Ospreys
Project Applicant: Forestry Commission (in partnership with RSPB and Lake District National Park Authority)
Total Project Costs: £541,095
ERDF/ESF AWARDED: £270,547
Project Aim
To protect the first pair of Ospreys to nest in the Lake District for at least 150 years at Bassenthwaite Lake near Keswick and encourage their spread across Cumbria. At the same time give the public the opportunity to watch and learn more about the Ospreys, wildlife and the landscape. Through the Project provide jobs and support the wider rural economy of the area.
Practicalities and Activity of the Project
The Project comprises:
- A round the clock operation manned by staff and volunteers to protect the nest from egg collectors and disturbance
- A public viewpoint at Dodd Wood with telescopes and assistance from staff and volunteers with views of the nest and the ospreys main fishing area
- A big screen at the Forestry Commissions Whinlatter Visitor Centre showing live close up images of the nest
- A website www.ospreywatch.co.uk with a webcam provided by BBC Cumbria
Achievements
- There have been over 100,000 visitors each year to Dodd Wood and Whinlatter to see the Ospreys
- A study has estimated that the Ospreys generate over £1.7 million for the local economy each year
- Jobs created 9.6 full time equivalent per annum
- The Project was awarded the Cumbria News Group Tourism Award in 2003, and this was presented by John Craven.
- The Project has generated considerable media interest both locally and nationally
- The Whinlatter Visitor Centre has been completely re-developed to provide an excellent all year visitor attraction
- A new toilet block has been built at Dodd Wood and the facilities improved
- A new website www.ospreywatch.co.uk has been created and is updated daily during the season.
Added value of the ERDF / ESF
The ERDF has allowed the Whinlatter Visitor Centre to be re-developed into a major Visitor attraction, a new toilet block to be built at Dodd Wood, local bus services to be promoted as “Osprey services” and leaflets to be produced.
Contact Details
Project Contact: Graeme Prest
Address:
Forestry Commission
Grizedale
Hawkshead
Ambleside
Cumbria
LA12 7XD
Tel: 01229 860373
Email: graeme.prest@forestry.gov.uk
Website: www.ospreywatch.co.uk