'Significant moment' for chough reintroduction scheme in Kent
Eight wild-born red-billed chough chicks fledge, with sightings across east Kent.
Conservationists are celebrating the fledging of eight wild-born red-billed chough chicks in Kent.
The birds were born a year after the first wild chick to fledge since the species was reintroduced to the county in 2023 .
Eight captive-reared choughs were released in Dover that year, with the county's population now thought to be 35 and sightings reported in Thanet and Folkestone.
The fledgings were "a hugely significant moment" that showed species restoration work was "delivering real results", according to Kent Wildlife Trust's Paul Hadaway.
The group's director of conservation and engagement said: "This recovery reflects decades of habitat restoration, conservation grazing and partnership working to create landscapes where wildlife can thrive once again.
"Seeing the birds now spreading beyond Dover gives us real confidence they can continue to expand their range, strengthen the population and once again become an established part of Kent's landscape."
The birds disappeared from the county more than 200 years ago as a result of habitat loss but, according to conservationists, decades of restoration work enabled their return.
A further eight birds are expected to be released in Kent in September.
The reintroduction scheme is run by Kent Wildlife Trust with Paradise Park in Cornwall and Wildwood Trust.
Liz Corry, chough release supervisor at Wildwood Trust, said the project's success "fills me with immense pride".
"It is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, the partnership, and volunteers, not to mention the resilience of the birds themselves," she said.
New government-backed research will use DNA analysis to examine the diet of Kent's reintroduced choughs to inform habitat management.
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