Wildlife

Wild White Stork UK Reintroduction

Conservation and welfare of white storks reintroduced to southern England after centuries of extinction.

Key Facts

White storks were extinct as a breeding bird in the UK for around 600 years
A reintroduction program in West Sussex began breeding successfully in 2020
Storks require wet grassland, rivers, and large nest platforms on tall structures
Released birds may disperse widely and face hazards including electrocution on power lines
The program is working with local landowners to maintain suitable feeding habitat

Welfare Considerations

Reintroduced white storks face welfare challenges during establishment including unfamiliar territory, power line hazards, and food finding. Monitoring individual birds helps identify and address welfare problems during the vulnerable post-release period.

What You Can Do

Support the White Stork Project and their landowner partnership work
Report white stork sightings to contribute to range monitoring
Advocate for bird-friendly power line management in stork territories