natural environment of bassenthwaite...
Bassenthwaite Lake is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, including the rare vendace - a relic fish from the ice age - and the nationally renowned ospreys. The lake also harbours Atlantic salmon and sea lampreys. Around its shores are reed swamps, fen habitats, wet grassland and scrubland that support a diverse range of wildfowl, breeding birds and invertebrates. In the 1990s it was realised that the effects of pollution and sedimentation were having a detrimental effect on the lake's wildlife. The spawning grounds of the rare vendace were gradually silting up threatening their long-term survival and the water quality of the lake was deteriorating. The Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme was set up to address the problem, supported by the launch of Bassenthwaite Reflections in 2007. The latter has instigated 22 community projects to improve the natural environment of the lake and its catchment. For more information, visit www.bassenthwaite-reflections.co.uk.
In 2001, the Osprey Project succeeded in persuading ospreys to return to the Lake District after an absence of over 170 years. Every year since then, the ospreys have reared their young on a specially built nesting platform in Wythop Woods overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake. Opposite, in Dodd Wood, there is a viewpoint (NY 235 281) with telescopes and Osprey Project staff on hand to provide information. The viewpoint is a 10-minute uphill walk from the car park at Mirehouse. Alternatively, visitors can see the ospreys on a video link at Whinlatter Visitor Centre. www.ospreywatch.co.uk
Telephone 017687 78469 for actual dates, as the arrival and departure of the ospreys cannot be predicted in advance.
New wetland reserve at the north end of Bassenthwaite Lake, opening summer 2008. New paths and boardwalks suitable for wheelchairs and children's buggies will provide a circular trail around the reserve, with bird hides located at key viewing points.
Dodd Wood
www.forestry.gov.uk
A choice of waymarked forest trails radiate from the main car park, which also has picnic area, tearoom and toilets.
Ivy Crag Wood (NY 244 266)
www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk
A small remnant of oak woodland on the slopes of Dodd with an interesting ground flora attracting woodland birds and red squirrels. Parking on minor road to Millbeck at grid reference NY 245 265 and follow track to reserve. Note: The reserve is extremely steep with no waymarked paths.
Powterhow Wood (NY 220 265)
Footpaths from the car park allow a short circular walk around wood and provide access to the lake.
Hursthole Point (NY 219 277) and Blackstock Point (NY 223 274) are accessible headlands on the western shore providing views over the lake and opportunities for birdwatching and fishing. Parking at Woodend Brow (for Hursthole Point) and on A66 layby (for Blackstock Point).
Whinlatter Forest Park
Braithwaite, CA12 5TW
www.forestry.gov.uk/whinlatter
One of the Forestry Commission's oldest forests, offering year-round activities for all the family. Several way-marked walks can be followed from the visitor centre, along with orienteering routes, a high-wire ropes course, nature trails and children's adventure playground. A new 21 km mountain bike trail will open in summer 2008. The Visitor Centre has a live webcam link to the osprey nest for close-up views of osprey family life during the breeding season (April-August).
Mirehouse
Keswick, CA12 4QE
Towering stands of Scots pines dominate the tree-lined drive to the house, providing a framework for four adventure playgrounds for children. The walled garden contains fruit trees, bee hives, herb garden, gazebo and a heather maze. In front of the house is a wildflower meadow, which is cut for hay at the end of July. A circular walk goes through the parkland and woods to the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake and back. Parking in Dodd Wood car park (opposite the entrance to Mirehouse).
