Wildlife

Wild Great Bustard UK Recovery

Conservation of great bustards in the UK through reintroduction and habitat management on Salisbury Plain.

Key Facts

Great bustards were extinct in the UK for around 170 years before reintroduction in 2004
The reintroduction program on Salisbury Plain has established a small breeding population
Great bustards require extensive, undisturbed grassland for displaying and breeding
Military training exercises on Salisbury Plain are managed to minimize disturbance to bustards
Mortality from collision with fence and power lines is a significant welfare concern for young birds

Welfare Considerations

Reintroduced great bustards face welfare challenges during establishment including predation, power line collision, and unfamiliarity with the environment. The small population size means each individual is demographically significant. Monitoring and intervention programs protect individual welfare.

What You Can Do

Support the Great Bustard Group and their monitoring and protection programs
Report great bustard sightings outside Salisbury Plain to conservation authorities
Advocate for power line marking and burial in great bustard range areas