A PROJECT helping to re-establish ospreys in England has welcomed the first of many feathery arrivals.

The first osprey chick to hatch this year at the British Association for Shooting and Conservation’s project near Ulverston appeared on Saturday.

And the chick could be spotted on the project’s live camera being fed by mum and dad.

The new chick was the first of the year to be born at the project’s six nests and there are plenty more new arrivals expected in the coming days.

The torrential weather presented a watery welcome for the baby osprey and the chick’s parents were forced to sit tight in order to shield the youngster and keep it warm.

Project lead Mike Thornley had been concerned about the hatchling due to the heavy rainfall.

In a statement announcing the new arrival, the association said: “Project lead Mike Thornley has been concerned about the hatchling due to major downpours over the past week.

“The parents had to sit tight shielding the new-born from the rain and keeping it warm and dry.

“All of the last year’s sites are now occupied and during the next ten days, more chicks are expected to hatch.

“The project is playing a key role in re-establishing ospreys in England.

“Hopefully, many more people will be able to catch a glimpse of this iconic raptor in the sky in the near future.”