The male osprey arrived at Ranworth in early April and settled in the newly created artificial nest with speculation growing as to whether a female would join him. Around two months after his arrival, a female osprey was spotted at the nature reserve.

Ospreys are migratory birds, present in the UK in summer and currently nest in parts of Scotland, Cumbria, the East Midlands and Wales. It is not unusual, on migration, to see a travelling osprey over any large body of water, with the Norfolk Broads often playing host to several en route to Scotland. 

At Ranworth Broad individuals often stay longer, even spending the best part of the summer at the site. In 2022 a pair was present for most of the summer, so during the following winter, having taken advice, we constructed a roosting platform in the trees alongside the broad.

Adam Houlgate, our Broads South Lead Officer, explains the significance of having a pair at Ranworth for the second consecutive summer.

"The birds have been seen in and around the nesting platform most days, but they also leave to explore their surroundings and feed. We believe we have seen attempted mating, but the female was never seen sitting on the nest for extended, continuous periods of time as she'd have done if incubating eggs. It may be that they are young, inexperienced birds not yet ready for parenthood.

"It has been over 250 years since osprey have bred successfully in the Broads, so although it is too late in the season for this pair, the fact that they have stayed together in the nest and shown signs of mating bodes well for success in future years.

"The birds are finding sufficient food and seem to be content with the nest site they have found. If it is the same pair we had last summer, the fact they have shown interest in the nest for two summers is very encouraging. Either way, the nest and undisturbed, peaceful location we have created is obviously doing the job in encouraging osprey to Ranworth. It is certainly great to have them with us."

With a bit of luck, visitors to Ranworth Broad may be able to spot the osprey, as they are often found sitting on a newly created platform within view of the Visitor Centre or flying around the reserve or surrounding area. To maximise your chances of spotting the birds, we have a scope available to use at the Visitor Centre, and friendly staff and volunteers on site to provide advice and guidance.

We also offer boat trips into the broad that can give visitors even closer views of the new osprey platform.