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Derbyshire Welcomes Back Elusive White Storks After 600 Years
11 Mar
Summary
- White storks are returning to Derbyshire after a 600-year absence.
- A £300,000 project will establish a breeding enclosure at Willington Wetlands.
- The initiative aims to rewild nature and engage communities with species recovery.
White storks, absent from Derbyshire for approximately 600 years, are being reintroduced through a significant conservation effort. The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is investing £300,000 to create a specialized, predator-proof enclosure at the Willington Wetlands nature reserve. This facility is designed to facilitate breeding, ensure the healthy development of chicks, and manage the soft release of storks into the surrounding landscape.
Historically, white storks were present in the county until the 14th century, disappearing due to habitat loss and hunting. Recent sightings of the birds flying over Willington Wetlands in 2024 and nearby areas in 2025 have fueled hopes for their return, though breeding has not yet occurred. The project, launching in April, will introduce both flightless and flying storks to the site, marking a significant step in rewilding and species recovery in the Midlands.
