Common Cranes were lost as a breeding species in the UK around 400 years ago, before a population became established in the Norfolk Broads in the 1970’s. Slowly the population has since increased, thanks to conservation management/habitat creation, coupled with a reintroduction scheme on the Somerset Levels, which has seen the population increase (record 64 pairs in 2020) – and a total UK population of 200 individuals.
Thanks to the increase in the UK population, we have also seen an increase in the #LDV in the number of birds seen on the reserve. March,
April and early May is a great period to encounter these majestic birds, with a
group of five seen over Wheldrake Ings on the 2nd followed by four over Thorganby
on the 12th.
Image: Duncan Bye 02/04/23