Difference between revisions of "Bassenthwaite Lake" - BirdForum Opus

Revision as of 22:45, 23 August 2014

Photo by HelenB
View of southern end of Bassenthwaite Lake from the Upper Viewpoint, May 2009.
Click on image to see a larger version

England, Cumbria

Overview

Bassenthwaite Lake is a National Nature Reserve, in the Lake District, located in the county of Cumbria in northwest England. It is owned and managed by the Lake District National Park Authority. The area became famous in 2001, when a pair of wild Ospreys nested there, this being the first time in over 150 years that Ospreys had bred in the Lake District. Since then there have been breeding Ospreys every summer and hundreds of people have visited the viewpoints and visitor centre, to see these wonderful birds of prey.

Photo by HelenB
View of Bassenthwaite Lake looking from the lay-by on the B5292 up to Whinlatter Pass, April 2012. The Ospreys built a new nest in 2011, in the flat marshy area on the south side of the lake ~ the area on the middle right of the photo

2014 Ospreywatch News

The Lake District Osprey Project at Dodd Wood opens for the 2014 season, on 1st April 2014 and will close on 31st August 2014. Access to the viewpoints will remain open at the end of the season, but there will be no volunteers or optics available.
All 3 previously used nests have been refurbished in order to attract whichever ospreys come back this year.
3rd and 4th April: 2 Ospreys have visited the marsh nest, one with no rings, the other thought to be Blue XY from Scotland.
8th April: An unringed Osprey, thought to be last year's male and a ringed Osprey, White KL, last year's female, have been seen mating and digging around in the bowl of the marsh nest. See the video footage on the Facebook feed.
14th April: Bonding, nesting and mating is continuing at the nest. The team think they may have an "Easter egg" by the weekend.
23rd April: First egg laid at 4:26pm today. See the Osprey Project website for more details.
29th April: 3rd egg arrived today. Photos on Facebook page
30th May: The first egg hatched today. Video of egg hatching on Facebook
1st June: The second egg hatched late last night. Both the chicks have been observed being fed.
3rd June: The 3rd egg hatched successfully today. Short video of the 3 chicks being fed - on the Facebook page
18th June: Some worrying news - 2 of the chicks became ill over the weekend, with some type of infection. The team are keeping a close watch on them and will keep us informed.
20th June: One of the ill chicks has rallied and is taking food, but the second one is not moving, although KL is feeding it.
22nd June: Sadly, the remaining sick chick has died - it was the eldest of the 3 chicks. The remaining 2 chicks appear to be strong and healthy, and are doing very well. The full story of how KL cared for this chick
3rd July: The remaining 2 chicks are growing well. Dad brought in a piece of silage wrap, which the chicks have been sitting on!! Check out the Facebook page for the latest news.
12th July: The chicks were ringed Blue 8A and Blue 9A, and given their health check today. They are both male. The larger one was fitted with a satellite transmitter, but the smaller chick (the one that had been ill) was not big enough to have a transmitter strapped to him.
25th July: The larger chick, 8A, fledged at 3:45 pm today. His first flight took him to the perch above the nest, then a few circuits of the nest tree.
30th July: The smaller chick, 9A, has been doing a lot of flapping and will probably be fledging very soon. Older brother is venturing further away from the nest.
4th August: 9A finally fledged today at 5:01 pm.
7th August: 9A did not land well, and could not take off again. He was rescued and has been sent for rehab to a Rescue centre in Scotland. More details here
23rd August: 8A is now exploring further afield, to the north and south of the lake. Getting ready for his first migration south soon. Lots more news on the Ospreywatch website

Birds

Notable Species

Osprey, Red Kite (28 April, 2010), Barnacle Goose (These are most probably birds from a resident flock on nearby Derwentwater), Eurasian Oystercatcher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Tawny Owl, Common Dipper, Common Redstart, European Pied Flycatcher, Eurasian Treecreeper.

Photo by HelenB
Southern end of Bassenthwaite Lake from the Lower Viewpoint, May 09. In 2011, the Ospreys built a new nest in a marshy area there

Rarities

Red Kite ~ a total of 60 young Red Kites were released in Grizedale Forest, near Windermere, in the summers of 2010, 2011 and 2012. This is the 9th reintroduction and part of the final phase of Red Kite reintroductions in different parts of the UK. It is very likely that these wing-tagged kites will be seen over Bassenthwaite Lake as they explore the Lake District.

