Osprey Experience
Once hunted to extinction, ospreys have made a remarkable recovery and every spring they migrate to Scotland from West Africa to nest and breed in the woods of the Scottish Borders.
With a five foot wingspan they’re an impressive sight – and if you are ever lucky enough to see one fishing, you’ll understand just why they are such efficient predators.
The birds nest along the Tweed river system and we’ll visit a number of sites over the course of the morning to catch a glimpse of them leaving and returning to their nests – from a responsible distance.
We’ll provide binoculars and spotting scopes so we can stay a safe distance away from the nests to avoid disturbing the birds. We can never 100% guarantee sightings but during the breeding season there is usually at least one bird on or around the nest.
Once we’re done we will drive over to Selkirk for lunch at the popular Waterwheel restaurant, where there will also be a chance to learn about the reintroduction of Golden Eagles to the Scottish Borders. We’ll also visit the salmon information centre to take a look at the underwater camera on the cauld and find out about the amazing journey these majestic fish make up the river to spawn.
Afterwards we’ll make the short journey to Mauldsheugh Wood, our community wildlife project
Enjoy a woodland walk, then top up the bird feeders and sit back to watch the wonderful bird life of the woods. Great spotted woodpeckers and nuthatches are regular visitors but we’ve counted more than 40 species of bird in the wood in the last year – including ospreys seen overhead.
You can keep an eye out for the roe deer that live in the wood, while other visitors spotted over the last year include pine marten, red squirrel and otter. Order the journalling add on and you’ll get your own nature journal and a lesson in wildlife recording.
There’s also an opportunity to try your hand at a craft activity like making a bird feeder, or willow weaving, and get involved in conservation volunteering by helping us improve the habitat. For a small additional charge you can build your own nest box and put it up in the wood or take it home.
Prices start at £400 for a private group session for up to four people. Additional adults are charged at £80pp, with children £60pp. Please note that prices are based on the use of your own transport: we can arrange minibus, coach or luxury vehicles at an additional cost. Contact us for details.
We run our nature experiences to give more people a chance to enjoy the wildlife of southern Scotland and to help cover the cost of our community nature and wildlife projects. All profits go back into the community interest company to enable us to continue to operate Mauldsheugh Wood, along with nature clubs, school visits and collaborations with other community groups.
- 07759 481443
Osprey experience
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Osprey viewing
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Up to 10 people
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Private group
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April - August
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Woodland walk
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Crafts
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Conservation volunteering
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Full day
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Nature journalling*
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Make a bird box*
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* Optional add-ons
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