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Migrating South (Just a Little Late): Following the Ospreys to The Gambia

6 days ago

3 min read

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As we move into the next few months, I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting updates and what’s coming up for Root and Wing.


Heading to The Gambia


Through my role with the Osprey Leadership Foundation, I have an incredible opportunity to visit The Gambia for the next week to explore conservation work in West Africa. While I’m there, I’ll be looking for ospreys and other local wildlife, hoping to spot some of the UK-ringed birds - especially any Rutland ospreys if I’m particularly lucky! It’s a fantastic chance to see first-hand the landscapes these birds call home during the winter months. I’m especially excited to immerse myself in an environment so different from what I’m used to.


Heading down feels surreal - I usually associate ospreys with the UK’s spring and summer months, so seeing them in their wintering grounds will be an entirely new experience.


If time and internet access allow, I’ll be sharing blogs about my experiences while I’m out there, giving you an insight into the incredible wildlife and conservation work being done in the region. I can’t wait to experience this adventure and share it with you.


Upcoming Wildlife Cruises


Back in the UK, I’ll be hosting two wildlife cruises on Rutland Water, one on Easter Sunday and another on May 4th. These cruises offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the spectacular wildlife of Rutland Water and keeping a special eye out for the local ospreys! I’ll be sharing insights from my own experiences with the fantastic species while we search for them alongside all the other amazing wildlife that calls Rutland Water home.


These cruises are my favourite way to experience Rutland Water’s wildlife, offering some of the best views I’ve ever had of fishing ospreys - outside of Horn Mill Trout Farm’s photography hide, to be transparent! Some of my most memorable moments leading spring and summer cruises have been watching familiar ospreys, like 33(11), fishing close to the boat, and witnessing the skies grow busier as juveniles take their first flights.


Tickets for the cruises are available through the events tab on the website (www.rootandwing.co.uk/events), so if you’re interested in joining, make sure to book in advance!

The best way to see the wildlife of Rutland Water!
The best way to see the wildlife of Rutland Water!

Talks & Events


I continue to offer talks on wildlife and conservation, with a current focus on ospreys and my upcoming trip to West Africa. If your group is interested in hosting a talk, feel free to get in touch!


Over the years, I’ve covered a wide range of topics, from specific species like bats, badgers, and otters to broader themes such as the evolving relationship between people and nature. One of my personal favourites explores how nature has inspired technological advancements - showing where the natural world got there first!

Looking ahead, I’m also working on scheduling more events for the spring. If you want to stay up to date on upcoming events, subscribing to the blog is the best way to make sure you don’t miss out.


There’s lots to look forward to, and I can’t wait to share more in the coming weeks!

A talk I recently gave to Uppingham Rotary Club about the history of ospreys in the UK
A talk I recently gave to Uppingham Rotary Club about the history of ospreys in the UK

In May, I’ll be running a marathon in support of Samaritans. If you’d like to support, you can donate through this link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/george-smith-1736265756636

6 days ago

3 min read

6

62

0

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