Check-list

Birds you can see here include:

Great Crested Grebe, Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwall, Eurasian Teal, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Osprey, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Common Pheasant, Water Rail, Common Moorhen, Common Coot, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Northern Lapwing, Common Snipe, Eurasian Curlew, Common Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Woodpigeon, Tawny Owl, Common Swift, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Northern House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Eurasian Wren, Dunnock, European Robin, Common Redstart, Eurasian Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Blackcap, Wood Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, European Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Nuthatch, Eurasian Treecreeper, Eurasian Magpie, Eurasian Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Common Raven, Eurasian Jay, Common Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Eurasian Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Common Crossbill, Eurasian Bullfinch

Photo by HelenB
Whinlatter Visitor Centre, located in Whinlatter Forest Park, on the B5292, west of Bassenthwaite Lake, April 2012

Other Wildlife

Red Squirrel, Badger, Roe Deer, Otter, Pipistrelle bat, Weasel, Stoat

Site Information

History and Use

In 2001 it was announced that a pair of Ospreys had nested in the woods above Bassenthwaite Lake. This was the first time in 150 years that a wild pair of the birds had bred in the Lake District. The Forestry Commission and the Lake District National Park Authority had provided a nesting platform in the hope that the Ospreys, they had been seeing during the summer for the last few years, would stay and breed there. Once the eggs were laid, wardens kept a 24 hour watch on the nest to protect the birds from any disturbance, such as illegal egg collecting. The RSPB is also involved in extra support for the Lake District Osprey Project.

Areas of Interest

Osprey viewing from Dodd Wood viewpoints
Whinlatter Visitor Centre in Whinlatter Forest Park, where there is a live video feed from the nest to a big screen. NB. Whinlatter is also a major mountain biking centre.
Forest walks, provided by the Forestry Commission, starting from the Dodd Wood car park.
Ivy Crag Wood - a small remnant of oak woodland on the slopes of Dodd below Skiddaw
Powterhow Wood, with a hide (blind), on the south west edge of Bassenthwaite Lake. Access from the car park at Powter How, via a nice walk through the woods, where you might see Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Wood Warblers, and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. There's a tunnel under the A66, so no road crossings involved. Or you can park in the A66 layby at Blackstock Point, and take a walk along the lake side to get there. Location shown by arrow on map referenced in External Links, below.^[2]
Dubwath Silver Meadows, a new wetland nature reserve about 17 acres in size, located at the north west end of Bassenthwaite Lake. 1.6 mile circuit of path and boardwalk, plus hides built in Celtic style.^[3]

Access and Facilities

The viewpoints will be open and staffed from Easter 2013 (30th March). You may still visit the viewpoints outside of the Osprey season, for beautiful views of Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwentwater.
Osprey watching viewpoints are in Dodd Wood, on the east side of the lake. It is 3 miles north of Keswick off the A591, follow signposts to Dodd Wood from the A66. The car park is opposite the entrance to Mirehouse.
The Lower Viewpoint - open from 10am to 5pm daily and staffed by volunteers. Excellent views of the Ospreys fishing over the lake. There are feeders out for the local birds, and Red Squirrels sometimes stop by, too.
The Upper Viewpoint - open from 10.30am to 5pm daily. It is about half a mile, a 30 minutes walk, up a steep incline, to this higher viewpoint. There are telescopes for viewing the nest which is down on the marsh about a mile away.
There is no charge to use the viewpoint, but Pay & Display Parking Tariff is as follows: £1.70 up to 1.5 hours; £2.70 up to 2 hours; £4.80 up to 4 hours; £6.30 for all day; £9.50 for minibuses; FREE for disabled badge holders (2013 rates). Please note that NO CHANGE IS GIVEN.
There are public toilets at the car park.
The Old Sawmill Tearoom at Dodd Wood is open through the Osprey season and beyond, closing at the end of October.
The Whinlatter Visitor Centre is located west of Braithwaite, on the B5292 between Braithwaite and Cockermouth - Grid Ref NY208245. It is open all year, and the Osprey Exhibition will be open from 10am until 5pm during the period that the ospreys are nesting. Parking charges same as Dodd Wood.
There is no longer an Osprey Bus service, due to lack of funding, but a PDF brochure showing a useful map of the area is still available online - see external links.^[4]

