Osprey egg laid in the Usk Valley in Brecon Beacons
The egg was laid by a pair of ospreys in a nest near Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, showing that the rare species is beginning to make a comeback in mid Wales.
Ospreys were wiped out in Wales in the 19th century due to persecution and habitat loss, but conservation efforts have helped the species to slowly return.
Usk Valley Ospreys' chair Andy King said: "It's fantastic to see this pair of ospreys thriving and now laying their first egg in our part of Wales.
"It had to happen by the end of April to give the parents a whole season to raise the chicks, so time was running out.
"Although nothing is certain, we are hoping for another one or two eggs in the next few days."
The ospreys arrived, defended a territory, and began building this nest near Talybont-on-Usk in 2023 – the first time the species had nested so far south in Wales for 200 years.
(Image: Usk Valley Ospreys)
Both adults are unringed but it is thought they are a young pair in their first full nesting year.
Since they arrived, other ospreys have also been seen in the area.
Mr King said: "Ospreys are among the most impressive and rarest birds of prey in Wales and the UK as a whole.
"The fact that this pair have established a nest and laid an egg shows the species has a chance of making further progress.
"That's great news for everyone who cares about our wildlife."
The species is recognised as a Schedule 1 bird with full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it a criminal offence to disturb them or their nests.
You can keep up to date with the ospreys and watch the live-stream on the Usk Valley Ospreys website
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
11 hours ago
- The Independent
Anne hosts charities at forum to mark upcoming 75th birthday
The Princess Royal has brought her charities together at a special Buckingham Palace forum after deciding it was the only way she wished to mark her forthcoming 75th birthday. Anne is not expected to carry out any major public celebrations in recognition of her milestone in August and requested to only use the occasion to focus on the work of her patronages. The princess joked about thanking her brother, the King, for use of the Palace ballroom and praised the work of the organisations. Anne said: 'I'm not here because this was my choice. You very kindly asked me to become patron of your organisations, so it's an honour for me to have all of you here. 'I would just like to make the point that we are very fortunate that His Majesty has allowed us to use Buckingham Palace for this event tonight – and I need say that – it does help.' She said in her speech to the charities: 'The responsibility and respect that you give to your own organisations and the people who work for you and your beneficiaries is perhaps the key to what makes you so important. ' Respect and responsibility. Thank you very much for doing what you do.' A Palace source said: 'This personifies what Her Royal Highness cares about. 'She didn't want to do anything for her birthday but bring her charities together to hear more about their work and how she can help them.' The princess convened the forum and a reception in the Palace on Thursday for some 200 people, drawn from more than 100 of the 300-plus charities and organisations she currently supports. The forum was arranged to discuss key topics such as challenges facing the sector, public trust in charities and the opportunities and risks presented by new technologies. Among the charities were nine organisations of which Anne has become patron of in the last year – at an age when many people have already retired – including Friends of the Elderly and Naval Children's Charity. Colonel John Boyd, private secretary to the Princess, addressing guests at the opening of the event, said: 'There has been a significant amount of interest in Her Royal Highness's 75th birthday celebrations. 'As you are aware, the princess has given decades of time and support to more than 400 charities and patronages. 'It probably won't come as a surprise given HRH's commitment to you all, that the way the princess wanted to celebrate this milestone was to replicate what she's done on previous significant birthdays and hold this charities forum to once again understand how she can help you at a time when the third sector is facing unprecedented challenges and transformations.' Professor Lynne Berry, chairwoman of the Human Tissue Authority and pro chancellor of the University of Westminster, who chaired the discussion, told guests: 'Your Royal Highness, I know you have had many great ideas over the years but this one, this charity forum, is one of the best.' Anne heard about the challenges facing organisations in terms of fundraising and also how charities have been experimenting with AI, with research showing 76% of charities used AI in 2025, up from 61% last year. The princess is a key member of the King's slimmed-down working monarchy and played an important role as she stepped up in support of Charles amid his cancer diagnosis in 2024. Anne is also known for her no-nonsense approach and her commitment to royal duty. She carried out her first public engagement in 1969 aged 18 when she opened an educational and training centre in Shropshire, and a year later began her longest association with a charity, becoming president of Save the Children and later patron.
Scotsman
19 hours ago
- Scotsman
Action group formed to 'save' 433-year-old Scottish 'Kirk of the Bible' before it is sold
The historic kirk with links to King James VI has been listed for disposal by the Church of Scotland after 2027. Sign up to our History and Heritage newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A new action group has been set up in an ambitious initiative to safeguard one of Scotland's most historic churches. The Friends of Burntisland Old Parish Church have come together to secure a future for the Category A-listed landmark, which is listed for disposal by the Church of Scotland after 2027. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The church is thought to be the first one built in Scotland after the Reformation and still in use, but any sale could end 430 years of continuous service. King James IV of Scotland called a General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, at Burntisland Parish Church (Pic: TSPL) And although disposal of the building is two years away, the action group is mobilising now in a bid to explore every possibility. The move comes following an appeal from the parish minister, the Rev Jim Reid and a small working group that appealed for support from the local community to breathe new life into the historic building. Almost 120 people attended a public meeting held earlier this year, underscoring the widespread concern for the church's future. John Dingwall, acting chair of the group, stressed the urgency of the situation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: "We're going to explore every option and look into every possibility. We need ideas and suggestions from the community, and we need people to step forward and support this effort. December 2027 is not far off and we must find a solution." A bible in the church (Pic: TSPL) Burntisland Old Parish Church is a truly unique architectural and historical gem. Not only is it Scotland's only square-shaped church, but it also holds a distinguished place in Christian history. It was also the site of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, attended by King James VI, who authorised a new translation of the Bible – now renowned worldwide as The King James Version. Ever since, the church has been known as "The Kirk of the Bible". Burntisland Church has another unique place in Scottish Church history. Rev. Thomas Chalmers and Rev. David Coupar, were Burntisland men who founded the Free Church of Scotland, leaving Burntisland Church and the Church of Scotland at the 'disruption' of 1843. Prior to this in the early 18th century, Rev. James Thomson was minister at Burntisland Church, but was forced out because of his radical ideas. He went on to form the 'Secession Church' in the town, the forerunner of the Erskine United Free Church of Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The church also stands out for its remarkable wooden box pews and stunning insignia of trade associations. For the past year, it has shared its services with Kinghorn Parish Church under the auspices of the Rev Reid. It was not permitted to call a new minister on the retiral of the Rev. Alan Sharp, in 2019. Last year, as part of a wider strategy to address financial challenges and declining congregations, the kirk was one of 700 properties placed on the market by the Church of Scotland, with a set price of £65,000 for the building alone. If this funding is not secured by the end of 2027, the church will be placed on the open market.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Glasgow Times
King Princess coming to Glasgow as part of UK tour
King Princess, known for her huge hit 1950, will be performing at the Queen Margaret Union (QMU) in the West End of the city. The show will take place on Friday, December 5. The Brooklyn-based artist first rose to fame in 2018, when she released the single 1950 from her debut EP Make My Bed. The song was a commercial success, charting in multiple territories, and was later certified platinum. Her debut album, Cheap Queen, came out in 2019 to widespread critical acclaim. The singer went on to release her second album, Hold On Baby in 2022, before releasing her new single, RIP KP, this week. Tickets for the Glasgow show will be released at 10am on June 13. Pre-sale tickets will be available from Gigs in Scotland from June 12 at 10am. To purchase tickets or sign in to pre-sale, visit
