Wild Animal Welfare

Wild White Stork UK Reintroduction

White storks have returned to breed in the UK after a 600-year absence - reintroduction to rewilded estates creates new welfare opportunities for this charismatic bird.

Key Facts

White storks bred in the UK until the 1400s when persecution and habitat loss ended breeding
The White Stork Project released birds at Knepp Estate in Sussex from 2019
Released birds have bred successfully and young storks have been seen across southern England
Rewilded estates with wetland and open grassland habitat provide ideal foraging conditions
Storks are highly tolerant of human presence around traditional nest sites

Welfare Considerations

Individual reintroduced storks at Knepp and other sites have access to rich rewilded habitats that support natural foraging and breeding behaviour. Each successful breeding pair represents welfare success - birds living in conditions close to their natural history.

What You Can Do

Support the White Stork Project and Knepp Estate rewilding work
Visit stork reintroduction sites to engage with the recovery programme
Advocate for rewilding policies that create habitat for returning species