02/09/2026
As the ospreys leave Kielder over the next couple of weeks on their long autumn migration from Kielder to West Africa, we're reflecting on a momentous year for local conservation.
This plucky species was driven to extinction as a breeding bird in England and Scotland. It hadn't been seen nesting in Northumberland for about 200 years.
This all changed when the team at Forestry England installed a number of nesting platforms around Kielder Forest in 2009. Since then, the osprey has gone from strength to strength.
Now, every spring and summer, a team of fantastic local volunteers welcome thousands of people to Tower Knowe Visitors Centre to watch the ospreys thriving.
This year was a landmark year, as the birds fledged their 150th chick from the forest. Like its fellow chicks, it's been diligently practicing its flying and hunting over Kielder Water before making the journey south.
To mark the occasion, this special chick has been given a fitting name, 'Kielder'.
A big team effort from all at Visit Kielder, Kielder Forest - Forestry England, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumbrian Water and Wild Intrigue. And another reminder of what can be achieved when local people and businesses work together. 👏💐🦅
