Cranes, Slimbridge, Glos

The common crane was extinct in Britain for 400 years. Despite a few cranes from continental Europe settling in the Norfolk Broads in 1979, their numbers remained small. Thanks to the breeding & conservation work of the Wetlands & Wildlife Trust (WWT), eggs were brought from Europe & over 5 years nearly 100 birds hatched. 93 young cranes were released in a secret place in the Somerset Levels & Moors. A large group has set up semi permanent home at WWT Slimbridge in Glos but they have also spread as Staffordshire, Glamorgan, Devon & Suffolk. Across the UK the total population is now believed to be over 200 birds!