The first of Rutland's Osprey population has been spotted at Rutland Water this week.

Rutland's Ospreys are beginning to return to their nesting sites on the man made reservoir as breeding season approaches.

The Rutland Osprey Project has been running since 1996, and the team are beginning to catch their first glimpse of the majestic birds as they return from their yearly migration. 

The preservation of Ospreys in the UK began much earlier though, when, in 1954, a pair of ospreys believed to be of Scandinavian origin, kick-started the slow recovery of the population of ospreys in the UK, having successfully raised chicks close to Loch Garten, Aviemore. 

However, it was predicted it could take over 100 years for ospreys to naturally repopulate central England.

In 1996, a translocation project began, which involved moving osprey chicks from nests in Scotland and releasing them at Rutland Water with the aim to create a self-sustaining breeding population of ospreys in central England.

Thanks to this pioneering project started by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust in partnership with Anglian Water, ospreys have made a triumphant return to England.

Now, residents can see Ospreys in Rutland from late March, once they have undertaken their yearly flight back from locations in Africa and Iberia. 

The Rutland Osprey Project now have Live Webcams set up so that curious locals can find out more and track to progress of the active nests in the area. Click here to view the webcams or to donate to the project.

Alternatively, catch a glimpse of their first returning female below:

The team said: "We have our first Osprey back, and on the Manton Bay nest no less! 25(10), one of our breeding females on our other nest sites, has made a habit of stopping by on the Manton Bay nest before heading off to her own site in previous years. She is a Rutland born bird and has been breeding since 2013."

This sighting comes as a local lad, Joshua aged 10, gets ready to walk around Rutland Water to raise money for the Rutland Ospreys.

Joshua has been an osprey ambassador for one year and a keen ornithologist for many years, and is hoping to raise £1,500 for the Osprey Project.

Josh said: "I am trying to do my bit for local wildlife and habitat conversation, so, I have decided to walk 22.1 miles around Rutland Water, along with my mum who will be accompanying me the whole way throughout my challenge. My aim is to raise enough money to help towards the ongoing work within the project and to encourage other children to get behind conservation and make a difference."

Joshua added: "If you could donate, no matter how small, it would be amazing and I would be very very grateful."

Donate here.