Image: Wikimedia Commons
Ospreys at Haweswater RSPB: Britain's Reintroduction Success Story
15 February 2026
Haweswater RSPB is the place to see ospreys in England. The birds returned to breed here in 2016 after a 150-year absence, and the reserve now provides a dedicated viewpoint for watching them. Here's what you need to know.
When they're present
Ospreys arrive in late March or early April and stay until September. The best viewing is from April through August when birds are nesting and feeding. The viewpoint is open daily during the breeding season.
Mornings are often quieter. The birds fish the reservoir and the tarns. If you're lucky, you'll see a bird dive and catch a fish.
Where to watch
The RSPB runs a dedicated osprey viewpoint at Haweswater. It's a short walk from the car park. Bring binoculars and a scope if you have one. The nest is visible from the hide.
Haweswater is in the eastern Lake District, near Shap. The road from Mardale Head is narrow. Allow time for the drive.
The reintroduction story
Ospreys were wiped out in England by persecution in the 1800s. They returned to Scotland in the 1950s and slowly spread south. The Lake District Osprey Project, a partnership between the RSPB and United Utilities, helped establish the first breeding pair at Haweswater in 2016.
The site is now one of the most reliable places to see ospreys in England. The birds have raised young every year since their return.
About the author
Damian
Damian has been walking the Lake District fells for decades. Ex-army, outdoor enthusiast. Keeps a yearly bird tally. Still gets up at five.