setting one up? All our groups are led by volunteer leaders and helpers and supported by Cumbria Wildlife Trust staff.

Information on setting up a group is available from our Volunteering Coordinator Eve Mulholland at volunteering@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk

Upcoming Wildlife Watch events