Wildlife

Wild Osprey Welfare and Nest Protection

Ospreys recovered to breed in Scotland from the 1950s and have expanded southward. Welfare at nest sites requires protection from egg thieves and recreational disturbance.

Key Facts

Ospreys were extinct in Britain from 1916 until natural recolonisation in 1954 at Loch Garten
They have expanded from Scotland to Wales and England with nest platform assistance
Osprey eggs have historically been stolen by collectors - illegal but ongoing
Satellite tagging has revealed migration routes to West Africa and back

Welfare Considerations

Osprey welfare requires strict nest protection protocols including warden presence at accessible nest sites during the breeding season. Nest platforms on artificial structures help birds in areas lacking suitable mature trees.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and Wildlife Trust osprey nest warden schemes
Never approach osprey nests - legal protection applies even to accidental disturbance
Report suspected nest disturbance or egg theft to RSPB Investigations