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osprey watch home

Osprey homepage A diary of eye witness accounts All about Osprey behaviou

 

For the first time in over 150 years, Wild Ospreys have nested in England !

The Ospreys have been encouraged to breed thanks to a large nest that was built by the Forestry Commission and Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA). This is the culmination of several years hard work. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has since joined the partnership to provide extra support.

Ospreys are spectacular fish-eating birds of prey with a wingspan of nearly five feet. Look out for their white head and undersides, which contrast with the rich brown upperparts. With razor sharp eyesight, an Osprey can spot a fish whilst hovering high above the Lake
Watch this site for news of the birds returning in 2002
The male chick on the nest

 

Osprey Watch News- Winter 2001/02

Both parents and the male chick have left the area now and are on the way south to their winter feeding grounds.
Given the above news the viewpoint on Dodd is no longer staffed or telescopes provided until the birds return in 2002. Visitors are free to continue to visit the viewpoint and use their own telesopes and binoculars.
Thanks to everyone involved in the project and the 25,000+ visitors who have made this first years watch so memorable.
Osprey photo courtesy of RSPB
You may be lucky enough to see the spectacular dive as one plummets into the water to snatch a fish. Ospreys are long distance travelers; spending the winter in Africa and returning north each spring to breed. They have summered in the Lake District for the last five years, on their return this year they immediately added sticks to the nest. Since eggs were laid, a team have been keeping a round the clock watch on the nest to prevent disturbance and deter egg thieves.
Viewing Platform Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
(free telescopes available 10am to 5pm from late June to the end of August )
Come and see these spectacular birds of prey from the viewing platform in the Forestry Commission's Dodd Wood. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff will be on hand from 10am until 5pm seven days a week (from late June to the end of August) to help you with your questions.
one of the telescopes available at Dodd Wood viewing platform
viewing platform located at Dodd Wood
Dodd Wood Car park is served by a good bus service from Keswick and Workington directions. Buses are X4, 555 and 73 (from 21 July to 3 September annually)
Car parking is available at the Cafe and costs £1.50 per car for the day. No coach parking available - please disembark passengers on main road and park offsite.
Access to and use of the telescopes and binoculars is free.
Bassenthwaite Lake where the Ospreys fish is a National Nature Reserve owned and managed by the LDNPA. Most of the surrounding woodland is managed by the Forestry Commission including Wythop forest where the brids have nested.
If you would like to know more about the project and the partners contact: Forestry Commission, tel:01229 860373 LDNPA, tel: 01539 724555 RSPB, tel: 0191 2120353
 
visitor centre, shop, café, i map, events, permits, hostel , access update classroom, ranger led visits, art, fact sheets, watch group
lakesfd homepage address, phone and email contacts links to other web sites search the lakesfd website people, forestry, wildlife, strategic plan, forest plans, maps