Spring has truly arrived in Rutland with the much-anticipated return of the ospreys for the 2026 season.
Excitement built as the first confirmed sighting at the Manton Bay nest was recorded on the 15th March, with osprey 25(10) touching down at 12:29pm, captured live on the nest camera, although not a Manton Bay Osprey, she has been spotted here before! On the 24th March, resident male 33 returned to the nest from his winter migration and has since been joined by Maya – we are overjoyed the breeding couple are back together in Manton Bay once more!
To continue following the action and get a front row seat, head over to the Manton Bay Live Cam
Throughout the breeding season, a dedicated team of volunteers monitor the ospreys, helping to safeguard these remarkable birds. Visitors also have the chance to experience the magic in person, with Manton Bay just a short walk from the Lyndon Visitor Centre at Rutland Water Nature Reserve – a prime spot for osprey sightings throughout the season.
A Remarkable Conservation Success Story
The return of the ospreys is more than just a seasonal highlight – it marks powerful conservation success. The Rutland Osprey Project, launched in 1996, re-established these birds in the area and this year the project celebrates 30 years of dedicated conservation work.
Having disappeared from the region in the mid-19th century, ospreys had been absent for over 150 years. Their comeback was confirmed in 2001, when the first breeding pair was discovered in Burley Wood by Tim Appleton MBE.
Since then, the project has continued to thrive, celebrating the milestone of its 300th fledged chick -a testament to decades of dedication and conservation effort.
Join the Celebration
To mark the 30th anniversary of the project, a series of special events will take place throughout 2026 at Rutland Water Nature Reserve and other local reserves:
7 August – Evening Osprey Cruise
Special Anniversary event with Tim Mackrill
12 August – Evening Osprey Cruise
Special Anniversary event with Tim Mackrill
