Ex-RAF site has 'exceptional wildlife potential'
BBCA nature reserve has purchased a neighbouring ex-RAF site saying it "offers exceptional potential" for wildlife restoration.
Watchtree Nature Reserve, in Great Orton, Cumbria, bought the former RAF Great Orton Airfield, including its Grade II listed World War II watchtower, for £150,000.
Manager Ryan Dobson said it was a "once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity" to protect the landmark and "restore biodiversity and create a space that connects heritage, nature, and people for decades to come".
The charity said it would begin a public consultation asking people what they want from the site, and undertake ecological surveys and heritage assessments.
Watchtree Nature Reserve is a 205‑acre, man-made site established in 2001, after nearly half a million livestock were buried there during a foot-and-mouth outbreak.
The purchase of the adjacent 8.2 acres of land was completed on 20 January using Watchtree contingency funds, which it said were "reserved specifically" for such opportunities.
The charity said the watchtower was of "rare national importance" having previously supported wartime operations linked to RAF Silloth.
"Despite decades of exposure, the building remains structurally sound, with original brickwork and concrete still in good condition," Watchtree said.
"Across the surrounding land, remnants of RAF activity endure, including concrete aprons and pathways that have since become unexpected havens for specialist wildflowers and insects."
It said species such as nesting swallows, barn owls and buzzards were already there.
The site was also a "valuable habitat" for protected species dingy skipper butterflies and great crested newts, the charity said.
It is the first time the charity has owned land outright in its 25‑year history, as the main site continues to be leased from The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The nature reserve said it hoped to fundraise £50,000 to support the restoration.