Contact Details

Whinlatter Visitor Centre phone: 017687 78469

Gallery

Click on images to see a larger version:

Photo by HelenB
Osprey information display at Whinlatter Visitor Centre, April 2012
Photo by HelenB
Osprey webcam display, Whinlatter Visitor Centre, April 2012
Photo by HelenB
Osprey chick no. 11 died in West Africa, but its remains were found. Photo on display at Whinlatter Visitor Centre, April 2012
Photo by HelenB
Osprey sculpture at Whinlatter Visitor Centre, April 2012
Photo by HelenB
Bassenthwaite Lake looking northwest, July 2010
Photo by HelenB
Approaching the Upper Osprey Viewpoint, May 09
Photo by HelenB
Osprey nest (centre) is only 400m from viewpoint. Derwentwater in the background, May 09
Photo by charlierocky
The pair of Ospreys using the second nest for a second year, April 2009
Photo by HelenB
Osprey nest, May 09.
Photo by Mad_BMS
Bassenthwaite Lake, looking towards Skiddaw, May 05
Photo by oncebittern
Male Osprey fishing on Bassenthwaite Lake, June 2010
Photo by charlierocky
Common Dipper, photographed near Keswick

Content and images originally posted by HelenB

External Links

Search for photos of Bassenthwaite Lake in the gallery

Search for videos of Bassenthwaite Lake on BirdForum TV

Retrieved from ‘https://www.birdforum.net/wiki/index.php?title=Bassenthwaite_Lake&oldid=204648’

Categories:

