Encouraging Ospreys to Nest in Derbyshire

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust are attempting to encourage the return of ospreys to Derbyshire. In recent years ospreys have been seen flying over Derbyshire in spring and summer when they return from their winter migration in Africa, but they haven’t nested in Derbyshire for over 400 years.

To encourage them to make their home here, DWT have been preparing nesting locations which make it look like ospreys have already chosen Derbyshire.  The hope is that the birds will think this is an osprey community, and move in, thereby creating one. The DWT states that “it is important to offer multiple nesting spots for ospreys as they are more likely to stay in an area if they think there are already ospreys present and there is enough choice for them to choose their suitable home. In this instance, one of the repaired platforms was on a pole and the other in a tree.”

Sam Willis, a Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Reserves Officer, along with a team of  six volunteers and a Seven Trent ranger have been out to repair osprey platforms in the Carsington area.  They repaired two platforms, which are in what the DWT believes to be a perfect nesting location for the ospreys.

The repaired platforms are in Carsington, but there are several  other sites across Derbyshire with osprey platforms in place.

Sam Willis, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Reserves Officer said “We are extremely hopeful that this will be our year to attract ospreys to Derbyshire. The closest nesting birds are at Rutland Water in Leicestershire and we have everything that the ospreys will need to thrive in this area. The nests are in excellent locations so close to the reservoir, and will hopefully attract a pair of ospreys soon! Having them back in the area after 400 years would be brilliant”.

The Trust believes that the return of ospreys to the county would be “a significant step in the Trust’s fight for a Wilder Future and a Wilder Derbyshire.”

Information on Derbyshire Wildlife Trust activities and membership can be found on their website.

Photo:  Sam Willis