White storks were extirpated from Britain centuries ago but reintroduction programs are restoring them to English wetlands, providing a model for large bird conservation.
White stork reintroduction involves capturing birds from Poland and Germany, quarantine, health screening, and release into suitable habitat in England. Captive-reared birds must learn migration routes independently after release, and some fail to do so. Powerline electrocution is the leading human-caused mortality factor for storks across their European range. Storks feeding at landfills have changed migration behavior of some populations but face dietary contamination risks from ingested plastic and chemicals. Nest platform provision facilitates breeding in areas with limited natural nesting opportunities. Nesting storks require minimal disturbance and show long-distance habitat fidelity. Climate change is potentially creating more suitable habitat in northern Europe as temperatures rise.