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[Image:Bass Lk Osprey Viewpoint BF.jpg|thumb|650px|right|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>View of southern end of Bassenthwaite Lake from the Upper Viewpoint, May 2009.<br>Click on image to see a larger version]]
+[[Image:Bass Lk Osprey Viewpoint BF.jpg|thumb|600px|right|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>View of southern end of Bassenthwaite Lake from the Upper Viewpoint, May 2009.<br>Click on image to see a larger version]]
 '''[[England]], [[Cumbria]]'''
 ==Overview==
-Bassenthwaite Lake is a National Nature Reserve, in the Lake District, located in the county of [[Cumbria]] in northwest [[England]].  It is owned and managed by the Lake District National Park Authority.  The area became famous in 2001, when a pair of wild [[Osprey|Ospreys]] nested there, this being the first time in over 150 years that Ospreys had bred in the Lake District.
+Bassenthwaite Lake is a National Nature Reserve, in the Lake District, located in the county of [[Cumbria]] in northwest [[England]].  It is owned and managed by the Lake District National Park Authority.  The area became famous in 2001, when a pair of wild [[Osprey|Ospreys]] nested there, this being the first time in over 150 years that Ospreys had bred in the Lake District. Since then there have been breeding Ospreys every summer and hundreds of people have visited the viewpoints and visitor centre, to see these wonderful birds of prey.
+[[Image:Bass Lake from Whinlatter.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>View of Bassenthwaite Lake looking from the lay-by on the B5292 up to Whinlatter Pass, April 2012. The Ospreys built a new nest in 2011, in the flat marshy area on the south side of the lake ~ the area on the middle right of the photo]]
-*'''Both viewpoints will be open and staffed from 29th March, 2010'''
+===2014 Ospreywatch News===
-*'''Ospreys return''' ~ the female Osprey (Mrs) returned from Africa on 26th March, and was followed by the male (No-ring) on 1st April, 2010 - see the daily diary link in External Links, below, for daily updates and video feed.<sup>[[#External Links|'''[1]''']]</sup>
+*The Lake District Osprey Project at '''Dodd Wood''' opens for the 2014 season, on '''1st April 2014''' and will close on '''31st August 2014'''. Access to the viewpoints will remain open at the end of the season, but there will be no volunteers or optics available.
-*'''The first egg''' was laid on Sunday, 18th April, 2010, the second egg arrived at 15.30 on Wednesday, 21st April, and the third egg was laid at 11.15 on Saturday, 24th April, 2010.
+*All 3 previously used nests have been refurbished in order to attract whichever ospreys come back this year.
-*'''Monday, 24th May''' marks 5 weeks of incubation, so the first egg should be hatching any day now .......
+*'''3rd and 4th April:''' 2 Ospreys have visited the marsh nest, one with no rings, the other thought to be Blue XY from Scotland.
-*'''The first chick hatched''' on Thursday, 27th May. Chick no. 2 appeared on Saturday evening, 29th May, and was seen by many visitors on Sunday, on the webcam screen at the Whinlatter Visitor Centre. The third egg did not hatch, and is unlikely to now (as of 14th June).
+*'''8th April:''' An unringed Osprey, thought to be last year's male and a ringed Osprey, White KL, last year's female, have been seen mating and digging around in the bowl of the marsh nest. See the video footage on the [http://www.facebook.com/ospreywatch Facebook feed].
-*'''Ringing Day:''' On Thursday, 8th July, both young male Ospreys were ringed and then had tiny satellite transmitters, weighing only 30 grams, attached. Big Yan and L'al Yan have ring numbers White 12 and White 11, respectively and both weigh about 1,450 grams.
+*'''14th April:''' Bonding, nesting and mating is continuing at the nest. The team think they may have an "Easter egg" by the weekend.
-*'''Fledging:''' Both young Ospreys have fledged successfully, Big Yan (ringed white 12) on 17th July and L'al Yan (ringed white 11) followed his brother into the skies on 20th July.
+*'''23rd April:''' First egg laid at 4:26pm today. See the [http://www.ospreywatch.co.uk/wordpress/?p=690 Osprey Project] website for more details.
