A 1,300km charity cycle ride across England 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 on the ten-day challenge. His route will take him from Carlisle to the south coast, passing through 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, a charity whose appeal is supporting plans for the future of its historic Watchtower site and the surrounding land.
Westmorland and Furness Council announced the fundraising support on 5 August 2026. The council’s announcement did not state how much money had been raised at that point or set out a target for the appeal.
Watchtree Nature Reserve is based in Cumbria, meaning the fundraising has a county connection even though the cycle ride began in Carlisle rather than Kendal. The challenge is also linked to a wider effort involving charities across the country.
Messages of support
Kate McLaughlin-Flynn, senior manager for Cumbria Pension Fund, said the team was proud that the challenge had started in Cumbria and pleased to help raise awareness of the Watchtower Project.
McCulloch described Watchtree Nature Reserve as a worthy cause. He said the physical and mental demands of the ride were worthwhile because of the support being brought together for charities across England.
People wishing to support the fundraising effort can donate through the Cumbria Pension Fund’s fundraiser for Watchtree Nature Reserve’s Watchtower Project. No fundraising total or appeal target had been published in the council announcement supplied for this report.