Home / Environment / 50 Years On, Loch Garten Osprey Haven Grows
50 Years On, Loch Garten Osprey Haven Grows
19 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Loch Garten, a key osprey breeding site, has been expanded.
- The reserve was established 50 years after ospreys' extinction.
- RSPB Scotland purchased 82 acres of new land near Nethy Bridge.
Loch Garten, a celebrated Highland nature reserve, has recently seen an expansion of its protected lands, marking a significant development 50 years after its inception. This area became crucial in 1954 when the first pair of ospreys, absent since their extinction in 1916, was confirmed breeding there.
RSPB Scotland acquired the original loch and woodland at Abernethy in 1975. Over the decades, the reserve has grown substantially, now encompassing 34,595 acres. The latest acquisition, 82 acres near Nethy Bridge, further enhances this critical habitat.
This expansion underscores the ongoing commitment to preserving the osprey population and its environment. The reserve's growth signifies a continued success story in wildlife conservation, ensuring a safe haven for these magnificent birds for future generations.