-*'''Latest news:''' The live streaming webcam, courtesy of BBC Cumbria has now ended for the 2010 season.  The Flicker Daily Diary is still active and showing one video per day, plus photos and comments on the happenings around Bassenthwaite.<sup>[[#External Links|'''[1]''']]</sup>
+*'''29th April:''' 3rd egg arrived today. [http://facebook.com/ospreywatch Photos on Facebook page]
+*'''30th May:''' The first egg hatched today. [http://facebook.com/ospreywatch Video of egg hatching on Facebook]
+*'''1st June:''' The second egg hatched late last night. Both the chicks have been observed being fed.
+*'''3rd June:''' The 3rd egg hatched successfully today. [http://www.facebook.com/ospreywatch Short video of the 3 chicks being fed - on the Facebook page]
+*'''18th June:''' Some worrying news - 2 of the chicks became ill over the weekend, with some type of infection. The team are keeping a close watch on them and will keep us informed.
+*'''20th June:''' One of the ill chicks has rallied and is taking food, but the second one is not moving, although KL is feeding it.
+*'''22nd June:''' Sadly, the remaining sick chick has died - it was the eldest of the 3 chicks. The remaining 2 chicks appear to be strong and healthy, and are doing very well. [http://www.ospreywatch.co.uk/wordpress/?p=767 The full story of how KL cared for this chick]
+*'''3rd July:''' The remaining 2 chicks are growing well. Dad brought in a piece of silage wrap, which the chicks have been sitting on!! Check out the [http://facebook.com/ospreywatch Facebook page] for the latest news.
+*'''12th July:''' The chicks were ringed Blue 8A and Blue 9A, and given their health check today. They are both male. The larger one was fitted with a satellite transmitter, but the smaller chick (the one that had been ill) was not big enough to have a transmitter strapped to him.
+*'''25th July:''' The larger chick, 8A, fledged at 3:45 pm today. His first flight took him to the perch above the nest, then a few circuits of the nest tree.
+*'''30th July:''' The smaller chick, 9A, has been doing a lot of flapping and will probably be fledging very soon. Older brother is venturing further away from the nest.
+*'''4th August:''' 9A finally fledged today at 5:01 pm.
+*'''7th August:''' 9A did not land well, and could not take off again. He was rescued and has been sent for rehab to a Rescue centre in Scotland. More details [http://www.ospreywatch.co.uk/wordpress/?p=848 here]
+*'''23rd August:''' 8A is now exploring further afield, to the north and south of the lake. Getting ready for his first migration south soon. Lots more news on the [http://www.ospreywatch.co.uk/wordpress/?page_id=60 Ospreywatch website]
 ==Birds==
 ===Notable Species===
-[[Osprey]], [[Red Kite]] (28 April, 2010), [[Barnacle Goose]] (5 June, 2010 - photo below right), [[Eurasian Oystercatcher]], [[Great Spotted Woodpecker]], [[Tawny Owl]], [[Common Dipper]], [[Common Redstart]], [[European Pied Flycatcher]], [[Eurasian Treecreeper]].
+[[Osprey]], [[Red Kite]] (28 April, 2010), [[Barnacle Goose]] (These are most probably birds from a resident flock on nearby Derwentwater), [[Eurasian Oystercatcher]], [[Great Spotted Woodpecker]], [[Tawny Owl]], [[Common Dipper]], [[Common Redstart]], [[European Pied Flycatcher]], [[Eurasian Treecreeper]].
-[[Image:Barnacle Geese BassLk.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo by {{user|oncebittern|oncebittern}}<br/>The unusual sight of 10 Barnacle Geese over Bassenthwaite Lake, 5 June 2010. <br/>Click on image to see a larger version]]
+[[Image:Bass from lower viewpoint.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>Southern end of Bassenthwaite Lake from the Lower Viewpoint, May 09. In 2011, the Ospreys built a new nest in a marshy area there]]
-[[Image:Bassenthwaite ospreys.jpg|thumb|350px|left|Photo by {{user|charlierocky|charlierocky}}<br>The pair of Ospreys using the nest in the new location for a second year, April 2009]]
 ===Rarities===
-[[Osprey]], [[Red Kite]]
+[[Red Kite]] ~ a total of 60 young Red Kites were released in Grizedale Forest, near Windermere, in the summers of 2010, 2011 and 2012. This is the 9th reintroduction and part of the final phase of Red Kite reintroductions in different parts of the UK.  It is very likely that these wing-tagged kites will be seen over Bassenthwaite Lake as they explore the Lake District.
 ===Check-list===
