UK’s wild crane population hits record high

With 64 breeding pairs across the UK producing 23 chicks last year, the number Cranes in the wild has hit record levels after becoming extinct in the UK nearly 400 years ago.

The UK’s common Crane population hits record high

The latest common crane survey reveals a record-breaking 64 pairs of cranes in 2020, bringing the total population to over 200 birds, reported the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) on 1 February. Cranes became extinct in the UK around four hundred years ago, but following the natural recolonisation of a few birds and extensive conservation work, including a reintroduction programme, these amazing birds are making a return. Cranes, the UK’s tallest bird, standing at 4ft, are renowned for their dances; complex displays with bows, pirouettes and bobs, which take place every year between the male and female.

Crane-spotting is now easier than ever with the last five years being incredibly productive

Crane numbers have hit record levels after becoming extinct in the UK nearly 400 years ago. Thanks to the efforts of conservationists 64 pairs were present in 2020. The UK’s tallest bird, at 4ft, used to be quite common but a combination of hunting and wetland decline led to their extinction in the 1600s.

In 1979, a small number of wild cranes returned to Norfolk and conservation groups have been working together to encourage more and more of these birds.  They have now spread to other areas of the UK, benefitting from improved habitat such as at the RSPB’s Lakenheath and Nene Washes reserves. Over half of all the cranes fledged in the UK since 1980 have fledged since 2015 – so the last five years have been incredibly productive.

Source: RSPB

The total population is now believed to be over 200 birds – a new record

In 2010, the Great Crane Project – a partnership between the RSPB (who released the details in this article), WWT and the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, and funded by Viridor Credits Environmental Company – began creating and improving existing habitat, as well as hand-rearing young birds for release on the Somerset Levels and Moors.

All the conservation effort on peatland restoration and wetland protection has yielded impressive results, with 64 pairs across the UK last year, producing 23 chicks. Nature reserves have played a vital role. At least 85% of the breeding population are found on protected sites, with a third on RSPB reserves alone. The total population is now believed to be over 200 birds – a new record.

Damon Bridge, Chair of the UK Crane Working Group said: “The return of cranes to the British landscape shows just how resilient nature can be when given the chance. If we want to see this success continue then these sites that cranes use and need must get adequate protection.”

Andrew Stanbury, RSPB Conservation Scientist said: “Thanks to the dedication of individuals, the UK Crane Working Group and conservation organisations, we are delighted to see crane numbers continuing to grow. Government has already highlighted cranes as one of a number of species which have yet to receive strong protection for the areas they make their home. If we want to see this amazing achievement repeated across the UK, Governments must take action to designate the most important sites for this iconic species as part of the UK’s protected area network.”

John Blackburn, from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust said: “This is a result of the improvements and expansion of important wetland sites. The Norfolk Wildlife Trust is proud that our Broadland reserves, are not only the cradle of our growing crane population, but still their favoured stronghold, and is testimony to NWT’s staffs’ commitment."  

Stephen Prowse, from the National Trust said: “This is a significant milestone for cranes in the UK. The first wild breeding pair since the reign of Henry VIII was recorded on National Trust land in the Norfolk Broads. Careful protection has allowed their spread to surrounding counties, with a significant breeding population now located in the Broads. With a focus towards more habitat creation in the future, we hope to see the fortunes of these amazing birds continue to improve”.

February 2nd marked World Wetlands Day, with the focus this year being on wetlands and water. Wetlands provide protection from floods and storms with each acre of wetland absorbing up to 1.5 million gallons of floodwater. 

These important places not only help regulate the climate – peatlands store twice as much carbon as forests, with saltmarshes, mangroves and seagrass beds also holding vast amounts of carbon – but also provide a home for thousands of species including cranes. 

Source: RSPB 

Cranespotting

Explore the Great Crane Project website, watch Return of the Cranes a short film, Meet the Cranes, view the Crane Sightings Map, and if you’ve seen the cranes in the wild, you can find out more on how to submit your sighting.