AS wildlife lovers eagerly await the return of ospreys to a North-East location, a special watch for the birds of prey are getting ready to launch.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust, part of the Kielder Osprey Project, will be running regular weekend Osprey Watch events from its cabin behind the Boat Inn at Northumbrian Water’s Landal Kielder Waterside.

This year’s operating hours are from 11am to 4pm, with the first watch on Saturday April 25. It will end on Sunday 16 August.

As with previous years, the osprey cruises with Calvert Kielder will be running from May 23 to August 23. To book a place call: 01434 250232.

Breeding pairs of ospreys have nested in Kielder between March and September since 2009, with activity on the nest peaking from June to August as chicks hatch and develop rapidly, fledging in late July and early August

Last year, 34 volunteers provided sterling support from April to August, whatever the weather and welcomed 4,792 visitors. Anybody wanting to join the volunteers can register their interest at www.nwt.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer.

No previous experience is required as a training day will be held at Kielder on Thursday 12 March prior to the season starting and new volunteers will always be in the company of experienced volunteers who will be on hand to assist.

The Kielder Osprey Project is a partnership between Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, Forestry England, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumbrian Water and Calvert Kielder.