A BIRD of prey which hasn’t bred in southern Britain for two centuries “due to human persecution” is on the brink of returning thanks to a programme which began in Poole five years ago.

The Poole Harbour Osprey reintroduction scheme, which is being carried out by charities Birds of Poole Harbour and The Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, received a boost this week when a male and female Osprey arrived back safely on their migration from West Africa and settled on a nest platform at a secret location in the area.

The pair, known as CJ7 and 022, first met last summer, although the male was too young to breed.

However, they’ve now retuned early enough for there to be a good chance of breeding this summer, which could be the first time in southern Britain for nearly 200 years.

Meanwhile, white-tailed Eagles, which haven’t bred in England for nearly 250 years, began regularly appearing in Poole Harbour in September last year with a young male called G461 who began exploring and making the harbour his home.

The eagles, which have an eight feet wingspan, originated from the Isle of Wight reintroduction programme hosted by The Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and Forestry England.

G461 was regularly seen at sites like RSPB Arne, Brownsea Island and from public bird boat tours.

As a result of the reintroductions of both White-tailed Eagles and Ospreys in southern Britain, it’s predicted both species will establish breeding populations on the south coast over the coming years, which will not only help re-establish the species across their native range, but bring significant economic benefits too.

A report published by RSPB Scotland found tourism inspired by these birds accounted for between £4.9million and £8million of spend every year on the Isle of Mull.

Birds of Poole Harbour said it hoped the south coast would benefit in a similar way.

Paul Morton, of the charity, said: “It’s been a fascinating last six months. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think we’d regularly be seeing White-tailed Eagles in Poole Harbour, but here we are, thanks to the hard work and persistence of multiple teams, that dream has become a reality.

“Also, to now have a pair of Osprey back in the harbour looking to set up territory is a perfect scenario.

“We’re of course currently carrying out our Osprey reintroduction right here in Poole Harbour, another species that hasn’t bred here for nearly 200 years due to human persecution, and with both ‘CJ7 and 022’ now safely back, we’re on the brink of seeing them back where they should be.”