The return of ospreys to nesting sites in southern England is eagerly anticipated as a remarkable conservation success story continues to unfold. A pair of ospreys, known as 022 and CJ7, have nested at Careys Secret Garden near Wareham, Dorset, since 2022 and are expected to return soon. Their continued presence, alongside a second breeding pair, marks a significant milestone for the species in a region where they were once extinct.
Ospreys, magnificent birds of prey specializing in fish, faced significant declines throughout much of the 20th century due to habitat loss, pesticide leverage, and persecution. Reintroduction programs, like the one spearheaded by Birds of Poole Harbour, have been instrumental in their recovery. The success of these efforts is now vividly demonstrated by the establishment of multiple breeding pairs in southern England, a region that hadn’t seen ospreys consistently nest for over 180 years. This resurgence of breeding ospreys is a testament to dedicated conservation work and the resilience of wildlife.
A Second Successful Nesting Season
In June 2025, Birds of Poole Harbour announced a “major milestone” with the discovery of a second breeding pair, consisting of female 1H1 and male 374. The pair successfully hatched two chicks, adding to the growing osprey population in the area. This followed the earlier success of 022 and CJ7, who hatched four chicks in May of the same year. The charity deliberately withholds the exact location of the nests to protect the birds from disturbance, but provides regular updates on their progress.
The arrival of the second pair highlights the increasing suitability of the region for osprey nesting. Male 374 and female 1H1 initially bonded the previous year and re-established their connection in the spring of 2025, laying their first egg on April 24th. The charity noted that the pair carefully selected nest platforms, demonstrating a deliberate approach to establishing a secure breeding site. This careful site selection underscores the importance of providing suitable nesting infrastructure for these recovering birds.
Challenges and Ongoing Monitoring
Whereas the osprey recovery is encouraging, challenges remain. In March 2025, the relationship between the breeding pair in Poole Harbour was briefly complicated by the arrival of a third osprey, creating a temporary “love triangle”. Such interactions are natural within osprey populations, but require careful monitoring to ensure the breeding pair’s success.
Elsewhere, ospreys continue to thrive at other established nesting sites. Chicks raised on a nesting pole at Bassenthwaite have too recently begun their southward migration, with the last chick leaving the nest on September 16, 2025. This demonstrates the wider success of osprey reintroduction programs across the UK.
Political and Financial Concerns for Ospreys’ Future
Beyond the biological success, the future of osprey conservation is also intertwined with political and financial considerations. In February 2026, Swansea Council sought a high court injunction to halt a proposed deal between the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and Ospreys owners Y11 Sport and Media to buy rivals Cardiff. The council has also called on the United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to investigate the WRU’s plans, raising concerns about the potential impact on the region’s sporting landscape. While seemingly unrelated to the ospreys themselves, these developments highlight the complex interplay between conservation efforts and broader economic and political forces.
recent reports indicate internal issues within the WRU, including allegations of inappropriate social media content directed at WRU hierarchy, as noted by board member John Manders on February 13, 2026. These issues, while not directly impacting the ospreys, demonstrate a period of instability within a key regional organization.
The return of these magnificent birds to southern England is a powerful symbol of hope and the positive impact of dedicated conservation efforts. As 022, CJ7, 1H1, and 374 prepare to return to their nesting sites, the focus will remain on ensuring their continued success and expanding the osprey population across the region. The ongoing monitoring of these nests, coupled with continued habitat protection, will be crucial for securing the long-term future of these iconic birds.
What comes next will depend on the continued success of the breeding pairs and the ongoing commitment to conservation. Share your thoughts on this remarkable story in the comments below, and help spread awareness about the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.
