cumbrian ospreys

Two Osprey ChicksIn 2001 a pair of ospreys which nested in the Lake District became the first wild osprey to breed in the Lake District for over 150 years. The birds have spent the summer in this area for the past few years.

The birds were encouraged to stay with the help of a purpose built nest provided by the Forestry Commission and the Lake District National Park Authority. This is the culmination of several years of hard work, the RSPB joined the partnership to provide extra support. Ospreys have summered in the Lake District since the mid 1990's, on their return in 2001 they immediately added sticks to the nest.

Since the eggs were laid, wardens kept a round the clock watch to prevent disturbance and deter egg thieves. Ospreys usually lay three eggs, which take about six weeks to hatch. The young stay in the nest for six or seven weeks. In late summer, the adult female will migrate south, leaving the male to teach the youngsters the art of fishing.

Bassenthwaite Lake is a National Nature Reserve, owned and managed by the LDNPA. Most of the surrounding woodland is managed by the Forestry Commission and provides valuable habitats for wildlife.