Birds of Prey

By the mid-1970's Peregrines were so rare in Cumbria that 24-hour watches were mounted during the breeding season; now, numbers have probably reached the limit that can be supported. Merlins have also recovered, Buzzards have expanded their range and both Osprey and Honey Buzzard have started and continued to breed in the last few years. Buzzards regularly nest in Bluebell Wood situated to the right of the house, beside Newlands Beck. They can often be seen soaring above the valley.

In 2001 a pair of Ospreys which nested beside Bassenthwaite Lake became the first wild Osprey to breed in the Lake District for over 150 years. The birds were encouraged to stay with the help of a purpose built nest provided by the Forestry Commission and the Lake District National Park. Bassenthwaite Lake is a National Nature Reserve. Most of the surrounding woodland is managed by the Forestry Commission and provides valuable habitats for wildlife. The return of Ospreys to the Lake District is one of the greatest conservation stories of recent years, and the birds are bringing important economic benefits to the region. Around 100,000 visits are able to see the nesting birds each year at special viewpoints set up by the Lake District Osprey Project.

The Osprey Viewpoint at the Forestry Commission’s Dodd Wood near Keswick is open to visitors.

Lake District Osprey Project: http://www.ospreywatch.co.uk

Special Offers / Short BreaksNew Wildlife Section