Rare wild bird returns to skies for first time in 200 years

By Lauren Beavis

A wild-born chough has taken to the skies in South East England - for the first time in over 200 years.

The young red-billed chough has successfully taken flight from a wild nest in Dover - marking the first time in more than two centuries that the rare bird has lived independently in the wild in Kent.

Liz Corry, Chough Release Supervisor at Wildwood Trust, says the fledgling is a powerful indicator that the species is starting to re-establish itself naturally in the region.

She said: "This is a moment we’ve all been hoping for.

"To see a wild chick not only hatch but fledge and take to the skies is a major step forward.

"It confirms that the birds are finding suitable nesting habitat, and pairing up to raise young - exactly what we’ve been working towards.”

Once a familiar sight in Kent, the red-billed chough vanished from the county more than 200 years ago, extirpated by habitat loss and persecution.

Its cultural ties to the region endure - most famously on the coat of arms of Canterbury, and in the legend of Thomas Becket, where it’s said the bird’s red beak and legs were stained by the martyr’s blood.

Earlier this spring, a nest was discovered at Dover Castle - which produced the chick that successfully fledged last month.

Conservationists say this "remarkable" milestone comes just three years after the launch of an ambitious reintroduction program, led by Wildwood Trust, Kent Wildlife Trust, and Paradise Park.

The successful fledging marks a significant step forward in restoring this species to its natural habitat and offering hope for the continued growth of the population.

The project’s five-year plan is to introduce up to 50 birds to the South East.

The Kent population is also part of a broader strategy to link up chough populations across southern England - which is being overseen by a collaborative steering group involving Natural England and other leading conservation bodies.

Conservationists explain how decades of work to restore and manage vital chalk grassland habitat in East Kent have laid the foundation for this species’ return.

Kent Wildlife Trust has worked closely with landowners and partners including the National Trust and White Cliffs Countryside Partnership to bring conservation grazing back to the region - creating the ideal conditions for choughs in which to forage and breed.

Paul Hadaway, Director of Conservation and Engagement at Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “This project shows what’s possible when long-term habitat restoration meets ambitious species recovery. A thriving chough population in Kent not only revives a lost species - it also proves the value of restoring rare habitats like chalk grassland, which are vital for a huge range of wildlife.”

Chalk grassland is among the most biodiverse habitats in the UK, supporting rich communities of wildflowers and invertebrates.

The insects and larvae found in dung from grazing animals are a crucial food source for choughs during the breeding season.

The project was funded by the Natural England Species Recovery Capital Grant Programme for 18 months until March this year, alongside conservationists and donors who have contributed to the Chough Appeal, which has brought in significant funding to help the project continue.