The Poole Harbour Osprey Translocation Project was set up to restore a breeding population of the charismatic bird of prey to the South Coast, led by Birds of Poole Harbour and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation. Ospreys were present throughout the UK over 200 years ago, until they were driven to local extinction through persecution and egg collecting. Fortunately, they naturally recolonised Scotland in the mid-1900s, but help has been needed to bring them back to England and Wales. Following the success of a reintroduction project in Rutland in 1996, which has since led to the colonisation of Wales, the Ospreys have had a helping hand in spreading their population once again through this reintroduction project in Poole Harbour.

As a result of the project, we now have 2 pairs of Osprey breeding in the south of England, raising young for the first time in 2022. The pair, ringed CJ7 and 022, bred again in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and we are now patiently awaiting their return in 2026. You can watch our livestream webcams to see the Osprey activity on the Carey nest as it unfolds. Last year we had a second pair set up and breed for the first time at an undisclosed site.

The project started in 2017 and we have been working hard to ensure the success of the reintroduction, as well as enthusing the public about these birds, ever since. Funding project work, including the maintenance of artificial nests, motion-sensitive cameras, engagement events, and the livestream webcams, however, doesn't come cheap! This campaign provides the opportunity to donate towards our Osprey Project developments and covering these costs. If you would prefer to become a regular supporter of the Osprey project, you can do so here.

Thank you for your support!

The BoPH Team