The south coast of England is bracing for the return of a pioneering osprey pair, 022 and CJ7, who have nested at Careys Secret Garden near Wareham, Dorset, since 2022. Their anticipated arrival in late March marks a significant moment for conservationists, as they represent the first ospreys to breed on England’s south coast in nearly 180 years. The return of these magnificent birds is a testament to ongoing reintroduction efforts and a hopeful sign for the future of this once-vanished species in the region.
Ospreys, known for their fish-eating habits and impressive wingspans, were once widespread across Europe, but their populations dwindled due to habitat loss, persecution, and the effects of pesticides like DDT. A dedicated reintroduction program, overseen by the charity Birds of Poole Harbour, began in 2017, bringing osprey chicks from Scotland to Dorset in an effort to re-establish a breeding population. This initiative has proven remarkably successful, with the pair 022 and CJ7 leading the way.
A History-Making Pair
The story of 022 and CJ7 has captivated bird enthusiasts and conservationists alike. In 2024 and 2025, the pair successfully hatched four chicks each year – an unusually high number, according to Sam Ryde from Birds of Poole Harbour. This exceptional breeding success sets them apart and underscores the suitability of the Dorset coastline as a nesting ground. Ryde noted that ospreys are often thought of as being romantically monogamous, but their loyalty is often more to the nest site than to a specific partner.
The pair’s nest is monitored by a nestcam and accessible via a viewing platform at Careys Secret Garden, allowing the public to witness their return and observe their breeding activities. Other nest sites in the area are being kept confidential to minimize disturbance to the birds.
Expanding Osprey Presence in Southern England
The success of 022 and CJ7 has spurred further optimism for the future of ospreys in southern England. In 2025, a second pair of ospreys established a nest in the region, and there is potential for a third pair to emerge in 2026. A young male osprey, hatched in 2023, has shown interest in the area and may be ready to form a breeding pair once he reaches maturity. However, Ryde cautioned that the return rate for migrating ospreys is only around 30%, due to the inherent dangers of their long journey to and from western Africa.
Many of the ospreys nesting in southern England are fitted with identification rings, but not all carry tracking devices. This makes it difficult to determine the fate of those that do not return, as they may fall victim to predators like crocodiles and jackals, or be blown off course during migration. The exact whereabouts of missing ospreys remain largely unknown.
Migration Challenges and Conservation Efforts
The annual migration undertaken by ospreys is fraught with peril. The journey to western Africa and back covers thousands of miles, exposing the birds to harsh weather conditions, limited food sources, and the threat of predation. Conservationists are working to understand the challenges faced by these birds during migration and to identify ways to mitigate the risks. The BBC reports that the charity Birds of Poole Harbour is closely monitoring the situation and adapting its conservation strategies accordingly.
Beyond the reintroduction program, ongoing efforts include habitat protection and restoration, as well as public awareness campaigns to promote understanding and support for osprey conservation. The involvement of local communities and landowners is crucial to ensuring the long-term success of these initiatives.
Beyond Dorset: Ospreys in the News
Interest in ospreys extends beyond their nesting sites. Recent news coverage highlights the broader impact of these birds and the challenges facing conservation efforts. BBC News has been tracking developments related to ospreys, including their role in the United Rugby Championship (a rugby league) and ongoing debates surrounding land use and conservation in Wales. While seemingly unrelated, these stories demonstrate the interconnectedness of wildlife conservation and broader societal issues.
The return of ospreys to southern England is not just a conservation success story; it’s a symbol of hope and a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural heritage. As 022 and CJ7 prepare to return to their nest, anticipation is building among birdwatchers and conservationists eager to witness the next chapter in this remarkable story.
The next key date to watch for is late March, when 022 and CJ7 are expected to arrive back at Careys Secret Garden. Updates on their arrival and breeding progress will be shared by Birds of Poole Harbour through their website and social media channels. Follow their journey and learn more about osprey conservation at Birds of Poole Harbour’s official website.
What do you think about the return of these magnificent birds? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with anyone who might be interested in learning more about osprey conservation.
