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Centuries Later: White Storks Nest in England
6 Sep
Summary
- White storks are nesting in England for the first time in centuries.
- The birds' bill-clattering is now a characteristic spring sound.
- Knepp hosts a colony as part of the White Stork Project.
The call of the white stork is once again echoing through the English countryside, as these magnificent birds have begun nesting in England for the first time in centuries. At Knepp in West Sussex, their distinctive bill-clattering has become a characteristic sound signalling the arrival of spring. Since 2020, white storks have been observed nesting atop ancient oak trees, a behaviour not seen in England for hundreds of years.
This heartwarming return is part of a dedicated conservation effort. Knepp is one of two key locations for the White Stork Project, which aims to re-establish a thriving wild population. The project successfully integrates re-introduced birds with wild populations, fostering new breeding colonies. This collaborative approach is crucial for the long-term success of white storks in England, bringing back a species that had been absent for generations.
