Forestry England and British Airways have joined forces to support the Kielder ospreys with the launch of a new Crowdfunder appeal.
BA is pledging to match individual contributions pound for pound up to a maximum value of £250 through its BA Better World Community Fund. A total of £15,000 in matched funding has been made available, potentially doubling donations up to £30,000.
To learn more and donate click here.
This support will fund improvements to livestreaming equipment, installation of new nesting platforms, and investment in nest cameras to gather vital information about these magnificent birds.
Tom Dearnley, Ecologist at Forestry England said:
"Despite their successful return, Kielder's ospreys face significant challenges including harsh weather, migration risks and predators. Last year more than half the chicks were lost to poor weather conditions in June, highlighting how precarious things can be for this important species and how much work is still required to give them the best possible chance. The support from both the public and British Airways is a fantastic boost to our team and will make a real difference to our work."
A reminder that you can follow the daily lives of the ospreys through the livestream nest camera on YouTube showing everything from egg-laying to hatching, feeding, and the chicks’ first flights as they prepare for their annual epic migration south at the end of summer.
You can also visit Osprey Watch at Tower Knowe, where expert volunteers from Northumbrian Wildlife Trust and high-power telescopes offer a more in-depth visitor experience. The Osprey Cabin with the livestream is open daily and Osprey Watch is on Wednesdays, Sundays and Saturdays until mid August.
And . . . Wild Intrigue continue to operate their specialist Osprey cruises from Kielder Waterside. Click here to book your place.
As a special incentive, the first 100 people to donate £25 or more will receive a limited edition osprey pin badge to commemorate their contribution to the conservation effort.
The Crowdfunder appeal runs until September 2025, with all funds going directly to support conservation efforts for these wonderful birds of prey.