By Meg Jorsh

Last updated 05:13, Friday, 24 October 2008

SEVEN years ago it was a scene of carnage. The carcasses of almost half a million farm animals were dumped in 26 vast trenches there and buried.

Out and about: Nature reserve manager Tim Lawrence with James Rennie pupil Matthew Kirkwood

But new life has sprung from the deaths that resulted from foot and mouth disease. And now Watchtree Nature Reserve – the largest man-made nature reserve in Europe – is looking towards a bright future.

A home for hundreds of animals, plants and birds, the 200-acre reserve at Great Orton near Carlisle holds regular open days for the public. Keen-eyed visitors are in with a chance of spotting more than 60 species of bird.

Since September, the reserve has also been home to a new cycle route for disabled riders. The Watchtree Wheelers project has been organised with charity Wheels 4 All, which is providing a fleet of 15 specially-adapted bikes for people to use.

Bill Knowles, director and treasurer of Watchtree, is behind the idea.

He said: “We’re just trying to create a place in Cumbria that’s different to anywhere else, with plenty of things to do. We’re always looking to improve the site and develop facilities.”

Having recently installed two new birdwatching hides and a dipping pond, he has also applied for a £50,000 grant from the People’s Millions lottery fund. If it succeeds, the money will be used to start laying a circular cycle track around the site.

But the Wheelers need more money to keep their project on track.

He added: “We’re trying to get local businesses to sponsor the bikes and they can have their labels on them.”

The next Watchtree open day is on November 16, starting from 10am. For more information about Watchtree Nature Reserve, visit www.watchtree.co.uk.