First Ospreys breed in East Anglia for centuries
Third consecutive year of osprey presence leads to first confirmed breeding in the East of England for generations
A promising return to the Broads
A pair of Ospreys have successfully bred at Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Ranworth Broad nature reserve, marking the first confirmed nesting and hatching of this iconic raptor in the East of England for many years. Their arrival in April 2025 heralded the third consecutive year of Osprey presence at the site, but this season brought a moment conservationists had long hoped for - the hatching of chicks.
As in previous years, the male arrived early in the month, quickly setting to work gathering sticks for the nest. But unlike before, the female followed just days later, raising hopes among staff and volunteers. Observations of mating and feeding behaviour soon followed, and anticipation mounted that this year might bring a breakthrough.
The hopes were confirmed on 20 June, when Teala Leeder, Senior Visitor Centre Manager at Ranworth Broad, spotted chicks in the nest. ‘I’ve been watching the pair of Ospreys flying back and forth to the nest over the last couple of weeks feeling very hopeful and excited, so getting my first glimpse of the chicks – and confirming our greatest hope – was just incredible,’ she said. ‘It’s so wonderful to welcome our new arrivals.’
A conservation milestone
The return and breeding of Ospreys in Norfolk is a significant moment in the region’s conservation history. These fish-eating birds of prey were driven to extinction in England in the 19th century, and although recolonisation has occurred in parts of the country, the East has remained without breeding pairs - until now.
Adam Houlgate, NWT Broads South Reserve Manager, described the event as ‘a fantastic feeling’. He added: ‘We are delighted to be the first site to welcome breeding Osprey back to the East and are celebrating this significant moment for wildlife conservation in Norfolk. We take care to manage our nature reserves specially for rare and vulnerable wildlife – and this shows us that when you build it, they do come!’
The nesting success is the result of years of careful habitat management and support from key partners. Biffa Award and Essex & Suffolk Water have both contributed through the Tipping the Balance project, which has enhanced Ranworth Broad’s suitability for breeding Ospreys and other species. Biffa Award also funded the original nesting platform as part of the Rebuilding the Bure Valley project.
Welcoming the next generation
Ospreys usually lay two or three eggs, and the chicks remain with their parents until they are ready to migrate in September. At Ranworth Broad, visitors now have a rare opportunity to observe this journey up close.
To facilitate public engagement, Norfolk Wildlife Trust has installed a telescope and wildlife camera at the visitor centre, offering clear views of the nest site. For an even closer look, the Trust is running boat trips into the Broad, bringing people nearer to the nesting site with minimal disturbance to the birds.
A live nature camera feed is also available via the NWT website, allowing people across the UK to follow the progress of Norfolk’s newest Osprey family.
For more information, visit the NWT Ranworth Broad webpage or contact the visitor centre on 01603 270479.
June 2025
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