A 1,300km charity cycle challenge has begun in Cumbria, with the Cumbria Local Government Pension Fund supporting fundraising for Watchtree Nature Reserve’s Watchtower Project.
Ewan McCulloch, Chief Stakeholder Officer at Border to Coast Pensions Partnership, set off from Carlisle Castle this week for a ten-day ride across England. The route will take him from Carlisle to the south coast, visiting each of the 18 partner local government pension fund areas whose investments are managed by Border to Coast.
Fundraising for Watchtree Nature Reserve
The Cumbria Pension Fund is raising money for Watchtree Nature Reserve, supporting the charity’s plans for the future of its historic Watchtower site and the surrounding land. The announcement was made by Westmorland and Furness Council on 5 August 2026.
Although the ride began in Carlisle rather than Kendal, the fundraiser is being backed by a Cumbria-based public-sector pension fund and supports a charity project in the county. The council’s announcement does not state how much money has been raised so far or give a target for the appeal.
Messages of support
Kate McLaughlin-Flynn, Senior Manager for Cumbria Pension Fund, said the team was proud the challenge had started in Cumbria and pleased to help raise awareness of the Watchtower Project.
McCulloch said Watchtree Nature Reserve was a worthy cause and that the physical and mental demands of the ride were worthwhile because of the support being brought together for charities across the country.
People who want to support the fundraising effort can donate through the Cumbria Pension Fund’s fundraiser for Watchtree Nature Reserve’s Watchtower Project.