Osprey: Rare bird of prey in Kielder Forest, Northumberland

Since their return in 2009, a total of 124 ospreys have successfully fledged in the forest, and now members of the public can witness the next generation being raised via a dedicated livestream on YouTube.

Ospreys at Kielder (Image: FORESTRY ENGLAND) The initiative is part of a new fundraising campaign launched by Forestry England and British Airways to support the conservation of these once-extinct birds.

Building on a previous partnership that restored 9,000 trees in Harbottle Forest, a red squirrel reserve damaged by Storm Arwen, the organisations have turned their attention to Kielder’s ospreys.

Through the BA Better World Community Fund, British Airways will match public donations up to £250 per donor, unlocking up to £15,000 in matched funding and potentially raising a total of £30,000 for the cause.

Three of the Ospreys at Kielder (Image: FORESTRY ENGLAND) The money raised will go toward improving live camera equipment, installing new nesting platforms, and enhancing monitoring tools to better understand osprey behaviour and survival challenges.

These include increasingly unpredictable weather conditions, long-distance migration risks, and natural predators.

More than half of last year’s chicks were lost due to poor weather in June, a stark reminder of the pressures facing these birds.

An Osprey in Kielder, Northumberland (Image: FORESTRY ENGLAND) Tom Dearnley, ecologist at Forestry England, welcomed the support and highlighted the vital role it plays in protecting the species.

“Despite their successful return, Kielder’s ospreys face significant challenges including harsh weather, migration risks and predators," he said.

"Last year, more than half the chicks were lost to poor weather conditions in June, highlighting how precarious things can be for this important species and how much work is still required to give them the best possible chance.

"The support from both the public and British Airways is a fantastic boost to our team and will make a real difference to our work.”

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The ospreys, which migrate 3,700 miles from West Africa each spring, build their nests atop specially constructed eight-metre high poles across Kielder Forest.

As well as following the birds online, visitors can experience them in person through Osprey Watch at Tower Knowe Visitor Centre, where expert volunteers and high-powered telescopes provide intimate views and information.

As an added incentive, the first 100 people to donate £25 or more will receive a limited edition osprey pin badge, commemorating their contribution to this ongoing conservation success.

The Crowdfunder appeal runs until September 2025, with all funds directly supporting the continued protection of Ospreys.