© Tom Marshall
Wildlife Watch groups
What are Wildlife Watch groups?
Wildlife Watch is the junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts and the UK's leading environmental action club for children and families.
The 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 Wildlife Watch groups?
Volunteer leaders, who know about the local places and wildlife, run the Wildlife Watch groups. They generally work with their young members and local experts to organise all kinds of wildlife and environmental activities.
Find your nearest Wildlife Watch group
There are currently eight Wildlife Watch groups in Cumbria:
Barrow Badgers
We are currently looking for volunteers for our Barrow Badgers Wildlife Watch group. The group has traditionally met at Barrow Park between 9:30 and 11:30am, one Sunday a month though there are currently no dates in the diary.
If you would be interested in helping or in finding out more, please contact Ruth at volunteering@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk
Cockermouth Caterpillars
The Cockermouth Watch group is led by Shelagh, Colin and Becky and meets on Tuesdays once a month during term time. Sessions run from 5.30-7pm for children aged from 6-12 years old and cost £2 per child.
Activities may include things like visits to nature reserves, outdoor games, bug hunting or pond dipping so come dressed ready to get outside!
For more information or to book a place please email Shelagh at CockermouthWatch@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk
Gosling Sike Wildlife Watch group
The Houghton Watch group is led by Susan, Helen and Geoff and meets on mornings once a month, at Gosling Sike in Houghton, Carlisle, 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
Harrington Hermit Crabs
Harrington Wildlife Watch group is on the third Saturday of each month at 10.30am until 12.00pm, usually meeting at the beach car park.
Meeting point details
- Address: Harrington Beach Car Park, Quay Street, Workington, CA14 5QL
- Grid reference: NX 98359 29549
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Group leaders
There are two outdoor specialists running the group; Kit and Gracie.
For further information contact Joe via email: joeh@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk
Grange Goshawks
Grange Goshawks Wildlife Watch group, for children up to 12 years old, is run by Danni Metcalfe. The group meet once a month on a Sunday morning and we likely to visit somewhere new each time.
No membership fee, just a recommended donation of £1.50 per person per session.
To book, please email Danni at grangewatch@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk
Kendal Kingfishers
Kendal Kingfishers is led by Seb and meets on Sunday mornings once a month. We like to visit different nature areas or reserves each month. In winter, we often meet at Cumbria Wildlife Trust at Plumgarth’s and explore the grounds there.
Wellies and outdoor clothing are recommended for the fun activities, e.g. pond dipping, minibeasting, tree games, moth identification.
Sessions run for children aged 6-12 years old. There is no membership fee, just £1.50 per session.
To book a place
For more information or to book a place please email Seb or call 07786 442334
Maryport Mussels
Maryport Mussels Wildlife Watch group is on the first Friday of every month at 4.00pm until 5.30pm and usually meets outside the front of the Aquarium.
Meeting point details
- Address: Maryport Beach, Maryport , CA15 8AY
- Grid reference: NY 03296 37047
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Group leaders
There are two marine specialists, Joe and Jess, who run the group.
For further information contact Joe via email: joeh@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk
Parton Porpoises
Parton Porpoises Wildlife Watch group meets on the last Saturday of each month at 10.30am until 12.00pm, usually meeting at the beach car park:
Meeting point details
- Address: Parton Beach, Parton, Whitehaven, CA28 6PA
- Grid reference: NX 97920 20683
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Group leaders
There are two group leaders, Cara and Grace, who are both outdoor specialists.
For further information Contact Joe via email: joeh@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk
Can't see a Wildlife Watch group listed in your area?
If there isn't a Wildlife Watch group near you yet, 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, Ruth Alcroft. Drop her an email today at volunteering@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk
Upcoming Wildlife Watch events
