The osprey is a former breeding bird of Cornwall but became locally extinct due to hunting and egg collecting. It can now only been seen as it travels between northerly breeding grounds and West African wintering areas. We work with local landowners to protect suitable breeding locations and erect artificial nesting platforms if needed. We are also investigating the feasibility of an osprey reintroduction to help establish a local breeding population.

Ospreys are medium-sized raptors that feed exclusively on fish which they catch live from the water. They have a number of adaptations to help with this, such as feet with sharp talons and reversible toes, as well as small spines on the surface of their feet, called spicules. All of these enable ospreys to grasp and handle their slippery prey with ease, before their sharp beaks tear the fish into bite-sized pieces.

Your donation will help us to:

• Work with local landowners to protect suitable breeding locations

• Erect artificial nesting platforms where possible

• Investigate the feasibility of an osprey reintroduction to help establish a local breeding population

• Run public engagement events during the migration period to raise awareness of the osprey as a former local breeding bird

• Provide regular updates across our social media platforms and on our website