Derbyshire Wildlife Trust have already installed nest platforms at several sites across Derbyshire. They are hoping that ospreys flying over will see the location of these nests and will be attracted to settle in Derbyshire for the first time in 400 years.

Sam Willis a Reserve Officer for Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said, “We are working hard to encourage ospreys to settle in Derbyshire again. We would like to thank Western Power Distribution who kindly donated the poles and Reynolds Sydnope who carried out the installation. And a massive thank you to the land owner for allowing us to use of their land for this very important project.”

Ospreys are migratory birds of prey which travel to Britain in spring to breed before returning to Africa during the winter period.

Ospreys were severely persecuted across Europe in the past, but thankfully are beginning to increase in numbers today across the UK. Today there are 300 pairs breeding across the country.

Tim Birch Head of Living Landscapes for Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said, “Our goal is to see ospreys breeding in Derbyshire for the first time in over 400 years. We are very close to achieving this as ospreys are regularly seen in the spring and summer across our county. We will be keeping our fingers crossed for the coming spring when the birds return from Africa that they will settle down on one of our nesting platforms that we have provided for them. How amazing will it be when they finally set up home once again in Derbyshire!.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is working closely with farmers and landowners to encourage wildlife-friendly activities and management. Their Living Landscape approach is designed to deliver a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife, people and ospreys.