It is hoped that the platform will encourage any Ospreys passing through the island to establish breeding and consequently the formation of an Osprey population on Guernsey.

Official records state Ospreys have been seen annually on Island during migration in spring and autumn since 2010, but they are not known to have bred on island before. The birds have however been successfully breeding in England at sites such as Rutland Water Nature Reserve and Poole Harbour since 2001 following a reintroduction program.

The installation follows discussions between La Societe Guernesiaise and Guernsey Water’s Biodiversity and Recreation Delivery Group with consultation also taking place with the Guernsey Trout Society.

The stainless steel structure was installed last week in a restricted area of the Millennium Walk at the top of a pine tree, a site that was approved by a visiting Osprey conservationist last year.

Pictured: The recent tree planting session carried out by Co-op staff.  

Two stints of tree planting also recently took place at Guernsey Water sites, with 100 trees included in each batch in celebration of 100 years of Guernsey Water.

As part of efforts to promote biodiversity on Guernsey Water sites and in celebration of its 100 years, space was provided for 200 trees to be planted by two groups.

Steve Langlois, General Manager at Guernsey Water said: “We are lucky enough to have a number of green spaces in our portfolio which allow us to facilitate these initiatives and, we are thrilled to be partnering with these organisations for such a positive cause.

“The trees and shrubs being planted are all native species, including English Oak, Hawthorn and Hazel, which will promote biodiversity at our sites as they become established, supporting multiple species of flora and fauna.

“This initiative will also help replace trees lost through both disease and storm damage over recent years, as well as aiding the retention of water in soils, helping to minimise run off and potential localised flooding during heavy rainfall.”

The utility said it had chosen the trees to plant following consultation with its Biodiversity and Recreation Group, before they were planted by the Co-operative society at the Millennium Walk, with an additional 100 being planted on several sites, including Brickfield House, Pre du Murie and Kings Mills in partnership with Guernsey Trees for Life thanks to a donation from BNP Paribas.

Pictured: The tree planting took place recently. 

Mark Cox, Chief Executive Officer of The Channel Islands Co-operative society said: “As a community retailer with the environment at our heart we are also looking at ways we can make an impact on our local surroundings. We were delighted to be able to join forces with Guernsey Water and plant 100 trees at the Millennium Walk. 

“The tree planting marked the Society’s 100^th birthday and will make a lasting impact on the local community and environment for years to come.”

Andy McCutcheon, Secretary of Guernsey Trees for Life, said: “We’ve really enjoyed teaming up with Guernsey Water to plant trees on a number of their sites. They really understand the importance of trees and their role as land-owners in providing suitable sites for the planting of native species to support our local wildlife.  The sites were planned over several months and careful consideration was given to ensuring we avoided potential conflict with underground infrastructure and to ensure that already species rich habitats were not displaced.”

As well as promoting biodiversity, the trees planted are intended to help contribute towards offsetting the Island’s carbon footprint for years to come.

Pictured top: The Ospreys nest.