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.
Volunteer Opportunities 2026
Shows
We will be running a stand at a number of shows again this year and are looking for some additional volunteers to help. If you are able to commit at least a couple of hours and feel able to answer general questions about the Talybont nest and the charity (we can provide a quick briefing if required) please get in touch.
We may be able to subsidise some show entry fees but would be grateful if you are able to contribute (note the shows do not provide more than two free entries).
The shows for 2026 are: Brecon 1st August (7am to 6pm); Talybont 22nd August (12 noon to 5pm); Llangynidr 30 August (8am to 5pm); Sennybridge 5th September (7am to 6pm) and Usk 12th September (8am to 6pm).
Schools
We are planning to give a number of presentations to local primary schools again this year. Last year’s talks, given to the full assembly, were very popular. We are also adding a single class plan, working with smaller groups. We are looking for additional volunteers who are able to present to a full assembly and answer the children’s questions or who have the skills to work with smaller groups in interactive sessions and again answer the children’s questions. We have lots of materials prepared and crib sheets for the questions. You would be going into the schools with existing volunteers.
Please get in touch (info@uskvalleyospreys.org) if you can help or would like to know more. The school sessions can be at any time of day and we have several schools lined up before the end of the summer term. Also please let us know if you might be interested but not until next Spring.
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.
