The Team

Our reserve manager is a local fella, born and bred in Wigton, and now lives with his young family on the Solway coast.  

Ryan has always been interested in the outdoors, nature, wildlife and bikes which led him from school at Nelson Thomlinson to studying Animal Welfare and Behaviour at Myerscough College in Lancashire. Despite enjoying his studies, Ryan is the first to admit that academics aren’t his strong point and through university he found himself working in a variety of roles including student wardening, farm hand and bar man. 

Following his graduation Ryan joined the Watchtree Team in 2009 as Access and Development Officer, his primary role was to oversee the new Watchtree Wheelers project. In 2016 Ryan took over as Reserve Manager and the rest as they say is history! 

The Wheelers team is made up of experienced staff and volunteers with skills in cycle adaptations, coaching, mechanics and more. Reserve manager, Ryan Dobson, coordinates the team but any of the bike gang will be happy to help you with any queries or cycle-related requirements.

Hazel has worked in hospitality for over 3 decades across various businesses between Cornwall and Carlisle. Born in Cheshire but most of her childhood was spent in North Wales, she moved to the Carlisle area in 2018. She is interested in the sustainability of food and is looking forward to working with local food producers to use their goods to enhance our menu. A very proud Nanna of 3, wife to Richard and ‘mum’ to her fur baby, Noonoo the pug. She loves nothing more than a cafe full of children and dogs!!

David has a keen interest in wildlife and the environment. He was a Police Wildlife Crime Officer for many years and has also worked as an Environment Officer and a Fisheries Officer with the Environment Agency. He has many years of experience in this field. His expertise is fundamental in the maintenance and upkeep of Watchtree and the health and safety of all our volunteers. 

In 2006, Senga obtained a HND in Stage Design and Performance from Aberystwyth University. She then graduated in 2009 from Manchester Metropolitan University with a specialization in film and photography within the field of Contemporary Art. Since 2012, she has been involved with Watchtree. Initially, she started as a volunteer and took on various roles. In 2019, she assumed the role of team leader for marketing. Senga promotes outdoor activities, wildlife observation, and the enjoyment of nature in a safe environment. Along with our team, she organizes a variety of sports and nature events throughout the year to help people improve their health and well-being.