News & Events

B4RN brings Kielder’s ospreys to the world with community broadband donation.

A new broadband connection donated by rural provider B4RN will bring 24/7 livestreaming of Kielder’s ospreys to audiences across the globe this spring.

As ospreys prepare to return to Kielder Water & Forest Park from their winter migration in Africa, B4RN is installing a 1GB symmetrical full‑fibre connection at Kielder Castle – one of the most remote sites in Northumberland. The donation recognises the national significance of the Kielder osprey project and B4RN's mission to connect rural communities while supporting the projects that matter to them.

The connection will support high‑quality live camera feeds from the nests, enabling people everywhere to watch the birds’ arrival, nesting and raising of their young in real time.

Alex MacLennan, Forestry England Recreation and Public Affairs Manager- Northumberland, said:

“The ospreys have become a symbol of wildlife recovery at Kielder, returning year after year to breed. This generous support from B4RN means thousands more people can follow their story live, wherever they are in the world.”

B4RN’s donation reflects its commitment to supporting community assets in rural areas.

Tom Rigg, CEO of B4RN, said: 

“This is what community broadband is all about. By connecting places that traditional providers struggle to reach, we’re helping communities access opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. We’re delighted that our network will help bring the Kielder ospreys to an even wider audience.”

Forestry England is also enhancing the visitor experience at Kielder Castle with upgraded facilities and new ways for people to engage with the osprey story. Once the work is complete visitors will be able to enjoy features such as live nest cameras and improved interpretation on site. Upgrades to Kielder Castle are scheduled to be finished by the end of summer 2026.

The Kielder osprey project continues to be a conservation success story, with increasing numbers of birds returning annually and strong public interest in the project.

Visitors to Kielder can now enjoy enhanced views of the resident ospreys thanks to upgraded camera technology at the Osprey Watch Cabin at Tower Know Visitor Centre. From 4 April 2026, Northumberland Wildlife Trust volunteers will be on site every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday between 11am and 4pm to share the remarkable story of these iconic birds.