Fishing Ospreys can be seen on a daily basis at Rutland Water, but the birds are often too distant for high-quality photos of them diving for fish. However, new photography hides at Horn Mill Trout Farm near Empingham and River Gwash Trout Farm in Ryhall now provide an opportunity to enjoy incredible views of hunting Ospreys.
In recent years both Horn Mill and Ryhall – each situated just a few miles from Rutland Water – have become favoured fishing sites for many of the Ospreys in Rutland. The Trout at the two sites make for easy pickings for a hunting Osprey and over the past few summers the birds have started to have a significant impact on fish stocks. After discussing the problem with us at Rutland Water, owner Lawrence Ball has decided to take a proactive approach. Rather than trying to discourage the birds, we have worked with Lawrence and built photographic hides at Horn Mill and Ryhall that give you the opportunity to view fishing Ospreys at very close quarters for the first time. We hope that any income this generates will help to off-set the losses of fish and, at the same time, demonstrate to the industry that taking this kind of sensible, proactive approach can be mutually beneficial to both fish farms and wildlife.
John Wright took this photo of 06(09) from the hide at Horn Mill. He hit the water just 5 metres from the hide!
The hide and Horn Mill is sunken into the ground beside a 36m x 17m pond that is stocked with in excess of 2000 Rainbow Trout. Over the course of the summer Ospreys visited the pond on a daily basis and some took fish just a few metres in front of the hide. Although sightings can not be guaranteed in the same way as they can at various photographic sites in Scotland, the hides at Horn Mill and Ryhall are the only places in England where you have the opportunity of photographing fishing Ospreys at such close quarters.
The Horn Mill hide is sunken into the ground, providing superb views for up to 4 people
The view from the Horn Mill hide
The hide at Ryhall is the same size as the Horn Mill hide, but is sited at ground level beside a series of ten ponds stocked with different-sized trout. In the early part of summer 2014 at least two Ospreys were visiting the site and taking fish on a daily basis. Then in August and September, Red Kites were photographed taking a small number of dead fish from the ponds.
For more details of timings, prices and to book your place visit River Gwash Trout Farm’s website by clicking here.
The hide at Ryhall
The Ryhall hide comfortably sits four people
03(97) by Geoff Harries
03(97) being chased by a Grey Heron by Geoff Harries
Jason Wood took this great photo of 03(97) from the hide
Red Kite with a fish, photographed by Geoff Harries at Ryhall
what dates are left to go to the hide ?
Hi Jim, please email rivergwashtroutfarm.ospreys@yahoo.com for more information and to book a place in the hide. Many thanks, Kayleigh.
Hi, I have just been made aware of the Osprey hide you have down there at Rutland, and enquiring about possibly coming down in August. I can only make it week commencing 25th August, are there still likely to be Ospreys in the area and also do you have availability that week.
Thanks
Gary
Hi Gary, please email the trout farm direct. The email is rivergwashtroutfarm.ospreys@yahoo.com . They’ll be able to advise on availability.
Can you let me know what dates are available in aug for four people.
Thanks
Hi Bill, please email rivergwashtroutfarm.ospreys@yahoo.com for more information and to book a place in the hide. Many thanks, Kayleigh.
Hello, a couple of weeks ago I booked a 4am slot on fri 7/8/15. Your responder said he would send further instructions. Can you please confirm this booking is still current and if so please send said instructions. Thanks.
Hi David, you will need to contact the River Gwash Trout Farm about this, as we do not control bookings. Please see this page – https://www.rivergwashtroutfarm.com/osprey-photography
Hello,To All those People who maybe interested in Photographing Osprey’s at River Gwash Photography Hide’s. There are 2 Hides on 2 seperate sites depending on which is the most productive will depend on which hide is in use,You are best to contact Jamie who takes the Bookings (Jamie Mobile 07801131602). I will say that he has a wealth of Knowledge and was very helpful with my booking,Chatted with myself for over 20mins giving me lots of Info. Well worth a phone call.
https://www.rivergwashtroutfarm.com/horn-mill-trout-farm-1
I visited hornhill June 10 th . It was simply wonderful. The best experience ever. The osprey visited 4 times . Num O1 even went back into the tree with fish he caught ,so we had wonderful views . Not only the osprey but the kingfisher visited several time putting on a brilliant show . I also got some good close up photos amazing.
The staff were great and very helpful. Thanks to all. I will have the memories for ever.
Roll on 2017 !!!!!!
Fantastic Site. Very much enjoyed reading.