-{{BirdsSee|[[Great Crested Grebe]], [[Grey Heron]], [[Mute Swan]], [[Greylag Goose]], [[Barnacle Goose]], [[Eurasian Wigeon]], [[Gadwall]], [[Eurasian Teal]], [[Mallard]], [[Northern Pintail]], [[Northern Shoveler]], [[Common Pochard]], [[Tufted Duck]], [[Common Goldeneye]], [[Red-breasted Merganser]], [[Goosander]], [[Osprey]], [[Eurasian Sparrowhawk]], [[Common Buzzard]], [[Common Kestrel]], [[Common Pheasant]], [[Water Rail]], [[Common Moorhen]], [[Common Coot]], [[Eurasian Oystercatcher]], [[Northern Lapwing]], [[Common Snipe]], [[Eurasian Curlew]], [[Common Redshank]], [[Common Sandpiper]], [[Black-headed Gull]], [[Common Gull]], [[Herring Gull]], [[Common Woodpigeon]], [[Tawny Owl]], [[Common Swift]], [[Great Spotted Woodpecker]], [[Sand Martin]], [[Barn Swallow]], [[Northern House Martin]], [[Meadow Pipit]], [[Pied Wagtail]], [[Winter Wren]], [[Dunnock]], [[European Robin]], [[Common Redstart]], [[Eurasian Blackbird]], [[Song Thrush]], [[Redwing]], [[Mistle Thrush]], [[Eurasian Reed Warbler]], [[Common Whitethroat]], [[Blackcap]], [[Wood Warbler]], [[Common Chiffchaff]], [[Willow Warbler]], [[Goldcrest]], [[European Pied Flycatcher]], [[Spotted Flycatcher]], [[Long-tailed Tit]], [[Coal Tit]], [[Blue Tit]], [[Great Tit]], [[Eurasian Nuthatch]], [[Eurasian Treecreeper]], [[Chaffinch]], [[European Greenfinch]], [[European Goldfinch]], [[Eurasian Siskin]], [[Eurasian Bullfinch]], [[Lesser Redpoll]], [[Common Crossbill]], [[House Sparrow]], [[Common Starling]], [[Eurasian Jay]], [[Eurasian Magpie]], [[Eurasian Jackdaw]], [[Rook]], [[Carrion Crow]], [[Common Raven]]}}
+{{BirdsSee|[[Great Crested Grebe]], [[Great Cormorant]], [[Grey Heron]], [[Mute Swan]], [[Greylag Goose]], [[Barnacle Goose]], [[Eurasian Wigeon]], [[Gadwall]], [[Eurasian Teal]], [[Mallard]], [[Northern Pintail]], [[Northern Shoveler]], [[Common Pochard]], [[Tufted Duck]], [[Common Goldeneye]], [[Red-breasted Merganser]], [[Goosander]], [[Osprey]], [[Eurasian Sparrowhawk]], [[Common Buzzard]], [[Common Kestrel]], [[Common Pheasant]], [[Water Rail]], [[Common Moorhen]], [[Common Coot]], [[Eurasian Oystercatcher]], [[Northern Lapwing]], [[Common Snipe]], [[Eurasian Curlew]], [[Common Redshank]], [[Common Sandpiper]], [[Black-headed Gull]], [[Common Gull]], [[Herring Gull]], [[Lesser Black-backed Gull]], [[Common Woodpigeon]], [[Tawny Owl]], [[Common Swift]], [[Great Spotted Woodpecker]], [[Sand Martin]], [[Barn Swallow]], [[Northern House Martin]], [[Meadow Pipit]], [[Pied Wagtail]], [[Eurasian Wren]], [[Dunnock]], [[European Robin]], [[Common Redstart]], [[Eurasian Blackbird]], [[Song Thrush]], [[Redwing]], [[Mistle Thrush]], [[Eurasian Reed Warbler]], [[Common Whitethroat]], [[Blackcap]], [[Wood Warbler]], [[Common Chiffchaff]], [[Willow Warbler]], [[Goldcrest]], [[European Pied Flycatcher]], [[Spotted Flycatcher]], [[Long-tailed Tit]], [[Coal Tit]], [[Blue Tit]], [[Great Tit]], [[Eurasian Nuthatch]], [[Eurasian Treecreeper]], [[Eurasian Magpie]], [[Eurasian Jackdaw]], [[Rook]], [[Carrion Crow]], [[Common Raven]], [[Eurasian Jay]], [[Common Starling]], [[House Sparrow]], [[Chaffinch]], [[European Greenfinch]], [[European Goldfinch]], [[Eurasian Siskin]], [[Lesser Redpoll]], [[Common Crossbill]], [[Eurasian Bullfinch]]}}
+[[Image:Whinlatter Visitor Centre.JPG|thumb|350px|right|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>Whinlatter Visitor Centre, located in Whinlatter Forest Park, on the  B5292, west of Bassenthwaite Lake, April 2012]]
 ==Other Wildlife==
@@ Line 37: / Line 51: @@
 ===Areas of Interest===
 *'''Osprey viewing''' from Dodd Wood viewpoints
-*'''Whinlatter Visitor Centre''', where there is a live video feed from the nest to a big screen. NB. Whinlatter is also a major mountain biking centre.
+*'''Whinlatter Visitor Centre''' in Whinlatter Forest Park, where there is a live video feed from the nest to a big screen. NB. Whinlatter is also a major mountain biking centre.
 *'''Forest walks''', provided by the Forestry Commission, starting from the Dodd Wood car park.
 *'''Ivy Crag Wood''' - a small remnant of oak woodland on the slopes of Dodd below Skiddaw
