Watchtree Has Officially Expanded!
We are thrilled to announce the purchase of an additional 8.2 acres of neighbouring land to the north of the reserve. A site which includes the Grade II listed World War II RAF Watch Office, to be known as the Watchtower, for the purpose of this project.
The sale was completed on 20 January 2026, marking a major milestone in Watchtree’s history. This acquisition is especially significant as it represents the first piece of land the charity has ever owned. Our main 205‑acre site is leased from Defra, so owning this new parcel provides a level of permanence and opportunity we have never had before.
Watchtree trustees have been interested in purchasing this land and property for more than a decade. When the previous owners, the Newstead family, decided it was time to part with this historically rich location, we acted quickly to agree on a fair purchase and arrange funds.
The £150,000 purchase was made entirely from Watchtree’s own reserves, originally held as contingency funding for opportunities exactly like this one. To avoid delays and secure the site promptly, the Board of Trustees made the decision to purchase the land outright, with the intention to fundraise separately for any future development, restoration, or enhancement.
We’ll be gathering ideas in several ways to ensure as many people as possible can help shape the future of the Watchtower and surrounding land.
You can send us your thoughts, hopes, and suggestions by emailing:
Once we’ve gathered a broad set of ideas and begun forming early plans, we will host a local consultation event. Here we’ll share our initial proposals, collect feedback, and start shaping these ideas into fully formed intentions for the site’s future.
Help us raise funds for the Watchtower project
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