Ham Common Lookout, Osprey observation point
Updated 12th May 2023
The Project
BCP partnered with the Birds of Poole Harbour charity and Haven Rockley Park to create an Osprey observation point at Ham Common Nature Reserve in Poole.
This follows the charity’s much celebrated success of the Poole Harbour Osprey Translocation Project, which in 2022 witnessed the hatching of the first wild Osprey chick in southern Britain in 200 years.
The new Ham Common Lookout was open to the public August 2022 (peak Osprey migration season) with great views out across the Wareham channel where these birds can be observed hunting.
In May 2023 a new ‘Ham Common Lookout’ sign was installed at the observation point, topped with a carved oak & stainless steel Osprey sculpture. The sculpture depicts CJ7, mother of that first Osprey chick (5H1) and was created by Lee Dickenson of Squashedapple Woodcarving, Sturminster Newton.
In addition to Osprey, the new observation platform is an excellent spot to see magnificent White-tailed Eagles, several of which are also present at the harbour. The eagles, which have an eight foot wingspan, originated from the Isle of Wight reintroduction programme hosted by The Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and Forestry England.
Keep an eye on the Birds of Poole Harbour website and social media for live nest webcam footage & news updates:
www.birdsofpooleharbour.co.uk/osprey
www.youtube.com/@birdsofpooleharbour (nest webcams)
Information panels at Ham Common Lookout
Project details
Funding Planning Obligations (Hamworthy Ward) with a substantial contribution from Haven Rockley Park and Birds of Poole Harbour
Project Leader Terry Elborn, Environmental Services, BCP Council
T. 01202 123432
E. environment@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
