Local Photographers Celebrated at Watchtree Wildlife Calendar 2026 Launch

Watchtree Nature Reserve marked the launch of its 2026 Watchtree Wildlife Calendar with a special celebration evening at the Visitors Centre, honouring the talented photographers whose images feature in next year’s calendar.

The event brought together contributors, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate the creativity and community spirit behind the project. Guests enjoyed refreshments, viewed the printed calendar for the first time, and shared the stories behind each photograph, each one capturing a unique moment from Watchtree’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.

This year’s featured photographers are:
Peter Brown, James Silson, Liz Still, Dot Frazer, Richard Speirs, Senga Grave, and Dawn McCall.

Their images highlight the beauty and biodiversity of Watchtree, from tranquil landscape reflections to the vibrant wildlife that calls the reserve home.

Two additional photographers were recognised as runners-up for their outstanding entries: Helen Roe and Peter Moor.

The Watchtree Wildlife Calendar is a long-running fundraising tradition, with every calendar donation helping to support Watchtree’s year-round conservation work, accessibility improvements, and community wellbeing projects.

A massive, heartfelt thank you to our 47+ incredible sponsors who have made this year’s calendar possible. We truly couldn’t do it without your generosity, support, and belief in what we do. You’re the reason these calendars can help fund conservation, accessibility, and community projects all year round, and we are beyond grateful!

Senga Grave, Watchtree’s spokesperson, said:

“The standard of photography this year has been incredible. Every image tells a story of connection between people, wildlife, and the special places that make Watchtree what it is. We’re so proud to see our local photographers’ work celebrated and shared across Cumbria.”

The 2026 Watchtree Wildlife Calendar is now available for a suggested donation of £5 at the reserve and a number of local outlets across Cumbria.

Each sale of the calendar directly supports Watchtree’s mission to protect wildlife, promote inclusive outdoor access, and connect people with nature.

For more information or to find your nearest calendar pick-up points, see below

Calendar Pick-Up Points

Wigton:

• Stitch & Print, Wigton
• WCF: Old Jam Works, Station Rd, Wigton CA7 9AX
• Co-op Wigton, Station Rd, CA7 9AF
• ReCa, 25 High Street, Wigton
• Saundersons, 11–13 King St, Wigton CA7 9EB
• Out of the Blue, 25 King St, Wigton CA7 9DT
• Coppins Garage, Wigton CA7 0AE
• Wigton Baths, Wigton

Kirkbride & Silloth:

• Kirkbride Shop, Kirkbride CA7 5JH
• Winters, 2 Eden St, Silloth CA7 4AD

Thursby / Crofton:

• Crofton Hall, Old Stable Block, Thursby CA5 6QB

Dalston:

• Co-op Dalston, Townhead Rd, CA5 7QS
• Dalston Pharmacy, 2 Vicars Cottages, CA5 7LW
• Dalston Aggregates, 6 Barras Ln, CA5 7LX
• Carrock Meats, 18A The Sq, CA5 7PY

Orton Grange / Moorhouse:

• Maidenhead Aquatics, A595 Haddon Grange, Orton Grange
• The Royal Oak Inn, Moorhouse, Carlisle CA5 6EZ

Carlisle South-West:

• Craig Robinson Vets, Wigton Rd, Carlisle CA2 6JY
• Peter Tyson, Shaddongate, Carlisle CA2 5TE

Carlisle Central / City Centre:

• Tourist Information, Old Town Hall, Green Market, Carlisle CA3 8JE
• Bookends, 17–19 Castle St, Carlisle CA3 8SY
• Crystals and More, 3 Lonsdale St, Carlisle CA1 1BJ

Carlisle East / North:

• Craig Robinson Vets, 6 Wavell Dr, Carlisle CA1 2ST
• Rebuild, Heathlands Industrial Estate, CA6 4RP
• Maidenhead Aquatics, Houghton Hall Garden Centre, CA6 4JB

Cockermouth:

• Brockbank Solicitors, Cockermouth CA13 9JS