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:-
BUILDING EXPECTATIONS
NEST CAMS GO LIVE FOR 2026!
Video livestreaming of the nest from the two cameras is now up and running and can be seen here and on YouTube. Full story here.
UVO are grateful to Wildlife Windows for their expertise - including specialist nest repairing skills. Hopefully all will be appreciated by ‘our pair’ when they arrive in the next few days.
ALSO 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
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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.
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Donate
We’re a small, volunteer-run organisation currently applying for charitable status. Donations of any amount are much appreciated.
