The Poole Harbour Osprey Project

Restoring a breeding population of Ospreys to the South Coast through an exciting translocation project

Birds of Poole Harbour are partnered with the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation to deliver the Poole Harbour Osprey Translocation Project, aiming to restore a breeding population of these charismatic birds of prey to the South Coast. The project, which started in 2017, involves the translocation of 60 juvenile Ospreys from Scottish nests into the Poole Harbour area. This process aims to create a bond between the young Ospreys and their new local area, before they leave on their first treacherous migration, usually to West Africa. This bond draws the Ospreys back to Poole Harbour on their return to the UK, after at least 2 years maturing in their wintering grounds, when they will identifying suitable nesting sites. The translocation therefore lays the foundations for their return as a breeding bird to the South Coast, 180 years on from their local extinction.

Follow the story through our Osprey news below, on Twitter @harbourospreys and on Facebook @PooleHarbourOspreys

Want to make a donation specifically to the Osprey Project? You can now make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter through our Osprey Project Just Giving Checkout. Donations will go towards developments in the Osprey Project, including running public events and outreach initiatives, including the livestream webcam, as well as the maintenance of infrastructure, such as nesting platforms. Please note, only donations made through this page will go specifically towards the Osprey Project. If you wish to make a general donation to Birds of Poole Harbour, please head to our Donate page.

Donate to the Osprey Project