The Friends joined forces with the Fowey Marine Conservation Area Volunteer Group in 2012. With a programme of walks and talks as well as a variety of practical conservation activities, there really is something for everyone.

Our membership is open to all, and we are a friendly group with people from all walks of life - local residents, sailors, fishermen, walkers, artists, bird-watchers, naturalists, cyclists, holiday makers and anyone who is interested in the care and wellbeing of the Fowey Estuary.

If are interested in joining, please CLICK HERE                

The Friends of the Fowey Estuary was formed in 1999 to provide a focus for voluntary activities for the conservation of the Estuary.

Osprey re-introduction in Dorset on the South Coast

In mid July eight healthy young osprey chicks were collected from the thriving sustainable population of osprey in Scotland and brought down to Poole harbour in Dorset on the south coast.

The hope is to replicate the successful re-introduction programme which was carried out at Rutland Water in the Midlands. There, there were eight breeding pairs this year and birds raised at Rutland have also moved west to breed in Wales.

Poole harbour always was a good area for ospreys until human persecution drove them away in the mid 1800s. Feeding mostly on the plentiful mullet, osprey gained the local nickname "Mullet Hawk". Up to half a dozen ospreys from further north can be seen each autumn, fattening up on their migration southwards.

The Poole chicks were caged and fed until by mid August they were all flying. After release, at first food was provided for them to return to. After four to six weeks of feeding up around