A Nature Reserve cycling project just outside of Wiggonby in between Carlisle and Wigton has been awarded a grant to replace and improve their equipment.

The Watchtree Wheelers have been awarded a total of £33,500 toward the project from Allerdale Sports Fund (£10,000), Reece Foundation (£5,000) and British Cycling (£18,500).

The money will be used to improve the projects range of companion cycles where two riders can pedal side by side, recumbent cycles and hand propelled trikes.

Watchtree Wheelers Project Leader, Matt Wind, said: "Most of our existing fleet have been part of the project since we launched in 2009, some of the bikes were second hand then.

"The popularity of the project and the uniqueness of our service means that all of those bikes have been really well used. We regularly service and maintain all of our bikes but we were undoubtly due a refresh.

"We started identifying which bikes we would like to replace and looking at new cycle technology which might benefit our riders in 2019, but it wasn’t until lockdown 2020 that we really had time to focus on the project and make it happen.

"We are really grateful to our funders for the opportunity to make these improvements.

"The companion cycles are a new addition for us, they are great fun for any rider but are particularly useful for accompanying less able or mobile riders who require assistance or support while they ride.

"The recumbent cycles will replace our popular fleet of KMX karts, these are trikes with very low centres of gravity making them ideal for any rider with balance or confidence issues.

"The new handcycles are much lighter and more adaptable for different sizes than our current models, these will allow a great range of users to benefit."

The Watchtree Wheelers Project is part of Watchtree Nature Reserve

Visitors can hire cycles to explore the reserve which features a network of specially constructed trails weaving through meadows, wetlands and woodlands.

The reserve also has a café and visitors centre as well as offering education and wellbeing services.

Manager of the reserve, Ryan Dobson, said: "Watchtree is a wonderful, unique place for all ages and abilities to enjoy.

"We pride ourselves on our accessibility and these upgrades to our Wheelers project will allow even more people to enjoy nature by bike.

"2020 was a terrible year for many including us, but through focusing on what we can do and not what we can’t, we have been able to make some huge improvements which help to secure our future."

For more information about Watchtree and to book cycle hire, please visit www.watchtree.co.uk.