to Forestry Commission home page
to England home page

Osprey Watch

About Osprey Watch

For the first time in over 200 years, ospreys have nested successfully in Northeast England. Be part of this historic occasion by joining the Kielder Partnership in association with Northumberland Wildlife Trust and the RSPB at the Osprey Watch the Mounces Forestry Commission car park. 

The site is open daily from Friday 12 June. However, to protect the ospreys, the vantage point has been established two miles distance from the nest - binoculars will be needed to pin-point the general area.  But please note, close up views will not be possible.

At weekends and other times volunteers will be on hand to explain more about this magnificent bird. They will also bring along powerful telescopes, provided by Northumbrian Water, to provide better views of the nesting site.  For further information please go to www.visitkielder.com or check times with the RSPB on 0191 2568200.

To avoid congestion at weekends, people are asked to park at Leaplish Waterside Park and take the guided Osprey shuttle bus to and from the viewing point. Public viewing arrangements have been part
funded by Northumberland National Park.

How to get there:

Osprey Watch starts at Osprey car park in Kielder which is part of Kielder. , Osprey Watch starts at Mounces in Kielder which is part of Kielder. Kielder Village near Bellingham is the nearest town or village.

Access is signed from the C200, four miles south of Kielder Castle and half a mile north of Leaplish Waterside Park. Alternatively, on manned viewing days a minibus service is available from Leaplish.

OS Grid Reference: NT 657888
Postcode NE48 1BT (for satnav purposes)
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

What's on in Kielder

March

  • Nightwatch with Gary Fildes
    Friday 12 February 2010 to Saturday 13 February 2010
    Friday 12 March 2010 to Saturday 13 March 2010
    Friday 26 March 2010 to Saturday 27 March 2010
  • 4 x 4 Safari
    Saturday 27 March 2010
    Saturday 5 June 2010
    Saturday 31 July 2010
    Saturday 2 October 2010

April

  • Easter Egg Hunt
    Thursday 1 April 2010 to Sunday 18 April 2010
  • Deer Safari
    Saturday 10 April 2010
    Saturday 15 May 2010
    Wednesday 2 June 2010
    Sunday 5 December 2010
    Saturday 11 December 2010

May

View all events
Ospreys nesting at Kielder Water and Forest Park, June 2009
Type of Event:
wildlife/nature
Date:
Saturday 13 June 2009 to Friday 31 July 2009
Time:
Open every day. Viewing site manned on weekends (10am-5pm) and on Fridays (1pm-5pm)
Cost of Event:
Free
Meeting Place:
Osprey car park Mounces
Clothing Required:
Bring binoculars or small telescope if visiting at times when site is not manned.
Booking Required:
No booking required
Dogs Allowed:
Yes

Contact:

Kielder Castle

01434 250209
e-mail: kieldercastle@forestry.gsi.gov.uk