Things to Do

Look no further than Rutland for a first class bird watching experience. 

The internationally respected British Bird Watching Fair takes place here every August (15th – 17th August 2008) at Egleton, and attracts around 20,000 visitors who come to listen to celebrity seminars, stock up on gadgets but most of all to admire the fantastic bird life on the reservoir.

Ospreys were first introduced to Rutland to help restore the bird as a breeding species in England and help its chance of long-term survival. They have been breeding in Rutland since 2001, when the first healthy chick was hatched.  Since then, a successful breeding programme has been underway and visitors come from near and far to watch them through Spring and Summer before they make their long journey to northern Europe for the winter.

Dedicated Osprey Cruises are available on The Rutland Belle on various Saturday’s and Wednesdays from 26th April to 23rd August 2008, and there is a dedicated website telling the story of Rutland’s Ospreys, see www.ospreys.org for more information.

Two well equipped centres at the Rutland Water offer bird watchers a fantastic view of the reservoir.  The larger venue, Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre at Egleton has numerous facilities including hides, visitor centre and shop, education section and offers guided walks with the professionals. 

Lyndon Hill Nature Reserve is smaller in size but equal in appeal and has just been completed revamped; a lesser known gem it is well worth seeking out during a visit to Rutland.