
Thanks to four decades of dedicated chalk grassland restoration, the red-billed chough, a bird once extinct in Kent, is making a remarkable comeback. In July 2023, Kent Wildlife Trust, Wildwood Trust, and Paradise Park Cornwall launched a reintroduction program that has since shown incredible progress. By summer 2024, the first wild chough chick in generations was hatched at Dover Castle. Although the young chick went missing during strong winds in early July, the birth signifies a milestone, underscoring the species’ potential to reestablish in Kent.
Paul Hadaway, Director of Conservation & Engagement at Kent Wildlife Trust, emphasized the success of the project amid environmental challenges, highlighting the team’s commitment to restoring Kent’s natural heritage. With decades of groundwork and careful scientific planning, Kent is again a viable habitat for the chough. Wildwood Trust’s Liz Corry noted that this early chick hatch demonstrates the population’s resilience, even in the face of setbacks.
The chough holds significant cultural value in Kent, appearing on local pub signs and the Canterbury coat of arms. Kent Wildlife Trust and partners, including the National Trust and English Heritage, have worked for years to reestablish chalk grassland and grazing lands. Their goal remains to sustain and grow this fledgling population, and community support is critical for ensuring the chough’s continued success in the region.