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. The Ham Common Lookout platform gives great views out across the Wareham channel where these birds can be observed hunting.
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.
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.
The new observation point was open to the public on August 2022, peak Osprey migration season, with a number being seen in what had already been an excellent year.
In addition to Osprey, the new observation platform is also 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 news updates; we would also encourage bird watchers to report their sightings at the Twitter or Facebook links below:
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@poole.gov.uk
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