Thank you so much for visiting my JustGiving page!

So, what is the Glaslyn Osprey Project with the RSPB and what will i be doing?

The Glaslyn valley sits right in the heart of Snowdonia and is home to the only breeding pair of ospreys in Wales. There is a hide that provides a unique view of the ospreys' nest and it is the job of volunteers to keep surveillance on this pair to prevent egg collectors stealing their eggs. This work is directly contributing to the protection of these magnificent birds and is making a genuine contribution to wildlife conservation. The work also involves engaging with the general public and getting them enthused with the wonderful work of the RSPB.  I will be working for 2 weeks, full time between 15th May to 29th May 2010 as a residential volunteer, at the RSPB reserve in Glaslyn on this project and would love your support :)

 

So, why is this project 'genuninely contributing to wildlife conservation'?

Over the centuries osprey populations in the UK have been devasted by egg collectors, shooting, nest destruction and insecticides, such as DDT. As a result the osprey became extinct as a breeding bird in England in 1840 and in Scotland in 1916. In 1954 it re-colonised naturally and a pair has nested successfully almost every year since 1959 at the RSPB's Loch Garten reserve in Scotland. The Osprey Centre at Loch Garten has now become one of the most famous conservation sites in the world. 

The early re-colonisation was very slow, possibly because of pesticides in the food chain and due to the continued activities of egg collectors, but by 2001, 158 breeding pairs were located, mainly in Scotland. That same year saw the first successful nesting of ospreys in England for 160 years by both naturally re-colonising birds in the Lake District and re-introduced ones at Rutland Water!

This osprey pair in the Glaslyn valley is the only breeding pair in Wales. This project is therefore fundamental in re-establishing a population of ospreys into the stunning Snowdonian landscape. So far this one pair has successfully fledged twelve young since 2004.

These are incredible birds and we must not loose them from our British countryside again. Your support will directly contribute to the work the RSPB and their volunteers do. THANK YOU!!