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Posted September 12, 2025 by Senga Grave
Watchtree Nature Reserve, nr Wiggonby, Carlisle manages a robust habitat and wildlife programme, delivers a successful education and events programme, provides cycle hire, co-ordinates a range of running activities and operates a café as a welcoming meeting point for many groups and individuals.
Volunteers, Morag and Dave Thompson, have been the heart and soul of the running community for several years. From complete novices starting out on their running journey with a C25K programme to more seasoned athletes looking to push their limits, Morag and Dave take the simple approach that ‘moving forward is still a pace’. The annual running events programme of 5k, 10k, a half-marathon and 24-hour Windy 500 challenge in mid-September where runners are invited to run or walk as many 2k laps of the perimeter of the nature reserve all with Watchtree as their base, are now regular fixtures on the calendar of many individuals and running clubs in the area.
Morag and Dave have helped countless people take their first steps toward health, wellbeing, and self-belief.
The community at Watchtree are delighted that Morag and Dave have both been named as shortlisted finalists in the Active Award category of the BBC Make a Difference Awards. This award celebrates individuals or groups who use physical activity or sport to improve lives in their community.
Ryan Dobson, Manager of Watchtree said “we rely on the dedication and experience of our many volunteers to run the wide range of activities on our reserve. For Morag and Dave to be recognised for their commitment to the running community is a wonderful acknowledgment of the impact and difference they have made. They received several nominations for this award that shows just how much they are valued and are an inspiration to many”.
Their impact goes far beyond physical fitness. Morag and Dave are champions of kindness, inclusion, and empowerment where everyone is welcome, regardless of age, background, ability or experience. Morag, who has experienced domestic abuse, understands deeply what it’s like to lose confidence and belief in yourself. Together, she and Dave work tirelessly to break those destructive cycles, replacing them with positivity and encouragement.
Their message is a simple, yet powerful one “Everybody has a different story, some good, some bad but in a world where you can be anything be kind, supportive and respectful.”.
Through their selfless dedication and unwavering commitment, Morag and Dave have not only enriched the lives of countless individuals but have also left an indelible mark on the Watchtree community, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and make a difference.
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Editors Notes:
Contact: Senga Grave, Marketing & Events Lead, Watchtree Nature Reserve.
The running and walking programme at Watchtree Nature Reserve is kindly sponsored by David Allen Financial Services.
Upcoming Events:
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About Watchtree
Watchtree Nature Reserve is a wildlife haven based on the site of a former RAF airfield near Wiggonby in Cumbria. The site is now best known for the nature reserve, its education programme, cycle hire, a café and many associated events such as trail runs and health walks.
Watchtree is a registered charity with the following objectives:
Watchtree has developed into a successful community asset and popular visitor attraction with a small team of staff and active volunteer force.
Watchtree Nature Reserve | A wildlife haven and community asset for all.
About the BBC Make a Difference Awards
The BBC Make a Difference Awards are a chance to say thank you recognise those who improve lives where we live. Nominations were invited against eight categories. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and awards will be given in each category, across each national and local BBC radio station.
Shortlisted finalists will be notified from June 2025 and the Make a Difference Award ceremony for Cumbria will take place at the North Lakes Hotel, Penrith on Saturday 13 September 2025.
Follow the latest on the awards on social media using the hashtag #BBCMakeADifference.
BBC – Make a Difference Awards
About David Allen Financial Services
At David Allen Financial Services, we believe wellbeing goes beyond physical health and exercise, it is also about feeling supported and secure in every part of life.
That is why working with Watchtree Nature Reserve has meant so much to us. It continues to allow us to connect with people, be part of the local community, and support events that bring people together from their 10k runs to the 24-hour endurance challenge. These events are about more than just fitness they are about encouraging one another and reaching personal goals.
As Independent Advisers, it is important to show that we care about more than their finances. We want families and individuals to know that we are alongside them, not only in planning for the future, but also in recognising the challenges of everyday life.
Mental health is just as vital as physical health, and with the pressures many people face today, our team truly recognises how essential it is to nurture both.