Wildlife

UK Osprey Conservation and Welfare

The recovery of ospreys in the UK through conservation efforts and the welfare challenges of this migratory predator.

Key Facts

Ospreys were extinct as breeding birds in England for most of the 20th century
Reintroduction programmes in England have established successful breeding populations
Scottish osprey populations have grown to over 300 pairs
Migratory routes across Europe and Africa expose ospreys to hunting and power line mortality
Satellite tracking enables monitoring of individual bird welfare and survival

Welfare Considerations

Ospreys face welfare risks during migration including exhaustion, starvation, and illegal persecution, requiring international cooperation for their protection.

What You Can Do

Support osprey conservation at Rutland Water and other sites
Advocate for international protection of migratory bird routes
Report osprey persecution incidents to the RSPB and police