A POPULAR birdwatching event has returned for its sixteenth anniversary.

Osprey Watch, organised by Northumberland Wildlife Trust, will return to the osprey cabin at Tower Knowe Visitor Centre in Kielder from March 30 to August 18.

Breeding pairs of ospreys have nested in Kielder between March and September since 2009, with activity on the nest tending to be mainly throughout July and August as the chicks hatch, are fed and then learn to fly and hunt.

The Watch is delivered almost entirely by volunteers. Anybody wanting to join the team can register interest at www.nwt.org.uk/volunteering-opportunities/osprey-watch-viewpoint-assistant.

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No previous experience is needed as a training day will be held at Kielder Castle on Wednesday, March 13 before the season starts.

To secure a place visit www.nwt.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer. New volunteers will always be in the company of experienced volunteers who can assist.

The Kielder Osprey Project is a partnership between Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, Forestry England, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumbrian Water and Calvert Trust Kielder. 

The partners are ensuring the ospreys stay in Kielder by maintaining a high-quality habitat in Kielder Water & Forest Park and safeguarding and monitoring the nest sites.

The event will run from 11am to 4.30pm. 

Visit www.visitkielder.com for more information.