Osprey Watch at Kailzie Gardens
Kailzie Gardens is a major partner in the highly successful Tweed Valley Osprey Project, alongside the Forestry Commission Scotland and the RSPB, supported by SNH.
This project has helped attract and protect these rare and beautiful birds of the prey in the Borders after an absence of more than 100 years. For these specialist fish hunting raptors our quiet forests, lochs and rivers are ideal habitat.
These birds are now well established in the Tweed Valley Forest Park, and in 2008 the Ospreys had their most successful breeding season ever in our area with a total of 18 chicks born to 8 breeding pairs.
To provide the public with spectacular and intimate viewing of these birds, cameras have been set up on the nest high in the forest canopy. This allows us reveal the family life of the birds without them being disturbed and to monitor and study their behavior and welfare.
You can follow their progress live on camera from Easter until the end of August, along with many other smaller species on live nest camera screens.
The Kailzie Nature Centre also features information about other local wildlife, walks and nature activities for children.
New in 2009: larger live screens, new species on camera including nesting Herons, new wildlife displays and the School Holiday Nature Club for children on Wednesdays afternoons 1-4pm, which offers crafts, games and hands-on fun. Free for Kids - no Booking required.
2009 dates: Open Monday 6th April, closes 31st August. Open 10am- 5pm daily.
Cost £1 per adult, children free but MUST be accompanied.
Large groups and school visits etc also catered for: please contact the Osprey Centre Officer for details: Emma Rawling phone 07530310376 or email tweedvalleyospreys@yahoo.co.uk