Rutland Water is home to the first ospreys to breed in England for 150 years, and the oldest birds are now 11 years old. They return from Africa in late March and migrate in Autumn. You can walk to hides on the nature reserve to watch ospreys on the nest. There are regular osprey watching cruises on Rutland Water (the largest lowland man-made lake in western Europe) during the summer, and also special events suitable for all ages. Activity in the nest is shown on a large screen in the Lyndon Visitor Centre. There are lots of other fantastic birds to watch from the 27 hides, and there are regular dawn chorus and midnight nightingale walks.
To combine birdwatching with exercise and a really enjoyable activity, hire a tandem or bike and do the 25 mile (40Km) circuit, stopping off at one or more of the birdwatching centres or nature reserves on the way.
www.osprey.org.uk
+44(0)1572 770651
www.rutlandwater.org.uk/
Oakham, Leicestershire LE15 8BL
+44(0)1572 653 026
Google map: bit.ly/m89lRI
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
has posted 1 tips
last submitted a tip on 21 May 2011
first submitted a tip on 21 May 2011
has not yet had any tips rated
has written tips about
has used tags