Norfolk Wildlife Trust hopes osprey will breed at Ranworth

Norfolk Wildlife Trust has confirmed regular sightings of a male osprey at Ranworth Broad, leading to hopes that it may become the first osprey to breed in East Anglia. 

Visitors have been able to spot the bird on the broad, often found sitting on a newly created platform within view of the visitor centre.

Ospreys currently nest in parts of Scotland, Cumbria, the East Midlands and Wales, with the Norfolk Broads often playing host to several en route to Scotland.  

Norfolk Wildlife Trust has confirmed regular sightings of a male osprey at Ranworth Broad (Image: Norfolk Wildlife Trust)

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In the summer of 2022 a pair was present for most of the summer and a roosting platform was made.

This spring the male returned and has been showing interest in the nest site. 

Adam Pimble, nature conservation operations manager, said: “If he stays and luck brings his mate back too, this could be the first breeding pair of osprey in the Broads for nearly a quarter of a century. We would usually expect a female to arrive around four weeks after the male.  

“Sadly there is no guarantee, as habitat destruction, pollution and continuing persecution makes migrating a perilous affair.”