Ospreys are returning to the Usk Valley…
Previously persecuted to the brink of extinction, these spectacular birds are now making a return to Wales.
Protecting one of the few breeding pairs in Wales
In 2023 a pair of ospreys built a magnificent nest at the top of an oak tree on Gilestone Farm, on the outskirts of Talybont-on-Usk. This is the first pair to successfully build a nest this far south in Wales for hundreds of years. Our group aims to make sure the ospreys are properly protected and to give the birds the best possible chance of thriving in their new home.
The nest is situated on Gilestone Farm, owned by Welsh Government. Following the arrival of the pair in 2023 the government moved quickly to protect the nest, to commission a conservation plan and more recently to install a nest cam. Both the government and the tenant farmer are to be commended for their positive approach.
In 2024 the pair returned to the nest and hopes were raised for a successful breeding. This, however, did not happen until 2025:-
Nest Disturbance
On Saturday 9 May, volunteers were perturbed to witness a person entering the field with the ospreys’ nest, despite it being an offence to disturb the birds. The police were duly alerted as per guidance and action was taken. By then, the birds had been off the nest, away from their eggs, and it was clear they were alarmed by the presence of a human in the vicinity of their nest.
We are extremely grateful for the prompt actions of the police. However, we need to remind people - it is against the law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to disturb the birds. Ospreys are very susceptible to disturbance and it is essential that they are left alone as the law makes clear. We urge people to use the viewpoint on the towpath instead, or the wildlife cameras .
We would also like to thank our volunteers and members of the public for their swift actions to alert the authorities. Volunteers watch the nest throughout the season and, in addition, we have a professional security system in place 24 hours a day. Our volunteers are a back-up to that system which is the prime protection for the nest.
Fortunately, the birds are now back on the nest and brooding their small clutch of eggs which we hope will hatch in due course.
Usk Valley Ospreys
NEW FOR 2026!
We have specially designed merchandise - tee-shirts, hoodies, water bottles - available to buy. A proportion of the sales will help our work in conserving our local ospreys. Take a look here and we hope you enjoy supporting us in this way. Thank you.
About ospreys
Once a common sight in the UK, habitat loss and persecution led to the osprey’s extinction as a breeding bird in Wales and England in 1847. Find out more about these most impressive and rarest of birds.
Latest news
View the birds
View the ospreys from the publicly accessible viewing point.
How you can help
-
Join us
As well as new members, we’re also looking for volunteers and organisers to, help run and administer the group, as well as those interested in becomg a trustee.
-
Donate
We’re a small, volunteer-run organisation currently applying for charitable status. Donations of any amount are much appreciated.
