A FEMALE Osprey has been spotted near Keswick ahead of this year’s nesting season.

Ospreys have been breeding at Bassenthwaite Lake since 2001, and they have brought millions of pounds into the local economy as enthusiasts try to spot the birds of prey.

Since then, there has been a successful nest there every year with a total of 23 chicks fledging.

Over the past 12 years, the ospreys have changed nest site twice; in 2008, they moved from their artificial treetop home at Woodend, Thornthwaite Woods to another man-made nest at Dodd Wood, and then last year, they decided to build their own nearer to the lake.

As the birds moved last year, no nest camera footage was available so this time volunteers with the Lake District Osprey Project team are covering as many bases as possible, with cameras on all three nest sites. This includes one in last year’s nest, which had to be rebuilt after it was destroyed by the elements.