We at Highbridge Cottages are working with The Tourism & Conservation Partnership to protect the Osprey.
In 2001 Ospreys made a momentous return to the Lake District, making Bassenthwaite Lake home to the only naturally occurring colony of Ospreys in England.
These magnificent birds
which
have made
Whinlatter their home are one of only two breeding pairs in England as
they were hunted almost to extinction by the Victorians, who
resented their feeding on game fisheries. The
fact that Ospreys have
now returned
to Whinlatter, producing two and sometimes three chicks each year, 
is not only a testament to the improved
water quality
of Bassenthwaite Lake, but also indicates that these creatures are
increasing in numbers. With numbers still dangerously low
however,
24 hour protection is needed for the nest at Whinlatter, as the
illegal practice of egg poaching is a real threat. Volunteers
'man'
watch stations continuously throughout the summer whilst the pair are
in residence.For more information on
Ospreys in the
Lake District go to www.ospreywatch.co.uk
.
Donations
are much needed to help fund
the protection of these birds. As part of our contribution we are
asking all our cottage guests to donate £2 per person per week to
the Osprey project