© 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 5.00pm-6.30pm 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 Wildlife Watch group
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. There are two outdoor specialists running the group, Kit and Geacie. For more information contact Ruth Alcroft on 07862 254575
Grange Goshawks
Grange Goshawks Wildlife Watch group, for children up to 12 years old, 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
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 Wildlife Watch group
Maryport 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. There are two marine specialists, Joe and Jess, who run the group. For more information contact Ruth Alcroft on 07862 254575
Parton Wildlife Watch group
Parton group meets on the fourth Saturday of each month at 10.30am until 12.00pm, usually meeting at the beach car park. There are two group leaders, Cara and Grace, who are both outdoor specialists. For further information contact Ruth Alcroft on 07862 254575.
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 Ruth Alcroft at volunteering@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk