Watchtree is a fully accessible nature reserve with clear views towards the South and overlooks the Solway Firth to the North. Its location six miles West of Carlisle means it’s a great place to escape local light pollution and a wonderful place to stargaze. The Border Astronomical Society host occasional stargazing events here.
Weather forecast
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01/05/24
14° 82% -
01/05/24
13° 4% -
02/05/24
10° 0% -
02/05/24
8° 4%
Weather forecast for Wigton (4.6 miles away) updated 01/05/24 at 20:00.
Local light pollution
Watchtree Nature Reserve is estimated to have light pollution levels similar to asemi-rural semi-rural location based on the latest data from the VIIRS satellite.
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Urban
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Suburban
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Semi-rural
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Rural
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Dark site
The above demonstrates the estimated effect of light pollution - graphics created using Stellarium.
Best time to visit
The below chart shows when the skies will be at their darkest at this location and therefore the best time to visit. Moonlight is shown in light yellow and the Sun's twilight in light blue. Midnight on the date shown is shown as a white line with sunset to the left and sunrise the next morning to the right. A black background with stars shows the best times for stargazing. See our dark sky calendar for more details.
Wed 1st May
Thu 2nd May
Fri 3rd May
Sat 4th May
Sun 5th May
Mon 6th May
Tue 7th May
Find more dates
If you are planning to visit this location check our dark sky calendar to find out when is best!
CalendarEvents nearby
Stay and gaze nearby
Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.