The event runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm and will include magnificent moths, brilliant bee walks, wildlife discovery adventures, recording rambles, mini beast hunts, pond dipping, and more!

Organised by Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre, the event is free of charge, thanks to National Lottery Players and support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, who awarded £1.6 million towards the purchase price and an ongoing five year programme of conservation and activities to benefit wildlife and people. 

The aim of the day is to record as many different species of insects, flowers, birds, and mammals as possible in the meadows, wetlands, and ponds of  Eycott Hill Nature Reserve.  The records collected at the event will help paint a big picture of wildlife at the nature reserve, and will be submitted to the Cumbrian and national wildlife databases. 

Booking in advance is required for some activities as spaces are limited. These are: 

9:00am: Moths of Eycott Hill Nature Reserve. Help check the moth traps and discover the incredible insects that come out at night.   

10:00am: Recording ramble guided walk. Join Stuart Colgate of Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre to find as many species as possible and learn how to begin identifying them! 

11:00am & 1:30pm: Bumblebees of Eycott Hill Nature Reserve. Learn all about brilliant bees on a guided walk with Julia Pigott of Bee Ed. Suitable for ages 8 years plus.   

To book free places please contact Cumbria Wildlife Trust on 01539 816300 or events@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk. 

There will also be lots of fun-filled drop in activities that don’t need to be booked in advance, just turn up between 10:00am and 4:00pm to join wild walks, bug hunts, and pond dipping sessions, or join a ‘book on the day’ recording ramble at 12:15pm. Visitors can also explore the nature reserve on their own with self-led trails, wildlife spotting sheets, and nature activities. 

New wildlife records will be collated throughout the day and the grand reveal of total records collected, number of species identified, and new species for the nature reserve, will be unveiled at 3:45pm. There will also be opportunities to take a closer look at nature, learn how to use an identification key, and wildlife themed crafts and activities. 

Located between Keswick and Penrith, near to the village of Mungrisdale, Eycott Hill Nature Reserve is 216 hectares of exceptionally rich wildlife habitat and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for the plant life in the wetlands and its geology. Car parking and entry to the nature reserve is free of charge. To find out more, or to get the latest news by email, please visit www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/eycott-hill.