OSPREY chicks have hatched for the third year in a row at their nest in Hafren forest, near Llanidloes.

The progress of the three chicks is being closely monitored by Natural Resources Wales, which manages the site.

Five chicks have been successfully reared in the nest over the last two years, and staff will continue to record the birds’ breeding behaviours and track how things develop.

Steve Cresswell, operational resource manager, Natural Resources Wales, said: “Wildlife is an important part our environment, heritage and culture in Wales.

“Hafren forest provides a home to diverse and valuable wildlife and we work hard to make sure that the habitats are looked after.

“We are pleased that the ospreys have returned again this year, it shows that our fantastic natural environment can support iconic species like the osprey.”

This year the breeding hasn’t all been strai­ghtforward however, the team behind the project said.

The female abandoned her first set of eggs when an intruding male appeared and ousted the male which has been breeding in Hafren for the last two years.

However, the new male bred with the female and she was soon back on eggs.

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