Here's a story about a re-introduction project - The Great Crane Project to be precise. The link to our regular theme of special places is strong - without efforts to protect the best (in this case the Somerset Levels) there would be limited scope to take on these exciting and innovative reintroduction projects.
Reintroduced cranes recreate lost scenes not seen for four centuries. (Picture by Nick Upton)
Like a scene reminiscent of a medieval painting, cranes and roe deer mingle in a frosty landscape on the Somerset Levels. The cranes, which haven’t been seen in these numbers in the Somerset Levels for over four centuries, are coping well with their first winter, following the first phase of a reintroduction programmes which saw 21 cranes released on the Somerset Levels. Damon Bridge, of the Great Crane Project, said: “2010 has been a hectic year for the project with the first release of cranes into this wonderful landscape. This heart-warming image provides proof that the birds are adapting well to their new surroundings and the challenges that face them. We are now busy planning for a release of more birds next year.”
The project includes Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, the RSPB and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, with major funding from Viridor Credits.
For further information, please visit the project website.
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