Second pair of love birds return to Kielder

A pair of rare ospreys have returned to Kielder Water & Forest Park in Northumberland.

The birds were spotted building their tree top nest on an artificial platform erected by the Forestry Commission. The couple bred successfully for the first time in the 155,000 acre wilderness last summer. Earlier this month experts revealed that the original Kielder osprey couple - which produced the first chicks in 2009 - were also back for a fourth year running. To ensure that the ospreys are here to stay a high quality habitat is being maintained in Kielder Water & Forest Park and the nest site is being safeguarded and monitored. To find out more go to www.visitkielder.com

Philip Spottiswood, Forestry Commission Wildlife Manager for Northern England, said: "News that both pairs are back aiming to raise more chicks is a massive step forward. The second pair arrived a little late, causing us one or two anxious moments. But the prospects are looking good and we hope to add to the nine chicks raised in Kielder since the species returned to breed for the first time in at least two centuries in 2009.”

Last summer's first time parents had two chicks and the nest was monitored from afar to avoid disturbing the family. This year cameras have been erected and live footage will soon be beamed into Kielder Castle Visitor Centre and Leaplish Waterside Park for visitors to enjoy. A nest cam on the original nest is already showing live images at Kielder Castle.

Kielder is only the second location in England where ospreys have naturally recolonised after becoming extinct in the mid-19th century. You can follow the birds' fortunes here and sign up for regular updates on Twitter @KielderOspreys.

For details of the Premier Park campsite, Kielder Caravan Park, please click here.

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