-*'''Hide''' (blind) on the edge of Bassenthwaite Lake, near Powterhow Wood. Access from the car park at Powter How, via a nice walk through the woods, where you might see Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Wood Warblers, and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. There's a tunnel under the A66, so no road crossings involved. Or you can park in the A66 layby at Blackstock Point, and take a walk along the lake side to get there. Location shown by arrow on map referenced in External Links, below.<sup>[[#External Links|'''[2]''']]</sup>
+*'''Powterhow Wood''', with a hide (blind), on the south west edge of Bassenthwaite Lake. Access from the car park at Powter How, via a nice walk through the woods, where you might see Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Wood Warblers, and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. There's a tunnel under the A66, so no road crossings involved. Or you can park in the A66 layby at Blackstock Point, and take a walk along the lake side to get there. Location shown by arrow on map referenced in External Links, below.<sup>[[#External Links|'''[2]''']]</sup>
+*'''Dubwath Silver Meadows''', a new wetland nature reserve about 17 acres in size, located at the north west end of Bassenthwaite Lake. 1.6 mile circuit of path and boardwalk, plus hides built in Celtic style.<sup>[[#External Links|'''[3]''']]</sup>
 ===Access and Facilities===
-*'''Both viewpoints will be open and staffed from 29th March, 2010'''
+*'''The viewpoints will be open and staffed from Easter 2013 (30th March).''' You may still visit the viewpoints outside of the Osprey season, for beautiful views of Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwentwater.
 *Osprey watching viewpoints are in Dodd Wood, on the east side of the lake.  It is 3 miles north of Keswick off the A591, follow signposts to Dodd Wood from the A66. The car park is opposite the entrance to Mirehouse.
-*The Lower Viewpoint - open from '''10am to 5pm daily''' and staffed by volunteers.  No views of the nest, but excellent views of the Ospreys fishing over the lake.
+*The Lower Viewpoint - open from '''10am to 5pm daily''' and staffed by volunteers.  Excellent views of the Ospreys fishing over the lake.  There are feeders out for the local birds, and Red Squirrels sometimes stop by, too.
-*The Upper Viewpoint - open from '''10am to 5pm daily'''.  It is about half a mile, a 30 minutes walk, up a steep incline, to this higher viewpoint.  There are telescopes for viewing the nest which is only 400m away.
+*The Upper Viewpoint - open from '''10.30am to 5pm daily'''.  It is about half a mile, a 30 minutes walk, up a steep incline, to this higher viewpoint.  There are telescopes for viewing the nest which is down on the marsh about a mile away.
-*There is no charge to use the viewpoint, but car parking charges are as follows: £1.60 for 1.5 hours, £2.50 for 2 hours, £4.50 for 4 hours and £5.80 for all day.
+*There is no charge to use the viewpoint, but Pay & Display Parking Tariff is as follows: £1.70 up to 1.5 hours; £2.70 up to 2 hours; £4.80 up to 4 hours; £6.30 for all day; £9.50 for minibuses; FREE for disabled badge holders (2013 rates). Please note that NO CHANGE IS GIVEN.
 *There are public toilets at the car park.
-*The Old Sawmill Tearoom at Dodd Wood is open through the Osprey season.
+*The Old Sawmill Tearoom at Dodd Wood is open through the Osprey season and beyond, closing at the end of October.
-*The Whinlatter Visitor Centre is located west of Braithwaite, on the B5292 between Braithwaite and Cockermouth - Grid Ref NY208245
+*The Whinlatter Visitor Centre is located west of Braithwaite, on the B5292 between Braithwaite and Cockermouth - Grid Ref NY208245. It is open all year, and the Osprey Exhibition will be open from 10am until 5pm during the period that the ospreys are nesting. Parking charges same as Dodd Wood.
-*There is a public transport service, the '''Osprey Bus''', which links Keswick with a round Bassenthwaite Lake route, including the Whinlatter Exhibition and the Dodd Wood viewpoint. Please note that due to the closure of Ouse Bridge at the north end of Bassenthwaite Lake, this year's bus timetable has been amended as it is not possible to run a loop circuit.<sup>[[#External Links|'''[3]''']]</sup>
+*There is no longer an '''Osprey Bus''' service, due to lack of funding, but a PDF brochure showing a useful map of the area is still available online - see external links.<sup>[[#External Links|'''[4]''']]</sup>
