Staff and volunteers at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scotland's leading nature conservation charity, are delighted that a female osprey has returned to Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve, near Dunkeld, almost two weeks earlier than anticipated.

Wildlife enthusiasts from around the world had been waiting to see if the female osprey, known at the Trust as LF15, would return to the reserve for a second year running. The osprey successfully fledged three chicks at the reserve last summer and had last been seen on 7 August 2015. Having spent the winter in a warmer climate, she has now returned Scotland’s most famous osprey nest, where it is hoped that she will breed once more.

Perthshire Ranger for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Charlotte Fleming, said: “It’s great to see the osprey back again. Her behaviour is very relaxed and she seems very at ease in the middle of the nest. From initial observations she looks in great condition for breeding and we are sure to see her enjoying a well-needed fish soon.

“We are hoping that she won’t be on her own for long and are keeping our eyes glued to the webcam to see when the male will arrive. I am delighted that our osprey season has started so well already, and have everything crossed for another successful breeding season.”

Once extinct in the UK, there are now around 240 breeding pairs of ospreys thanks to the efforts of nature conservation charities like the Scottish Wildlife Trust, whose Osprey Protection Programme is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, Clara Govier, said: “Players will be delighted to hear the female osprey has returned to the nest. It was fantastic to watch her three chicks develop last year knowing support from players assist the Scottish Wildlife Trust to protect these rare birds. Hopefully, this breeding season will be as successful.”

 

ENDS

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

 

• The Scottish Wildlife Trust is Scotland’s leading nature conservation charity, representing nearly 40,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment.

• The Scottish Wildlife Trust seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages 120 reserves Scotland-wide.

• The Scottish Wildlife Trust receives financial assistance and support from a range of organisations, funders and individuals including Scottish Natural Heritage and players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

• People’s Postcode Lottery is a charity lottery. Players play with their postcodes to win cash prizes while raising money for charities and good causes across Great Britain and globally

• People’s Postcode Lottery is an External Lottery Manager and manages multiple society lotteries promoted by different causes supporting a range of charities. For details on which society lottery is running each week, visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk/society

• Postcode Lottery Limited is regulated by the Gambling Commission under certificate nr 000-000829-N-102511-010 and 000-000829-R-102513-009. Registered office: Titchfield House, 69/85 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4RR

• People’s Postcode Lottery players support the following Trusts – Postcode African Trust, Postcode Animal Trust, Postcode Care Trust, Postcode Children Trust, Postcode Community Trust, Postcode Culture Trust, Postcode Dream Trust, Postcode Earth Trust, Postcode Global Trust, Postcode Green Trust, Postcode Heroes Trust, Postcode Local Trust, Postcode Planet Trust, Postcode Support Trust, People’s Postcode Trust and Postcode Sport Trust. These Trusts are funded entirely by players and support a variety of good causes. For further information on each charity, visit: www.postcodelottery.co.uk/charities

• £10 for 10 draws paid monthly in advance with prizes every day. For further prize information visit: www.postcodelottery.co.uk/prizes

• A minimum of 27.5% goes directly to charities and players have raised £108.9 Million for good causes across the country

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• The award to the Scottish Wildlife Trust is made through Postcode Green Trust