Wildlife

Wild White Stork Reintroduction Welfare in England

White storks were reintroduced to the Knepp Estate in West Sussex from 2019. Their welfare during reintroduction and establishment requires close monitoring and habitat management.

Key Facts

White storks were lost as breeding birds in Britain in the 15th century
The Knepp Estate rewilding project hosts a captive and free-flying stork population
Several pairs have bred successfully on specially constructed nest platforms
White storks feed on invertebrates, frogs, and small mammals in rough grassland

Welfare Considerations

White stork welfare at reintroduction sites requires food-rich rough grassland, nest platform provision, and minimal disturbance during the breeding season. Long-term welfare monitoring assesses survival, breeding success and habitat use.

What You Can Do

Support the White Stork Project at Knepp Estate
Maintain rough, diverse grassland habitats as stork foraging ground
Report white stork sightings - particularly of ringed birds - to relevant authorities