 ===Contact Details===
@@ Line 59: / Line 74: @@
 Click on images to see a larger version:
 <gallery>
-Image:Bass from lower viewpoint.jpg|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>Southern end of Bassenthwaite Lake from the Lower Viewpoint, May 09
+Image:Osprey info Whinlatter VC.jpg|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>Osprey information display at Whinlatter Visitor Centre, April 2012
-Image:Bass Lk north end.jpg|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>Bassenthwaite Lake looking north, May 09
+Image:Whinlatter Osprey display.jpg|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>Osprey webcam display, Whinlatter Visitor Centre, April 2012
+Image:Remains of -11.JPG|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>Osprey chick no. 11 died in West Africa, but its remains were found. Photo on display at Whinlatter Visitor Centre, April 2012
+Image:Osprey sculpture Whinlatter VS.jpg|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>Osprey sculpture at Whinlatter Visitor Centre, April 2012
+Image:Bass Lk north end.jpg|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>Bassenthwaite Lake looking northwest, July 2010
 Image:Osprey Viewpoint BF.jpg|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>Approaching the Upper Osprey Viewpoint, May 09
 Image:Osprey nest Bassenthwaite.jpg|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>Osprey nest (centre) is only 400m from viewpoint. Derwentwater in the background, May 09
+Image:Bassenthwaite ospreys.jpg|Photo by {{user|charlierocky|charlierocky}}<br>The pair of Ospreys using the second nest for a second year, April 2009
 Image:Osprey nest2 Bassenthwaite.jpg|Photo by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}<br/>Osprey nest, May 09.
 Image:Bassenthwaite_Lake.jpg|Photo by {{user|Mad_BMS|Mad_BMS}}<br />Bassenthwaite Lake, looking towards Skiddaw, May 05
@@ Line 69: / Line 88: @@
 </gallery>
-''Content and images originally posted by HelenB''
+''Content and images originally posted by {{user|HelenB|HelenB}}''
 ==External Links==
+*[http://www.facebook.com/ospreywatch Osprey Watch on Facebook for latest updates]
 *[http://www.ospreywatch.co.uk/ Lake District Osprey Project]
-*[http://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=72 Ivy Crag Wood]
+*[http://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/ivy-crag-wood Ivy Crag Wood]
 *[http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=321500&y=529500&z=120&sv=Bassenthwaite&st=3&tl=Map+of+Bassenthwaite+Lake,+Cumbria+&searchp=ids.srf&mapp=map.srf Bassenthwaite Lake on Streetmap]
 *[http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=320973&y=524494&z=120&sv=Whinlatter+Forest+Park&st=3&tl=Map+of+Whinlatter+Forest+Park,+Cumbria+Forest+Park&searchp=ids.srf&mapp=map.srf Location of the Whinlatter Visitor Centre on Streetmap]
+*[http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/171656/bassenthwaite_hirsthole_panel.pdf Bassenthwaite Lake National Nature Reserve - Hursthole Point map and information (printable pdf)]
+*[http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/171657/bassenthwaite_ouse_bridge_panel.pdf Bassenthwaite Lake National Nature Reserve - Ouse Bridge map and information (printable pdf)]
-#[http://www.flickr.com/photos/ospreywatch/ Daily video diary of Osprey activities]
+#[http://www.flickr.com/photos/ospreywatch/ Flickr album of Osprey and Bassenthwaite  photos]
 #[http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=322397&y=526720&z=115&sv=322397,526720&st=4&ar=y&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf&dn=733&ax=322397&ay=526720&lm=0 Location of hide near Powterhow Wood]
-#[http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/englandnweospreybustimetable.pdf/$FILE/englandnweospreybustimetable.pdf 2010 Osprey Bus timetable]
+#[http://www.dubwathsilvermeadows.org.uk/ Dubwath Silver Meadows Wetland Nature Reserve] plus [http://www.dubwathsilvermeadows.org.uk/images/stories/dubwath_map.gif Dubwath Silver Meadows map]
+#[http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/englandnweospreybustimetable.pdf/$FILE/englandnweospreybustimetable.pdf 2010 Osprey Bus timetable and map of Bassenthwaite area]
 <br />
+{{GSearch|Bassenthwaite}}
+<br />
 {{Video|Bassenthwaite}}
 [[Category:Cumbria]] [[Category:Locations]] [[Category:Videos]]